Tip Top IV Galápagos Cruise+Flights

• Flights to and from Galápagos included (from Quito or Guayaquil);
• Ample sun decks with shade and open skies;
• Sea kayaks and snorkeling gear on board.
• Most prices already include your flight tickets from and to the Galápagos Islands (from Quito or Guayaquil).

Tip Top IV is a beautiful 125ft first class motor yacht. Launched in 2006, she was designed and built specifically to offer the very best Galápagos adventure cruises and is one of the “Tip Top” fleet operated by the Ecuadorian Wittmer family. Captain Rolf Wittmer was one of the original pioneers of sustainable Galápagos tourism, founding the business in 1982. Tip Top IV continues the legacy by offering superb accommodation to only 16 guests, giving you a first class yet intimate experience of the Islands

Service and local knowledge With a crew of 8 looking after a maximum of only 16 guests on board you’ll receive exceptional levels of service and comfort. The family-run Tip Top IV looks after her crew extremely well, and this means they always go out of their way to make sure you have a fantastic experience.

Naturalist guides aboard Tip Top IV are certified by the Galápagos National Park and fully bi-lingual. Their knowledge of the wildlife and marine and on-shore habitats are second to none, and they provide daily briefings and informative talks that really bring the Islands and their ecosystems to life, as well as guiding you on fantastic land- and water-based excursions.

Elegant accommodation Tip Top IV has one of the freshest, brightest decor schemes of all the yachts in her class. Her communal social areas are light and airy with panoramic windows and crisp white wall and ceiling finishes, softened tastefully by neutral earth shades. Fabrics and furnishings are modern and of the best quality. The boat’s whole ambiance feels like an exclusive New England beach club, and relaxed evenings on board enjoying the well-stocked bar are filled with smiles and laughter.

The 10 cabins are equally well appointed. Each is available with twin beds or can be converted to a king size at your request. Individual air conditioning and plenty of storage makes them pleasant places to unwind and relax as well as sleep soundly while cruising to your next remarkable location. Each enjoys a large, private en suite bathroom with full-size shower, large mirrors, vanity unit and hair dryer.

The elegant dining salon has been laid out with a more informal arrangement that encourages a social feel - the perfect place to relive the day’s wonders with new friends. The chef produces a delicious range of local specialities and international cuisine, all freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Snacks can be enjoyed inside or on deck in the fresh ocean air.

Outdoors the clean lines continue, with beautiful teak decks contrasting with the dazzling and crisp whites of the yacht’s hull and bulkheads. Shaded corners with comfortable chairs are perfect for a cooling drink or a relaxing read. There is also a fully-exposed sun deck with recliners for soaking up the Galápagos sun, or drinking in the wonderful star-filled night skies.

Ready for adventure Tip Top IV’s excursions are designed to let you experience the real Galápagos in all her guises. As well as expert guides, the yacht carries complimentary snorkeling gear to allow you view the amazing marine life. She also carries ocean-going kayaks for a totally different experience from above the waterline. Your on-shore excursions will bring you close to the amazing and unique wildlife of the Islands, providing you with once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities.

Our Comment The Wittmers’ Tip Top IV is one of our favourite motor yachts in the islands - she always looks so crisp, fresh and clean and her interior spaces are light and bright, we just can’t help feeling good when we step on board! We love the flexible cabins that can be made up as twins or a kingsize, and the large communal lounge with its panoramic windows. Kayaks on board are a great bonus and the happy and conscientious crew really make you feel welcome - and special.

At Galapatours we love and respect the pristine ecosystems and fascinating wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, and we insist that our cruise partners do too. To protect the archipelago all our cruise vessels must have sophisticated water filtration systems, modern efficient engines, and strict maintenance schedules to minimize pollution.

The Galápagos National Park authority also defines exact cruising routes that dictate which ships can visit highlights at specific times, as well as limiting passenger numbers. These measures ensure that animals and habitats are not disturbed by too many visitors.

But at Galapatours we like to go even further. We voluntarily offset all the CO2 emissions of every cruise we sell - at no cost to you. And you can also play your part by traveling responsibly and following our Eco Guidelines during your stay. Click here to find out more about these guidelines, our commitment to sustainable tourism, and the Galápagos National Park rules.

The food on our Galapágos Cruises is among the very best you will find in South America. Most of the on-board chefs are internationally trained and have prior experience working in the best hotels and restaurants in Ecuador and indeed around the world.

You can expect a first-class selection of food, including a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced poultry and fish/seafood, rice and pasta dishes. Most boats will always include some typical Ecuadorian dishes on the menu during your cruise. If you have specific dietary requirements then these can usually be accommodated by the chef providing you have given advance notice. Please make sure you tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements you have at the time you book with us. If you leave it until you arrive at the dockside, then it may well be impossible to accommodate your needs.

Most boats serve a range of options at meal times in a relaxed buffet-style. At the first class and luxury end of the market, some boats have more formal dining where you will be served at your seat. However the atmosphere is always relaxed on board our cruises, and never stuffy or formal.