galapagos
Tip Top II & Tip Top III
The fleet of 3 Tip Top yachts, Tip Top II, III, and IV, are owned by the same Ecuadorian family-run company, for over 25 years. They are one of the first companies to offer Galapagos cruises to travelers and continue to provide excellent service with qualified guides and staff. Still owner-operated, they are committed to the preservation of the islands by practicing minimal impact and environmental sustainability practices. They are also very involved with supporting the local communities.
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The fleet of 3 Tip Top yachts, Tip Top II, III, and IV, have been owned by the same Ecuadorian family-run company for over 25 years. They are one of the first companies to offer Galapagos cruises to travelers and continue to provide excellent service with qualified guides and staff. Still owner-operated, they are committed to the preservation of the islands by practicing minimal impact and environmental sustainability practices. Both yachts are certified by the Rainforest Alliance for Sustainable Tourism. They are also very involved with supporting the local communities.
The Tip Top II & III were designed and constructed to offer the highest level of security and comfort to guests. Both are steel-hulled motor yachts built to very high standards. The Tip Top II was built in Guayaquil, Ecuador, in 1983 and completely rebuilt in 1986, 1998 and 2006. The Tip Top III was also built in Guayaquil, in 2001. Both are specially designed and built to accommodate 16 guests comfortably in 10 cabins. Both yachts have a dining room, bar, and lounge, and are fully carpeted. A beautiful teak floored sun deck creates a delightful place for resting and relaxing on board.
Other amenities include full air-conditioning (Aqua Air Chill Water System); hot & cold freshwater pressure system; Royal flush electric toilets; TV; VCR; stereo music system. Snorkelling gear available for rent.
Use these Activity Level Ratings as a general guide to help determine which of our adventures is best for you. Your perception of level of difficulty may vary from ours according to your own level of fitness and travel experience. Whether or not you stay in your comfort zone on the trip you select may also be influenced by the pacing we build into the itinerary, and your own preparation for the trip. While relatively high elevations are unavoidable when you're traveling in the Andes Mountains, we may judge a trip as "moderate" so long as passengers have sufficient time for acclimation. Our detailed trip itineraries give much more information about what you can expect. If you are unsure which trip is best for you, please call us. We'll help guide you toward the right fit.
Moderate
These adventures involve fairly easy travel. There is no camping: you sleep in hotels and country inns each evening. Trips may include short hikes and/or walks of two to three hours. Our itineraries include excursions in passenger mini-vans, over roads with many curves and potholes. Elevations rarely exceed 12,600'. At Machu Picchu and other Inca sites, we climb and descend relatively steep stone staircases. Trips to Amazon lodges involve travel by boat and canoe, plus hikes on forest trails at a moderate pace. In the rainforest, you may encounter rain, mud, and pooled water. Trips to the Galapagos include optional hikes on sometimes uneven rocky and/or slippery terrain. Passengers must get into and out of dinghies on beaches and at docks.
Active
These adventures include more hiking than in our moderate trips. You negotiate a variety of terrain, at elevations no more than 15,000'. Some trips include long days of overland travel. You sleep comfortably in hotels each evening.
Strenuous
While we rate all of our treks as strenuous, there is a substantial range of challenge between the easiest and the most demanding of our treks. Expect to hike 6-8 hours each day over steep and rugged terrain. You may hike to elevations of 17,000', with options to hike higher from several camps. Many include camping multiple nights at relatively high elevations. On most treks in the Andes, night-time temperatures can drop below freezing on one or more nights. On our Inn to Inn based treks, you'll spend each evening in a comfortable mountain lodge.
Extreme
Our toughest treks are suitable for those that enjoy a good physical challenge. You trek (and in some cases climb) over steep, rugged terrain at high elevations with substantial altitude gains. Some glacier travel requires knowledge of basic climbing techniques including use of crampons, ice axe, and ropes. These trips are in remote wilderness areas and include camping as high at 17,700'. Successful summit bids top out at 18,871' (Nevado Pisco), 19,347' (Volcan Cotopaxi) and 20,945' (Nevado Ausangate).
Departures: Friday and Monday
Cruise length: 5, 8, and 15 day cruises
2010 Rates, per person, based on double and single occupancy
| TIP TOP II | 8 Days | 5 Days | ||
| Double | Single | Double | Single | |
| Cabins 1 to 6 | $2,506 | $3,759 | $1,790 | $2,685 |
| Cabins 7 & 8, Single | N/A | $4,074 | N/A | $2,910 |
| Cabins 9 & 10 | $2,716 | $4,074 | $1,940 | $2,910 |
Click "Read More" for rates on Tip Top III & information
Read MoreDepartures: Friday and Monday
Cruise length: 5 & 8 Days & 15 Days, special dates
2010 Rates, per person, based on double or single occupancy
| TIP TOP II |
8 DAYS, Fri-Fri |
5 DAYS, Mon-Fri |
15 DAYS, Fri-Fri |
|
Cabins 1 - 6, Double Single |
$2,506 $3,759 |
$1,790 $2,685 |
$5,012 $7,518 |
| Cabins 7 & 8, Single | $4,074 | $2,910 | $8,148 |
|
Cabins 9 & 10, Double Single |
$2,716 $4,074 |
$1,940 $2,910 |
$5,432 $8,148 |
| TIP TOP III |
8 DAYS, FRI-FRI |
5 DAYS, MON-FRI |
15 DAYS, FRI-FRI |
|
Cabins 1 to 6, Double Single |
$2,716 $4,074 |
$1,940 $2,910 |
$5,432 $8,148 |
|
Cabins 7 & 8, Single |
$4,389 | $3,135 |
$8,778 |
|
Cabins 9 & 10, Double Single |
$2,926 $4,389 |
$2090 $3,135 |
$5,852 $8,778 |
Galapagos Airfare (from Quito or Guayaquil): $325 to $425, depending on routing and season, and subject to change
No fuel surcharge for 2010
Additional Fees:
Galapagos Park Fee, $100
INGALA Tourist card, $10
Day 1 Friday
AM: Arrival in Baltra
PM: Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach
Day 2 Saturday
AM: Rabida Island
PM: Bartolome Island
Read MoreThe Tip Top II & III have slightly different itineraries. Itineraries below show the 8, 5, and 15-day programs for the Tip Top II, and Tip Top III's 8-day and 5-day programs.
TIP TOP II
8-DAYS, FRIDAY TO FRIDAY
Day 1 Friday
AM: Arrive Baltra
PM: Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach
Day 2 Saturday
AM: Rabida Island
PM: Bartolome Island
Day 3 Sunday
AM: Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay
PM: Genovesa Island: Prince Phillips Steps
Day 4 Monday
AM: Santa Cruz Island: highlands
PM: Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station
Day 5 Tuesday
AM: Plazas Island
PM: Santa FeIsland
Day 6 Wednesday
AM: Española Island: Gardner Bay
PM: Española Island: Punta Suarez
Day 7 Thursday
AM: Floreana Island: Post Office Bay
PM: Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant
Day 8 Friday:
AM: North Seymour Island
PM: Baltra, Airport, return flight to mainland
5-DAYS, MONDAY - FRIDAY
Day 1 Monday
AM: Arrive Baltra Airport
PM: Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station & Puerto Ayora Town
Day 2 Tuesday
AM: Plazas Island
PM: Santa Fe Island
Day 3 Wednesday
AM: Española Island: Gardner Bay
PM: Española Island:Punta Suarez
Day 4 Thursday
AM: Floreana Island: Post Office Bay
PM: Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant
Day 5 Friday
AM: North Seymour Island
PM: Baltra Airport, return flight to mainland
5-DAYS, FRIDAY TO TUESDAY (note: Day 4 overnight is at a hotel in Puerto Ayora)
Day 1 Friday
AM: Baltra, arrival at airport, transfer to yacht
PM: Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach
Day 2 Saturday
AM: Rabida Island
PM: Bartolome Island
Day 3 Sunday
AM: Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay
PM: Genovesa Island: Prince Phillips Steps
Day 4 Monday
AM: Santa Cruz Island: highlands on Santa Cruz
PM: Santa Cruz Island: CharlesDarwin Station. Overnight at a hotel in Puerta Ayora
Day 5 Tuesday
AM: Puerto Ayora town
PM: Baltra Airport for return flight to Quito or Guayaquil
15 DAYS, FRIDAY TO FRIDAY
Day 1 Friday
AM: Baltra, arrival at airport, transfer to yacht
PM: Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach
Day 2 Saturday
AM: Rabida Island
PM: Bartolome Island
Day 3 Sunday
AM: Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay
PM: Genovesa Island: Prince Phillips Steps
Day 4 Monday
AM: San Cristobal Island: Leon Dormido
PM: San Cristobal Island: Punta Pitt & Isla Lobos
Day 5 Tuesday
AM: Plaza Island
PM: Santa Fe Island
Day 6 Wednesday
AM: Española Island: Gardner Bay
PM: Española Island: Punta Suarez
Day 7 Thursday
AM: Floreana Island: Post Office Bay
PM: Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant
Day 8 Friday
AM: Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station
PM: Santa Cruz Island: highlands of Santa Cruz
Day 9 Saturday
AM: Isabela Island: Puerto Villamil: Sierra Negra
PM: Isabela Island: Interpretation Center
Day 10 Sunday
AM: Isabela Island: Punta Moreno
PM: Isabela Island: Elizabeth Bay
Day 11 Monday
AM: Isabela Island: Urbina Bay
PM: Isabela Island: Tagus Cove
Day 12 Tuesday
AM: Isabela Island: Punta Espinoza
PM: Isabela Island: Punta Vicente Roca
Day 13 Wednesday
AM: Santiago Island: Puerto Egas
PM: Santiago Island: Chinese Hat
Day 14 Thursday
AM: Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay
PM: Santa Cruz Island: Cerro Dragon
Day 15 Friday
AM: North Seymour Island
PM: Baltra Airport, return flight to Ecuadorian mainland
TIP TOP III
5-Days Monday to Friday
Day 1 Monday
AM: Baltra arrival; land transfer to Puerto Ayora town
PM: Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station
Day 2 Tuesday
AM: Plaza Island
PM: Santa Fe Island
Day 3 Wednesday
AM: Española Island: Gardner Bay
PM: Española Island: Punta Suarez
Day 4 Thursday
AM: Floreana Island: Post Office Bay
PM: Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant
Day 5 Friday
AM: Santa Cruz Island: Las Bachas Beach
PM: Baltra Airport, return flight to Ecuadorian mainlalnd
5-DAYS FRIDAY TO TUESDAY (note: Day 4 overnight is at a hotel in Puerto Ayora)
Day 1 Friday
AM: Baltra arrival
PM: Baltra Island: Black Turtle Cove
Day 2 Saturday
AM: Rabida Island
PM: Bartolome Island
Day 3 Sunday
AM: Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay
PM: Genovesa Island: Prince Phillip's Steps
Day 4 Monday
AM: Santa Cruz Island: highlands of Santa Cruz
PM: Charles Darwin Research Station. Overnight at a hotel in Puerto Ayora
Day 5 Tuesday
AM: Land transfer from Puerto Ayora to Baltra
PM: Baltra flight back to mainland Ecuador
8 DAYS FRIDAY TO FRIDAY
Day 1 Friday
AM: Baltra arrival
PM: Baltra Island: Black Turtle Cove
Day 2 Saturday
AM: Rabida Island
PM: Bartolome Island
Day 3 Sunday
AM: Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay
PM: Genovesa Island: Prince Phillip's Steps
Day 4 Monday
AM: Santa Cruz Island: highlands of Santa Cruz
PM: Charles Darwin Research Station
Day 5 Tuesday
AM: Plaza Island
PM: Santa Fe Island
Day 6 Wednesday
AM: Espaola Island: Gardner Bay
PM: Espanola Island: Punta Suarez
Day 7 Thursday
AM: Floreana Island: Post Office Bay
PM: Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant
Day 8 Friday
AM: Santa Cruz Island: Las Bachas Beach
PM: Baltra Airport, return flight to Ecuador mainland
Tip Top II
Length: 90 feet
Beam: 22 feet
Type: motor-cruiser
Safety: ISO,OSHAS,ISM,SOLAS,(DIGMER),Smart Voyager Standard; meets or exceeds US Coastguard requirements
Crew: 6 plus English-speaking naturalist guide
Speed: 9 knots
Read MoreTip Top II
Length: 90 feet
Beam: 22 feet
Type: motor-cruiser
Safety: ISO,OSHAS,ISM,SOLAS,(DIGMER),Smart Voyager Standard; meets or exceeds US Coastguard requirements
Crew: 6 plus English-speaking naturalist guide
Speed: 9 knots
Tip Top III
Length: 100 feet
Beam: 22 feet
Type: motor-cruiser
Safety: ISO,OSHAS,ISM,SOLAS,(DIGMER),Smart Voyager Standard; meets or exceeds US Coastguard requirements
Crew: 7 plus 1 English-speaking naturalist guide
Speed: 12 knots
16 guests are accommodated in 10 cabins, each with private bathroom. The six cabins in the Lower Deck have two single lower berths. The Upper Deck has 2 cabins with two single lower berths and one cabin with one double lower berth. Cabins are fully carpeted.
Read More16 guests are accommodated in 10 cabins, each with private bathroom. The six cabins in the Lower Deck have two single lower berths. The Upper Deck has 2 cabins with two single lower berths and one cabin with one double lower berth. Cabins are fully carpeted.
Tip Top II has 8 doubles with 2 twin berths and 1 single cabin.
Tip Top III has 6 double cabins with 2 lower twins; 2 double cabins have 1 double lower and a single upper; 2 single cabins with one double bed.
Quick Facts
- 5, 8, and 15 Days
- 16 passengers
- Fridays and Mondays
- 90 feet long
- Motor-cruiser
- Naturalist cruises