Fantastic 5 Day cruise onboard Tip Top II
The Tip Top II is one of my favorite yachts in the Galapagos, it offers great itineraries and a perfect short 5 Day Galapagos cruise.
Tip Top II History
The M/C Tip Top II was built in 2008 and redesigned in 2015-2016 to offer the highest level of comfort and the best possible experience in the Galapagos Islands.
Great service, logistics and operation
The Tip Top Fleet offers the best possible service and Tip Top logistics and operation in the Galapagos Islands and during transit in Ecuador Mainland. Partnered with Lufthansa and part of Lufthansa City Center in Ecuador, you know you are in great hands when you book any of the Tip Top yachts.
Tip Top Galapagos Experience
The Tip Top II is a brand new beautiful catamaran, which will provide speed, safety, and plenty of amenities on board, so you can worry about more important things like what cocktail to choose to enjoy on the spacious and inviting sundeck.
Intimacy and camaraderie in the Galapagos Islands
During your cruise, you will enjoy well-furnished areas offering comfort and privacy. Tip Top II has a maximum capacity of 16 passengers allowing both intimacy and camaraderie at the same time. Onboard you will enjoy social areas for those who are looking for a quiet place to relax during their Galapagos trip with family and friends in the lazy mid-afternoon sun, or likewise after a busy day of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or walking.
Accommodation aboard Tip Top II
Onboard Tip Top II each cabin boasts the following:
- Private bathroom (toilet, shower, washbasin and vanity)
- Locker and drawers
- Hair dryer
- Safety box
- Air conditioned
All cabins are above the waterline so you will enjoy big windows to be able to take in the amazing Galapagos landscapes.
Cabin distribution
Main Deck:
- 2 cabins with one single lower berths – Cabins 1 & 2
- 4 cabins with two single lower berths – Cabins 3 to 6
Upper Deck:
- 2 cabins with two single lower beds – Cabins 7 & 8
- Cabins with one king size berth – Cabins 9 & 10
Tip Top II itineraries explained
Regarding itineraries, the Tip Top II offers a choice of 4 itineraries:
Option 1 – 8 Day
Option 1 is an 8-day itinerary visiting the wonderful Western islands of Isabela and Fernandina and making your way to Bartholomew.
You will have a fantastic Galapagos experience in the Western Islands where you will snorkel and swim with sea lions. penguins, and be able to mingle among plenty of wildlife.
When you make a stop at Bartholomew you will be able to take the quintessential Galapagos pic with Pinnacle Rock in the background.
Option 2 – 8 Day
Option 2 is an 8-day itinerary visiting the Southern islands of Española and Floreana and going up north to the renowned Genovesa.
Florena and Española are two of my favorite Galapagos Islands. You will have a chance to spot the magnificent Galapagos Albatross in Española as well as a sea lion ¨nursery¨as you land on the island.
In Floreana, you will have a chance to learn some Galapagos history. When you visit Post Office Bay you can take part in a tradition started by the whalers of yesteryear. In the afternoon you visit Cormorant point. Here you will encounter a green sand beach, spot pink flamingoes along the way, and end up at a white sand beach known as “Flour Beach”.
Option 2- 4 Day Itinerary
This is a short version of the 8-day Option 2 itinerary. It goes up north to Genovesa and visits Santa Fe Islands.
Option 2 – 5 Day Galapagos Cruise
This is one of my favorite 5 Day Galapagos cruise itineraries out there. You get to visit two Galapagos highlights in style – Española and Floreana.
Española provides a great wildlife experience. You will swim with sea lions, spot the albatross and get to see a wonderful Galapagos landscape.
Floreana is a jam-packed visitor site, you learn about Galapagos history, you get to see flamingos and possibly penguins. When I visited Floreana back in the day, I was able to see penguins when we landed. Flamingos on the way to the other side of the island where we saw sea turtles hatching and scurrying to the water. Truly a magnificent 5 days in the Galapagos Islands.
Connoisseur Tip:
As usual, I would recommend taking a week-long itinerary, Option I to be exact. But, if you don’t have a week to spare for the Galapagos, I would go for the shorter 5-day Galapagos cruise itinerary. The aforementioned visit Floreana and Española in style and will provide a great experience aboard a fantastic catamaran.
Keep in mind that the Tip Top II and the rest of the Tip Top fleet have some amazing last minute deals you can take advantage of, just inquire with your personal Connoisseur.
Get ready for a TIP TOP Galapagos Experience, aboard the ”new” Tip Top II!
Tip Top II Itineraries
Tip Top II, rates, inclusions, exclusions, important info and specs
Rates Include:
- All meals and activities throughout the cruise
- Bilingual national park guide
- Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, and fins)
- Kayaks
- Fuel surcharge
- Transfer airport/yacht/airport on Gps
Rates do not include:
- Air ticket
- $100 (Subject to change) Galapagos National Park entrance fee
- $20 Transit Control Card
- Alcoholic beverages consumed onboard
- Gratuities
- Cancellation/medical insurance
Important Information:
- 6 DBL Cabins with two lower beds: 7 -8-9-10 and 2 DLB cabin with one king-size bed 9 &10;
- Tip Top II: 2 SGL Cabins with one bed 1 -2 ( only SGL )
- All prices per person in US dollars.
- Prices are subject to change without prior notice
- Gross rates: Children under 12 years old get a 10% discount
- Promotional rates: Children pay the same as an adult
Well-appointed sundecks and bars make for a First-Class Galapagos Experience
Sundeck:
To check out the gorgeous ocean views with fellow shipmates, guests can spend some time on the spacious sundecks. Whether you feel like getting a little sun or want the best place to enjoy the gorgeous sunsets over the Galapagos Islands, the sundecks are the best place to be.
For adults who want to relax and kick back, Tip Top II offers a great bar and lounge area where you are served by the bartender who will be happy to attend to all your needs and desires whilst you relax.
The dining room:
The dining room and the big saloon are on the main deck, specially designed to offer a great ambiance to the passenger, both for a marvelous meal or a wonderful chat with shipmates at the end of the day. The chef is delighted to mesmerize your tastes with his dishes. Prepared with local and fresh ingredients, able to please the most demanding palettes.
Lounge area:
Take a load off in the spacious lounge area on the main deck. The lounge features artistic decor. It’s also a great place to get a drink from the bar and where you will get your daily briefing sessions.