The expression “tip top” has been commonly used in English speaking countries for several decades and, as with many expressions, its meaning has stayed the same over time. Tip Top means “point (tip) of the upper side “top”. It also means:

Adv: To the highest extent.
Adj: (Informal) Of the highest quality; excellent; most excellent, perfect.
Noun: (Tip end + Top) The highest or utmost degree; the best of anything. (Colloq)

OUR HISTORY

Captain Rolf Wittmer is the first man whose birth on Floreana Island has been historically documented. He was born in January 1933, a few months after his parents, Margret and Heinz Wittmer ended a long trip from Germany to the island of Floreana. The Wittmer family settled down on the island and with great endurance overcame incredibly hardships and sometimes an almost unbearable loneliness. They set up a new home on this heavenly island.

Mrs. Margret Wittmer was the central character in the heroic saga which is more fascinatingly dramatic than any fictional adventure.

This history can be read in her book “Floreana”, produced in 2010 by Editorial Galapagos, originally “Postlagernd Floreana”, published in Germany in 1960. Later translated into 15 languages and called “Floreana” in English. Margaret’s son, Rolf, was one of the pioneers and the first promoters of ecotourism, which is a well developed industry in the Galapagos Islands today. From 1962 to 1967 he brought scientists and the first tourists to the islands aboard the “Cologne”, his fishing boat.

In November 1969, he began to offer formal tourism activities on board a yacht he specially designed and built to accommodate 6 passengers: the motor yacht “Tip Top I”. This was the start of a business which grew very rapidly mainly due to the excellent services and personal attention that Rolf Wittmer was known to provide.

Rolf Wittmer Turismo Galapagos and the Tip Top Fleet are committed to creating VALUE.

Voluntary innovation and improvement

We are constantly improving our fleet in order to prevent pollution, guarantee safety at sea and the occupational health and safety of our staff and visitors, and at the same time deliver quality services to our clients. As a result, we constantly implement best practices and incorporate the most proper technologies.

Active compliance with laws, regulations and other agreements

We comply with laws, regulations and other agreements regarding quality, environmental protection, safety at sea; best practices and occupational health and security applicable to our organization.

Labor for social development

We promote social development through the training of our personnel; in addition, we are committed to generating value in the community.

Undertake client satisfaction by fulfilling their requirements in sustainable ways

We offer tourism services that fulfill our client’s requirements in a sustainable way for the Galapagos, community, our personnel and shareholders.

Enthusiastic communications and respect for our stakeholders

We actively communicate this policy within and outside of our organization. Our objective is to generate value and to create constant improvement in the region through the dissemination of our objectives and achievements.

Responsible Tourism

Rolf Wittmer Company  is committed to conserve environmental resources and protect fragile biodiversity of Galapagos Islands.

Our vessels have features that foster :

a.) The conservation of water and energy

b.) The recycling and treatment of waste

c.) The purchase of locally-produced products at the Agricultural center “El Cascajo”

d.) Hire personnel from the islands themselves and compensate them with a fair wage and professional training.

Social Responsibility

The Foundation (2006) is a non-profit organization that sees education as an vital agent to promote sustainable development and foster the local community.

Vision

Development and execution of educational and social programs in collaboration with our community members and partners.

Objectives

Encourage educational achievements of Floreana Island high school students through scholarships and financial assistance for higher education for qualifing students

Contribute to the progress of the inhabitants of Floreana Island, supporting extracurricular activities of the local school, trough  teaching  English language as a second language and the conservation of the environment.

WITTMER GROUP

Rolf Wittmer Turismo Cía. Ltda. is a 100% Ecuadorian Family Company founded in 1982 by Captain Rolf Wittmer, pioneer of tourism in the Galapagos Islands. Rolf Wittmer Turismo is well-known for offering tailor-made and special interest tours around Galapagos Islands Ecuador.

As a professional and responsible tour operator, we are not only highly committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our operation, but also to ensuring the quality and safety of the service we provide as well as satisfying our clients’ needs and expectations. Our efforts are only worthwhile if we also support the island communities.

Nowadays, after 30 years in the market and  50 years in the tourism industry, Rolf Wittmer Turismo owns and operates the Tip Top Fleet in the Galapagos Islands and Tip Top Travel, a IATA/BSP travel agency in Ecuador Mainland, which operates Sabre & Amadeus, has very good connection with local and international airlines, access to hotels and it is a direct partner of Tip Top Yachts.

In 2006, the Wittmer Family created the Rolf Wittmer Foundation, an organizational initiative for social labor in the Galapagos Islands. The Family is also involved in the transmission of the human history of the Islands as a competitive factor to the Galapaguenian community.