The history of Rolf Wittmer Turismo begins long before its official founding.
In 1932, the Wittmer family arrived from Germany and settled on Floreana Island, becoming part of the human history of Galapagos.
In January 1933, Rolf Wittmer became the first officially registered child born on the island. Growing up on Floreana shaped his understanding of the sea, wildlife, and challenges of life in one of the world’s most remote archipelagos.
Galapagos was not simply a destination to Rolf; it was his home. In 1969, he built Tip Top I by hand and began welcoming scientists and travelers who wanted to discover the islands.
This marked the beginning of a tourism journey rooted in local knowledge, authentic exploration, and respect for nature. Today, this origin remains the foundation of the company’s identity.
Rolf Wittmer’s story was not created around Galapagos as a marketing concept—it was born from a lifetime lived within the islands.
On September 10, 1982, Rolf Wittmer officially established the family company that carried his name.
This milestone transformed years of navigation and exploration into an organization dedicated to sharing the Galapagos Islands through carefully planned cruise experiences. The company was created with a clear purpose: to welcome travelers with the warmth of a family-run business while providing dependable service and a genuine connection to the archipelago.
From the beginning, each journey was shaped by firsthand knowledge of the islands and an understanding of the responsibility involved in operating within a protected destination. This anniversary represents 44 years as an officially established company and more than 57 years of experience since Rolf built Tip Top I in 1969. These two milestones tell one continuous story: a pioneering beginning followed by decades of growth, learning, and commitment to Galapagos.
What started with one handcrafted boat became a family legacy that continues welcoming travelers from around the world.
Over the past 44 years, Rolf Wittmer Turismo has evolved while remaining faithful to its family roots.
New vessels and thoughtfully designed itineraries have allowed more travelers to experience the wildlife, landscapes, and living history of Galapagos through small-ship cruising. In 2006, Rolf Wittmer was recognized as a National Ambassador of Tourism, honoring his contribution to tourism and his role as a Galapagos pioneer.
The recognition reflected a lifetime dedicated to navigation, hospitality, and sharing the islands he called home. Although Rolf passed away in 2011, his vision continues through his family and the people who form part of the company today.
Naturalist guides, captains, crew members, and onshore teams work together to provide first-class experiences shaped by attentive service and local knowledge. Growth has never meant losing the personal character of the journey.
Guests continue to explore in small groups, receive close attention, and experience Galapagos through a company whose history is inseparable from the islands.
Today, Rolf Wittmer Galapagos Cruises continues as a family-run company offering first-class expeditions aboard the Tip Top II, Tip Top IV, Tip Top V, and M/Y KÖLN. Our small ships welcome approximately 12–16 guests, depending on the vessel, creating an intimate atmosphere and allowing for personalized service.
With East and West itineraries of 4, 5, 8, and 15 days, travelers can discover different islands, wildlife encounters, and volcanic landscapes with expert naturalist guidance. As we celebrate our 44th anniversary, we honor more than a date.
We celebrate the courage of a family that made Galapagos its home, the vision of a pioneer who shared the islands with the world, and the responsibility of carrying that legacy forward. We invite you to become part of this continuing story—to explore Galapagos with a family rooted in its history and committed to its future. Born in Galapagos.
Built to Protect It.
