Q: Is smoking allowed on board or on the islands? The Galapagos Conservation Trust. What are the Galapagos Islands? Despite credit cards are the most common payment method around the globe, the Galapagos Islands due to it’s condition of isolated islands faces the problem of telecommunication. Things to Do in Galapagos Islands Galapagos Islands Travel Forum Galapagos Islands Photos ... Galapagos TCT Pre-registration -- online site trouble . A: In the cabins, as well as on the Galapagos Islands, smoking is not allowed. The islands aren’t terribly crowded, since most of the tourists are taking cruises and traveling in groups. The long-term goal of the initiative is to restore tortoise populations to their historical distribution and numbers across Galapagos, including on islands where tortoises went extinct. I n our past issue, we featured a stunning photo essay on the Galapagos islands.It gave a look into a family trip to the Ecuadorian islands—but what's it like to actually live there? Visitors don’t come to the Galapagos and explore the islands as they please, hiking around independently. Is it possible to do the Galápagos on a budget? And, at the end of the day just remember, travel is … Whale and dolphin watching in the Galapagos is one of the most incredible and unforgettable experiences of life. Save on Your Galapagos Cruise. The Galapagos Islands can get pretty hot during the warm season (Dec – May), reaching temperatures of up to 95 °F (35 °C). As you can see, there are a number of ways to save on a Galapagos cruise. Help us preserve, protect, and restore Galapagos. Here is a short video giving you an idea of some of the things you can see and do with such a simple (and affordable) trip to one of the most incredible destinations in the world, the Galápagos Islands. You can book day trips to some of the islands from the main tourist hub of Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz, but taking a cruise on a small yacht is the best way to see the more remote islands and wildlife in the Galapagos. Triple cabins can also be arranged on request, depending on availability and the vessel you choose. How Whale and Dolphin Watching Works. The Galapagos national park comprises 97 percent of the islands’ land mass. Save. The Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative (GTRI) is a collaborative effort led by Galapagos Conservancy and the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD). *Note, we had calm seas, but this depends on which time of year you visit the Galapagos Islands. In an ironic twist, a brief recession accomplished more than any conscious visitor reduction plan could. We booked all of our Galapagos guided tours in person once we arrived on the Galapagos Islands, and we think that’s the most budget-friendly option. Captain Paul Watson , Sea Shepherd's founder, who recently spoke out about SeaWorld's cruel treatment of its animals , has worked to protect the world's oceans and marine life for more than three decades. Maps, travel tips and more. Actually, it is already one of the most preserved archipelagos in the world. The islands were named "Insulae de los Galopegos" (Islands of the Tortoises) in reference to the giant tortoises found there.