The itineraries of tourist boats are strictly regulated in order to avoid crowding at the visitor sites and some sites are periodically closed by the park authorities in order to allow them to recover from the impact of tourism. Certain sites are only open to smaller boats, and additionally limited to a maximum number of visits per month. The most-visited islands from Puerto Ayora are Plaza Sur [an estimated 1,000 sea-lions living on 1 ha, land and sea iguana, many birds flying close to the cliff top], Santa Fe [land and sea iguanas, cactus forest, swimming with sea-lions, Galapagos Hawk], Seymour Norte [sea-lions, marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, magnificent frigate birds, blue-footed boobies - the latter not close to the tourist trail], Rabida [sea-lions, flamingos, pelican rookery], and Santiago [James Bay for fur seals, snorkelling with sea-lions, migratory coastal birds; Sullivan Bay and Bartolome Island for fantastic lava fields on the climb to the summit, fine views, snorkelling around Pin­nacle Rock and maybe a few penguins]. On a tour of these islands it may be possible to go also to Punto Garcia on Isabela to see flightless cormorants [to climb Sierra Negra volcano to see the tortoises can be done on foot, horseback or by pickup]. Daphne Island with very rich birdlife may be visited by some boats only once a month [a special permit is required].
More distant islands from Puerto Ayora, but visited from there or from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, are Espanola [blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, waved albatross, many other birds, brightly coloured marine iguanas, sea-lions, snorkel­ling at Tortuga Islet], Genovesa [red-footed boobies - brown and white phase, masked boobies, sswallow-tailed and lava gulls, frigate birds and many others, marine iguanas, snorkelling] and Floreana [flamingos, sea-lions, endemic plants, snorkelling at Corona del Diablo]. There is a custom for visitors to Post Office Bay on the north side of Floreana since 1793 to place unstamped letters and cards in a barrel, and deliver, free of charge, any addressed to their own destinations. Fernandina is best visited on longer cruises which include Isabela. Never miss the opportunity to go snorkelling, there is plenty of underwater life to see, including rays, sharks [not all dangerous] and many fish. All the other islands are closed to tourists.

Do not touch any of the animals, birds or plants. Do not transfer sand or soil from one island to another. Do not leave litter anywhere; it is highly undesirable in a national park and is a safety and health hazard for wildlife. Do not take raw food on to the islands.

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RULES OF THE NATIONAL PARK
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most magical places on earth. Here animals live without fear and do not run away from visitors. To maintain the uniqueness of the Galapagos Islands the National Park Service has developed rules to aid in the preservation. Guides explain and enforce these rules making sure that visitors stay together on marked paths and respect the follow the other park service regulations:

•	No plant, animal, or remains of such (including shells, bones, and pieces of wood), or other natural objects should not be removed or disturbed.
•	Be careful not to transport any live material to the islands, or from island to island.
•	Do not take any food to the uninhabited islands, for the same reason.
•	Do not touch or handle the animals.
•	Do not feed the animals. It can be dangerous to you, and in the long run would destroy the animals' social structure and breeding habits.
•	Do not startle or chase any animal from its resting or nesting spot.
•	Stay within the areas designated as visiting sites.
•	Do not leave any litter on the islands, or throw any off your boat.
•	Do not deface the rocks.
•	Do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the islands.
•	Do not visit the islands unless accompanied by a licensed National Park Guide.
•	Restrict your visits to officially approved areas.
•	Show your conservationist attitude.

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