The Ballestas Islands Tour Boat offers a two-hour adventure that explores the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Ballestas Islands off the coast of Peru. With a roof for sun and wind protection, guests can comfortably observe sea lions, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins while cruising past towering cliffs and guano-covered rocks. But the tour’s highlight may be the ancient Candelabra geoglyph, a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich history. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique experience, this tour promises an unforgettable journey.
About Your Stay
- The Ballestas Islands tour is conducted on a boat with a roof for sun and wind protection during the approximately 2-hour excursion.
- The tour boat offers a lifejacket for each passenger and a professional tourism guide to enhance the experience.
- The boat tour provides an opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife, including sea lions, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins.
- The tour includes the viewing of the ancient "Candelabra" geoglyph, a significant historical and cultural attraction.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, but not recommended for individuals with back problems or serious medical conditions due to the potential for a bumpy boat ride.
What Is the Ballestas Islands Tour?
The Ballestas Islands Tour is a popular boat tour that takes visitors to explore the Ballestas Islands, a group of small islands off the coast of Paracas, Peru.
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and provides a unique opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including sea lions, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins.
A 2-hour boat tour offering the chance to spot sea lions, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat.
Visitors will also see the famous "Candelabra" geoglyph, a large-scale etching in the sand thought to be over 2,000 years old.
The tour is conducted on a boat with a roof, providing protection from the sun and wind.
It’s a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting the Paracas region.
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Inclusions and Meeting Details
As part of the Ballestas Islands Tour, visitors receive a lifejacket for their safety and a professional tourism guide to provide information and commentary throughout the excursion.
The tour price includes all necessary food and tourist taxes, making it a hassle-free experience.
The meeting point is at the Like Xplorer Peru office in Paracas, and the tour returns to the same location at the end.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and near public transportation, but it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
Children under 1 year old are prohibited from joining the tour.
Health and Accessibility Considerations
The Ballestas Islands Tour is wheelchair accessible and near public transportation, making it a convenient option for travelers.
However, the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions. This is due to the nature of the boat ride, which can be bumpy and may cause discomfort for certain individuals.
Children under the age of 1 are also prohibited from participating in the tour.
Travelers are advised to carefully consider their physical abilities and health status before booking this excursion to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Tour Pricing and Booking
Pricing for the Ballestas Islands Tour starts from $20.00 per person.
The tour includes a lifejacket, a professional tourism guide, and covers tourist taxes, which are s/16.00 soles for adults and s/8.00 soles for children.
The tour can accommodate up to 46 travelers.
Booking the tour is non-refundable, so there are no cancellation refunds available.
Travelers can purchase the tour directly from the Like Xplorer Peru office, located in Paracas.
The tour begins and ends at the same meeting point, ensuring a convenient and streamlined experience for all participants.
Highlights of the Ballestas Islands
Towering cliffs, guano-covered rocks, and bustling wildlife await visitors to the Ballestas Islands.
These stunning islands off the coast of Paracas are home to an abundance of seabirds, including Humboldt penguins, Peruvian boobies, and cormorants.
Visitors can spot sea lions basking on the rocky shores and dolphins swimming in the surrounding waters.
The highlight for many is the Candelabra geoglyph, a massive pre-Inca geoglyph carved into the hillside visible from the boat.
The Ballestas Islands offer a glimpse into Peru’s rich natural and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts.
What to Expect During the Tour
A typical Ballestas Islands tour begins with a boat ride from the Paracas marina.
Passengers are outfitted with life jackets and a professional tour guide narrates the journey. The boat sails around the Ballestas Islands, home to abundant wildlife like sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and diverse seabirds.
Travelers may spot the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph on the Paracas Peninsula. The boat tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
Upon return, passengers disembark at the starting point.
This tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions. Children under 1 year old are prohibited.
Reviews and Ratings
According to online reviews, the Ballestas Islands tour has generally positive feedback, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars across 8 total reviews.
There are no 5-star reviews, but the majority of the ratings fall within the 4-star range. Reviewers praise the tour’s professional guides, the opportunity to see marine wildlife up close, and the overall enjoyable experience.
However, a few note that the boat can feel crowded with the maximum capacity of 46 travelers. The tour is non-refundable, so it’s recommended to thoroughly review the details before booking.
Questions About Your Stay
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour information, outside food and drinks are not mentioned as included items. Therefore, it’s likely that passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but this should be confirmed with the tour operator prior to the trip.
Is There a Weight Limit for the Boat?
The tour doesn’t mention a specific weight limit for the boat. However, it states the maximum number of travelers is 46, so there may be an unspecified weight capacity. It’s best to check with the tour operator if you have any concerns.
Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?
Passengers are generally allowed to take pictures during the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand as there may be some restrictions or guidelines to follow to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?
The tour is available in multiple languages. Travelers can choose from Spanish, English, and other languages during booking. The guides provide narration in the selected language throughout the tour experience.
How Long Is the Boat Ride to the Ballestas Islands?
The tour boat ride to the Ballestas Islands typically lasts around 2 hours. The exact duration may vary slightly depending on factors like weather conditions and boat speed, but it’s generally a 2-hour journey each way.
Final Verdict On This Stay
The Ballestas Islands Tour Boat offers a unique and captivating experience for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. With a roof for comfort, the tour provides the opportunity to witness the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, including sea lions, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins. The tour also includes a view of the ancient Candelabra geoglyph, making it a must-visit attraction for those exploring the wonders of Peru.
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