Ballestas Islands Tour for Passengers of the Puerto San Martin Cruise

The Ballestas Islands Tour offers a captivating adventure for passengers of the Puerto San Martin Cruise. Departing from Paracas, Peru, this fast-paced excursion whisks you away to explore the islands’ remarkable wildlife, including Humboldt penguins and charismatic sea lions. With a maximum of 40 travelers, the tour provides an intimate experience led by an official tourism guide, complete with lifejackets and a delectable meal. While the tour may not suit all, the allure of witnessing these natural wonders firsthand is sure to pique the interest of many.

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Key Points

This tour provides a group service for up to 40 passengers from the Puerto San Martin Cruise, located in Paracas, Peru, with a non-refundable price of $31.50 per person.
The tour includes fast boat transportation, lifejackets, an official tourism guide, food, and the required tourist tax of 16.00 soles/$7.
Travelers meet at the El Chaco location in Paracas and can take a shuttle bus from the Portuario General Jose de San Martin terminal.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and not recommended for travelers with certain health conditions, with a modest overall rating of 3.7 based on limited reviews.
Highlights of the tour include sightings of Humboldt penguins, various birds, and sea lions, though some passengers noted the fast boat ride as "a little choppy."

Tour Overview

The Ballestas Islands Tour is a group service that caters to a maximum of 40 passengers from the Puerto San Martin Cruise.

A group tour that accommodates up to 40 passengers from the Puerto San Martin Cruise to the Ballestas Islands.

Located in Paracas, Peru, the tour lasts the duration of the group service. Priced at $31.50 per person, the tour is non-refundable with no cancellations allowed.

Included in the tour are fast boat transportation, lifejackets, an official tourism guide, food, and the tourist tax of 16.00 soles/$7 dollars.

The tour starts and ends at the meeting point in El Chaco, Paracas, with a shuttle bus available from the Portuario General Jose de San Martin terminal.

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Inclusions

Included in the Ballestas Islands Tour are fast boat transportation, providing passengers with a quick and efficient way to reach the islands.

Also included are:

Lifejackets, ensuring the safety and peace of mind of all travelers.
An official tourism guide, who shares expert knowledge and insights about the islands and their wildlife.
Food, so passengers can refuel and enjoy the experience without worrying about getting hungry.

Plus, the tour includes the required tourist tax of 16.00 soles or $7 dollars, covering the necessary fees to visit the protected natural area.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet at the El Chaco location in Paracas, Peru to begin the Ballestas Islands Tour. A shuttle bus is available at the Portuario General Jose de San Martin terminal to transport passengers to the meeting point.

The tour ends back at the same meeting location. This group service has a maximum of 40 travelers.

The tour’s meeting and pickup logistics are designed to provide a convenient and efficient experience for passengers of the Puerto San Martin Cruise.

Health and Accessibility

How accessible is the Ballestas Islands Tour? The tour is wheelchair accessible and conveniently located near public transportation.

However, it’s not recommended for travelers with:

Back problems
Pregnant women
Travelers with heart conditions or serious medical issues

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, ensuring you know what to expect.

While the fast boat can be a bit choppy at high speeds, the tour is suitable for children as young as 1 year old.

Reviews and Feedback

The Ballestas Islands Tour has received a modest 3.7 overall rating based on a handful of reviews on popular travel platforms like Viator and Tripadvisor.

None of the reviews earned a 5-star or 4-star rating, with all feedback being either 1-star or 2-star. A recurring comment praises the tour as a "worthwhile trip" with a "nice" experience, though some found the fast boat ride "a little choppy."

Passengers highlighted seeing Humboldt penguins, various birds, and sea lions, including young ones.

There's plenty more to explore in Paracas

Choosing the Right Tour

When considering the Ballestas Islands Tour, there are a few key factors to consider.

First, the tour’s inclusion of a fast boat ride means passengers should be prepared for a potentially choppy journey, especially if they’re prone to motion sickness.

Plus, the tour isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions, such as back problems or heart issues, so it’s crucial to review the health and accessibility guidelines.

Finally, the mixed reviews, with no 5-star or 4-star ratings, suggest the tour may not meet everyone’s expectations, so managing those expectations is important.

Fast boat ride
Health and accessibility restrictions
Mixed reviews

Preparing for the Adventure

Travelers embarking on the Ballestas Islands Tour should ensure they’re well-prepared for the adventure.

The tour involves a fast boat ride, so it’s crucial to dress appropriately for the weather and potential choppiness. Wearing comfortable, non-slip shoes and bringing a light jacket or windbreaker is advised.

Passengers with medical conditions like back problems, heart issues, or pregnancy should heed the tour’s recommendation and refrain from participating.

Those with medical conditions should avoid the Ballestas Islands Tour as it may pose risks to their health and wellbeing.

With a maximum of 40 travelers, the group service provides an intimate experience to observe the diverse wildlife, including Humboldt penguins and sea lions, in their natural habitat.

Sum Up

The Ballestas Islands Tour from Paracas, Peru, offers an exciting adventure for cruise passengers. With fast boat transportation, lifejackets, and an expert guide, guests can observe unique wildlife like Humboldt penguins and sea lions. Although the tour is designed for convenience, it may not be suitable for those with certain health conditions. Overall, it’s a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Ballestas Islands.