Paracas: Ballestas Islands Guided Boat Tour

Exploring the captivating Ballestas Islands off the Paracas coast is a must-do for nature enthusiasts. This guided boat tour whisks visitors away on a 2-hour adventure, showcasing the region’s remarkable marine wildlife and dramatic rock formations. With knowledgeable guides providing insights, travelers can expect an immersive experience, from spotting playful sea lions to marveling at the majestic Humboldt penguins. Whether seeking a family outing or a solo adventure, this tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into the vibrant ecosystem of this coastal wonder.

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Key Points

The Ballestas Islands Guided Boat Tour departs from Paracas port, offering a 2-hour adventure to explore the diverse marine wildlife and natural wonders of the area.
The tour is led by knowledgeable experts and provides close-up views of sea lions, seabirds, and Humboldt penguins in their natural habitats.
The tour includes a visit to the Candelabra geoglyph, an ancient figure on the hillside, and sailing through natural arches and caves.
The tour is suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers, with certain restrictions in place for safety and accessibility.
The tour is highly rated by customers, with a 4.7 out of 5 rating, and offers a flexible cancellation policy with a full refund up to 24 hours prior.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Ballestas Islands Guided Boat Tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to witness the diverse marine wildlife and natural wonders of this captivating region.

Priced at £15.45 per person, the 2-hour tour departs from Paracas port, with pickup service available from local hotels. Guided by knowledgeable experts, the tour showcases the Candelabra geoglyph, natural arches, and caves, as well as abundant sea lions, seabirds, and Humboldt penguins.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and reservations can be made without upfront payment. The experience caters to families, couples, and solo travelers, though certain restrictions apply.

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Wildlife and Attractions

During the tour, visitors can experience diverse marine wildlife, including awe-inspiring sea lions, vibrant seabirds, and the charming Humboldt penguins.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to the enigmatic Candelabra geoglyph, an ancient figure etched into the hillside.

The tour includes a visit to the enigmatic Candelabra geoglyph, an ancient figure etched into the hillside.

Navigating the natural arches and caves of the Ballestas Islands, guests can observe the wildlife up close without disturbance.

The tour provides:

Close-up views of sea lions, seabirds, and Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat.
Exploration of the Candelabra geoglyph, a mysterious ancient figure.
Scenic sailing through the natural arches and caves of the Ballestas Islands.

Tour Experience

Guests begin the tour at the Paracas port, where they board a comfortable boat with knowledgeable guides.

As the boat sails across Paracas Bay, travelers enjoy scenic views of the coastline. The guides provide insights into the wildlife and conservation efforts in the area.

Visitors can expect close-up encounters with sea lions, seabirds, and the iconic Humboldt penguins. The boat navigates natural arches and caves, offering a unique perspective of the Ballestas Islands.

This tour experience is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking an immersive, educational, and awe-inspiring encounter with the region’s diverse marine life and stunning landscapes.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Ballestas Islands Guided Boat Tour includes a lifejacket, an official tourism guide, and the entrance fee to the Ballestas Islands (Adult: 16 Soles, Child: 8 Soles).

However, meals aren’t included in the tour pricing.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for:

Pregnant women
Wheelchair users
Individuals over 220 lbs (100 kg), those with pre-existing medical conditions, or recent surgeries, as well as babies under 1 year and people over 70.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Ballestas Islands Guided Boat Tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 6 reviews.

Travelers have highlighted the safety of the tour, the incredible wildlife sightings, and the overall unforgettable experience. Reviewers from various backgrounds and nationalities have expressed their satisfaction, noting the knowledgeable guides and the stunning natural scenery.

The tour has received consistent positive feedback, cementing its reputation as a must-do activity for visitors to the Paracas region.

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Booking and Cancellation Policy

To book the Ballestas Islands Guided Boat Tour, visitors can reserve their spot without any upfront payment.

Visitors can reserve their spot for the Ballestas Islands Guided Boat Tour without any upfront payment.

The tour offers flexible cancellation terms, allowing guests to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This policy provides peace of mind and flexibility for travelers’ plans.

The booking process is straightforward:

Select the desired tour date and time.
Provide the necessary information, such as the number of participants and contact details.
Confirm the booking without any immediate payment, and pay later at the tour meeting point.

This hassle-free booking experience ensures a seamless start to the Ballestas Islands adventure.

What to Expect on the Tour

As visitors board the comfortable boat at Paracas port, they embark on a captivating journey to the Ballestas Islands. Knowledgeable guides share insights on the diverse marine wildlife, including sea lions, seabirds, and the iconic Humboldt penguins.

The boat navigates through natural arches and caves, providing close-up views of the wildlife without disturbing them. Scenic views of Paracas Bay unfold as the boat sails towards the islands.

Travelers witness the ancient Candelabra geoglyph etched into the hillside, a mysterious figure that has captivated visitors for centuries. The 2-hour tour offers an immersive experience for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Getting to the Ballestas Islands

The tour begins at the Paracas port, where visitors board a comfortable boat to embark on their journey to the Ballestas Islands.

The boat ride itself offers scenic views of the Paracas Bay, as the vessel navigates towards the cluster of islands.

Once at the Ballestas, travelers will:

Weave through natural arches and caves, providing a unique perspective of the islands’ geological formations.
Observe the diverse array of marine wildlife, including sea lions, seabirds, and the iconic Humboldt penguins.
Marvel at the Candelabra geoglyph, an ancient figure etched into the hillside, a mysterious sight to behold.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include meals, so bringing your own food and drinks is allowed. However, the boat’s capacity is limited, so it’s best to pack light and avoid items that could take up significant space or cause a disturbance.

Is There an Option to Explore the Islands on Foot?

The guided boat tour is the only way to experience the Ballestas Islands. There’s no option to explore the islands on foot, as the tours are designed to provide close-up views of the wildlife from the water.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

There are no restroom facilities available during the tour. Guests must use the restrooms before the tour departs from the Paracas port. The tour focuses on exploring the islands by boat, not on foot.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can take photographs during the Ballestas Islands boat tour. The tour guides encourage capturing the diverse wildlife and natural landscapes of the islands. Guests should remember to respect the fragile environment and keep a safe distance from the animals.

What Should I Wear to Be Comfortable on the Boat?

Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing that dries quickly. Bring a light jacket or sweater, as it can be breezy on the boat. Wear non-slip shoes or sandals, and avoid open-toed shoes to protect your feet. Pack sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Sum Up

The Paracas: Ballestas Islands Guided Boat Tour offers an unforgettable adventure exploring the stunning natural beauty of the Ballestas Islands. Travelers can expect to witness diverse marine wildlife, including sea lions, seabirds, and Humboldt penguins, while learning about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts from knowledgeable guides. With flexible cancellation policies and convenient hotel pickup, this tour is a must-do for families, couples, and solo travelers visiting Paracas.

You can check availability for your dates here: