Islas Ballestas Boat Tour – The Galapagos of Peru

The Islas Ballestas Boat Tour offers a captivating two-hour journey that’s often dubbed the "Galapagos of Peru." Departing from Paracas pier, this affordable ($29 per person) excursion provides a unique window into the region’s rich marine life. With expert guides narrating the experience in both English and Spanish, visitors can spot incredible wildlife like penguins, sea lions, and migratory birds amid the area’s stunning rock formations. Though the tour covers just the essentials, it promises an unforgettable encounter that may leave you eager to uncover more about this remarkable natural wonder.

Key Points

• A 2-hour boat tour departing from Paracas pier, providing an opportunity to observe the diverse marine life of the Ballestas Islands, known as the "Galapagos of Peru".
• Experienced guides offer insights in English and Spanish, enhancing the understanding of the natural wonders and wildlife, including penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and migratory birds.
• The tour features well-equipped and secure vessels, ensuring safe transportation, as well as flexible scheduling and skip-the-ticket-line options for a convenient experience.
• Highlights of the tour include the sea lion maternity hospital, unique rock formations, and the chance to observe migratory bird habitats, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
• The comprehensive tour package includes the boat ticket, life jacket, and tourist taxes, providing a seamless and immersive adventure to explore the rich marine ecosystem of the Ballestas Islands.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Islas Ballestas Boat Tour is a popular 2-hour activity that departs from the pier in Paracas.

Priced from $29 per person, the tour offers a chance to explore the "Galapagos of Peru" in the company of expert guides who provide insights throughout the journey.

Available in both English and Spanish, the tour features well-equipped and secure vessels, allowing visitors to conveniently skip the ticket line and enjoy the flexibility of tailored schedules.

The 15-minute sail takes guests to the Ballestas Islands, where they can observe an abundance of wildlife, including penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and migratory birds.

Wildlife Experience

Known as the "Galapagos of Peru," the Islas Ballestas offer a remarkable wildlife experience. Teeming with an array of marine creatures, the islands are home to penguins, sea lions, dolphins, cormorants, pelicans, oystercatchers, and guano birds. Visitors can witness the maternity hospital of sea lions, explore captivating rock formations, and observe migratory bird habitats. The highlights of the tour include:

| Wildlife | Highlights |

| —- | —- |

| Penguins | Sea Lion Maternity Hospital |

| Sea Lions | Rock Formations |

| Dolphins | Migratory Bird Habitats |

| Cormorants | |

| Pelicans | |

This unparalleled wildlife encounter makes the Islas Ballestas a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

Tour Features

Expert guides provide insights throughout the Islas Ballestas Boat Tour, ensuring visitors gain a deeper understanding of the remarkable wildlife and natural wonders they encounter.

Secure and well-equipped vessels transport guests safely through the waters surrounding the islands. The tour’s flexible timing allows visitors to tailor their experience to their schedule, while the skip-the-ticket-line feature offers added convenience.

Whether it’s spotting playful sea lions, admiring the dramatic rock formations, or exploring the migratory bird habitats, the Islas Ballestas Boat Tour delivers an immersive and unforgettable adventure.

Itinerary Details

As guests embark on the Islas Ballestas Boat Tour, they’ll first view the "Candelabro," a large figure resembling the Nazca Lines, before sailing for 15 minutes to the Ballestas Islands.

Once there, they’ll observe a diverse array of wildlife, including penguins, sea lions, dolphins, cormorants, pelicans, oystercatchers, and guano birds.

The tour’s highlights include a maternity hospital for sea lions and the opportunity to explore the islands’ unique rock formations and migratory bird habitats.

The tour includes a boat ticket, life jacket, tour guide, and tourist taxes, ensuring a comprehensive and convenient experience.

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Booking Information

Booking the Islas Ballestas Boat Tour is flexible, with a "Reserve now & pay later" option available. Reservations can be made until 6:00 PM the day before departure. For last-minute inquiries, travelers can contact the agency to check availability.

Booking the Islas Ballestas Boat Tour is flexible, with a "Reserve now & pay later" option available. Reservations can be made until 6:00 PM the day before departure.

The booking process includes:

1. Selecting the desired tour date and time.

2. Providing the number of travelers.

3. Confirming the tour details and completing the reservation.

4. Paying for the tour upon arrival or in advance, if preferred.

With these simple steps, guests can secure their spot on this unique wildlife adventure in the "Galapagos of Peru".

Customer Feedback

Travelers have been highly satisfied with the Islas Ballestas Boat Tour, as evidenced by the exceptional 5/5 rating based on 1 review.

A GetYourGuide traveler from Australia raved about the tour, describing it as a "wonderful experience."

The tour’s excellent organization and execution have clearly left a lasting impression on visitors.

With expert guides providing valuable insights and secure, well-equipped vessels ensuring a safe journey, the Islas Ballestas Boat Tour delivers an unforgettable wildlife encounter in the "Galapagos of Peru."

Flexible timing and skip-the-line convenience further enhance the overall positive customer experience.

Exploring the Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands, often dubbed the "Galapagos of Peru," offer a captivating wildlife experience just a short boat ride from the Paracas Peninsula.

As the boat approaches, visitors are greeted by towering rock formations adorned with nesting seabirds.

Key highlights include:

1. Observing playful sea lions lounging on the rocky shores.

2. Spotting Humboldt penguins, cormorants, and pelicans.

3. Witnessing the bustling "maternity hospital" where sea lions nurse their young.

4. Marveling at the intricate cave formations and ancient Candelabro geoglyph.

This natural wonderland provides a glimpse into the vibrant marine ecosystem that thrives along Peru’s southern coast.

Discovering the Candelabro

As the boat glides across the calm waters, one can’t help but be captivated by the towering Candelabro, a massive geoglyph etched into the cliffs overlooking the Paracas Peninsula. This gigantic figure, resembling a candelabra or a branching cactus, is believed to have been created by the ancient Paracas culture over 2,000 years ago. Its enigmatic presence is a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of these early inhabitants. The Candelabro, measuring over 150 feet in height, is a must-see highlight of the Islas Ballestas tour, offering a glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

| Fact | Detail | Significance |

| — | — | — |

| Origin | Paracas Culture | Ancient civilization that thrived in the region |

| Dimensions | 150 feet tall | Impressive scale and scale of the geoglyph |

| Meaning | Candelabra or cactus | Symbolic significance yet to be fully understood |

Things To Know

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the Islas Ballestas boat tour. Visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. It’s recommended to bring sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You can bring your own food and drinks on the Islas Ballestas boat tour. However, there are also snacks and beverages available for purchase on board. It’s recommended to pack light and avoid bringing large coolers or bulky items.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the Islas Ballestas boat tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, with secure and well-equipped vessels to accommodate visitors of any age group.

Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour provider doesn’t offer any discounts. The standard price is $29 per person. However, children aged 5 and under can join the tour for free. Travelers should check with the provider for any updated discount policies.

How Often Do the Tour Boats Depart?

The tour boats depart regularly throughout the day, typically every hour or every 2 hours. Specific departure times can be confirmed with the tour operator when booking your Islas Ballestas boat tour.

Sum Up

The Islas Ballestas Boat Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife of Peru’s own "Galapagos." With expert guides, secure vessels, and an affordable price tag, this two-hour adventure is a must-do for any visitor seeking an unforgettable encounter with the region’s fascinating marine life and captivating rock formations. Discover the wonder of the Ballestas Islands and the iconic Candelabro during this remarkable tour.

You can check availability for your dates here: