Ballestas Islands Tour

The Ballestas Islands Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant marine life of Peru’s "Poor Man’s Galapagos." Travelers can spot colonies of Humboldt penguins and sea lions, as well as diverse seabirds, all while taking in the stunning natural scenery. With excellent customer reviews and flexible booking options, this 3-hour adventure promises an exhilarating boat ride filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters. Those seeking an immersive and affordable way to explore Peru’s coastal wonders won’t want to miss this captivating tour.

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Key Points

A 3-hour tour of the Ballestas Islands, known as the "Poor Man’s Galapagos," offering a diverse wildlife experience.
Opportunity to observe Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and various seabirds at close range from a speedboat.
Scenic highlights include the Paracas Candelabra, natural arches, and the expansive Pacific Ocean.
Comfortable and efficient transportation with life jackets and permanent assistance throughout the tour.
Highly rated by customers for its diverse marine life sightings, exhilarating boat ride, and excellent organization.

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Tour Overview

The Ballestas Islands tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the "Poor Man’s Galapagos," a stunning natural wonder located off the coast of Paracas, Peru.

This 3-hour tour costs from $44.00 per person and allows travelers to witness diverse marine wildlife, including colonies of Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and seabirds.

Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and take advantage of the reserve now & pay later option.

Flexible booking options with free cancellation and reserve now, pay later for the Ballestas Islands tour.

The tour includes a speedy boat ride, life jackets, and assistance, as well as an entrance ticket to the desert.

Looking for more options in Paracas? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Wildlife Experience

Visitors on the Ballestas Islands tour can expect to encounter diverse marine wildlife. The tour offers opportunities to see colonies of Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and various seabirds like cormorants, boobies, and pelicans.

Travelers can observe the lively activity and sounds of these animals on the rocky shores and cliffs. The boat ride provides the chance to photograph the wildlife up close, capturing their natural behaviors in their coastal habitat.

From the speeding boat, guests may even spot dolphins frolicking in the waters surrounding the Ballestas Islands, known as the "Poor Man’s Galapagos."

Scenic Highlights

Aside from the remarkable wildlife, the Ballestas Islands tour also offers breathtaking scenic highlights. The highlight is the view of the Paracas Candelabra, a mysterious geoglyph etched onto the hillside that’s visible from the boat.

During the exhilarating boat journey, travelers can admire natural arches and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors may also be lucky enough to spot dolphins frolicking in the waters.

The boat ride itself provides stunning vistas, as the speeder navigates through the rugged landscape and rocky shores of the islands.

Tour Logistics

The Ballestas Islands tour departs from Paracas town, with speedboats used for transportation to the islands.

The modern twin-engine speeders ensure a comfortable and efficient journey. Life jackets are provided, and permanent assistance is available throughout the tour.

The entrance ticket to the desert, which costs S/16.0, is included in the tour price.

With a duration of 3 hours, the tour offers an exhilarating boat ride, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the stunning natural scenery and abundant wildlife of the Ballestas Islands.

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Pricing and Booking

The Ballestas Islands tour is priced from $44.00 per person.

Ballestas Islands tour priced from $44.00 per person, offering excellent value for a memorable Paracas experience.

This 3-hour excursion offers excellent value, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can also take advantage of the reserve now & pay later option, providing flexibility.

The tour includes a modern twin-engine speeder, lifejackets, and permanent assistance, as well as the entrance ticket to the desert.

Based on a five-star review, this wildlife-rich expedition receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from various travelers, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a memorable Paracas experience.

There's plenty more to explore in Paracas

Getting to Paracas

To reach the Ballestas Islands, visitors must first make their way to the town of Paracas, which serves as the departure point for the tour.

The town is located approximately 3.5 hours south of Lima, the capital of Peru. Visitors can easily reach Paracas by taking a bus or driving themselves. Several bus companies offer daily services from major cities like Lima and Ica.

For those who prefer the convenience of a private transfer, taxi or shuttle services are also available. Once in Paracas, visitors can easily find the dock where the speedboats depart for the Ballestas Islands tour.

What to Bring

When preparing for the Ballestas Islands tour, visitors should pack a few essential items. A sunhat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are musts to protect against the strong coastal sun.

Bring a light jacket or windbreaker, as the boat ride can be chilly. Don’t forget a camera – the wildlife and scenery offer countless photo opportunities.

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes that can get wet. Finally, pack some snacks and water, as the tour doesn’t include food or beverages.

With these basics covered, travelers can focus on soaking in the wonders of the "Poor Man’s Galapagos" during the 3-hour adventure.

Customer Reviews

Travelers from various backgrounds have enthusiastically reviewed the Ballestas Islands tour. The tour boasts an impressive 5/5 rating based on customer feedback. Couples, friends, solo travelers, and families alike have praised the incredible wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, and seamless logistics.

| Positive Experiences | Customer Feedback |

| — | — |

| Diverse marine life | "Amazing opportunity to see penguins, sea lions, and seabirds up close!" |

| Exhilarating boat ride | "The speedboat ride was thrilling and provided incredible views." |

| Excellent organization | "The tour was well-organized, with helpful staff and equipment provided." |

| Overall satisfaction | "This tour exceeded all our expectations – highly recommended!" |

The overwhelmingly positive reviews highlight the Ballestas Islands tour as a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting the region.

Since You Asked

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

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour allows passengers to bring their own refreshments to enjoy during the 3-hour boat ride to the Ballestas Islands.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, so visitors of all ages can participate. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and there may be some physical activity involved that young kids may find challenging.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no mention of an option to extend the tour duration. The tour is a fixed 3-hour experience, though travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if they need to adjust their plans.

Are the Boats Equipped With Restrooms?

The boats used for the tour are equipped with restrooms, ensuring travelers’ comfort during the 3-hour excursion. This amenity allows for a more convenient and enjoyable experience exploring the Ballestas Islands.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs on the Islands?

No, travelers can’t purchase souvenirs on the Ballestas Islands. The tour focuses on observing the islands’ wildlife and natural features. Any souvenir shopping would need to be done before or after the boat tour in the town of Paracas.

The Sum Up

The Ballestas Islands Tour offers an unparalleled wildlife adventure and scenic delight. Witness Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and diverse seabirds in their natural habitat, while marveling at the Paracas Candelabra geoglyph. With flexible booking options and excellent customer reviews, this 3-hour tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Peru’s "Poor Man’s Galapagos." Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this captivating and affordable excursion.