From San Martin Port: Ballestas Islands Tour in Paracas

Nestled along the Peruvian coast, the Ballestas Islands Tour from San Martin Port offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Paracas’ natural wonders. This 3-hour excursion promises a captivating journey, where travelers can spot a diverse array of wildlife and witness the enigmatic Candelabro geoglyph. With round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide, the tour caters to nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. Intrigued by the prospect of witnessing these remarkable sights, one can’t help but wonder what other secrets this Peruvian gem holds.

Good To Know

• A 3-hour excursion from San Martin Port to explore the Ballestas Islands, known for their diverse wildlife and geological formations.
• The tour is priced from $84 per person, including round-trip transportation, and offers live guided service in English and Spanish.
• Visitors can witness a variety of seabirds, such as sea lions, boobies, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins, in their natural habitat.
• The tour features the ancient Candelabro geoglyph and the natural beauty of the Paracas National Reserve.
• The tour has a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum capacity of 40 people per speedboat, with an entrance fee of 16 soles to be paid in cash.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Ballestas Islands Tour offers visitors a 3-hour excursion from San Martin Port to the Ballestas Islands, located 30 minutes off the coast of Paracas.

A 3-hour excursion from San Martin Port to the Ballestas Islands, located 30 minutes off the coast of Paracas.

Priced from $84 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, a live guide in English and Spanish, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve now and pay later.

The tour explores the unique ecosystem of the Ballestas Islands, home to diverse wildlife such as sea lions, boobies, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins.

Visitors will also view the ancient Candelabro geoglyph on the Paracas Peninsula.

Itinerary and Highlights

Departing from San Martín Port, visitors board a speedboat for the 30-minute journey to the Ballestas Islands.

Upon arrival, they’ll explore the unique ecosystem, observing sea lions, boobies, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat.

The tour also provides a view of the ancient Candelabro geoglyph, over 2,500 years old, resembling the Nazca Lines.

Visitors will discover the stunning natural beauty and geological formations of Paracas National Reserve, a protected area showcasing Peru’s diverse wildlife and rich history.

Wildlife and Ecosystem

The Ballestas Islands are home to a diverse array of resident and migratory birds, including the Peruvian booby, pelican, and guanay cormorant.

The Ballestas Islands host a vibrant avian community, home to the Peruvian booby, pelican, and guanay cormorant.

These islands produce guano, a rich natural fertilizer that has been historically significant to Peru’s economy.

Visitors have the unique opportunity to observe this wildlife in their natural habitat, witnessing the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

The islands’ diverse species and their role in the region’s ecology make the Ballestas Islands a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.

Inclusions and Requirements

The Ballestas Islands tour includes round-trip transportation from San Martin Port and a guided tour service in both Spanish and English.

Visitors will need to pay the 16 soles entrance fee to the Ballestas Islands in cash. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems.

A minimum of 2 participants is required, and the speedboat has a capacity of 40 people. Guests should come prepared with their passport, comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, sunglasses, sunscreen, and binoculars.

Customer reviews indicate the guide’s English proficiency could be improved.

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Preparation and Recommendations

Travelers should bring their passport, comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, sunglasses, sunscreen, and binoculars to fully enjoy the Ballestas Islands tour.

A hat is also recommended to protect against the sun. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, so prospective travelers should consider their health before booking.

The 3-hour tour departs from San Martin Port and includes round-trip transportation. Customers should have 16 soles in cash ready to pay for the Ballestas Islands tickets.

Reviews note the guide’s English proficiency, so travelers are advised to manage their expectations accordingly.

Getting to San Martin Port

To reach the starting point of the Ballestas Islands tour, San Martin Port, visitors can take several transportation options. These include:

1. Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Paracas and can provide direct transport to San Martin Port. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

2. Bus: Local bus services connect Paracas to San Martin Port, with the ride lasting around 15-20 minutes. This cost-effective option is suitable for those on a budget.

3. Private transfer: Many tour operators offer private transfers from hotels or other locations in Paracas directly to the port, ensuring a smooth and convenient start to the Ballestas Islands excursion.

Exploring Paracas National Reserve

Paracas National Reserve offers visitors a chance to enjoy a diverse and captivating natural landscape.

Home to the iconic Ballestas Islands, the reserve boasts stunning geological formations, including the ancient Candelabro geoglyph.

Visitors can observe a rich ecosystem teeming with marine wildlife, from playful sea lions to vibrant seabirds.

The area’s guano deposits, historically significant to Peru’s economy, provide a unique glimpse into the region’s past.

Whether exploring by boat or on foot, the Paracas National Reserve promises an unforgettable encounter with the natural wonders of Peru’s Pacific coast.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

While the Ballestas Islands tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Paracas’ natural wonders, customer reviews suggest a mixed experience.

Feedback on the tour guide’s English proficiency has been a common concern, with some customers citing difficulty understanding the explanations.

Plus, a few reviewers have noted the tour’s crowdedness, indicating that the group size can feel overwhelming.

On a positive note, many customers have praised the tour’s ability to provide up-close encounters with the island’s diverse wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, and a variety of seabirds.

1. Concerns about tour guide’s English proficiency

2. Feedback on crowdedness and group size

3. Praise for wildlife encounters and natural scenery

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator as some may have restrictions or provide catering services during the excursion.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can also opt for the reserve now & pay later option if they need to reschedule their plans.

Is There Any Additional Insurance Coverage Included in the Price?

The tour price does not include any additional insurance coverage. It only covers the round-trip transportation, guided tour service, and tickets to the Ballestas Islands. Travelers are responsible for obtaining their own travel insurance if desired.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Children?

There are no age restrictions for the tour, but children under 3 years old are not allowed. Children 3-12 years old receive a discounted price. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I Explore the Islands on My Own or Do I Have to Stay With the Group?

You must stay with the group during the guided tour. Visitors are not allowed to explore the Ballestas Islands on their own. The tour operates as a structured group activity with a live guide.

The Sum Up

The Ballestas Islands Tour offers a remarkable chance to explore Paracas’ diverse natural wonders. With a convenient departure from San Martin Port, travelers can witness an array of vibrant wildlife and the iconic Candelabro geoglyph. This 3-hour excursion caters to nature enthusiasts, providing a captivating and educational experience. Its affordability and inclusions make it an appealing option for those seeking to enjoy Paracas’ breathtaking coastal ecosystems.

You can check availability for your dates here: