From Ica: Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve.

Explore the natural wonders of Peru’s southern coast with a captivating full-day excursion from Ica to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve. This adventure promises stunning landscapes, diverse marine wildlife, and memorable moments, all while offering flexibility with free cancellation. From a scenic bus ride to a guided tour of the breathtaking beaches, this excursion is an opportunity to take in the region’s captivating beauty. With inclusions like a boat tour and lunch, it’s a chance to discover the best of Paracas and the Ballestas Islands.

Key Points

• Excursion offers a full-day activity to explore the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, starting from Ica.
• The tour includes a 2.25-hour boat ride around the Ballestas Islands and a 2.5-hour guided tour of Paracas National Reserve beaches.
• Travelers can expect to see diverse marine wildlife, such as Humboldt penguins and sea lions, and visit the iconic El Candelabro geoglyph.
• The excursion package includes transportation, lunch, and a tourist tax, with a starting price of $37.05 per person.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, but some customers have reported organizational issues and delays.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Excursion

This excursion provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve.

Lasting a full day, the activity includes a boat ride around the Ballestas Islands and a guided tour of Paracas National Reserve. Starting at $37.05 per person, the tour offers English and Spanish language options.

Pickup is included from Ica, and private group tours are available. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this excursion offers flexibility for travelers.

Highlights include wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and photo opportunities.

Transportation and Itinerary

The excursion begins with a pickup from Ica, where visitors board a bus or coach for the 2-hour journey to the Ballestas Islands.

The excursion begins with a pickup from Ica, where visitors board a bus or coach for the 2-hour journey to the Ballestas Islands.

Upon arrival, they’ll embark on a 2.25-hour boat ride around the islands.

After the boat tour, the group travels by bus for 30 minutes to the Paracas National Reserve.

Here, a 2.5-hour guided tour explores the stunning beaches, including Playa La Mina, Playa Roja, and Lagunilla.

Finally, the excursion concludes with drop-offs in Huacachina or Ica, ensuring a seamless and efficient transportation experience throughout the day.

Highlights of the Tour

Visitors can look forward to a comfortable boat ride with shade as they explore the Ballestas Islands.

The tour includes a visit to the iconic El Candelabro geoglyph, an ancient and mysterious sand formation.

Onboard, they’ll spot diverse marine wildlife, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and guano birds.

The excursion also explores the stunning Paracas National Reserve beaches, like Playa La Mina and Playa Roja.

This provides ample opportunities for photography and relaxation.

With the included lunch, this tour offers a well-rounded experience to discover the natural wonders of Peru’s southern coast.

Inclusions and Costs

The tour includes a life jacket and shade on the boat for the Ballestas Islands cruise, which lasts 2.25 hours.

The Ballestas Islands cruise lasts 2.25 hours and includes a life jacket and shade on the boat.

After the boat ride, the excursion continues with a 2.5-hour guided tour of Paracas National Reserve. Lunch is also included in the package.

Visitors must pay a tourist tax of S/22.00 soles per person, which covers the S/17.00 state fee and the S/5.00 pier entry.

The total starting price is $39.00 per person, but it’s currently offered at a discounted rate of $37.05.

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Customer Feedback

According to the available customer reviews, the overall rating for this excursion is 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on 11 feedback submissions.

While some travelers reported delays and organizational issues, others had mixed experiences with guide availability and beach quality.

To ensure a seamless experience, the tour organizers aim to address these challenges.

Reviewers recommend bringing a change of clothes, sunscreen, and an optional windbreaker coat.

Preparing for the Adventure

As you prepare for your adventure to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, it’s essential to pack the right gear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Bring a change of clothes, as you may get wet during the boat ride. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect from the sun’s glare.

A windbreaker or lightweight jacket can come in handy, as the ocean breeze can be chilly. Remember to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on the beach.

Lastly, bring a camera to capture the stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife you’ll encounter during this unforgettable excursion.

Navigating the Ballestas Islands

Upon arriving at the Ballestas Islands, visitors embark on a thrilling boat tour to explore this remarkable natural sanctuary.

The 2.25-hour journey showcases an abundance of marine life, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and a variety of guano birds.

The comfortable boat, equipped with shaded areas, navigates through the rugged coves and caves, providing ample opportunities for photography.

Visitors can observe the El Candelabro geoglyph, a mysterious ancient figure etched into the cliffs.

This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the Ballestas Islands’ rich ecosystem and the chance to witness its diverse wildlife up close.

Exploring Paracas National Reserve

Following the exhilarating boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, the tour continues with an exploration of the Paracas National Reserve.

Travelers board the bus for a 30-minute journey to the Reserve, a protected coastal desert area known for its striking red sand beaches.

The guided tour showcases Playa La Mina, Playa Roja, and Lagunilla, offering opportunities to photograph the unique landscapes and wildlife.

Visitors may spot guano birds, sea lions, and other marine life along the shoreline.

The excursion provides a chance to relax and soak in the natural beauty of this remarkable national reserve.

Since You Asked

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

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the boat for the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve excursion. The tour provides space for you to have your own lunch during the trip.

Is There a Weight Limit for the Boat?

The tour operator doesn’t specify a weight limit for the boat. However, they recommend passengers check with the staff before boarding to ensure the boat can accommodate everyone safely and comfortably.

Can I Use My Drone to Take Photos/Videos?

Unfortunately, you can’t use your drone to take photos or videos during the excursion. The tour operator doesn’t allow drones for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers. Please consider using your camera or smartphone instead.

Are There Any Medical Facilities on the Islands?

There are no medical facilities on the Ballestas Islands. Passengers should take necessary precautions and bring any required medications or first aid supplies. In case of an emergency, the boat crew can provide basic assistance and coordinate evacuation to mainland facilities.

Can I Extend My Stay at Paracas National Reserve?

Visitors can extend their stay at Paracas National Reserve to explore the area further. The tour includes a 2.5-hour guided visit, but travelers can choose to remain in the reserve after the excursion ends.

The Sum Up

This captivating full-day excursion from Ica to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve promises stunning landscapes, diverse marine wildlife, and memorable moments. With a scenic bus ride, boat tour, and guided exploration of Paracas’ beaches, it’s an adventure not to be missed. The flexible cancellation policy and reasonable price make this excursion an excellent choice for those seeking an unforgettable experience in Peru’s natural wonder.

You can check availability for your dates here: