From Paracas: Ballestas Islands Guided Boat Tour

Exploring the Ballestas Islands off the coast of Paracas is a must-do for nature enthusiasts. This guided boat tour takes visitors on a captivating 2-hour journey to witness an abundance of marine wildlife, including playful sea lions and the iconic Humboldt penguins. With scenic views, a visit to the Candelabra geoglyph, and knowledgeable bilingual guides, this eco-friendly excursion promises an unforgettable experience. However, the true highlight may lie in the unexpected discoveries that await those who embark on this remarkable adventure.

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Key Points

2-hour eco-friendly boat tour from Paracas to explore the Ballestas Islands and observe diverse marine wildlife like sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds.
Visit the 120-meter tall Candelabra geoglyph and receive insights into the history and ecology from bilingual guides.
Tour includes photo stops and opportunities to see captivating creatures in their natural habitats.
Flexible cancellation policy allows free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for peace of mind.
Safety considerations include life jackets, essential gear, and guidance on minimizing environmental impact during the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Ballestas Islands Guided Boat Tour offers a 2-hour excursion from Paracas to explore the renowned Ballestas Islands.

A 2-hour excursion from Paracas to explore the renowned Ballestas Islands, a guided boat tour offering a glimpse of the area’s natural wonders.

Priced at SEK 200 (discounted to SEK 180), the eco-friendly boat tour provides safety gear and life jackets. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for free.

The boat tour takes visitors to see the Candelabra of Paracas geoglyph and encounter diverse marine wildlife like sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds.

Bilingual guides narrate the tour, sharing history and ecology of the area.

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Highlights and Wildlife

While exploring the Ballestas Islands, visitors can encounter a diverse array of marine wildlife. The islands are home to colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, guanay birds, boobies, and pelicans. As the boat glides past the rocky shores, guests can observe these captivating creatures in their natural habitats. The tour also includes a visit to the Candelabra, a 120-meter tall geoglyph etched into the cliffs, whose mysterious origins have long intrigued archaeologists and visitors alike. The guided narration by bilingual guides enhances the experience, providing insights into the history and ecology of this unique coastal region.

| Marine Wildlife | Quantity |

| — | — |

| Sea Lions | Abundant |

| Humboldt Penguins | Sizable Colonies |

| Guanay Birds | Numerous Flocks |

| Boobies | Observed Nesting |

| Pelicans | Soaring Overhead |

Itinerary and Meeting Point

According to the information provided, guests meet at the Ballestas Paradise office, which is identifiable by signage.

Optional pickup from hotels or bus stations can be arranged prior to the tour.

The itinerary includes:

Photo stops at the Candelabra of Paracas, a 120-meter tall geoglyph.
Guided tours at the Ballestas Islands.
Opportunities to encounter diverse marine wildlife, such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, guanay birds, boobies, and pelicans.
Narration by bilingual guides (English and Spanish) sharing history and ecology.

Tour Duration and Pricing

The guided boat tour from Paracas to the Ballestas Islands lasts 2 hours and costs SEK 200 per person, with a discounted price of SEK 180 available.

This eco-friendly boat tour provides safety gear and life jackets for all guests. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance, making it a flexible option for travelers.

The tour price offers good value, as it includes the guided exploration of the Candelabra geoglyph and diverse marine wildlife such as sea lions, penguins, and seabirds.

With positive customer reviews, this boat tour is a popular and recommended activity in the Paracas region.

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Cancellation Policy and Refunds

Travelers can take advantage of the Ballestas Islands Guided Boat Tour’s flexible cancellation policy, which allows for free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

This policy provides the following benefits:

Peace of mind in case of unexpected changes in plans.
Flexibility to reschedule the tour for a more convenient time.
Avoidance of financial loss in the event of cancellation.
Ability to fully refund the tour cost if canceled within the 24-hour window.

The tour’s cancellation policy ensures that travelers can book with confidence, knowing they’ve the option to make adjustments without incurring any penalties.

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Safety and Environmental Considerations

While the Ballestas Islands Guided Boat Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the region’s captivating wildlife, guests must prioritize safety and environmental preservation.

The tour’s eco-friendly boats come equipped with essential safety gear, including life jackets, to ensure a secure journey. Guests are advised to avoid disturbing the delicate ecosystem and its inhabitants by refraining from flash photography and taking all waste with them.

The tour’s eco-friendly boats ensure a secure journey with essential safety gear. Guests must avoid disturbing the delicate ecosystem.

Pregnant women, individuals prone to seasickness, and infants under one year are discouraged from participating due to the potential risks.

Respecting the environment is crucial for sustaining this remarkable natural wonder.

Transportation and Pickup Options

Guests have the option of meeting the tour at the Ballestas Paradise office, which is easily identifiable by its signage.

Alternatively, they can arrange for pickup from their hotels or nearby bus stations, if requested in advance.

The tour itinerary includes:

Scenic boat ride to the Candelabra geoglyph and Ballestas Islands.
Guided tours with bilingual narration at each location.
Photo stops to capture the stunning coastal landscapes and wildlife.
Return to the meeting point at the Ballestas Paradise office.

The transportation options provide flexibility and convenience for guests, ensuring a seamless start to their Ballestas Islands adventure.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Ballestas Islands Guided Boat Tour, awarding it an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 369 reviews. Positive feedback highlights the tour’s excellent organization, attentive guides, and great value for money. Some travellers suggested extending the time spent at the islands, but overall the experience appears to be highly enjoyable.

| Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |

| — | — |

| – Well-organized tour | – Desire for more time at islands |

| – Knowledgeable, friendly guides | |

| – Excellent value for money | |

| – Stunning natural scenery | |

| – Close wildlife encounters | |

Things To Know

Can Children Under 1 Year Old Join the Tour?

No, babies under 1 year old are not allowed on the tour. The information states the tour is "not suitable for… babies under 1 year."

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Length?

The standard tour duration is 2 hours, but there’s no option to customize the length. Children under 1 year old aren’t allowed on the tour due to safety concerns. Weather conditions may affect tour availability.

Are Food and Drinks Provided During the Boat Tour?

No, food and drinks are not provided during the boat tour. Guests are responsible for bringing their own refreshments. The 2-hour tour focuses on sightseeing and wildlife observation around the Ballestas Islands.

Can I Take My Own Photography Equipment?

Guests are welcome to bring their own photography equipment on the tour. However, they’re advised to be mindful of wildlife sensitivity and avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the animals. The tour guides provide further guidance on responsible photography.

How Many People Can the Boat Accommodate?

The eco-friendly boats can accommodate up to 40 passengers. They’re equipped with safety gear and life jackets to ensure a comfortable and secure experience during the 2-hour guided tour of the Ballestas Islands.

Sum Up

The Ballestas Islands boat tour from Paracas offers a unique chance to discover Peru’s captivating marine life. With the included safety gear, bilingual guides, and flexible cancellation policy, this eco-friendly excursion provides a stress-free way to explore the stunning Candelabra geoglyph and observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and other fascinating wildlife up close. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, this tour is not to be missed.