From Paracas: Excursion to the Ballestas Islands

Explore the captivating Ballestas Islands, a hidden gem off the coast of Paracas. This two-hour excursion promises an unforgettable encounter with a thriving marine ecosystem, where you’ll witness colonies of Humboldt penguins, playful sea lions, and the enigmatic El Candelabro geoglyph. With knowledgeable guides and convenient transportation, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this natural wonder. But there’s more to uncover about this remarkable destination…

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Key Points

Ballestas Islands excursion from Paracas, Peru, offers a 2-hour boat tour to explore diverse marine life in a protected reserve, priced from $27 per person.
The tour provides opportunities to observe Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds in their natural habitat, with knowledgeable guides.
The Ballestas Islands feature rugged cliffs, jagged formations, and unique geological features, creating an enchanting and visually striking environment.
A highlight of the excursion is the mysterious El Candelabro geoglyph, a massive 595-foot (181-meter) structure on the side of a mountain, whose origins intrigue visitors.
Transportation to the port and experienced English and Spanish-speaking guides are included in the excursion, ensuring a comprehensive and informative experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Ballestas Islands excursion offers visitors an opportunity to explore a captivating natural wonder off the coast of Paracas.

Priced from $27 per person, the 2-hour tour provides a window into the diverse marine life of this protected reserve. Travelers can witness Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and endemic birds, as well as guanay and guanera birds filling the sky.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, the excursion is a flexible and accessible way to discover the natural beauty of the Ballestas Islands.

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

Diverse Marine Wildlife

Visitors on the Ballestas Islands excursion can expect to witness an abundance of diverse marine wildlife.

The Ballestas Islands offer visitors an abundance of diverse marine wildlife to witness on their excursion.

They’ll observe Humboldt penguins and sea lions that call this protected reserve home. The sky is filled with the guanay and guanera birds, native to the region.

The guide will share customs and anecdotes about the local fauna, enriching the experience. Sailboats glide around the islands, providing up-close views of the animals in their natural habitat.

The Ballestas Islands offer a unique opportunity to take in the vibrant marine ecosystem of Peru’s southern coast.

Ballestas Islands Landscape

Rugged and awe-inspiring, the Ballestas Islands rise from the Pacific Ocean, their jagged cliffs adorned with a tapestry of nesting seabirds. These volcanic islands offer a dramatic landscape, sculpted by the relentless forces of wind and waves. Visitors can marvel at the natural wonders, from towering rock formations to hidden sea caves. The islands’ unique geology and diverse ecosystems create an enchanting environment, inviting exploration and wonder.

| Ballestas Islands Features |

| — | — |

| Jagged Cliffs | Towering Rock Formations |

| Sea Caves | Diverse Ecosystems |

| Volcanic Origins | Sculptural Geology |

El Candelabro Geoglyph

As the speedboat tour approaches the Ballestas Islands, a towering, mysterious geoglyph comes into view – the El Candelabro.

Etched into the side of a mountain, this enormous 595-foot (181-meter) candelabra-shaped figure has puzzled historians and archaeologists for centuries. Its origins and purpose remain a subject of debate, with theories ranging from an ancient astronomical marker to a religious symbol.

Despite the unanswered questions, the sheer scale and location of this enigmatic geoglyph make it a highlight of the Ballestas Islands excursion, leaving visitors in awe of its timeless enigma.

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Transportation and Guides

Ground transportation for the Ballestas Islands excursion is provided by minibus or bus, which takes visitors from the designated meeting point in Paracas to the local port.

Once at the port, guests board a speedboat for the tour. The excursion is conducted by English and Spanish-speaking guides who provide commentary on the diverse marine wildlife, guanay and guanera birds, and the mysterious El Candelabro geoglyph.

Travelers can observe Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and endemic birds during the 2-hour boat tour around the Ballestas Islands, a protected reserve.

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Booking Information

Travelers can check availability for starting times and select their preferred participants and date for the Ballestas Islands excursion. The meeting point for the tour is available on Google Maps, making it easy to find.

Once booked, adventurers can look forward to:

A speedboat tour along the Paracas Peninsula coastline
Observing the mysterious El Candelabro geoglyph
Sailing around the Ballestas Islands to witness the diverse marine wildlife and nesting birds

With flexible cancellation policies and the option to reserve now and pay later, planning the Ballestas Islands excursion has never been easier.

Itinerary and Duration

The excursion to the Ballestas Islands begins with a meet-up at a designated point in Paracas, where travelers are then transferred to the local port.

From there, they embark on a speedboat tour along the Paracas Peninsula coastline. Along the way, they’ll catch a glimpse of the mysterious El Candelabro geoglyph.

The highlight is sailing around the Ballestas Islands, where they’ll observe the diverse marine wildlife, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and a variety of endemic birds.

Sail around the Ballestas Islands and observe the diverse marine wildlife, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and endemic birds.

The entire excursion lasts approximately 2 hours, providing ample time to immerse in the natural wonder of this protected reserve.

Cancellation Policy

If travelers need to cancel their excursion, they can do so up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility and peace of mind for those with changing plans.

The cancellation policy offers:

A hassle-free experience, with no penalties for last-minute changes.
The ability to reschedule the trip if needed.
A full monetary reimbursement for those unable to attend.

This lenient cancellation policy ensures the Ballestas Islands excursion is accessible and accommodating for all visitors to Paracas.

Things To Know

Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Bring to the Islands?

Visitors can bring most items, but restrictions apply to protect the islands’ fragile ecosystem. Visitors should avoid bringing food, drinks, or anything that could disturb the local wildlife. Cameras and binoculars are permitted and encouraged to capture the stunning natural scenery.

Is There an Option to Extend the Excursion Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the excursion duration. Visitors can choose longer tours, typically 3-4 hours, which allow more time to explore the Ballestas Islands and observe the diverse wildlife in greater detail.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

While the standard tour itinerary is set, customers can discuss customization options with the tour provider. Flexibility may be available to adjust the duration, activities, or focus of the excursion to better suit individual preferences.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Excursion?

The maximum group size for the excursion is not explicitly stated, but group sizes are typically small to provide an intimate experience. Travelers should check with the tour operator for the specific group size details.

Is There a Discount Available for Children or Seniors?

Yes, there are discounted prices for children and seniors. Children under 10 receive a 50% discount, while seniors over 65 get a 30% reduction on the regular adult admission fee.

Sum Up

The Ballestas Islands excursion from Paracas offers a captivating glimpse into a thriving marine ecosystem. Travelers can observe an array of wildlife, from Humboldt penguins to sea lions, while marveling at the rugged cliffs and the iconic El Candelabro geoglyph. With convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides, this affordable two-hour tour promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the natural beauty and ecological wonders of this remarkable region.

You can check availability for your dates here: