From Paracas || Excursion to the Ballestas Islands || 3 Hours

Nestled along Peru’s southern coast, Paracas offers a unique opportunity to explore the Ballestas Islands. This 3-hour excursion promises an unforgettable glimpse into the region’s captivating marine life and breathtaking landscapes. From spotting Humboldt penguins and sea lions to admiring the dramatic cliffs, this tour immerses visitors in the natural wonders of this protected reserve. With convenient hotel pickup and a guided boat ride, the stage is set for an adventure that’ll leave you eager to uncover more.

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Key Points

3-hour excursion to the Ballestas Islands from Paracas, offering wildlife observation and scenic coastal views.
Tour includes pickup from Paracas hotels, boat transportation, and an English/Spanish-speaking guide.
Opportunity to spot Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and endemic birds in a protected marine reserve.
Includes a 1.5-hour boat tour along the Paracas Peninsula and Ballestas Islands.
Pricing starts at $26 per person, with additional costs for food, drinks, and entrance fees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Excursion

The excursion to the Ballestas Islands is a 3-hour activity that departs from Paracas.

Priced from $26.00 per person, this small-group tour is limited to 10 participants and is available in English and Spanish.

Pickup from your Paracas hotel is included.

During the excursion, you’ll sail along the Paracas Peninsula and Ballestas Islands, where you can spot wildlife like Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and endemic birds.

The tour showcases the coastal landscapes and the famous El Candelabro geoglyph, while also highlighting the environmental significance of this protected marine reserve.

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

Wildlife and Scenic Views

Visitors can spot a variety of fascinating wildlife during the Ballestas Islands excursion. Crowds of Humboldt penguins dot the rocky shores, while sea lions bask in the sun. Endemic Peruvian boobies, guanay cormorants, and other seabirds fill the sky. The scenic landscape includes rugged coastal cliffs, hidden caves, and the iconic El Candelabro geoglyph carved into the sand.

| Wildlife | Scenic Views | Environmental Significance |

| — | — | — |

| Humboldt penguins | Paracas Peninsula | Protected reserve |

| Sea lions | Ballestas Islands | Rich marine life |

| Endemic birds | El Candelabro geoglyph | |

This protected reserve offers an up-close glimpse of Peru’s diverse marine life and striking natural beauty.

Itinerary Details

10 minutes before the scheduled departure time, guests receive pickup from their hotel in Paracas.

The group is then transferred to the local port, where the boat tour begins.

Sailing along the Paracas Peninsula, the boat makes its way to the Ballestas Islands.

During the 1.5-hour tour, guests can observe the diverse wildlife and appreciate the stunning coastal landscapes.

Included and Excluded Services

The excursion to the Ballestas Islands includes a comprehensive package of services. This includes pickup and return transfer to your hotel in Paracas, ground transportation by minibus or bus, and sea transportation via boat.

An English and Spanish-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the tour. However, the package doesn’t cover food, drinks, or entrance fees. Participants should budget for these additional expenses separately.

While the excursion provides a unique opportunity to explore the Ballestas Islands, it’s important to be aware of the inclusions and exclusions to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

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Pickup and Transfer

One of the key conveniences of the Ballestas Islands excursion is the included pickup and return transfer service.

The tour operator will pick you up from your hotel in Paracas about 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This ensures a seamless start to your adventure.

The transfer is provided by a minibus or bus, which will take you directly to the local port where the boat tour departs.

A convenient minibus or bus transfer will take you straight to the local port for the boat tour.

At the end of the excursion, you’ll be transported back to your hotel, arriving around 11:30 am.

This door-to-door service adds to the overall ease and comfort of the experience.

There's plenty more to explore in Paracas

Boat Tour of the Ballestas Islands

Upon reaching the local port, participants embark on a captivating boat tour that navigates the Paracas Peninsula and the iconic Ballestas Islands.

During the 1.5-hour journey, they’ll witness the remarkable coastal landscapes and observe a variety of marine wildlife, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and endemic bird species like the Guanay and guanera.

The boat sails close to the Ballestas Islands, allowing passengers to marvel at the impressive El Candelabro geoglyph carved into the cliffs.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides insightful commentary about the environmental significance of this protected reserve teeming with diverse marine life.

Exploring the Protected Reserve

Situated within the Paracas National Reserve, the Ballestas Islands are a protected marine sanctuary teeming with a vibrant array of wildlife.

Home to colonies of Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and over 150 species of seabirds, the islands offer a unique glimpse into Peru’s rich biodiversity.

Visitors can spot the iconic El Candelabro geoglyph, a mysterious pre-Inca figure etched into the cliffs.

As you sail past the striking rock formations, keep an eye out for the guanay and guanera birds soaring overhead.

This excursion allows you to explore the environmental significance of this protected reserve and its abundant marine life.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

While the excursion to the Ballestas Islands offers a unique opportunity to witness Peru’s diverse marine life, customer reviews suggest room for improvement. According to the data, the overall rating is 3.6 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. Common complaints include delayed pickups, misrepresentation of boat size and pricing, and discrepancies in tour duration.

| Complaint | Frequency |

| — | — |

| Delayed Pickups | High |

| Misrepresented Boat Size/Pricing | Moderate |

| Tour Duration Discrepancies | High |

To enhance the customer experience, the tour operator should address these issues and ensure reliable transportation, accurate information, and adherence to the advertised itinerary.

Things To Know

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Excursion?

The excursion does not have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for participants of all ages, making it an engaging activity for families and individuals alike.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

The excursion doesn’t provide food or drinks, so travelers can bring their own. However, it’s best to avoid bringing large coolers or bulky items as there’s limited space on the boat.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Taking Photos?

The excursion allows ample time for taking photos throughout the boat tour. Participants can expect to have around 30-45 minutes dedicated to photographing the stunning coastal landscapes, wildlife, and other natural features of the Ballestas Islands.

Is There an Option to Extend the Boat Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, the excursion doesn’t offer an option to extend the boat tour duration. The 3-hour excursion includes a 1.5-hour boat tour, which may not provide sufficient time for extensive photography. Guests should plan their photo-taking accordingly during the allotted tour.

Can I Request a Specific Language for the Guided Tour?

Yes, you can request a specific language for the guided tour. The excursion offers tours in both English and Spanish, so you can choose the language you’re most comfortable with when booking.

Sum Up

This 3-hour excursion to the Ballestas Islands from Paracas offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness Peru’s diverse marine life and stunning coastal landscapes. With a guided boat tour, visitors can observe Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. At just $26 per person, this adventure provides excellent value for a memorable glimpse into the country’s rich ecological treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: