From Paracas: Guided Boat Tour of the Ballestas Islands

Discover the captivating Ballestas Islands on a guided boat tour from Paracas. For just $20 per person, this two-hour adventure showcases stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife. Cruise through Paracas Bay as experienced guides provide insightful commentary. Explore the remarkable Candelabro de Paracas geoglyph, spot playful sea lions, and marvel at the Humboldt penguins. With flexible cancellation policies and no upfront payment required, this tour promises an unforgettable experience amidst one of Peru’s most breathtaking coastal destinations.

Key Points

• A 2-hour guided boat tour from Paracas that explores the Ballestas Islands and the famous Candelabro de Paracas geoglyph.
• Prices for the tour start from $20.00 per person, with no upfront payment required for reservations.
• The tour offers close-up views of diverse wildlife, including sea lions and Humboldt penguins, along with insights from English and Spanish-speaking guides.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or seasickness-prone guests, and smoking and feeding animals are prohibited.
• The tour is subject to weather conditions and may be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund issued if canceled due to weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The guided boat tour of the Ballestas Islands from Paracas offers an affordable and immersive experience, with prices starting from $20.00 per person.

The tour lasts 2 hours, and travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Visitors can reserve their spot without upfront payment, allowing for flexible planning.

The tour showcases the Candelabro de Paracas geoglyph and explores the Ballestas Islands, home to diverse wildlife like sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various bird species.

With an English and Spanish-speaking guide, travelers can learn about the islands’ history and biodiversity.

Tour Highlights

Discover the Candelabro de Paracas, a 120-meter-high geoglyph that captivates visitors with its striking appearance.

Explore the Ballestas Islands, a wildlife-rich archipelago teeming with an abundance of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and diverse bird species.

Explore the Ballestas Islands, a wildlife-rich archipelago teeming with an abundance of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and diverse bird species.

Learn about the islands’ intriguing history and their remarkable biodiversity as you cruise through the Paracas Bay.

Marvel at the natural wonders that unfold before your eyes, from the rugged cliffs to the bustling colonies of marine life.

This guided boat tour offers an immersive experience, allowing you to witness the Ballestas Islands’ splendor up close.

Itinerary and Experience

Guests meet the guide at the Paracas port, where they receive a brief introduction and tips before boarding an eco-friendly boat.

The group then cruises through Paracas Bay, catching a glimpse of the Candelabro de Paracas, a massive geoglyph on the cliffside.

As they venture towards the Ballestas Islands, guests observe the diverse wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of bird species.

Throughout the journey, the guide shares insights about the islands’ history and ecology.

After two hours, the boat returns to the port, allowing passengers to capture memorable photos of the dramatic coastal scenery.

Inclusions and Restrictions

The tour includes entrance tickets, which typically cost around $5.00, as well as an eco-friendly boat, English and Spanish-speaking guides, safety equipment, and life jackets.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for:

• Pregnant women

• Individuals with back problems

• Those prone to seasickness

Plus, smoking and feeding the animals aren’t allowed during the tour.

Guests are advised to come prepared with a hat, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing, as well as a jacket or windbreaker for cooler boat temperatures.

The tour is subject to weather conditions and may be canceled or rescheduled accordingly.

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Important Meeting Point Information

Travelers should arrive at the meeting point, Paracas port, 15 minutes early. This ensures they’re present and ready to board the eco-friendly boat for the 2-hour tour.

Upon arrival, you will receive final instructions and tips from the English and Spanish-speaking guide. The tour is subject to weather conditions, so the guide may need to cancel or reschedule accordingly.

Guests are advised to dress comfortably and bring a jacket or windbreaker, as boat temperatures can be cooler. Smoking and feeding the animals are strictly prohibited during the tour.

What to Bring and Recommendations

Although the tour takes place on the water, guests are advised to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun’s rays.

Other recommended items include:

• A camera to capture the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife

• A lightweight jacket or windbreaker to keep warm during the boat ride

• Comfortable, casual clothing that can withstand the sea breeze

• Any necessary medication, especially for those prone to seasickness

Guests should arrive 15 minutes early to the meeting point and refrain from smoking or feeding the animals during the tour.

Arrive 15 minutes early and avoid smoking or feeding the animals during the tour for a comfortable and enjoyable excursion.

These simple preparations will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable excursion to the Ballestas Islands.

Weather Conditions and Cancellation Policy

Since the tour operates on the open water, it’s subject to weather conditions and may be canceled or rescheduled if necessary.

The tour provider closely monitors the weather forecast and makes decisions accordingly. If the tour is canceled, guests will receive a full refund.

In case of inclement weather during the tour, the captain may adjust the itinerary or return to the port earlier to ensure the safety of all passengers.

It’s recommended to check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly, such as bringing a jacket or windbreaker for cooler temperatures on the boat.

Discovering the Captivating Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the "Galapagos of Peru," are a true natural wonder waiting to be explored.

A captivating archipelago off the coast of Peru, the Ballestas Islands are a natural wonder ripe for exploration.

This captivating archipelago is home to:

• An abundance of sea lions, sunbathing on rocky shores and playfully frolicking in the waves

• Thousands of Humboldt penguins, waddling along the cliffs and diving into the nutrient-rich waters

• A vibrant array of seabirds, including guanay cormorants, Inca terns, and Peruvian boobies

• Breathtaking geological formations, such as the iconic Candelabro geoglyph, etched into the landscape

Visitors can witness this diverse ecosystem up close, gaining insight into the islands’ rich biodiversity and unique history.

Things To Know

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required to Book the Tour?

There is no minimum group size required to book the tour. Travelers can book the tour as individuals or in small groups, as the boat accommodates multiple passengers. The tour is available for solo travelers as well.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour includes the entrance fee, an eco-friendly boat, and a guide, but outside food and beverages are not permitted during the 2-hour tour of the Ballestas Islands.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those prone to seasickness. All participants must wear the provided life jackets for safety during the boat ride.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?

The tour price includes entrance fees and all necessary equipment. There are no additional taxes or fees not mentioned. Customers should be aware that some restrictions apply for certain travelers.

Can We Extend the Duration of the Tour on the Day?

Customers can’t extend the tour duration on the day. The tour is a fixed 2-hour experience, and there’s no option to add more time. The price covers the set itinerary and any extensions would need to be booked separately.

Sum Up

Set out on a captivating guided boat tour of the Ballestas Islands from Paracas. Explore stunning natural wonders and diverse wildlife, including the remarkable Candelabro de Paracas geoglyph, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins. With flexible cancellation policies and no upfront payment required, this two-hour adventure promises an unforgettable experience amidst one of Peru’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: