Full Day | Ballestas Islands

The Full Day Ballestas Islands tour promises an exhilarating adventure off the coast of Peru. Guests embark on a 2-hour motorboat journey to witness diverse wildlife, including Humboldt penguins and sea lions, while exploring the enigmatic Candelabro geoglyph. The itinerary also includes a visit to Paracas National Reserve, with stunning viewpoints and a lunch stop at scenic beaches. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or an adventure seeker, this tour offers an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you craving for more.

Key Points

• Full-day tour to Ballestas Islands off the coast of Peru, priced from $36.40 per person and approximately 6 hours long.
• Motorboat tour includes diverse native fauna observation, such as tendrils, boobies, and Humboldt penguins, as well as a visit to the Candelabro geoglyph.
• Tour includes a visit to Paracas National Reserve with multiple scenic viewpoints and a lunch stop.
• Opportunities to see a rich variety of marine life, including seagulls, pelicans, chuitas, and sea lions, in the nutrient-rich waters.
• Hassle-free booking experience with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a flexible reservation process.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Full Day Tour

The full-day tour to the Ballestas Islands offers visitors a chance to explore the remarkable natural wonders of this remote and untouched archipelago off the coast of Peru.

Visitors can explore the remarkable natural wonders of the remote and untouched Ballestas Islands off the coast of Peru.

Priced from $36.40 per person, the tour lasts approximately 6 hours and departs between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. from hotels in Ica.

During the tour, travelers will take a motorboat to the Ballestas Islands, where they can observe a diverse array of native fauna, including tendrils, boobies, seagulls, pelicans, chuitas, Humboldt penguins, and sea lions.

The tour also includes visits to the Paracas National Reserve and several scenic beaches.

Itinerary and Schedule

The full-day tour to the Ballestas Islands begins with a pick-up at hotels in Ica, followed by a transfer to the El Chaco dock in Paracas.

From there, visitors embark on a motorboat tour of the islands, lasting approximately 2 hours. During the tour, they’ll witness:

• The impressive Candelabro geoglyph

• Diverse native fauna, including tendrils, boobies, seagulls, pelicans, chuitas, Humboldt penguins, and sea lions

After the boat tour, there is free time for breakfast or a leisurely stroll at the El Chaco dock.

The tour also includes a visit to the Paracas National Reserve, including viewpoints at La Catedral, Punta Santa María, and Playa Roja, as well as stops at Lagunilla beach for lunch and La Mina beach before returning to Ica by 4:30 PM.

Highlights of the Ballestas Islands

Visitors to the Ballestas Islands are treated to a captivating display of nature’s wonders. The islands are home to diverse marine life, including tendrils, boobies, seagulls, pelicans, chuitas, Humboldt penguins, and sea lions.

The Candelabro geoglyph, a giant prehistoric design etched into the cliffs, is a mysterious attraction. Travelers can observe these unique species and landmarks from the comfort of a motorboat tour, which lasts approximately two hours.

The experience offers a chance to witness the vibrant, untamed ecosystem of the Ballestas Islands, a true highlight of any visit to the Paracas region.

Native Fauna Sighting Opportunities

During the motorboat tour of the Ballestas Islands, visitors can observe a remarkable array of native fauna.

The tour offers sightings of:

• Tendrils, soaring sea birds with distinctive markings

• Boobies, graceful and acrobatic seabirds

• Seagulls, ubiquitous scavengers of the islands

• Humboldt penguins, the only penguin species found in Peru

In addition, visitors can spot pelicans, chuitas, and sea lions, all thriving in the nutrient-rich waters surrounding the Ballestas Islands.

This abundance of wildlife makes the tour a truly captivating experience for nature enthusiasts.

More Great Tours Nearby

Paracas National Reserve Exploration

After the Ballestas Islands tour, the full-day excursion takes visitors to explore the Paracas National Reserve.

They’ll visit viewpoints like La Catedral, Punta Santa María, and Playa Roja, showcasing the reserve’s dramatic landscapes.

Then, the tour stops at Lagunilla beach for lunch and La Mina beach, offering opportunities to relax and take in the coastal scenery.

The entire Paracas National Reserve exploration provides a well-rounded experience, complementing the wildlife sightings from the Ballestas Islands portion of the tour.

Included and Optional Experiences

The full-day tour to the Ballestas Islands includes several key experiences.

The Ballestas Islands tour offers a diverse array of wildlife sightings and scenic viewpoints in the Paracas National Reserve.

Guests will embark on a motorboat tour of the Ballestas Islands, where they’ll witness a diverse array of native wildlife, including:

• Tendrils, boobies, seagulls, and pelicans

• Chuitas and Humboldt penguins

• Sea lions

After the Ballestas Islands tour, the trip continues with a visit to the Paracas National Reserve, where travelers can explore scenic viewpoints like La Catedral, Punta Santa María, and Playa Roja.

The tour also includes stops at Lagunilla beach for lunch and La Mina beach.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Travelers can reserve their spot on the full-day Ballestas Islands tour without any upfront payment.

The booking allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a full refund for those unable to attend. Guests can also check availability for desired start times to coordinate their schedules.

The tour operators strive to provide a hassle-free booking experience, allowing visitors to focus on the exciting exploration of the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve.

Booking this experience is flexible and straightforward, making it easy for travelers to secure their spot on this memorable tour.

Customer Testimonials

Overwhelmingly positive feedback from past travelers reflects the exceptional experience offered by the full-day Ballestas Islands tour.

The tour has earned a perfect 5/5 rating based on a verified review from a GetYourGuide traveler.

Highlights of the customer testimonial include:

Incredible up-close encounters with the diverse wildlife, stunning views of dramatic rock formations, and excellent organization by friendly guides.

• "Incredible up-close encounters with the diverse wildlife on the islands"

• "Stunning views of the dramatic rock formations and Candelabro geoglyph"

• "Excellent organization and friendly guides who provided valuable information"

• "Convenient pickup and drop-off service made the day seamless and stress-free"

The Ballestas Islands tour caters to a range of travelers, including couples, friends, solo adventurers, and families.

Since You Asked

Is Transportation to and From Ica Provided?

Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation between Ica and Paracas. Specifically, it provides pickup from the hotel in Ica and a return transfer to the bus station or accommodation in Ica at the end of the day.

What Types of Food Are Available for Lunch?

The tour includes a stop at Lagunilla beach for lunch, where travelers can purchase food on their own at local restaurants or bring their own. The tour does not include any provided lunch options.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks?

Visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks for the tour. The itinerary doesn’t include a provided lunch, so bringing personal provisions can help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience during the day’s activities.

Are Audio Guides or Tour Guides Provided?

The tour includes a guide who provides commentary and information about the Ballestas Islands and its wildlife during the motorboat tour. Audio guides are not provided, but the guide ensures travelers have a informative experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, as it includes sightseeing of native fauna like penguins and sea lions. However, parents should consider the 2-hour boat ride and ensure their children are comfortable with the length and duration of the excursion.

The Sum Up

The Full Day Ballestas Islands tour offers an unforgettable adventure along Peru’s coast. Travelers can witness diverse wildlife, explore the Candelabro geoglyph, and visit Paracas National Reserve. With convenient hotel pick-up, a motorboat journey, and a scenic lunch stop, this tour promises an engaging experience for nature enthusiasts. Booking and cancellation policies are available, and customer testimonials attest to the tour’s exceptional quality.

You can check availability for your dates here: