2-Hour Tour to the Ballestas Islands from Puerto San Martín

Paracas , Peru

2-Hour Tour to the Ballestas Islands from Puerto San Martín

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(93 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the amazing wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, an unmissable experience upon disembarking at the port of San Martín.
We sail through Paracas Bay and see the largest peninsula we have in Peru. We then stop at a northern point of the Paracas peninsula to look at, photograph and film the Candelabra where the tour guide will briefly explain the measurements, materials from the area and its possible origin. The navigation continues and after approximately 15 minutes from Candelabro you reach the Ballestas Islands. Bird watching lovers will find a large number of these such as: seagulls, terns, boobies, cormorants, pelicans, vultures and Humboldt penguins. Definitely the highlight of the tour are the sea lions.

Available options

2-Hour Tour to the Ballestas Islands from Puerto San Martín

Pickup included

What's included

Lifejacket

All Fees and Taxes

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Ballestas Islands Tour.- We will board our slider with 02 outboard motors that will take us to the wonderful Ballestas Islands, we stop after about 10 minutes at a northern point of the Paracas peninsula to look at, photograph and film the Chandelier where the guide tourism in summary will explain about the measures, materials of the area and its possible origin. Then we will continue our trip to the most important majestic wildlife sanctuary on the Peruvian coast, where we will observe sea lions, booby birds, pelicans, penguins and other seabirds.
The return becomes relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze is a natural anti-stress.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

90 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Paracas

Paracas is a coastal resort town in Peru known for its beautiful beaches, rich marine life, and the stunning Paracas National Reserve. It offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination on Peru's South Coast.

Top Attractions

Paracas National Reserve

A protected area known for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unique geological formations.

Nature Half day to full day Moderate

Ballestas Islands

Often referred to as the 'poor man's Galápagos', these islands are home to a rich variety of marine birds and sea lions.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate

Red Sand Beach (Playa Roja)

A beautiful beach with unique red sand and clear waters, perfect for relaxation and photography.

Beach 2-3 hours Free

Paracas Museum

A small museum showcasing the history, culture, and wildlife of the Paracas region.

Museum 1-2 hours Budget

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ceviche

Raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, chili peppers, and cilantro.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and shellfish, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Arroz con Mariscos

Rice cooked with mixed seafood, including shrimp, mussels, and squid.

Lunch/Dinner Contains shellfish, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Chicharrón de Pescado

Fried fish, often served with rice, plantains, and salad.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Pisco Sour

A cocktail made with Pisco, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters.

Drink Contains alcohol, not suitable for non-drinkers.

Popular Activities

Sandboarding Dune buggy rides Hiking Boat tours Beach lounging Sunbathing Spas Museum visits

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the summer season in Paracas, with warm temperatures and clear skies. It's the perfect time for beach activities and exploring the national reserve.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

220VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Paracas is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to take standard precautions to avoid petty crime and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Rodríguez Ballón International Airport • 200 km from Paracas

By bus

Paracas Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are affordable and frequent. They are a convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Beat

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Paracas Beach Area

Day trips

Huacachina

200 km from Paracas • Full day

A small oasis town known for its sand dunes and adventure activities.

Nazca Lines

250 km from Paracas • Full day

Ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert sand, best viewed from the air.

Festivals

Fiesta de la Candelaria • February 2nd Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen • July 16th

Pro tips

Visit the Paracas National Reserve early in the morning to avoid crowds and see more wildlife.
Book a guided tour for the Ballestas Islands to learn more about the marine life and habitats.
Try the local seafood dishes, especially ceviche and arroz con mariscos.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water when exploring the national reserve.
Respect the environment and wildlife, and follow the principles of sustainable tourism.