Ballestas Islands Sightseeing Boat Ride from Paracas

Paracas , Peru

Ballestas Islands Sightseeing Boat Ride from Paracas

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(9 reviews)

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

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About this experience

Take a boat tour to see Peruvian boobies (native bird), penguins and abundant marine life. Check out the impressive Candelabra geoglyph, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, Peruvian pelicans as well as other impressive varieties of sea bird species. Feeling lucky? Watch the waters for dolphins.

Available options

Ballestas Islands Sightseeing Boat Ride from Paracas

What's included

English-speaking guide

2-hour sightseeing boat ride

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

As you cruise west from the tiny beach town of Paracas, you won't be able to miss the Candelabra geoglyph, a 150m high and 50m wide figure of a candlestick etched into the mountain, rumored to have been an ancient guide for sailors or a connection to the Nazca lines. A short description and time for photos is given before cruising on to the famous Ballestas Islands.

Ballestas islands is an excellent opportunity to see large families of over 100 sea lions sleeping on the shores, basking in the sun on the rocks or some barking loudly in efforts to protect their territory. Spot cormorants, the Peruvian booby and Peruvian pelican as well as other impressive varieties of sea bird species and Humboldt penguins nesting together in small groups. Feeling lucky? Watch the waters for dolphins.

Apart from the abundant marine and bird life found here, the Ballestas Islands are also very well known for the guano (seabird droppings) deposited on the island over thousands of years which creates a natural reserve of nitrogen-rich fertilizer over 50 meters deep in some areas. The guano came to be Peru's #1 export in the mid-19th century however today the extraction of guano has been regulated to every 10 years.

The return trip to Paracas is a quick, very windy, direct boat ride to the dock. You should have some time to take photos of the friendly pelicans that hang out on the shore line beside the dock, do some souvenir shopping or grab a snack before heading on to your next destination.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Ballestas Islands entrance fee (18 Soles)

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.7

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Make sure you bring adequate clothing to keep you protected from the cool ocean air, the sun and spray from the sea.

Bring a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the birds and sea lions.

If you are prone to motion sickness, you should take medication about a half-hour before you board

Meeting point

Departure location: Paracas Local Office - Av Paracas Mz D Lte 5, Paracas, Peru (next to the Gran Palma hotel)

Important notes

Departure location: Paracas Local Office (Paracas Explorer Office in Paracas located inside the Ballestas Island hotel, A.H.ALAN GARCIA PEREZ mz -LT 9 EL CHACO. )

Important: Please contact Bamba at bookings@bambatravel.com to confirm your departure information at least 1 week prior to your first day of travel.

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.