Islas Ballestas - Paracas Boat Tour at the Galapagos of Peru

Paracas , Peru

Islas Ballestas - Paracas Boat Tour at the Galapagos of Peru

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

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About this experience

Live the magic of the Ballestas Islands Tour with us! Get to know its tourist pier and the marine fauna that surrounds this unique natural attraction. The Ballestas Islands Tour welcomes you!

Known as the Galapagos of Peru, or the" Galapagos of Poor". Yet, they are a fantastic wildlife destination: you probably would not expect to see penguins in Peru – yet they are there, sitting along sea lions and cormorants; swimming with dolphins and (depending on the season) even whales.

Available options

Islas Ballestas - Paracas Boat Tour at the Galapagos of Peru

What's included

Ticket to board the boat.

Tour guide (En / Sp)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Let's start by navigate to the most important wildlife sanctuary on the Peruvian Coast, two-hour excursion to the Ballestas Islands

• On the route we will have the opportunity to see the “Candelabro”, a gigantic figure of unknown origin, in the style of the Nazca Lines, drawn in the sand, on the side of a hill.

• Then we will sail fifteen more minutes and arrive at the Ballestas Islands where we can see rock formations and a great variety of marine species, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, chuitas, guanays, pelicans, oystercatchers, thousands of guano birds, These beautiful islands serve as home to thousands of migratory birds, who share their habitat with colonies of restless sea lions.

• Then we will arrive at the maternity hospital of sea lions

We return to the dock for the end of this tour.

What's not included

Tourist Taxes to the Ministry of the Environment S/ 16.00.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

It sometimes happens that the sea is too rough to visit the Ballestas Islands by boat. If a weather report announcing a storm, we may change for a safer option and visit Islas Blancas instead of Ballestas Island. If it is too dangerous for navigation at sea, a financial reimbursement will be refunded to you.

Meeting point

We will meet at the Pier, 10mn before the departure point

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.