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

The Ballestas Islands off the coast of Puerto San Martín offer a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant marine life of Peru’s Paracas region. A 2-hour tour aboard a covered speedboat allows visitors to get up close with sea lions, penguins, and a variety of seabirds. As the boat glides past the stunning cliffs and the iconic Candelabra geoglyph, passengers can’t help but be captivated by the sheer natural beauty of this remote archipelago. With convenient pickup options and a maximum capacity of 45 travelers, this tour is a must for anyone seeking to enjoy the wonders of the Peruvian coastline.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Paracas.

Key Points

• The 2-hour tour from Puerto San Martín provides an opportunity to observe diverse marine life, including penguins, sea lions, crabs, and pelicans.
• The tour operates with a maximum capacity of 45 travelers and is not suitable for those with back problems or wheelchair users.
• The tour includes a covered speedboat ride, ensuring unobstructed views of the coastline and marine life, with the left side offering the best vantage point.
• Pickup and confirmation logistics are well-managed, with a clear meeting point and free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour.
• The tour is highly recommended for visitors to the Paracas region, offering a comfortable and engaging wildlife sightseeing experience.

Tour Overview

The Ballestas Islands Tour is a 2-hour excursion that takes visitors from Paracas, Peru to explore the nearby Ballestas Islands. Operated by the Paracas Explorer Travel Agency, the tour costs from $49.00 and offers a comprehensive package.

Included in the tour are a lifejacket, all fees and taxes, lunch, and pickup from the Terminal Portuario General San Martín in Punta Pejerrey, Peru. The tour has a maximum of 45 travelers and isn’t recommended for those with back problems or wheelchair users. However, infants can participate by sitting on laps.

Tour Inclusions

The Ballestas Islands Tour includes a lifejacket, all fees and taxes, and a provided lunch for participants.

Pickup from the Terminal Portuario General San Martín in Punta Pejerrey, Peru is also part of the tour package.

Travelers will be greeted at the port terminal with a sign, and the tour starts promptly at 9:00 AM.

Confirmation of the booking is received upon reservation, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

This 2-hour excursion is operated by the Paracas Explorer Travel Agency and costs from $49.00 per person.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, though it isn’t recommended for those with back problems or wheelchair users.

Pickup and Confirmation

Travelers are greeted at the Terminal Portuario General San Martín in Punta Pejerrey, Peru with a clear sign, signaling the start of the Ballestas Islands Tour at 9:00 AM.

Confirmation of the booking is received upon reservation, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour.

The tour provider, Paracas Explorer Travel Agency, ensures a smooth pickup process, allowing guests to start their 2-hour adventure with peace of mind.

With this convenient arrangement, travelers can focus on the exciting wildlife sightings and scenic boat ride that await them on the Ballestas Islands.

Tour Details

Accommodating a maximum of 45 travelers, the Ballestas Islands Tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems and is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. Infants must sit on laps during the scenic boat ride in the covered speed boat. However, most travelers can participate and enjoy the tour’s highlights.

The boat ride offers the chance to spot various wildlife, including penguins, sea lions, crabs, and pelicans, as well as the iconic Candelabra geoglyph. Guests are advised to sit on the left side of the boat for the best views of the islands’ arches, caves, and scenic landscapes.

While there have been some logistical challenges mentioned regarding meeting points, the tour is highly recommended overall, regardless of the booking method.

Wildlife and Sightseeing

One of the highlights of the Ballestas Islands Tour is the opportunity to spot a diverse array of wildlife, including majestic penguins, playful sea lions, scuttling crabs, and graceful pelicans, along with the captivating Candelabra geoglyph.

The scenic boat ride aboard a covered speedboat offers guests unobstructed views of these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Visitors are advised to sit on the left side of the boat for the best vantage point, as the tour includes viewing of the islands’ iconic arches and caves.

The shared experiences of past guests speak to the remarkable sightings and breathtaking scenery that make this tour a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the Paracas region.

Scenic Boat Ride

Aboard a covered speedboat, the scenic tour of the Ballestas Islands affords visitors unobstructed vistas of the region’s breathtaking coastline and marine life. The boat glides smoothly over the waves, providing an up-close encounter with the diverse array of wildlife that inhabits the islands. Guests can observe the graceful movements of seabirds, the playful antics of sea lions, and the hidden crevices and arches that dot the rugged landscape.

Scenic Features	Advantages	Considerations
Panoramic Views	Unobstructed sightlines	Optimal seating positioning
Coastal Formations	Glimpse of unique rock formations	Potential for motion sickness
Wildlife Encounters	Up-close observations of marine life	Respect for protected ecosystems

The scenic boat ride offers a captivating introduction to the natural wonders of the Ballestas Islands, leaving guests with lasting memories of this remarkable destination.

Customer Feedback

Travelers have widely praised the Ballestas Islands tour for its magnificent wildlife sightings and breathtaking coastal vistas, with many expressing deep appreciation for the experience.

Guests have shared their delight at spotting a variety of marine creatures, including playful sea lions, colorful penguins, and graceful pelicans.

The scenic boat ride has been a particular highlight, with the covered speedboat providing optimal viewing from the left side.

While some have mentioned minor logistical challenges with meeting points, the overall satisfaction with the tour has been very high, regardless of the booking method used.

Travelers have overwhelmingly recommended the Ballestas Islands tour as a must-do activity for visitors to the Paracas region.

Tour Recommendation

The Ballestas Islands tour stands out as a must-do activity for visitors to the Paracas region, offering a captivating blend of wildlife encounters and scenic coastal vistas.

Travelers consistently rave about the tour, praising the opportunity to spot an array of marine life, including:

• Playful sea lions

• Majestic Humboldt penguins

• Vibrant-hued pelicans

• Scuttling crabs

• The iconic Candelabra geoglyph

The covered speedboat provides a comfortable and stable platform to soak in the breathtaking views, while the knowledgeable guides offer insightful commentary.

With convenient pickups, hassle-free logistics, and the option for free cancellation, the Ballestas Islands tour is a surefire way to make the most of your time in this picturesque corner of Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks for the 2-hour Ballestas Islands tour. The tour includes a lunch, but travelers can supplement with their own snacks and beverages if desired.

Are There Any Restrictions on Camera Equipment?

Based on the tour overview, there don’t appear to be any explicit restrictions on camera equipment. Travelers are free to bring their own cameras and photography gear to capture the scenic views and wildlife sightings during the tour.

What Is the Best Time of Year to See the Most Wildlife?

The best time to see the most wildlife on the Ballestas Islands is during the Peruvian summer, from December to April. During this peak season, visitors can spot a diverse array of seabirds, sea lions, and penguins.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Children?

There is no minimum age requirement for children on the tour. Infants must sit on their parents’ laps, and most travelers, including families with children, can participate in the 2-hour tour to the Ballestas Islands.

Are There Any Opportunities for Swimming or Snorkeling During the Tour?

The tour does not include any opportunities for swimming or snorkeling. It’s a scenic boat ride that focuses on viewing wildlife and natural formations around the Ballestas Islands. While the waters are visible, guests are not permitted to enter them during the tour.

Recap

The 2-hour tour to the Ballestas Islands from Puerto San Martín is an exhilarating experience for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Guests can spot diverse marine life, including sea lions, penguins, and pelicans, while cruising in a covered speedboat with stunning coastal views.

With convenient pickup options and a maximum capacity of 45 travelers, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the Paracas region.