The Ballestas Islands Full Day tour offers an exhilarating adventure for nature enthusiasts seeking to witness the vibrant marine life and stunning coastal landscapes of Peru. Departing from Lima, this excursion immerses visitors in the captivating Paracas National Reserve, where they’ll embark on a boat ride to observe playful sea lions, charming Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds in their natural habitats. With a limited group size, guests can expect an intimate experience as they explore the region’s iconic landmarks, such as the mysterious Nazca Lines candelabra. But the true highlight of this tour may just be the breathtaking vistas that unfold along the way, leaving participants eager to uncover more about this remarkable destination.

This experience made our list of the 14 Best Full-Day Tours In Paracas.

Key Points

Ballestas Islands Full Day - Key Points

  • This full-day tour provides a boat excursion around the Ballestas Islands to observe diverse wildlife like penguins and sea lions in their natural habitats.
  • The tour also includes a visit to the Nazca Lines candelabra and exploration of the Paracas National Reserve, showcasing the region’s natural beauty.
  • Participants can relax at Red Beach and Bay of Lagunilla, and the tour includes round-trip transportation from Lima and an expert guide throughout the day.
  • The tour accommodates up to 9 participants and is available in English and Spanish, with no upfront payment required for reservations.
  • While the tour offers close encounters with wildlife, it may not be suitable for individuals with mobility concerns or those over 95 years old due to accessibility limitations.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Ballestas Islands Full Day - Tour Overview

The Ballestas Islands Full Day tour offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural wonders of Peru’s Paracas Peninsula.

Priced from $220 per person, this full-day excursion takes guests on a journey through the area’s diverse wildlife and landscapes.

Accommodating up to 9 participants, the tour is available in both English and Spanish.

Travelers can enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the convenience of reserving their spot without upfront payment.

With a focus on immersing visitors in the region’s natural beauty, the tour provides an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

Itinerary Highlights

Ballestas Islands Full Day - Itinerary Highlights

The Ballestas Islands Full Day tour kicks off with a pickup from your accommodation in Lima, followed by a drive to the coastal town of Paracas.

Once there, you’ll board a boat for a tour around the Ballestas Islands, where you’ll spot an abundance of wildlife like penguins, sea lions, and a variety of bird species.

Next, you’ll visit the mysterious Nazca Lines candelabra before exploring Paracas National Reserve.

There, you’ll see the Independence Monument, Supay Beach, and the breathtaking Cathedral Rock Formation.

You’ll also relax at the picturesque Red Beach and Bay of Lagunilla before the return bus ride to Lima.

Inclusions

Ballestas Islands Full Day - Inclusions

This tour includes a round-trip bus ticket from Lima to Paracas, as well as a transfer from the bus station to the pier.

Once at the pier, you will be accompanied by an expert tour guide throughout the day. The guided Ballestas Islands tour allows visitors to observe diverse wildlife, including penguins, sea lions, and various bird species.

Plus, the tour explores Paracas National Reserve, showcasing the Independence Monument, Supay Beach, and the Cathedral Rock Formation.

Relaxation time is provided at Red Beach and Bay of Lagunilla. While meals and personal expenses aren’t included, the comprehensive tour package ensures a seamless and immersive experience for participants.

Wildlife and Nature

Ballestas Islands Full Day - Wildlife and Nature

One of the key highlights of the Ballestas Islands Full Day tour is the opportunity to witness diverse and abundant wildlife in their natural habitats.

Visitors can expect to see a variety of penguins, sea lions, and an array of bird species including cormorants, pelicans, and Inca terns. The boat tour provides close-up encounters with these captivating creatures, allowing guests to observe their behaviors and interactions in the rugged, picturesque setting of the Ballestas Islands.

Beyond the islands, the tour also explores the scenic Paracas National Reserve, showcasing the region’s breathtaking natural beauty along the Pacific coast.

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Accessibility

Ballestas Islands Full Day - Accessibility

According to the tour information, the Ballestas Islands Full Day tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 95 years old. This is likely due to the boat tour’s accessibility and the uneven terrain in the Paracas National Reserve. The tour may involve navigating steps, walking on rocky surfaces, and traversing areas that are not wheelchair-friendly. Plus, the advanced age of participants over 95 years old could present physical challenges during the excursion. Travelers with mobility concerns or advanced age should carefully consider the accessibility requirements before booking this tour.

Accessibility Considerations
Wheelchair Accessibility Boat Tour Paracas Reserve Terrain Overall
Suitable No No No No
Age Limit Under 95 Years Under 95 Years Under 95 Years Under 95 Years

Booking Details

Travelers can reserve their spot on the Ballestas Islands Full Day tour without upfront payment. The tour is priced from $220.00 per person and has a limited group size of 9 participants.

It’s available in English and Spanish, and travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes round-trip bus transportation from Lima, a transfer from the bus station to the pier, and the services of a tour guide.

The Ballestas Islands tour and the visit to Paracas National Reserve are also covered. Meals and personal expenses aren’t included.

Getting There

The tour starts with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in Lima.

You’ll then enjoy a comfortable bus ride to Paracas, the gateway to the Ballestas Islands. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours, allowing you to sit back and admire the changing landscapes as you leave the bustling city behind.

Upon arrival in Paracas, you’ll be transferred to the pier where you’ll board the boat for your tour of the Ballestas Islands.

The boat ride itself is an adventure, as you’ll get up close with the diverse wildlife that call these islands home, including penguins, sea lions, and a variety of bird species.

Noteworthy Information

One of the highlights of this tour is the opportunity to witness the mysterious Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 2,000-year-old geoglyphs, etched into the desert landscape, are best seen from the air.

The tour also includes a visit to the Paracas National Reserve, where you’ll explore the Independence Monument, Supay Beach, and the Cathedral Rock Formation.

Relax at the stunning Red Beach and Bay of Lagunilla before heading back to Lima. The tour is limited to 9 participants, ensuring an intimate experience.

Keep in mind it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 95 years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to the tour details, guests can bring their own food and drinks to consume during the Ballestas Islands boat tour. The tour doesn’t provide meals, so bringing provisions is allowed and recommended to enhance the experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The Ballestas Islands Full Day tour is a set 1-day itinerary that cannot be expanded. However, travelers may choose to explore the region further on their own after the tour.

Do I Need Any Special Gear or Equipment for the Paracas National Reserve?

No, there’s no special gear or equipment required for exploring Paracas National Reserve. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera are all that’s needed to enjoy the scenic landscapes and wildlife viewing in the reserve.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, they do provide a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, which could be helpful for those on a flexible schedule.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Ballestas Islands Boat Tour?

There’s no minimum age requirement for the Ballestas Islands boat tour, but it’s not recommended for children under 5 years old. The tour involves boat trips which may not be suitable for very young kids.

Recap

The Ballestas Islands Full Day tour offers a remarkable opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of Peru’s coastal region. From observing playful sea lions and charming penguins to discovering iconic landmarks like the Nazca Lines, this tour provides an intimate and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts. With a comfortable transportation, limited group size, and a range of inclusions, it’s an adventure that shouldn’t be missed by those seeking to enjoy the wonders of the Peruvian coastline.

You can check if your dates are available here: