Ballestas Islands Sightseeing Boat Ride From Paracas

The Ballestas Islands off the coast of Paracas offer visitors an awe-inspiring glimpse into the vibrant marine life of Peru’s Pacific Ocean. This 2-hour boat tour takes travelers on a journey through a protected natural sanctuary, where they’ll encounter a diverse array of wildlife, from playful sea lions to vibrant Humboldt penguins. Along the way, passengers will also marvel at the towering Candelabra geoglyph, an enigmatic ancient symbol that has captivated explorers for centuries. With an expert guide leading the way, this small-group experience promises to be both informative and unforgettable. But the true wonder lies in what else these remote islands have in store for the curious visitor.

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

Key Points

• A 2-hour boat ride from Paracas to the Ballestas Islands, a protected marine sanctuary home to diverse wildlife including penguins and sea lions.
• The tour includes an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and provisions, with a maximum of 45 travelers for an intimate experience.
• Highlights include the 490-foot Candelabra geoglyph, an ancient sailor guide, and the possibility of spotting dolphins swimming alongside the boat.
• Recommended attire includes waterproof jackets, hats, and sunglasses for protection against the cool ocean air and sun exposure.
• The tour operator offers a flexible cancellation policy, with a full refund available up to 24 hours before departure.

Overview of the Experience

Visitors can embark on a 2-hour boat ride from Paracas to the Ballestas Islands, a protected marine sanctuary teeming with diverse wildlife. Along the way, they’ll spot penguins, Peruvian boobies, sea lions, and Peruvian pelicans. There’s even a chance of seeing dolphins.

One of the highlights is the 490-foot Candelabra geoglyph, an ancient guide for sailors. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and all necessary provisions.

With a maximum of 45 travelers per tour, visitors are ensured an intimate and personalized experience amidst the natural wonders of the Ballestas Islands.

Tour Details and Logistics

The Ballestas Islands boat ride tour package includes a 2-hour sightseeing excursion, an English-speaking guide, the entrance fee of 13 Soles, and all necessary provisions such as food and drinks, along with gratuities. The meeting point for the tour is the Paracas Explorer Office on Av. Alan García Pérez in Paracas, Peru. Each tour can accommodate a maximum of 45 travelers, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Tour Details	Information
Duration	2 hours
Guide	English-speaking
Entrance Fee	13 Soles
Included	Food, drinks, gratuities
Meeting Point	Paracas Explorer Office

Wildlife and Sightseeing Highlights

Travelers frequently spot large groups of over 100 sea lions dotting the shores of the Ballestas Islands.

They can also observe native birds like cormorants and various species of seabirds during the boat tour. Bringing binoculars is recommended for better wildlife viewing opportunities, as the boat maintains a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the animals.

Visitors should prepare for cool ocean air and sun exposure throughout the 2-hour sightseeing excursion.

With some luck, guests may even catch a glimpse of dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the chance to observe the diverse marine life of the Ballestas Islands up close, from the iconic Peruvian boobies to the playful sea lions.

Recommended Attire and Preparation

With the boat tour’s exposure to cool ocean air and sun, visitors should dress appropriately for their comfort.

Wearing layers, waterproof jackets, and sun protection like hats and sunglasses can help ensure an enjoyable experience.

Since the Ballestas Islands are located offshore, guests may also want to consider bringing motion sickness medication if they’re prone to seasickness.

Plus, comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended to navigate the boat safely.

Packing a small backpack or bag can be useful for carrying personal items.

Meeting Point and Transportation

The Paracas Explorer Office, located on Av. Alan García Pérez in Paracas, Peru, serves as the designated meeting point for the Ballestas Islands boat tour.

From this central location, the tour operators coordinate the transportation of up to 45 travelers per excursion.

Participants will board the sightseeing boat for the 2-hour journey to the islands.

The boat ride itself is a key part of the experience, providing an opportunity to view the Candelabra geoglyph and encounter various marine wildlife along the way.

With the meeting point and transportation logistics taken care of, travelers can focus on the incredible natural wonders that await them on the Ballestas Islands.

Cancellation Policy and Refunds

Free cancellation is available for the Ballestas Islands boat tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, allowing travelers the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed.

This policy ensures that customers can receive a full refund should their plans change unexpectedly. The tour operator understands that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and they aim to accommodate their guests as best they can.

Customers who need to cancel their tour can do so conveniently through the booking platform, receiving their money back promptly.

This flexibility is an appreciated aspect of the Ballestas Islands sightseeing experience, enhancing the overall value and convenience for travelers.

Reviews and Feedback Summary

Travelers’ reviews of the Ballestas Islands boat ride offer a mixed perspective, with an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 8 reviews.

While some guests highlight the tour’s organization and the breathtaking beauty of the islands, others provide more critical feedback:

• Some reviewers mention that the guide’s English proficiency could be improved.

• A few comments note organizational issues during the experience.

• Opinions are mixed regarding the service quality compared to local agencies.

• However, the majority of travelers praise the boat ride as an enjoyable and memorable excursion.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Beyond the reviews, there are a few additional tips and considerations travelers should keep in mind when booking and embarking on the Ballestas Islands boat ride.

Firstly, it’s recommended to take motion sickness medication if prone to it, as the boat ride can be impacted by ocean conditions.

Plus, visitors should dress appropriately for the cool ocean air and sun exposure during the tour.

It’s also a good idea to bring binoculars to enhance wildlife viewing on the islands.

Ultimately, being prepared for the elements and taking necessary precautions will ensure a comfortable and memorable experience on the Ballestas Islands boat tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour details specify that food and drinks are included, but passengers are welcome to bring additional items for their personal consumption during the 2-hour sightseeing excursion.

Are There Any Toilet Facilities Available on the Boat?

The boat ride offers basic toilet facilities for passengers’ convenience during the 2-hour tour. Travelers should use these facilities as needed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the water.

Do You Offer Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?

The tour company offers discounted rates for children and seniors. Children under 12 receive a 20% discount, while seniors over 65 can enjoy a 10% reduction in the ticket price. Discounts are applied at the time of booking.

How Much Time Is Spent on the Boat Versus on the Islands?

The tour includes a 2-hour sightseeing boat ride, with no time spent on the Ballestas Islands themselves. The boat ride allows for wildlife observation and viewing of the Candelabra geoglyph along the coast.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, photography is allowed during the tour. Travelers can capture photos of the diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes they encounter throughout the boat ride. However, they should be mindful of the fragile ecosystem and avoid disturbing the animals.

Recap

The Ballestas Islands Sightseeing Boat Ride from Paracas is an unforgettable way to explore a protected marine sanctuary.

Travelers will witness diverse wildlife, marvel at the Candelabra geoglyph, and enjoy stunning ocean views, all led by an English-speaking guide.

With provisions included and a flexible cancellation policy, this adventure is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the Paracas region.