Ballestas Islands Tour

The Ballestas Islands Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Peru’s impressive marine biodiversity. Conveniently accessible from a variety of locations, this 2-hour excursion takes visitors on a scenic boat ride to the islands, where they can observe an array of captivating wildlife in their natural habitat. From playful sea lions to the iconic Humboldt penguins, the tour provides a remarkable glimpse into the region’s rich ecosystem. But the adventure doesn’t end there – guests also have the chance to witness the impressive Candelabra geoglyph, adding a fascinating historical element to the experience.

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

Key Points

• The Ballestas Islands tour offers a 2-hour guided exploration of the islands, featuring diverse marine wildlife like sea lions, penguins, and seabirds.
• The tour includes roundtrip transportation from hotels or the bus station, a motorized boat ride, and a visit to the Candelabra geoglyph.
• Tour participants can observe the marine life in their natural habitat, take photographs, and enjoy free time for seashore walks or shopping after the tour.
• The tour is available in English and Spanish, accommodates up to 8 participants, and offers a flexible cancellation policy with full refunds up to 24 hours prior.
• The tour provides an educational experience about the local wildlife and geography, and offers a unique opportunity to witness the marine biodiversity of the Ballestas Islands.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Ballestas Islands Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the diverse marine life found in the Paracas National Reserve.

Priced from $24.00 per person, this 2-hour tour accommodates up to 8 participants and is available in both English and Spanish.

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance, and booking is flexible with the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes pickup from hotels or the bus station, a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, and a guided exploration of the islands’ sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and seagulls.

Participants will also have the opportunity to photograph the Candelabra, a mysterious geoglyph on a nearby sand hill.

Itinerary

The tour starts with pickup from hotels or the bus station in Paracas by a JatPeru representative at 7:45 a.m.

At 8:00 a.m., participants board a motorboat at the tourist marina dock, equipped with life jackets and accompanied by a professional guide.

The tour visits the Ballestas Islands, where travelers can observe a variety of marine life, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and seagulls.

Along the way, the group makes a photo stop at the Candelabra, a mysterious geoglyph on a sand hill.

Upon returning, participants have free time to walk along the seashore or shop for crafts.

Inclusions

As part of the Ballestas Islands Tour, travelers are provided with a range of inclusions.

This includes roundtrip transfers from their hotels or the bus station to the marina pier and back.

The excursion itself is a motorized boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, where visitors can observe the diverse marine wildlife, such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and seagulls.

A professional guide accompanies the tour, providing commentary in both English and Spanish.

Entrance fees to the marina dock, which include a S/11 PEN ticket and a S/5 PEN tax, are also covered.

However, gratuities for the guide aren’t included in the tour price.

Highlights

Exploring the diverse marine wildlife is a highlight of the Ballestas Islands Tour. During the excursion, visitors have the opportunity to observe a variety of species, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and seagulls, in their natural habitat.

The tour also includes a photo stop at the Candelabra, a mysterious geoglyph on a sand hill, allowing guests to learn about this intriguing landmark from their knowledgeable guide.

The scenic boat ride offers ample opportunities for photography, capturing the beauty of the islands and the surrounding landscape.

The key highlights of the tour include:

1. Observing a diverse array of marine life.
2. Visiting the Candelabra geoglyph and learning about its history.
3. Enjoying a scenic boat ride with opportunities for photography.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Booking Information

Checking availability for starting times is the first step in booking the Ballestas Islands Tour. Customers can select the desired date and number of participants through the booking system.

The tour meeting point is in Paracas, where a JatPerú representative will pick up guests from their hotels or the bus station. Booking in advance is recommended, as group size is limited to 8 participants.

Customers can reserve now and pay later, with a flexible cancellation policy allowing full refunds up to 24 hours before the tour. The booking process is straightforward, allowing travelers to secure their spot on this exciting wildlife excursion.

Marine Wildlife

The Ballestas Islands are home to an abundance of marine life, including playful sea lions, stately Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds such as pelicans and seagulls.

Visitors can observe these creatures in their natural habitat, marveling at their behaviors and adaptations. The tour offers a unique opportunity to witness:

1. Sea lions basking on the rocks and playfully swimming in the waters.
2. Humboldt penguins, an endangered species, waddling along the rocky shores.
3. A diverse array of seabirds, including pelicans and seagulls, soaring and diving for their prey.

This incredible display of marine biodiversity is a highlight of the Ballestas Islands tour, providing a captivating and educational experience for visitors.

Candelabra Geoglyph

Along With the diverse marine life, the Ballestas Islands tour also provides an opportunity to witness the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph.

This giant figure, carved into the sand hill on the coast, is an enigmatic symbol that has intrigued historians and archaeologists for centuries. Measuring over 200 feet in height, the Candelabra is believed to have been created by pre-Inca civilizations, though its exact origins and purpose remain unknown.

During the tour, visitors can stop and admire this striking geoglyph, learning more about its significance from the knowledgeable guides. The Candelabra adds an extra layer of fascination to the already captivating Ballestas Islands experience.

Scenic Boat Ride

Visitors embark on a scenic boat ride during the Ballestas Islands tour, traversing the Pacific Ocean en route to the enchanting island sanctuary.

The motorized boat, equipped with life jackets, provides an exhilarating journey as the tour guide shares insights about the region’s captivating marine life.

Throughout the ride, guests enjoy:

1. Unobstructed views of the Candelabra, a mysterious geoglyph etched into the sand dunes.
2. Opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the diverse wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds.
3. A peaceful connection with the natural wonders that make the Ballestas Islands a must-visit destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm any specific policies or restrictions.

What Is the Weather Like During the Tour Season?

The weather during the tour season is generally mild and sunny. Temperatures typically range from 60-75°F (15-24°C), with low chances of rain. Visitors should dress in layers and bring sun protection to comfortably enjoy the outdoor boat excursion.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though parents should ensure young children wear life jackets and remain supervised throughout the excursion for their safety and enjoyment.

Can I Leave the Group and Explore the Islands on My Own?

Participants must remain with the group throughout the tour. Exploring the islands independently is not permitted for safety reasons. The tour is a guided excursion, and guests are required to follow the itinerary provided by the tour operator.

Are There Any Medical Facilities or Emergency Services Available During the Tour?

There are no dedicated medical facilities or emergency services directly available during the tour. However, the tour guide and boat staff are trained in basic first aid and can provide assistance if needed. Participants are encouraged to disclose any medical conditions beforehand.

Recap

The Ballestas Islands Tour offers a captivating 2-hour exploration of Peru’s stunning marine biodiversity. Guests can observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds in their natural habitat. The tour also includes a photo stop at the iconic Candelabra geoglyph, providing a rich educational experience about the area’s wildlife and history. With convenient hotel or bus station pickup and a scenic boat ride, this tour is an affordable and enriching way to experience Peru’s natural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: