Excursion the Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands excursion offers a captivating one-day adventure for nature enthusiasts located 260 km south of Lima near Paracas. For just $25.00 per person, participants can enjoy a modern boat ride to witness an array of stunning wildlife, including Humboldt penguins, blue-footed boobies, and playful sea lions, all set against the backdrop of striking geological formations. The tour includes hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, and the opportunity to explore the famous El Candelabro geoglyph, making it an unforgettable experience. While the excursion seems packed with activities, there’s still more to uncover about this unique destination.

Key Points

• The Ballestas Islands excursion offers a one-day tour starting from $25 per person, providing a boat ride to the "Galapagos of Peru" to see unique wildlife.
• The tour includes a visit to the El Candelabro geoglyph, a mysterious landmark, and exploration of the Ballestas Islands, a significant wildlife sanctuary.
• The excursion is wheelchair accessible, with pickup service available from Centro de Paracas or the bus terminal, and a modern boat ride with a bilingual guide.
• Participants must bring their passport or ID, sun protection, and water, as lunch is not included, and there is a non-refundable tourist tax.
• Pregnant women, individuals with heart or respiratory issues, and babies under 1 year are restricted from participating in the excursion.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Excursion Overview

The excursion to the Ballestas Islands is an engaging activity that allows visitors to explore the natural wonders of this unique marine sanctuary.

Located 260 km south of Lima, near the town of Paracas, the tour is priced from $25.00 per person and lasts for one day.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking is convenient as you can reserve your spot and pay later.

The tour includes a boat ride to the islands, which are known as the "Galapagos of Peru" for their diverse marine fauna and impressive landscapes.

Booking Information

Booking your spot on the excursion to the Ballestas Islands is a straightforward process.

You can reserve your place now and pay nothing today. Simply check the availability for your preferred starting time.

The meeting point is the Xplorer Peru office, located at AA.HH. Alberto Tataje Mu??oz Mz. B Lt. 8 in Paracas.

Whether you’re staying in the Centro de Paracas or need transportation from the bus terminal, the tour includes a pick-up service.

Wildlife and Natural Features

Although often referred to as the "Galapagos of Peru," the Ballestas Islands offer a unique marine fauna and impressive landscapes all their own.

The islands are a sanctuary for numerous seabirds, including the Guanay guano bird, blue-footed booby, and Humboldt penguins. Iconic mammals like sea lions also inhabit the area.

The islands themselves are composed of striking rock formations, creating a dramatic backdrop for the abundant wildlife.

Visitors can expect to see a variety of marine life and stunning natural scenery during their excursion to this remarkable Pacific haven.

Tour Experience

Visitors embark on their Ballestas Islands excursion with a pickup from their hotel in Centro de Paracas. They’ll board a modern boat for a journey to El Candelabro, a mysterious geoglyph of uncertain origin. Next, they’ll explore the Ballestas Islands, a sanctuary teeming with abundant marine fauna and stunning natural beauty. The group service includes a fast boat, lifejackets, and a bilingual guide fluent in Spanish and English. After their island adventure, guests will be returned to their hotel or the bus terminal in Paracas.

Activity	Inclusion	Notes
Hotel pickup	✓	Centro de Paracas
Boat ride to El Candelabro	✓	Mysterious geoglyph
Ballestas Islands exploration	✓	Abundant wildlife
Bilingual guide	✓	Spanish and English
Return transfer	✓	Hotel or bus terminal

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Important Notes

Certain individuals may be unable to participate in the Ballestas Islands excursion, including pregnant women, those with heart or respiratory issues, and babies under 1 year old.

Participants should bring their passport or ID, along with sun protection like sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. A camera is recommended to capture the stunning wildlife and landscapes.

Travelers should also pack water, as lunch isn’t included. Visitors must pay a tourist tax of 16 soles for adults and 8 soles for children.

It’s important to note that the tour is non-refundable, so careful planning is advised.

Activity Details

The Ballestas Islands excursion offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a remarkable natural wonder along the Peruvian coast.

Situated 260 km south of Lima near Paracas, the tour takes guests on a modern boat ride to El Candelabro, a mysterious geoglyph, before journeying to the Ballestas Islands.

This wildlife sanctuary is teeming with an abundance of marine fauna, including guanay guano birds, blue-footed boobies, Humboldt penguins, and sea lions.

The group service includes a fast boat, lifejackets, and a bilingual guide fluent in Spanish and English.

Participants will also enjoy a return transfer to their hotel or the Paracas bus terminal, completing this immersive exploration of Peru’s natural treasures.

Location and Accessibility

The Ballestas Islands excursion takes place 260 km south of Lima, near the town of Paracas. This location is easily accessible, as the meeting point is at the Xplorer Peru office in Paracas.

The tour includes pick-up from hotels in the Centro de Paracas area. Plus, the excursion is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors of all abilities.

Participants will embark on a modern boat ride to explore the islands and their abundant wildlife. The tour’s convenient location and accessibility ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all travelers.

Pricing and Cancellation

Pricing for the Ballestas Islands excursion starts from $25.00 per person. The duration of the tour is valid for one day.

Regarding cancellation, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility allows travelers to plan their trip with peace of mind.

The meeting point for the excursion is the Xplorer Peru office, located at AA.HH. Alberto Tataje Muñoz Mz. B Lt. 8 – Paracas.

Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later, making it convenient to secure their place on the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Ballestas Islands?

The best time to visit the Ballestas Islands is during the dry season, from May to October. This period offers calmer seas, clearer skies, and the opportunity to observe the islands’ abundant marine life and seabird colonies in their natural habitats.

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

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. However, the tour package doesn’t include lunch, so travelers will need to plan and pack their own snacks and beverages for the excursion.

Are There Any Safety Precautions I Should Be Aware of During the Tour?

The tour has several safety precautions. Passengers shouldn’t bring pregnant women, those with heart/respiratory issues, or babies under 1 year. They should wear life jackets and bring sun protection. The boat is modern and operated by a bilingual guide.

Can I Extend My Stay on the Ballestas Islands if I Want to Explore Further?

Unfortunately, the Ballestas Islands tour is a day trip and doesn’t allow for extending your stay on the islands. The tour schedule is fixed, and visitors aren’t permitted to explore the islands independently beyond the guided boat ride.

Are There Any Additional Activities or Sights to See in the Paracas Area?

The Paracas area offers several additional activities and sights beyond the Ballestas Islands excursion. Visitors can explore the Paracas National Reserve, visit the Paracas Peninsula, and enjoy various water sports and cultural experiences in the region.

Recap

The Ballestas Islands excursion offers a captivating one-day adventure filled with stunning wildlife, geological formations, and the opportunity to explore the famous El Candelabro geoglyph. Priced at just $25.00 per person, this tour provides excellent value for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. With convenient hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, and easy accessibility, it’s an unforgettable experience not to be missed.

You can check if your dates are available here: