TOUR TO THE BALLESTAS ISLANDS
Tour to the Ballestas Islands: Explore stunning wildlife, sea lions, and birds in Peru's coastal paradise. Book Your Boat Ticket Online Now !
Trip essentials
Duration
2 hours
Tour Type
Archaeology
Travel Style
Comfort
Physical Rating
Easy
Starting from
TOUR TO THE BALLESTAS ISLANDS
Tour to the Ballestas Islands: Explore stunning wildlife, sea lions, and birds in Peru's coastal paradise. Book Your Boat Ticket Online Now !
“Discover Marine Wonder: Embark on a Scenic Boat Tour to the Ballestas Islands”
“Uncover the Enigma: Spot the Candelabro Figure and Reveal Its Hidden Secrets”
As you journey towards the Ballestas Islands, you’ll be captivated by the enigmatic Candelabro. This colossal, ancient geoglyph etched into a hillside en route has intrigued historians for centuries. Visible only from the sea, this iconic symbol adds a touch of mystery and excitement, setting the perfect tone for the adventure that awaits at the Ballestas Islands.
“Sail the Pacific’s Blue: Discover the Stunning Beauty of Ballestas Islands”
Sail through the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean as you embark on a journey to the Ballestas Islands. Surrounded by breathtaking coastal landscapes, this boat tour offers the perfect mix of serenity and excitement. The islands, with their rugged beauty and abundant wildlife, provide a picture-perfect backdrop for your adventure at sea.
“Encounter Humboldt Penguins Up Close: A Rare and Adorable Wildlife Experience”
Get ready for an extraordinary encounter with the charming Humboldt penguins! Typically found only in the southern polar regions, these delightful birds are usually spotted in Paracas. This is a unique opportunity to witness these endangered penguins in their natural habitat, making it a magical and unforgettable experience.
“Meet Hundreds of Marine Birds and Large Groups of Sea Lions”
Prepare to be amazed by the incredible diversity of marine life on the Ballestas Islands. From hundreds of birds soaring overhead to large groups of playful sea lions lounging on the shores, every moment is a spectacle. As you cruise around the rocky coast, keep an eye out for crustaceans clinging to the rocks—a small yet fascinating part of this vibrant ecosystem.
“Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Discover the Diverse Avian Wonders of the Ballestas Islands”
The Ballestas Islands are a paradise for birdwatchers, showcasing an incredible variety of avian life. With over 200 species, including the striking guanay cormorants, elegant Inca terns, majestic Peruvian boobies, and playful Humboldt penguins, these islands offer a bird-watching experience like no other. Marvel at the diverse birdlife as they soar, nest, and dive in their natural habitat.
“Discover the Guanay Cormorants and Their Eco-Friendly Impact”
Explore the fascinating guanay cormorants! These striking seabirds with their black and white plumage dive into the ocean, returning to bustling colonies. Beyond their impressive fishing skills, guanay cormorants produce guano, a highly valued fertilizer that enriches soil and boosts crop yields. Our tour offers families a unique chance to see these birds and learn about their crucial role in agriculture.
At 07:45, our guide will pick you up from your Paracas hotel and transfer you to the nearby harbor. There, you will board a speedboat with life vests and comfortable seats, so dress warmly as the wind picks up. First, you’ll spot the Candelabro, a mysterious geoglyph etched into the desert, and have the chance to take photos and learn about its history. Then, continue to the Ballestas Islands, where you’ll see over 200 bird species, including Humboldt penguins, and hundreds of sea lions. After a one-hour tour, we’ll return you to the harbor, concluding the service.
- Starting PointYour hotel in Paracas.
- Duration02:00
- Departure8:00 AM
- Languageenglish
At 07:45, our local guide will pick you up from your Paracas hotel and transfer you to the nearby Paracas harbor. Once at the dock, you will board a speedboat equipped with life vests and comfortable seats. Since it can get quite windy as the boat sets off, we recommend wearing a good jacket or windbreaker.
We will then embark on our journey to the Ballestas Islands. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to see the popular Candelabro, an enigmatic geoglyph etched into the desert floor centuries ago. This iconic figure overlooks the ocean, providing a perfect opportunity to take photos and learn about the most popular theories surrounding it.
Following our visit to the Candelabro, we will continue to the Ballestas Islands. These islands are a haven for marine life, featuring over 200 bird species, including Peruvian pelicans, sea gulls, Humboldt penguins, guanay cormorants, red-legged cormorants, Inca terns, Peruvian boobies, and turkey vultures. Additionally, you’ll encounter hundreds of sea lions resting on the beaches, lounging on the rocks, or swimming nearby. The islands also serve as a refuge for the shy Humboldt penguins, often spotted at the entrances of small caves near the cliffs.
After spending about an hour exploring the islands, we will return to the Paracas harbor, where our service concludes.
Inclusions:
Pick-up from your hotel in Paracas.
Transfer to the Paracas harbor.
Boat transportation.
Professional English-speaking guide.
Entrance fees.
Exclusions:
Extras & gratuities
What's Included
- Starting Point: Your hotel in Paracas.
- Tour Duration: 2 hours.
- Departure Times: 08:00 h. / 10:00 h.
- Language: English
What's Not Included
- Extras and gratuities.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance.
Sea Transport
Years of Experience
Ballestas Islands Boat Tour
Comfortable and safe coastal navigation
What to expect:
Modern and fully equipped speed boats.
Comfortable seats and excellent ocean views.
Certified life jackets for all passengers.
Experienced local captain
Ideal for wildlife observation and photography.
Guide
Expert Wildlife Guide
Local Guide
Professional local guidance throughout the experience
What to expect:
Friendly and experienced local guide.
Personalized attention during the tour.
Interesting explanations about Paracas and its wildlife.
Guidance during the Ballestas Islands excursion.
Assistance for photography and wildlife spotting.
English-speaking service for international travelers.
Download Tour PDF
Download this tour PDF brochure and start planning offline
Elizabeth G. / USA
“The boat tour to the Ballestas Islands was incredible! We saw penguins, sea lions, and countless birds up close. The guide was knowledgeable, and the scenery was breathtaking. A must-do in Paracas”
Grek F. / / Canada
“Amazing experience! The boat tour to the Ballestas Islands offered stunning views and wildlife sightings. Seeing the Candelabro geoglyph and the playful sea lions made it unforgettable”
Select the day you would like to enjoy this experience.
Selected: June 25th, 2026
