Discover the Ballestas Islands on a shared sightseeing boat tour from Paracas, with an approximate duration of 90 to 140 minutes. Travel aboard one of our boats with a canopy and learn about the coastal scenery and wildlife from your local guide. Along the way, see the Candelabro geoglyph on the Paracas Peninsula before continuing to the rocky islands. Look for sea lions, Humboldt penguins, Peruvian pelicans and other seabirds in their natural habitat. Wildlife sightings vary with the conditions on the day. Hotel pickup in Paracas is included according to the pickup details of your booking, and the tour ends at El Chaco pier. Food and drinks are not included. Bring a windproof layer, sun protection, sunglasses and a cap for the boat ride.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
We then stop at a northern point of the Paracas peninsula to look at, photograph and film the Candelabro where the tour guide in summary will explain about the measurements, materials of the area and its possible origin.
Great biodiversity is found thanks to the Humboldt current and the phenomenon of outcropping in addition to other factors such as the sun and winds. Birdwatchers will find a lot of these such as seagulls, seagulls, pikemen, cormorants, pelicans, vultures and Humboldt penguins. You will also see crustaceans, echinoderms, molluscs, seaweed and others. Definitely the highlight of the Tour to the Ballestas Islands are the sea lions or sea lions who steal everyone's attention for the curious ness of their behavior (sleep, "pose for the cameras", or simply socialize and live without problems because they occupy the top of the food chain in the area without natural predators).
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Ballestas Island Tour Sightseeing Boat lasts about 1h 30min–2h 20min. The itinerary has 2 stops.
Prices start at $24 per person for this Paracas experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
Children aged 3–12 pay from $24, adults from $24.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Yes, pickup is offered. Pickup points include Hotel Emancipador.
The experience is available in EN, FR, ES.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 135 participants.
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Children must be accompanied by an adult
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 53 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Paracas Explorer Travel Agency.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
We had a super experience!!! Wildlife is guaranteed! Our captain and guide took a lot of time and explained a lot. Wildlife with dolphins, penguins, and sea lions is guaranteed... I can warmly recommend it!
Guides were knowledgeable and very safe. Put us right onto all the wildlife
Excellent service and explanation from the Tour Guide. 100% recommended
The tour guide is knowledgeable and explains everything perfectly
I was able to see penguins and seals. Since it's chilly, warm clothing is essential.
Very well-organized tour of about two hours; the operators and guides were all very helpful and knowledgeable :) it is worth it to see sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and many other examples of local wildlife, recommended!
Oliver out guide was fantastic as was our captain at making sure everyone got a view of the islands and the wildlife. We were lucky enough to come across a pod of dolphins aswell thanks to the crews keen eye.
Totally recommended. Our guide was Ricardo, we had a pleasant chat in which he showed he knew everything about the Ballestas Islands and their history.
Our experience with Ricardo was amazing! He is very funny and knows a lot about the animals and environment! Paracas Explorer took care very well of everything!
Incredible experience. We did the Ballestas Islands and National Reserve tour. The staff has been very friendly at all times and has made things very easy for us (pick-up, recommendations, etc.). I would also like to highlight the guides, who share many details and were very attentive. Everyone who comes to Peru should take this tour. Finally, I would like to highlight that it is a sustainable tourism experience, which undoubtedly makes it 5 stars.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballestas Island Tour Sightseeing Boat | 1h 30min–2h 20min | 4.8 (53) | $24 | |
 Ballestas Islands from Paracas: boat tour with roof | 2 hours | 4.8 (377) | $20 | View |
 Paracas : Tour to the Ballestas Islands by Modern Boat | 2 hours | 5.0 (9) | $20 | View |
 2-Hour Tour to the Ballestas Islands from Puerto San Martín | 2 hours | 5.0 (118) | $49 | View |
 Ballestas island & Paracas reserve from PISCO CRUISESHIP TERMINAL | 4h 30min | 4.7 (87) | $100 | View |
| Ballestas Islands tour from Pisco CRUISESHIP TERMINAL | 2 hours | 4.6 (43) | $50 | View |
 Ballestas Islands Group Tour from Paracas | 2 hours | 4.3 (41) | $15 | View |