Boat Excursion to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve
Our Ballestas Islands tour sails to watch sea lions, Humboldt penguins and thousands of birds, and then discovers the desert landscapes and red beaches of the Paracas National Reserve.
Where the desert meets the ocean
Summary
Paracas is one of the most fascinating natural destinations on the Peruvian coast. This Ballestas Islands tour combines a boat trip to the islands, known as the little Galápagos of Peru, with a tour of the Paracas National Reserve.
First, by speedboat you circle the islands to get a close look at colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, boobies, pelicans and cormorants. On the way, you also see the Candelabra, a huge geoglyph drawn on the side of a dune facing the sea.
Then you explore the reserve, where the desert meets the ocean. You visit the interpretation center, Red Beach and cliffside viewpoints and, finally, have lunch at the fishing village of Lagunillas. You can combine it with Huacachina on the same day; also, the Nazca Lines are further south.
Highlights
Itinerary
07:30 - 08:00
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in Paracas before the boat trip.
Our team picks you up at your hotel in Paracas and then takes you to El Chaco pier, the departure point for the boat trip.
08:00 - 10:00
Boat trip to the Ballestas Islands
Marine wildlife and the Candelabra geoglyph.
You sail by speedboat to the Ballestas Islands. On the way, you see the Candelabra; then you circle the islands to watch sea lions, Humboldt penguins and thousands of seabirds.
10:00 - 10:30
Return to the pier
Disembarkation at El Chaco, then the land tour.
Then we return to El Chaco pier, where you board the vehicle to begin the tour of the reserve.
10:30 - 11:15
Interpretation center
Introduction to the reserve's ecosystem.
Later, we visit the interpretation center of the Paracas National Reserve to learn about its biodiversity, geology and the history of the Paracas culture.
11:15 - 13:00
Red Beach and viewpoints
Landscapes where the desert meets the sea.
Then we tour the reserve to Red Beach, with reddish sand of volcanic origin, as well as the cliffside viewpoints, with spectacular views of the ocean.
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch in Lagunillas
Fishing village by the sea.
Finally, we reach the fishing village of Lagunillas, where you have time to enjoy fresh fish and seafood at oceanfront restaurants.
14:00 - 14:45
Return to your hotel
Transfer back to your hotel in Paracas when the tour ends.
At the end, we take you back to your hotel in Paracas.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in Paracas
- Speedboat trip to the Ballestas Islands
- Tourist transportation in the Paracas National Reserve
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Pier boarding tax
- Entrance to the Paracas National Reserve
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Lunch
- Drinks and snacks
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
Windbreaker jacket for the boat trip
Comfortable, light clothing
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Camera with zoom
Water
Passport or identification document
Weather
Paracas has a warm, dry climate. However, during the morning boat trip it can be cold and windy, while strong winds are common in the reserve in the afternoon.
Best season
The excursion operates all year. From December to March the weather is warmer; however, the boat trip may be suspended if the port authority orders it due to swells.
Recommendations
Landing on the Ballestas Islands is not allowed, because they are a protected area. Also, if you tend to get seasick, take preventive medication before the boat trip.
Gallery
FAQ
Can I land on the Ballestas Islands?
No. On the Ballestas Islands tour, observation is done from the boat, because the islands are a protected area; however, the boat gets close enough to see the wildlife clearly.
Which animals can be seen?
Sea lions, Humboldt penguins, boobies, pelicans, cormorants and other seabirds. Also, dolphins are occasionally spotted.
What is the Candelabra?
It is a large geoglyph drawn on the side of a dune facing the sea, although its origin and meaning are still debated.
What happens if there are strong swells?
The port authority may suspend boat trips for safety. In that case, the departure is rescheduled or, alternatively, another option is offered.
Can I do this tour from Lima?
Yes. We can organize a full day from Lima combining the Ballestas Islands with the Paracas Reserve or with Huacachina.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. The land portion can be done as a private service, while the boat trip is done on shared or private boats depending on availability.
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