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US Calls +1 786 822 5897
UK Calls +44 20 4577 1857
Discover the magic of the Peruvian coast with our Shore Tour to Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve from San Martin Port, specially designed for cruise passengers looking for a safe, well-organised and memorable day ashore. From the moment you leave your ship, our local team takes care of the logistics so you can simply enjoy the experience. Your journey begins with a scenic boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “mini Galápagos”, where you can observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins and hundreds of seabirds in their natural habitat, as well as the mysterious Paracas Candelabra carved into the desert hillside. Afterwards, continue to the spectacular Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean in a dramatic landscape of cliffs, beaches and panoramic viewpoints, including highlights such as Playa Roja and Lagunillas. Carefully planned around cruise schedules, this shore excursion combines wildlife, nature and some of Paracas’ most impressive scenery while allowing an appropriate margin for your return to the ship. With local assistance, coordinated port logistics and our Return to Ship Guaranteed commitment, it is an ideal way to experience the highlights of Paracas during your call at San Martin Port.
8:30 am – Meet Us Directly at San Martin Port
Your shore excursion begins directly at San Martin Port, making the start of your day simple and convenient. Our team will be waiting for you inside the authorised port area, just a short distance from your ship’s exit, so there is no need to travel independently into Paracas before joining the tour.
After meeting our representative, you will be assisted directly to your designated vehicle, where the group will be organised and prepared for departure.
9:00 am – Departure from San Martin Port to Paracas
Depart San Martin Port aboard our comfortable tour vehicle and travel towards the Paracas Tourist Marina, approximately 20–25 minutes away.
During the journey, our team will provide the necessary information for the day and coordinate the timing of each activity around your cruise schedule.
Arrival at Paracas Marina – Priority Boarding
Upon arrival at the marina, there will be a short opportunity to use the toilet facilities while our team completes the final boarding arrangements.
As your boat and tickets are organised in advance, our cruise guests benefit from a coordinated priority boarding process, avoiding unnecessary time waiting in the general ticket queues.
You will then board the boat and begin your journey towards the Ballestas Islands.
Ballestas Islands Boat Tour – Approximately 1 Hour 50 Minutes
Cruise across Paracas Bay and begin with a view of the mysterious Paracas Candelabra, an enormous geoglyph carved into the desert hillside and visible only from the sea.
The journey then continues towards the Ballestas Islands, one of Peru’s most important marine wildlife areas. As you navigate around the natural rock formations, look out for colonies of South American sea lions, Humboldt penguins and numerous species of seabirds, including cormorants, pelicans and boobies.
Wildlife is observed in its natural environment, so the species and numbers seen may vary according to the season and natural conditions.
After exploring the islands, return by boat to the Paracas marina.
Free Time in Paracas – Approximately 35 Minutes
Following the boat excursion, enjoy approximately 35 minutes of free time in Paracas.
You may take a short walk along the waterfront, browse local shops, purchase refreshments or simply enjoy the atmosphere of this small coastal town before continuing with the second part of your shore excursion.
At the agreed time, regroup with your guide and board the vehicle.
Paracas National Reserve
Continue into the spectacular Paracas National Reserve, where golden desert landscapes meet the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Complimentary bottled water will be available aboard the vehicle as you travel through the reserve.
During the excursion, you will visit some of its most distinctive natural viewpoints and coastal landscapes, including:
Your guide will provide information about the reserve’s geography, wildlife and protected ecosystem while allowing time for photographs at the principal stops.
Return to San Martin Port – Return to Ship Guaranteed
After completing the Paracas National Reserve tour, board the vehicle for the direct journey back to San Martin Port.
The entire excursion is carefully coordinated around the ship’s schedule, and we plan the return with an appropriate safety margin before all aboard time.
You will be returned directly to the port to rejoin your cruise ship, completing a carefully organised port-to-port shore excursion combining the Ballestas Islands, marine wildlife and the remarkable landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve.
Included
Not Included
Port Meeting & Drop-Off
All our shore excursions from San Martin Port include direct port pick-up and return, so you do not need to arrange independent transport into Paracas. Our team will meet you at the designated meeting point within the authorised port area, conveniently located close to your ship’s exit.
Pick-up Time
The departure time shown on the itinerary is a reference time. For cruise passengers, the actual meeting and departure time is adjusted according to your ship’s scheduled arrival at San Martin Port.
For example:
Your final meeting time will be confirmed according to your vessel’s official port schedule, allowing sufficient time for disembarkation before beginning the excursion.
Return to San Martin Port
The same flexibility applies to the return journey. We continuously plan the excursion around your ship’s all-aboard and departure time.
If your vessel changes its schedule or is required to depart earlier than originally planned, we will adjust the timing and, when necessary, the order or duration of certain stops so that you can still enjoy the main highlights of the excursion while maintaining a safe return margin.
Return to Ship Guaranteed
Your excursion is organised specifically for cruise passengers, and returning you to San Martin Port with sufficient time before your ship’s departure is our priority.
With our Return to Ship Guaranteed commitment, the entire programme — from port meeting to final drop-off — is carefully coordinated around your cruise schedule.
Important Information
Our local team is here to help with availability, private arrangements and special requests.
Discover more port experiences carefully planned around your cruise itinerary.
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