BALLESTAS ISLANDS
Discover the Enchanting Ballestas Islands – A Wildlife Tour Like No Other
Embark on an unforgettable Ballestas Islands tour from Paracas, Peru, and explore the rich marine biodiversity that makes this destination a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This exciting Ballestas Islands boat tour takes you across the Pacific Ocean to witness a spectacular array of wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, dolphins, and even seasonal whales, all thriving in their natural habitat. Often referred to as the “Peruvian Galápagos,” the Ballestas Islands are home to breathtaking coastal landscapes and the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph etched into the cliffs. Perfect for birdwatching, photography, and eco-tourism enthusiasts, this guided tour guarantees stunning views and a truly immersive experience. Book your Ballestas Islands tour today and discover why this half-day marine adventure is one of the top things to do in Paracas and a hidden gem of the Peruvian coast.
Top Highlights
- See sea lions, penguins, and seabirds in their natural Pacific Ocean habitat.
- Enjoy a scenic boat ride from Paracas to the stunning Ballestas Islands.
- Witness the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph carved into the desert cliff.
- Perfect for birdwatching, photography, and nature enthusiasts.
- Short and easy 2-hour tour ideal for families and all ages.
Tour Level: Easy.
Service Type: Group Tour.
Departure: 08:00 am | 09:00 am | 10:00 am
Duration: 2 hours
Tour Type: Nature & Wildlife – Boat Tour.
Begin your unforgettable Ballestas Islands tour with a prompt meeting at our main office in Paracas, the departure point for this must-do marine adventure along the Peruvian coast. After check-in, you’ll board a modern speedboat and cruise across the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean toward the iconic Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “Peruvian Galápagos” due to their remarkable biodiversity. During this 2-hour boat tour, you’ll encounter sea lions lounging on the rocks, playful Humboldt penguins waddling along the shore, and large colonies of seabirds including pelicans, boobies, and cormorants. One of the first highlights is a stop to observe the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph — a massive, ancient figure etched into the cliffside, visible only from the sea. As you approach the Ballestas Islands, be prepared for breathtaking views of unique rock formations, sea caves, and vibrant wildlife, all in their natural habitat. This eco-friendly tour is ideal for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and photographers seeking the best things to do in Paracas. With departures in the early morning to take advantage of calm seas and active wildlife, this Ballestas Islands boat tour is one of the top-rated attractions in Paracas and an essential addition to your Peru itinerary.
Included:
- Speedboat tour to the Ballestas Islands from Paracas.
- Life jackets and safety equipment.
- Professional bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish).
- Guided sightseeing of the Candelabra geoglyph and wildlife.
Not Included:
- Entrance fee to the Ballestas Islands: 16 soles or $5 USD (cash only).
- Personal expenses.
- Hotel pick-up or drop-off.
- Food and beverages.
Note:
The Ballestas Islands entrance fee is not included in the tour price and must be paid in cash (in Peruvian soles or US dollars) directly at the port before departure.
Allowed:
- Photography and video (non-professional equipment).
- Binoculars for birdwatching.
- Personal backpacks or small bags.
- Hats and sunglasses.
Water in personal bottles.
Not Allowed:
- Drones (prohibited by local authorities).
Littering or feeding wildlife. - Smoking during the tour.
- Large luggage or suitcases.
- Loud music or disruptive behaviour.
What to Bring:
- Light jacket or windbreaker (it can be windy).
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Comfortable shoes (you won’t disembark but comfort matters).
Camera or smartphone for photos. - Cash in soles or US dollars for entrance fee.
- A small bottle of water.
Please note that the meeting point for the Ballestas Islands tour is at our main office in Paracas, and all passengers must arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time to complete the check-in process and receive safety instructions. It is essential to provide a valid phone number with WhatsApp access at the time of booking, as we may need to contact you for updates or last-minute changes related to the tour.
⚠️ This tour is not suitable for cruise ship passengers arriving at San Martín Port, due to timing restrictions and distance from Paracas.
Please be aware that this tour is highly weather-dependent and may be modified, delayed, or cancelled without prior notice for safety reasons, in accordance with maritime conditions and port authority guidelines.
As the Ballestas Islands are a protected natural reserve, wildlife sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed, as the presence of sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and birds depends on seasonal and environmental factors.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation to ensure a safe and respectful experience in one of Peru’s most biodiverse coastal areas.
Your tour is confirmed immediately upon booking, and you will receive an official confirmation by email or WhatsApp. We accept all major credit and debit cards and offer secure online payment options for your convenience.
You may cancel or reschedule your tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time at no additional cost. If you fail to show up on the day of the tour (No Show), no refunds or rescheduling will be offered.
In the event that the tour must be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions or by decision of the port authorities, we will offer you the following three alternatives:
Postpone your tour to the next available departure.
Join an alternative tour of equal value.
Receive a full refund of your payment.
We are committed to providing flexibility and transparency, ensuring your experience in Paracas is enjoyable, safe, and fair under all circumstances.
Why Book This Tour
Why Book With Us?
Ballestas Islands
From $15 USD per person
Free Cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
To see more Tours in Paracas
To see more Tours in Peru
What Our Customers Say
Our clients consistently praise our tours for their professionalism, punctuality, and exceptional service. Many highlight the knowledgeable bilingual guides, the comfort and safety of our boats, and the unforgettable wildlife sightings. With thousands of positive reviews, travellers recommend us as the top choice for Paracas tours, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience every time.
Posted on Ainsley Gaudet31 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jose, was very accommodating to us when we decided we wanted to switch to a buggy rather than a scooter. Meant so much to us & we had a phenomenal time. The ladies that assisted us were helpful and very sweet. Great communication all in all, everyone we spoke to answered our questions to the fullest. Totally recommend booking with JD Adventures.Posted on K.C. Worrall3 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our experience with JD Adventure Travel was terrific! We were met exactly on time and in the right place and whisked away without a moments' loss. Our guide, Olenka, stayed with us the entire tour and was delightful! She was very knowledgeable and also knew how to get the best out of every situation. We could not have been more pleased with the whole tour, and highly recommend JD Adventure Travel to everyone!Posted on Marta Iwanicka15 November 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Super wycieczka, polecamPosted on 岡安尚子1 November 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ベルーのカヤオ港からクスコとマチュピチュを観光する2泊3日のツアーでした。 23人という大人数でしたが、余裕を持ったスケジュールで、何の心配もありませんでした。各地を堪能し、楽しむことができました。ツアーガイドもマチュピチュの日本語ガイドも素晴らしかったです。Posted on Ignacio Cabrera26 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Muy buena experiencia! La recomiendo 100%.Posted on Pablo Galofré20 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excelente experiencia con la scotter por Paracas, y gracias a las recomendaciones de José, un gran día!Posted on Daniel George18 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. "Absolutely fantastic experience with Peru Sights! Their team was professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable. The tour of Machu Picchu was seamless and truly awe-inspiring.Posted on tim breidbach16 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nice experience, super easy communication beforehand. We did the 3pm bufggy tour through the nature reserve and had to take the 5:40 Pm back to Lima. The crew made sure everything is on time and we had a nice closing of our paracas experiece. Would definetly recommend.Posted on Marly Rocha7 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nos gustaría agradecer a Jorge por su atención y cuidado. Fue brillante.Posted on 李賦庭6 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The agent was super helpful! They gave me traffic information from Ica and answered all my questions. They keep following my traffic condition and successfully took me on the flight, even though there was traffic jam. The flight was wonderful! Highly recommended.
Posted on Tom KVerified Boat and Buggy tour This was brilliant. We did a boat tour to the islands to see Seals, Penguins and birds. Then had an hour break before going on a buggy tour through the national park visiting multiple beaches and driving the buggy through the desert. Completely safe, follow a private guide and see many incredible sights. Worth doing!Posted on SidRamageVerified Great views of the amazing Nazca Lines! Plane left punctually, flies for about 40 minutes to Nazca, spends 40 minutes there then flies back. The views of these extraordinary features were wonderful with every chance to take photos as the pilot made sure that passengers on both sides of the plane got excellent views of everything. Compared to a long drive to visit on foot (which would not allow you to properly see the full scale of the images) this is a must.Posted on Denise DVerified Two sites, one good tour. The weather was beautiful to visit the Ballestas Islands for the boat ride. Fabio was a wonderful guide, very animated. He explained all of the important information for Tambo Colorado as we walked through the ruins. I would recommend Fabio and JD Travel for your next tour to Pisco port.Posted on James HVerified First Class Excursion We benefited from a well organized and well informed excursion. The Paracas National Reserve is stark and dramatic with awesome sights. The team led by Jose did everything possible to ensure that saw and understood the key elements and they were diligent in keeping us safe at all times.Posted on jkedzufVerified Boat and bus tour from Pisco. The combined boat and bus tour was great. Our tour guide was Olenka and she did a very nice job discussing and answering questions from the group of about 25. We saw numerous penguins and sea loins.Posted on Luigia CVerified Top experience We did an amazing experience in Ballestas islands and the natural reserva in Paracas!!We enjoyed and Olenka has been a lovely guide for our trip!!! Amazing time!! I will recommend for surePosted on Gudrun KVerified Great - gladly again Everything worked great (advance contact, pick-up and return information, briefing at the airport) and to top it all off there was a very pleasant flight!