Shore Excursion from San Martin Port: Ballestas Islands & Tambo Colorado Tour for Cruise Passengers
Discover the magic of Peru with our exclusive Ballestas Islands & Tambo Colorado tour from San Martin Port, specially designed for cruise passengers who want to explore the best of nature, history, and culture in one day. Starting directly port-to-port, without the stress of transfers or waiting, you will first enjoy a fascinating boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, also known as the “Little Galapagos of Peru,” where you will observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, a great variety of seabirds, and the enigmatic geoglyph known as El Candelabro. After this natural wonder, we continue by land to the Tambo Colorado, one of the most important and best-preserved Inca administrative centers on the Peruvian coast, where you will walk through ancient plazas, ceremonial sites, and colorful adobe walls that still maintain traces of their original pigments. This combination of marine wildlife and Inca heritage offers a unique experience that you will not find anywhere else. Our tours are guaranteed, with a stress-free return to your cruise ship on time, so you can relax and enjoy every moment with confidence. With years of experience operating shore excursions since 2007, we are committed to providing a safe, reliable, and unforgettable experience for every traveler who chooses to explore with us.
Top Highlights
- Explore Ballestas Islands, the Peruvian Galapagos with penguins, sea lions & seabirds.
- See the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph, an iconic landmark on the Paracas coast.
- Visit Tambo Colorado, one of the best-preserved Inca sites on the Peruvian coast.
- Designed for cruise passengers from San Martin Port with port-to-port service.
- Guaranteed return to your ship, stress-free and on time, with expert local guides.
Tour Level: Easy.
Service Type: Group tour
Departure: 09:15 am
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Tour Type: Shore Excursion – Nature & Culture.
Our Ballestas Islands & Tambo Colorado tour from San Martin Port starts right at the port, just a few meters from your ship’s hangar, so there is no need to take the cruise shuttle bus—simply disembark and look for our company logo. From there, we will drive approximately 20 minutes to the tourist pier, where we will make a short stop for restrooms before boarding our boat. The navigation will be exclusively for our clients, with departures only according to the number of passengers confirmed that day, ensuring a comfortable and private experience. With an English-speaking guide, you will explore the stunning Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seabirds, and admire the enigmatic Candelabro geoglyph, carved into the desert hillside. After returning to the pier, you will have about 30 minutes of free time to use the facilities before we continue by vehicle to the impressive Tambo Colorado, one of the best-preserved Inca administrative centers on the Peruvian coast, where you will walk among ceremonial plazas, adobe walls, and ancient structures still showing original pigments. If time allows, we will make a short stop in the city of Pisco before returning directly to San Martin Port, ending the tour just a few meters from your cruise ship, stress-free and on time.
Included:
- Pick-up and assistance directly at Puerto San Martín, just a few metres from the cruise ship hangar.
- Professional English and Spanish-speaking guides holding a sign with our company logo.
- Tour in English for both tours.
- Round-trip transportation from Puerto San Martín to the Paracas tourist pier.
- Speedboat excursion to the Ballestas Islands (approximately 2 hours).
- Safety equipment and life jackets during the boat trip.
- Free time in Paracas (around 30 minutes ).
- Transportation for Tambo Colorado.
- Return transfer to Puerto San Martín in time for cruise embarkation.
Not Included:
- Tourist entrance fees (mandatory government fee 7 USD per person).
- Meals and drinks (available at restaurants in Paracas).
- Personal expenses and tips for guides or boat crew.
- Any services not clearly mentioned in the itinerary.
Note:
The entrance fee is not included in the tour price and must be paid in cash (in US dollars 7 USD per person) directly at the port before departure.
What’s Allowed
- Taking photos and videos during the tour.
- Carrying small backpacks or handbags with personal items.
- Using binoculars or cameras to observe wildlife.
- Bringing bottled water and light snacks..
What’s Not Allowed
- Swimming or disembarking on the Ballestas Islands (strictly prohibited to protect wildlife).
- Feeding or touching animals such as sea lions and birds.
- Throwing rubbish into the sea.
- Large luggage or suitcases on the boat.
What to Wear and Bring
- Light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather.
- A windbreaker or light jacket, as it can get windy on the boat.
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with good grip.
- Camera or smartphone with extra battery.
For your peace of mind!
We would like to reassure all our guests, especially those travelling with PRINCESS CRUISES and other cruise lines, that although announcements are sometimes made on board saying local operators cannot enter because San Martin is a container port, this can cause unnecessary confusion. For your peace of mind, please note that we are a fully accredited company that has been successfully operating shore excursions for cruise passengers since 2007. While it is true that ports in Peru are mainly for industrial use, whenever a cruise ship arrives, the local port authorities assign a safe and designated area where licensed operators and shuttle buses are authorised to operate without any problem. As a legal company, we complete all the necessary procedures and pay the official fees that allow us to operate inside the port, which means you will be met directly at the pier, just steps from your ship, without needing to take any shuttle bus. So please don’t worry, your journey with us is completely safe, professional, and guaranteed from port to port.
Meeting Point
The meeting point will be inside Puerto San Martín, just a few metres from the cruise ship hangar. You will not need to take the shuttle buses provided by the ship – simply look for our guides holding a sign with our company logo.
Communication Before the Tour
Two days prior to your excursion, we will contact you to finalise all details. Communication is very important, so we kindly ask you to stay attentive to any updates or last-minute changes. We strongly recommend using WhatsApp for faster and more reliable communication.
Weather Conditions
Please note that this tour is highly dependent on weather and sea conditions. In case of unfavourable conditions, the itinerary may be adjusted for your safety and comfort.
Comfortable and Modern Transport
For your convenience, all our buses are modern, well-maintained, and fully equipped with air conditioning and other amenities to ensure a pleasant journey. For the Ballestas Islands tour, we use modern, safe, and comfortable boats, specially designed for sightseeing and offering the best conditions for an enjoyable experience.
Wildlife Sightings
The Ballestas Islands are a natural habitat, meaning that the presence of species such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds can vary depending on the season and environmental factors. Although sightings are common, they cannot be guaranteed. We appreciate your understanding regarding this matter.
Changes and Schedules
Tour schedules are subject to change without prior notice. We kindly ask for your cooperation and flexibility in case adjustments are necessary to ensure the best possible experience.
Physical Condition & Recommendations
Accessibility:
Please note that this tour is not fully accessible for passengers using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, especially during the Ballestas Islands boat excursion, where boarding and disembarking may require some assistance. However, our team will do everything possible to support you so that you can still enjoy your experience.
Land Tours:
For sites such as Tambo Colorado or the Paracas National Reserve, the terrain is not completely accessible and may involve uneven ground. Still, we are always ready to help you make the most of your visit and enjoy your journey.
Private Tours:
If you have extreme mobility difficulties, we highly recommend booking a private tour, which allows us to dedicate personalized attention to your needs. For arranging a private service, please contact us directly.
Boat Tours Advice:
For the boat tours, we suggest taking motion sickness tablets if you are sensitive to sea conditions. We also recommend bringing waterproof clothing, as you may occasionally get splashed during navigation.
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 two alternatives:
- 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.
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.
