Tour Level: Easy. Service Type: Group tour Departure: 09:15 am Duration: 5 hours Tour Type: Shore Excursion – Nature & Culture.
Discover the magic of the Peruvian coast with our exclusive Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve tour from San Martin Port, designed especially for cruise passengers seeking a safe, stress-free and unforgettable experience. From the moment you step off your ship, we take care of every detail: no need to worry about shuttles or delays – our team will meet you directly inside the port for your convenience. Your journey begins with a scenic boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, often called “the mini Galápagos”, where you will witness sea lions, penguins, dolphins and hundreds of seabirds in their natural habitat, along with the mysterious geoglyph of the Candelabra. Afterwards, travel to the Paracas National Reserve, a breathtaking landscape of desert meeting the ocean, home to stunning viewpoints such as Playa Roja and Lagunillas, perfect for admiring Peru’s unique biodiversity and dramatic coastline. This tour has been carefully crafted for cruise travellers, ensuring timely return to your ship, full comfort, and a truly enriching experience without stress or rush. Join us for a guaranteed, port-to-port adventure, and let us show you why this is one of the most sought-after shore excursions in San Martin Port. Book now for an eco-tourism experience you won’t forget!
Your adventure begins directly at San Martin Port, just a few metres from your ship’s gangway, so there is no need to take the shuttle bus provided by the cruise line – simply disembark, look for our logo, and our team will be waiting for you. From here, we will transfer you by vehicle to the Paracas tourist pier, located only a short 15-minute drive away. Upon arrival, you will have a short break for restrooms before boarding a comfortable boat reserved exclusively for our clients, meaning we only depart with the number of passengers confirmed for that day, ensuring a more personalised and enjoyable experience. The tour will be conducted entirely in English. Your boat trip will take you to the famous Ballestas Islands, where you will marvel at sea lions, Humboldt penguins, dolphins, and seabirds, as well as the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph etched into the desert hillside. Returning to Paracas, you will enjoy one hour of free time to explore the small coastal town, shop for souvenirs, or taste delicious Peruvian cuisine by the bay; should no one wish to stop for food, we will continue directly to the second part of the tour. Next, discover the Paracas National Reserve, an impressive protected area where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean, visiting highlights such as Playa Roja, Lagunillas, and panoramic viewpoints showcasing the dramatic coastal landscapes and unique biodiversity. At the end of this unforgettable day, we will return you directly to San Martin Port, just steps from your cruise ship, ensuring a stress-free, port-to-port experience with a guaranteed return.
✅ Allowed: + Taking photos and videos during the boat tour. + Carrying small backpacks or handbags with personal items. + Using binoculars or cameras to observe wildlife. + Bringing bottled water and light snacks. ❌ 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.
Book your ideal trip in advance for a hassle-free journey; safe comfort and convenience!
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