Ballestas and Paracas from San Martin Port - JD Aventure Travel
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$100/

Per Person
  • 5 hours
  • Max People : 30
  • Paracas

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, two of Peru’s most spectacular natural treasures. Departing from Paracas, this thrilling journey begins with a scenic boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, where you’ll marvel at dramatic rock formations and encounter an abundance of marine wildlife including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and countless seabirds. Along the way, admire the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph etched into the desert hillside.

After returning to shore, continue your experience with a guided tour through the Paracas National Reserve — a stunning landscape of red beaches, desert cliffs, and turquoise bays. Discover ancient fossils, unique coastal ecosystems, and breathtaking viewpoints that showcase the raw beauty of the Peruvian coast. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike, this full-day tour offers a captivating blend of wildlife, mystery, and unforgettable scenery — a must-do while in southern Peru.

Included and Excluded

  • 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 1 hour ) to enjoy lunch or explore the town.
  • Transportation for Paracas Reserve.
  • Return transfer to Puerto San Martín in time for cruise embarkation.
  • 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.

Top Highlights

  • Exclusive shore excursion from San Martin Port, designed for cruise passengers.
  • Boat tour to Ballestas Islands: sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and seabirds.
  • Discover the Paracas National Reserve with desert landscapes and red beaches.
  • Stress-free, port-to-port service with guaranteed on-time return to your ship.
  • Professional guides and personalised attention for a safe, memorable journey.

Itinerary

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.

Frequently Asked & Question

Choosing our Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve tour from San Martin Port means travelling with peace of mind, comfort, and exclusivity. This excursion is designed specifically for cruise passengers, ensuring a stress-free experience with guaranteed return to your ship on time. Unlike shared or crowded options, we offer modern buses with A/C, comfortable boats, professional English-speaking guides, and a personalised service tailored to small groups. From the moment you disembark, we meet you directly inside the port—no shuttle required—so you save time and enjoy more of Peru’s natural wonders. With us, you can be sure of safety, punctuality, and an unforgettable journey along Peru’s most stunning coastline.

Booking with us means choosing reliability, comfort, and guaranteed satisfaction. We specialise in shore excursions from San Martin Port designed exclusively for cruise passengers, with port-to-port service, on-time return guaranteed, modern transport with A/C, comfortable boats, and professional English-speaking guides. Our small group approach ensures personalised attention and a more enjoyable journey, without stress or delays. With years of experience and hundreds of happy travellers, we are your trusted partner to discover the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve in the safest, most comfortable, and most memorable way.

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