Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve Group Tour

Duration 6 /7 hours

Destination Paracas

Group Size Up to 40 guests

Tour Type Group Tour

Tour Overview

Discover two of the most distinctive natural attractions on Peru’s southern coast with this shared experience combining the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve. The islands are home to South American sea lions, Humboldt penguins and numerous seabirds, while the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph adds another fascinating element to the coastal landscape.

The journey also reveals the striking scenery of the Paracas National Reserve, where desert, cliffs and the Pacific Ocean come together in a remarkable natural setting. Combining wildlife, coastal scenery and some of Paracas’ most recognisable landscapes, this experience is ideal for couples, families, solo travellers and small groups looking to discover the natural side of the region.

Tour Highlights

Speedboat to the Ballestas Islands with sea lions and Humboldt penguins.
See the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph overlooking the Paracas coast.
Explore the dramatic desert landscapes of Paracas National Reserve.
Discover rich marine wildlife and striking Pacific Ocean scenery.
Experience two of Paracas’ most iconic natural attractions in one tour.

Tour Information

Tour Level: Easy – suitable for most ages and fitness levels
Service Type: Shared group tour – Ballestas Islands boat excursion and Paracas National Reserve land tour with bilingual local guides
Departure Point: JD Adventure Travel office in Paracas
Departure Time: Meeting at 7:30 am for the 8:00 am Ballestas Islands departure
Duration: Approximately 6 to 7 hours, including free time and the lunch break
Tour Type: Nature, Wildlife & Coastal Landscape Experience

Tour Itinerary

7:30 am – Meeting & Check-in

Meet our team at the JD Adventure Travel office in Paracas approximately 30 minutes before departure. After check-in and a short briefing, you will walk to the nearby marina to board your shared boat.

8:00 am – Ballestas Islands Boat Tour

Begin your shared 2-hour Ballestas Islands boat tour across Paracas Bay. Along the way, admire the impressive Candelabra geoglyph before continuing towards the islands, where you may observe South American sea lions, Humboldt penguins and a variety of seabirds among dramatic cliffs, natural arches and rocky formations.

10:00 am – Return to Paracas & Free Time

Return to Paracas at approximately 10:00 am and enjoy around 40 minutes of free time to have a coffee, use the facilities or relax along the waterfront. Please return to the JD Adventure Travel office by approximately 10:50 am to prepare for the second part of the tour.

11:00 am – Paracas National Reserve Group Tour

Depart on a shared guided tour of the Paracas National Reserve, exploring some of its most distinctive coastal landscapes. Stops normally include La Catedral, Supay viewpoint, the Isthmus viewpoint and Playa Roja, where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean.

Lagunillas – Lunch Break

Continue towards Lagunillas, a small fishing area within the reserve, where you will have approximately one hour of free time for lunch at one of the local restaurants. Lunch is not included, allowing you to choose according to your preference.

Approximately 3:00 pm – Return to Paracas

After lunch, begin the return journey to Paracas. The tour concludes at approximately 3:00 pm at the JD Adventure Travel office.

Please note that all timings are approximate and may vary slightly depending on sea conditions, traffic, group pace and instructions from the local authorities.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

Shared speedboat excursion to the Ballestas Islands
Shared guided tour of the Paracas National Reserve
Bilingual local guide throughout the experience
Tourist transport within the Paracas National Reserve
Safety equipment for the boat excursion
Local assistance from the JD Adventure Travel team

Not Included

Tourist entrance fees and local taxes
Meals and drinks
Personal expenses
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Gratuities

Important Information

Meeting Time: Please arrive at the JD Adventure Travel office in Paracas by 7:30 am for check-in and boarding arrangements before the 8:00 am Ballestas Islands departure.
Sea & Weather Conditions: Ballestas Islands departures are subject to sea conditions, weather and instructions from the local maritime authorities. Routes or departure times may occasionally change for safety reasons.
Shared Group Service: Both the Ballestas Islands boat excursion and the Paracas National Reserve land tour are operated on a shared group basis. Departure times and the pace of the visits follow the group schedule.
Free Time Between Tours: After returning from the Ballestas Islands, you will have approximately 40 minutes of free time before meeting again at our office for the Paracas National Reserve departure.
Lunch in Lagunillas: Approximately one hour of free time is provided for lunch in Lagunillas. Lunch is not included, and guests may choose from the available local restaurants.
Motion Sickness: If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking your usual motion-sickness medication before the Ballestas Islands boat journey.
Wildlife Sightings: The Ballestas Islands are a natural environment; wildlife sightings can vary and cannot be guaranteed.
What to Bring: We recommend comfortable footwear, sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, water and a light jacket for the morning boat excursion.
WhatsApp Communication: Please provide an active WhatsApp number when booking so our team can contact you with any important updates before your tour.

Cancellation Policy

Free Cancellation: Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure to receive a full refund.
Late Cancellations: Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are non-refundable.
Ballestas Islands & Sea Conditions: If the Ballestas Islands route cannot operate due to adverse weather, sea conditions or instructions from the local maritime authorities, the Paracas National Reserve tour may continue as scheduled. Where permitted, an alternative coastal boat route, such as Islas Blancas, may be offered. If no suitable maritime alternative is available, the boat-tour portion of the booking will be refunded.
Paracas National Reserve Operations: The land tour is subject to local access conditions and instructions from the relevant authorities. If a particular area of the reserve cannot be visited, the route may be adjusted or an alternative stop offered where possible.
No-Shows: No-shows are non-refundable. Guests must arrive at the JD Adventure Travel office by 7:30 am for check-in and the scheduled Ballestas Islands departure.
Late Arrival: Guests who arrive too late to join the scheduled Ballestas Islands departure may be considered a no-show for the maritime portion, and no refund will apply for that service. If operationally possible, guests may still join the Paracas National Reserve group tour later in the day.

Ready to Book?

Travel Date

Adult $30

Departure Time

08:00 am $0.00

Total Price:$

Need Help Planning?

Our local team is here to help with availability, private arrangements and special requests.

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Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve Group Tour

Tour Overview

Tour Highlights

Tour Information

Tour Itinerary