Consultations
Ballestas & Paracas Semi Private
Duration
5 / 6 hours
Destination
Paracas
Group Size
Up to 40 guests
Tour Type
Mix Services
Tour Overview
Experience two of Paracas’ most remarkable natural attractions on this Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve semi-private tour. Begin with a shared boat journey to the Ballestas Islands, passing the enigmatic Candelabra geoglyph before reaching the rocky offshore formations that are home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins and numerous seabirds.
After returning to Paracas, continue by land in a smaller semi-private vehicle through the Paracas National Reserve, visiting striking coastal viewpoints, desert landscapes and distinctive beaches. This combination of marine wildlife, dramatic scenery and protected natural environments offers a well-balanced way to explore both the ocean and desert sides of Paracas in a single day.
Tour Highlights
- Cruise to the Ballestas Islands and see abundant marine wildlife.
- View the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph from the boat.
- Spot sea lions, seabirds and Humboldt penguins along the islands.
- Explore dramatic desert scenery inside Paracas National Reserve.
- Combine marine wildlife and coastal landscapes in one experience.
Tour Information
- Tour Level: Easy
- Service Type: Mixed Service – Shared Ballestas Islands Boat & Private Reserve Tour
- Departure Point: Paracas – designated meeting point or local office
- Departure Time: 8:00 am, 9:00 am or 10:00 am
- Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours
- Tour Type: Nature, Wildlife & Coastal Experience
- Minimum Requirement: Minimum booking of 2 travellers required
Tour Itinerary
Hotel Pick-up in Paracas
You will be collected from your hotel or agreed location in Paracas approximately 30 minutes before your selected departure. A short transfer will take you to the marina area, where our team will assist with check-in for the Ballestas Islands excursion.
Ballestas Islands – Shared Boat Tour
Board a shared tourist boat and begin the journey towards the Ballestas Islands. During the crossing, you will first stop offshore to view the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph, an enormous figure carved into the desert hillside overlooking Paracas Bay.
Continue towards the islands, where dramatic rock formations provide an important habitat for sea lions, seabirds and, depending on natural conditions, Humboldt penguins. Your boat guide will provide information about the wildlife, marine ecosystem and geological features of the islands during the excursion.
Return to Paracas & Free Time
After returning to the marina, enjoy approximately 30 minutes of free time in Paracas. You may use this break to have a coffee, purchase a snack, use the facilities or simply relax before the second part of the experience.
Private Paracas National Reserve Tour
Meet your private guide and driver and continue by private vehicle into the Paracas National Reserve. From this point onwards, the service is operated exclusively for your booking, allowing for a more comfortable and personalised experience.
Coastal Desert Viewpoints & Beaches
Explore the contrasting landscapes of the reserve, including fossil-rich desert terrain, dramatic coastal cliffs and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The route normally includes key areas such as Supay and Cathedral viewpoints, Yumaque Beach, the Isthmus viewpoint and Red Beach, with time for photographs and explanations from your private guide.
Return to Your Hotel in Paracas
After completing the reserve visit, return by private vehicle to your hotel or agreed location in Paracas.
This experience combines a shared Ballestas Islands boat excursion with a private Paracas National Reserve land tour, offering both marine wildlife and coastal desert scenery while maintaining a more personalised service during the second part of the day.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Hotel pick-up and return transfer within Paracas
- Shared boat tour to the Ballestas Islands
- Private transport for the Paracas National Reserve
- Professional local guide
- Entrance fees to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve
- Bottled water
- Approximately 30 minutes of free time between both experiences
Not Included
- Coffee, snacks and meals
- Additional drinks
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for the guide, driver and boat crew, if desired
- Optional activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary
Important Information
- Minimum Booking: A minimum of 2 guests is required for this experience.
- Mixed Service: This tour combines a shared Ballestas Islands boat excursion with a private Paracas National Reserve land tour.
- Hotel Pick-up: Collection is arranged from your hotel or agreed location in Paracas approximately 30 minutes before your selected departure time.
- Departure Options: The tour operates with departures at 8:00 am, 9:00 am and 10:00 am, subject to availability.
- Free Time Between Tours: After the Ballestas Islands excursion, approximately 30 minutes of free time is provided for coffee, snacks or a short break before continuing to the reserve.
- Entrance Fees Included: Admission to both the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve is included in the tour price.
- Wildlife Sightings: Sea lions, seabirds and Humboldt penguins may be seen around the Ballestas Islands, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed as they depend on natural conditions.
- Sea & Weather Conditions: The Ballestas Islands boat tour is subject to sea conditions, port authority instructions and weather. The maritime portion may be delayed, modified or cancelled when necessary for safety.
- Reserve Route: The private land tour normally includes Supay and Cathedral viewpoints, Yumaque Beach, the Isthmus viewpoint and Red Beach. The order or accessibility of individual stops may vary due to reserve regulations or local conditions.
- What to Bring: We recommend comfortable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a light jacket and any personal medication you may require.
- Motion Sickness: Guests who are sensitive to boat movement may wish to take suitable motion-sickness medication before departure, following their usual medical advice.
- Bus Connections & Other Activities: If you have a bus departure to Ica or Lima, a transfer or another independently booked activity after the tour, please inform us in advance and provide the scheduled time so we can advise whether your selected departure is suitable.
- Personal Belongings: Please keep valuables with you throughout the experience and check the boat and vehicle carefully before leaving.
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.
- No-Shows: Guests who are not available at the confirmed hotel or meeting point at the agreed collection time are considered a no-show and are not eligible for a refund.
- Late Arrival: Significant delays caused by guests may result in a shortened itinerary or missed departure. Activities missed due to late arrival are non-refundable.
- Ballestas Islands Conditions: The boat excursion is subject to sea conditions, weather and port authority instructions. If navigation to the Ballestas Islands is suspended, we may offer an authorised alternative maritime route when available or provide a refund for the affected boat portion of the tour.
- Paracas National Reserve: The private reserve tour will normally continue if land conditions remain safe, even if the maritime portion is cancelled.
- Route Changes: Individual stops may be adjusted due to reserve restrictions, road conditions or operational requirements. Minor itinerary changes do not normally qualify for a refund.
- Onward Connections: Guests with buses, transfers or other independently booked activities after the tour should inform us in advance. We will help advise on suitable timing, but missed onward services caused by personal delays are not refundable.
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