BALLESTAS ISLANDS
Discover the Enchanting Ballestas Islands – A Wildlife Tour Like No Other
Embark on an unforgettable Ballestas Islands tour from Paracas, Peru, and explore the rich marine biodiversity that makes this destination a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This exciting Ballestas Islands boat tour takes you across the Pacific Ocean to witness a spectacular array of wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, dolphins, and even seasonal whales, all thriving in their natural habitat. Often referred to as the “Peruvian Galápagos,” the Ballestas Islands are home to breathtaking coastal landscapes and the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph etched into the cliffs. Perfect for birdwatching, photography, and eco-tourism enthusiasts, this guided tour guarantees stunning views and a truly immersive experience. Book your Ballestas Islands tour today and discover why this half-day marine adventure is one of the top things to do in Paracas and a hidden gem of the Peruvian coast.
Top Highlights
- See sea lions, penguins, and seabirds in their natural Pacific Ocean habitat.
- Enjoy a scenic boat ride from Paracas to the stunning Ballestas Islands.
- Witness the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph carved into the desert cliff.
- Perfect for birdwatching, photography, and nature enthusiasts.
- Short and easy 2-hour tour ideal for families and all ages.
Tour Level: Easy.
Service Type: Group Tour.
Departure: 08:00 am | 09:00 am | 10:00 am
Duration: 2 hours
Tour Type: Nature & Wildlife – Boat Tour.
Begin your unforgettable Ballestas Islands tour with a prompt meeting at our main office in Paracas, the departure point for this must-do marine adventure along the Peruvian coast. After check-in, you’ll board a modern speedboat and cruise across the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean toward the iconic Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “Peruvian Galápagos” due to their remarkable biodiversity. During this 2-hour boat tour, you’ll encounter sea lions lounging on the rocks, playful Humboldt penguins waddling along the shore, and large colonies of seabirds including pelicans, boobies, and cormorants. One of the first highlights is a stop to observe the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph — a massive, ancient figure etched into the cliffside, visible only from the sea. As you approach the Ballestas Islands, be prepared for breathtaking views of unique rock formations, sea caves, and vibrant wildlife, all in their natural habitat. This eco-friendly tour is ideal for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and photographers seeking the best things to do in Paracas. With departures in the early morning to take advantage of calm seas and active wildlife, this Ballestas Islands boat tour is one of the top-rated attractions in Paracas and an essential addition to your Peru itinerary.
Book now for an eco-tourism experience you won’t forget!
Included:
- Speedboat tour to the Ballestas Islands from Paracas.
- Life jackets and safety equipment.
- Professional bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish).
- Guided sightseeing of the Candelabra geoglyph and wildlife.
Not Included:
- Entrance fee to the Ballestas Islands: 16 soles or $5 USD (cash only).
- Personal expenses.
- Hotel pick-up or drop-off.
- Food and beverages.
Note:
The Ballestas Islands entrance fee is not included in the tour price and must be paid in cash (in Peruvian soles or US dollars) directly at the port before departure.
✅ Allowed:
- Photography and video (non-professional equipment).
- Binoculars for birdwatching.
- Personal backpacks or small bags.
- Hats and sunglasses.
Water in personal bottles.
❌ Not Allowed:
- Drones (prohibited by local authorities).
Littering or feeding wildlife. - Smoking during the tour.
- Large luggage or suitcases.
- Loud music or disruptive behaviour.
🎒 What to Bring:
- Original passport or ID (required at port).
Light jacket or windbreaker (it can be windy). - Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Comfortable shoes (you won’t disembark but comfort matters).
Camera or smartphone for photos. - Cash in soles or US dollars for entrance fee.
- A small bottle of water.
Please note that the meeting point for the Ballestas Islands tour is at our main office in Paracas, and all passengers must arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time to complete the check-in process and receive safety instructions. It is essential to provide a valid phone number with WhatsApp access at the time of booking, as we may need to contact you for updates or last-minute changes related to the tour.
⚠️ This tour is not suitable for cruise ship passengers arriving at San Martín Port, due to timing restrictions and distance from Paracas.
Please be aware that this tour is highly weather-dependent and may be modified, delayed, or cancelled without prior notice for safety reasons, in accordance with maritime conditions and port authority guidelines.
As the Ballestas Islands are a protected natural reserve, wildlife sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed, as the presence of sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and birds depends on seasonal and environmental factors.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation to ensure a safe and respectful experience in one of Peru’s most biodiverse coastal areas.
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 three alternatives:
Postpone your tour to the next available departure.
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.
Why Book This Tour
Why Book With Us?
To see more Tours in Paracas
To see more Tours in Peru
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.
Martina Nesti2025-08-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a wonderful trip in Ballestas Islands and Paracas. The guide was very kind and expert and makes her job with passion. Thanks for this great experience! federico rota2025-08-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Giorgio Calisi2025-08-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Esperienza fantastica, super professionali e disponibili! José e i suoi colleghi sono stati super gentili, ci hanno dato la possibilità di lasciare i bagagli presso la loro struttura e fornito ottimi consigli per la visita di Paracas e della riserva. Massimiliano Sacco2025-08-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tutto fantastico, super disponibili in tutto, esperienze da non perdere per visitare luoghi mozzafiato nel migliore dei modi!! Héctor Hernández González2025-08-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Decidimos hacer nuestro viaje a Perú con pocos meses de antelación, y cuando fuimos a comprar las entradas para Machu Picchu online, ya no quedaban. Al llegar al país empezamos a preguntar si había alguna posibilidad de conseguirlas, ya que con la nueva normativa es posible comprar tickets de forma presencial en Aguas Calientes. Nos encontramos con varias personas que ofrecían esa opción, pero con precios absolutamente desorbitados, así que las fuimos descartando… hasta que apareció en nuestras vidas José, con su agencia en Paracas: JD Adventure Travel. José es un tipo sensacional: serio, formal, sincero y muy amable. Le avisaron de que estábamos desayunando en una cafetería y se presentó directamente allí, se sentó con nosotros y nos explicó con total claridad cómo funcionaba el nuevo sistema y qué posibilidades reales teníamos. Nos transmitió mucha confianza desde el primer momento. De hecho, nos ofreció que pagáramos solo el 50% del tour por adelantado y que abonáramos el otro 50% una vez que tuviéramos las entradas para Machu Picchu en la mano. Y nos aseguró que, si no conseguíamos las entradas por algún motivo y el tour no se podía llevar a cabo, nos devolvería el dinero sin problema. Ese nivel de seriedad y compromiso fue clave para decidirnos. Desde ese momento, estuvo en contacto permanente con nosotros por teléfono, informándonos de los últimos cambios y novedades en el acceso a Machu Picchu. Siempre atento, siempre dispuesto a ayudar. Finalmente, por motivos personales no pudimos cuadrar la fecha para ir a Machu Picchu, y José, tal y como nos prometió, nos devolvió el dinero adelantado sin ningún tipo de rodeo. Estamos infinitamente agradecidos, y cuando volvamos a Perú, contaremos sin duda con él y con su agencia. Un ejemplo de profesionalidad y buen trato. Totalmente recomendable. Gabri “GabeStudio72” Pes2025-08-05Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Esperienza fantastica con JD Adventure a Paracas! Abbiamo trovato JD Adventure tramite GetYourGuide, ma vi consigliamo caldamente di contattarli direttamente: sono assolutamente affidabili e così riuscirete anche a risparmiare qualcosa! Jose è davvero in gamba: si può parlare direttamente con lui via WhatsApp, e questo rende l’organizzazione rapida, semplice e precisa, con informazioni sempre aggiornate in tempo reale. Con loro abbiamo fatto: • il volo sulle linee di Nasca, emozionante e ben organizzato, • la gita alle Isole Ballestas, proprio di fronte a Paracas, • e la visita al Parco Nazionale, che ci ha lasciato senza parole per la bellezza del paesaggio. La nostra guida Olenka è stata eccezionale: parlava un inglese perfetto e ci ha dato tantissime informazioni interessanti sia sul territorio che sulla cultura peruviana. Lo sapevate, ad esempio, che in Perù gli asparagi, i carciofi e le acciughe non piacciono quasi a nessuno e sono prodotti quasi esclusivamente per l’esportazione? Un’esperienza cool, facile e indimenticabile, che consigliamo a chiunque voglia vivere Paracas e dintorni in modo autentico e ben organizzato. Fabrizio Ghirardi2025-08-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience with them, did the Ballestas and Paracas Reserva Nacional tour. The guide was great, super friendly, with perfect English and very professional. Max Hödl2025-07-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very very nice Guide, helped us immediatly when there was a problem during our Tour. I would totally recommend Adventure Travels to everyone who visits Paracas. A huge THANK YOU to the owner of the business, you saved our day!!! Marit Simonetti2025-07-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Super goede plek om een scooter te huren voor het Paracas National Park. Netjes, duidelijk en verzorgd! Jasper Leijssenaar2025-07-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sabrina C2025-08-17Verified Unmissable experience! A truly exciting and unforgettable experience, absolutely recommended! The explanations on the Nazca lines and their arrangement were clear and interesting. In addition, the pilot conducted the flight with great delicacy, allowing everyone to enjoy the show without any discomfort. Ainhoa D2025-07-23Verified Magique We had an amazing day.First, the tour of the islands was spectacular: sea lions, penguins, pelicans, whales... wonderful...Juan was a great guide, super passionate and with many interesting things to tell.The visit to the national park was also magical. In a smaller group, Olenka took us through landscapes that looked like they were from another planet, took the time to explain the history and particularities, show us the best points and let us enjoy ourselves without hurry, taking photos and admiring everything.We couldn't have asked for more! Daniele C2025-07-04Verified Penguin sighting beautiful speedboat excursion. beautiful views, many birds and penguins. definitely a recommended trip (especially when there is good weather) Michelle C2025-06-20Verified Fantastic Tour Provider JD Travel did an amazing job coordinating this Nazca flight/transfers. Jose went above and beyond to make sure we could participate in this activity. It did not disappoint! The flight time was moved by the airline and Jose made every effort to help us with this change. I could not recommend this activity or JD Travel more. Jose is the best! gabrielBZ2025-03-24Verified Precise islands full of pelagic birds and some, unique. Beautiful and essential visit to the Ballestas Islands, you sail 1/2 hour in a speedboat. First you visit the coastal area and see the spectacular “Candelabra” figure made on the ground of the pre-Inca era. Then you're headed to the islands. My interest was to see birds. And my interest was filled. I wanted to see the spectacular Inca terns. The boat handling is fabulous. You are in the Pacific and you have to know how to drive very well because they come very close to the islands. The seascape or rock formations are also unique and spectacular. It's a lovely ride. And absolutely recommended. Yris yaneth M2025-03-10Verified Nice experiences We were given a tour of the skies through the Nazca Lines this is a very important site of interest in Peru is company IZI organizes very well transfers to the airport and flights to see them independently this is a challenge that thrills the view from above the sky enjoying its beautiful landscapes the condor, hands, spider and tree among othersHERBERT SOLORZANO Linda B2025-01-04Verified Don’t miss this! Trip was fantastic and we had logistics issues on our end and they found a way to make the trip happen despite that! Wonderful customer service and the natural beauty of the islands was stunning!