DOS MANOS PERU Travel & tours in Peru
DOS MANOS PERU Travel & tours in Peru

Ballestas Islands Boat Tour


no
Meals
small groups or private
Group size
sea level
Altitude
easy
Dificulty

Ballestas Islands: Why Go

Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands Boat Tour from Paracas (Ica) is one of the most popular wildlife excursions on the Peruvian coast. Located in the Pacific Ocean near Paracas, the Ballestas Islands are famous for their incredible marine biodiversity.

Often called the “poor man’s Galapagos”, the islands are home to large colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins and thousands of seabirds. The rocky islands and cliffs provide an ideal habitat for marine wildlife.

During this boat tour you also pass by the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph, a large prehistoric figure carved into the desert hillside overlooking the sea.

This excursion offers a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural environment while enjoying spectacular coastal landscapes.

What to Expect

The tour begins at the Paracas harbor, where you board a speedboat for the journey to the Ballestas Islands.

On the way to the islands, the boat stops near the famous Candelabra geoglyph, an enormous figure etched into the desert slope facing the ocean. Your guide explains the possible origins and theories about this mysterious symbol.

Continuing toward the islands, you navigate along impressive rock formations where large colonies of sea lions rest on the cliffs and beaches.

You will also see Humboldt penguins, pelicans, cormorants and many other seabirds that inhabit the islands.

Boats approach the islands carefully to avoid disturbing the wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for photography.

Extra Info: The Wildlife of the Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands are part of the Paracas National Reserve ecosystem, one of the richest marine environments on the Peruvian coast.

The cold Humboldt Current brings nutrient rich waters that support an abundance of fish, attracting large populations of marine animals.

The islands are especially known for their sea lion colonies and are one of the few places in Peru where visitors can see Humboldt penguins in the wild. Thousands of seabirds nest on the cliffs, including pelicans, boobies and cormorants.

Ballestas Islands

Photos

Tour Details

Highlights

Observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins and seabirds in their natural habitat

See the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph carved into the desert hillside

Location:
Ballestas Islands, Paracas
Tour type:
group or private boat excursion
Duration:
approx. 2 hours
Altitude:
sea level
Difficulty:
easy
Best season:
year round

Additional Options:

Tour type: boat tour, wildlife observation

Combine the Ballestas Islands with Other Excursions

Many travelers combine the Ballestas Islands boat tour with other destinations along the southern coast of Peru.

One popular option is visiting the Paracas National Reserve, known for its dramatic desert landscapes, coastal cliffs and beautiful beaches. This protected area offers a completely different perspective of the region’s natural environment.

Another common combination is a trip to the Huacachina Oasis near Ica, where visitors can experience sandboarding and dune buggy rides in the desert dunes. As these destinations are located relatively close to each other, they are often included together in one or two day coastal itineraries from Lima.

Itinerary

  • Ballestas Islands Boat Tour
  • Pick up from your hotel around 7.30
  • Departure from Paracas harbor
  • Boat ride toward the Ballestas Islands
  • Stop near the Candelabra geoglyph
  • Navigation around the Ballestas Islands
  • Wildlife observation including sea lions and penguins
  • Return to Paracas harbor
  • Tour Overview
  • The tour starts at the Paracas harbor, where you board a speedboat for the excursion.
  • The first stop is the impressive Candelabra geoglyph, a mysterious prehistoric figure carved into the desert hillside that can only be fully appreciated from the sea.
  • From there the boat continues to the Ballestas Islands, where you navigate close to rocky cliffs inhabited by sea lions and seabirds.
  • You will also have the chance to see Humboldt penguins, one of the few penguin species that live along the South American coast.

Please note that the times provided in the above itinerary are approximate and subject to change. Last-minute adjustments may occur due to weather conditions, political unrest, or other unforeseen factors. We cannot be held responsible for any changes or delays.

Ballestas Islands

Good to Know

  • Boats do not land on the islands to protect wildlife
  • Windbreakers are recommended due to ocean breeze
  • Sun protection is important during the boat trip
  • The excursion may be affected by sea conditions
  • Early morning departures often offer the best wildlife sightings

  • Duration: aprox. 3 hours

Ballestas Islands

Price & Inclusions

Price

 Contact us for updated price information

Included

 Boat tour to the Ballestas Islands
Professional bilingual guide
Life jackets and safety equipment

Not Included

 (Harbor tax and entrance fee to the Paracas National Reserve)
Personal expenses
Tips
Ballestas Islands
Ballestas Islands

Your booking request is subject to availability and is only confirmed once you receive our written confirmation

Reviews

Leon Sciarone
Peru Classic in 14 Days
It was a marvellous experience!

I recently booked an excursion with Dos Manos to Puno and the Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca. It was a marvelous trip and I really enjoyed it!

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Yves Leclerc
Peru Classic & Amazon in 20 Days
Your team is unbelievable!

When we came to your agency, it was for info on Salkantay trail. My wife and me are bilingual (French & English). We talked to Joseph a guy who speaks Spanish and French.

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Adam Rice
Peru Itinerary Classic & Northern Peru 20 days
We had a great time!

Just wanted to send you a note back from our trip. We had a great time, everything worked out really good,,the service by you and your company was excellent!!!

Read Review
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