The Ballestas Islands tour is a popular attraction located off the coast of Peru, near the town of Paracas. The tour takes visitors on a boat ride around the islands, where they can see a variety of marine wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, and various seabirds.
The tour usually lasts around two hours and includes a guide who will provide information about the islands and the animals that live there. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning views of the coastline and the desert landscape.
It’s important to note that the Ballestas Islands are a protected area, and visitors are not allowed to land on the islands or disturb the wildlife. Visitors are also required to follow the instructions of the guide and to wear a life jacket during the tour.
To get to the Ballestas Islands, visitors can take a boat tour from the port of Paracas, which is located about three hours south of Lima. It’s recommended to book the tour in advance, especially during the peak season from December to February.
Overall, the Ballestas Islands tour is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Paracas area or the nearby Huacachina oasis. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the Peruvian coast.
A NATURAL PARADISE THAT WE ARE SURE YOU WILL WANT TO RETURN TO.
This exciting tour lasts 2 hours and we currently depart from the El Chaco Pier, since the pier at La Marina Turística de Paracas is not in operation. Departures are daily from Monday to Sunday, but only in the morning at 08:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
The starting point of our maritime tour to the Ballestas Islands, is the pier “La Marina Turística” located in the bay of Paracas, place where you should arrive at least 15 minutes before boarding time, we remind you that we have departures at 08:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
When boarding our boat, tourists will find in each seat a life jacket, which must be put on as a safety measure.
Once the group is ready and with the permission of the Pisco Port Captaincy, we will sail through the Paracas Bay, passing by San Martin Port, Punta Pejerey and Punta Colorada; On the way we will be able to appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the cliffs of the Paracas Peninsula and in a few minutes we will approach the geoglyph “El Candelabro”, where our captain will stop the boat so that while the guide makes the pertinent explanations, the travel group can take pictures; by the way, in front of “El Candelabro” you can see the White Island.
Later we will continue sailing to leave the coast in a few minutes and enter the open sea in the area known as “El Boquerón de Los Perdidos” in whose crossing (if the weather permits) we will appreciate the turtle point in the distance, to the south we will see the San Gallan Island, and to the north the Chincha Islands.
We will move away from the coast and after 15 minutes of navigation we will arrive at the Ballestas Islands but before this large flocks of birds will attract the attention of tourists because many of these birds seem to escort the boat to reach the islands.
Upon reaching the Ballestas Islands, our boat will slow down to a minimum and approach the rock formations that are home to large numbers of sea lions and birds, our guide will give explanations about the place and answer any questions tourists may have. The boat passes really close to the Ballestas Islands and at minimum speed, which will allow you to take pictures and/or make a video.
After touring the Ballestas Islands, we will return to the Paracas Bay, sometimes we may see dolphins swimming near the boat, if this is the case, we will stop the boat so you can take pictures and then we will continue with the return trip to the pier La Marina Turística in Paracas Bay.
Our marine tour lasts approximately 2 hours (depending on weather conditions) from the time of embarkation to disembarkation. We are sure that in this time you will live an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss it, book soon.
IMPORTANT: on long weekends and holidays such as Easter, national holidays, Christmas, New Year, etc; the duration of the tour is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
| Price per person | $90.00 | Inquire Now |
Please note: The 11:00 AM departure is the last one of the day. The waiting time to board the boat is approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and the guided tour is sometimes only offered in Spanish.
If you are traveling from Lima to Paracas on the same day as the tour, we recommend taking the Cruz del Sur bus (www.cruzdelsur.com.pe) at 04:00 AM, 05:15 AM, or 06:30 AM. When you arrive at the Paracas bus station, we will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it to transfer you to our office and then to the tourist pier to begin the tour.
During public holidays in Peru, such as Holy Week, Independence Day, and New Year’s, the Ballestas Islands Tour is very popular. Due to the high number of visitors, there can be long queues to board the boats. The waiting time to embark can be between 40 minutes and 1 hour.
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
| 2 Persons | $ USD 30.00 | Inquire Now |
| 3 Persons or more | $ USD 60.00 | Inquire Now |
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| Number of persons | Price per person | |
| Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consect | $200.00 | Inquire Now |
| Curabitur et ante velit. Duis ultricies elementu | $600.00 | Inquire Now |
The route is the same for all trains; only the train cars vary.
Travelers on the Expedition train will find themselves comfortable and relaxed. They will also be informed about the most important points of this ancient route that every adventurer should know. The Expedition features cars fully equipped with large windows, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural landscape and begin their Machu Picchu experience on the train.
Completely surrounded by glass, with cars featuring large panoramic windows that offer unparalleled scenic views and countless opportunities for spectacular photos, the Vistadome traveler connects with and feels part of the impressive landscape of Peru. Perurail provides personalized, first-class service in which the traveler on board will have an unforgettable experience. The Vistadome also features an air conditioning and heating system, and leather seats that contour to the body, providing comfort and relaxation throughout the entire journey. Snacks and drinks are also served.
The Vistadome Observatory train by Peru Rail takes you on a breathtaking journey from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. Immerse yourself in the majesty of the Andean landscapes through its spacious windows and a specially designed observation car. Every moment on this train is a celebration of the rich Peruvian heritage, manifested in traditional melodies and dances. During the trip, travelers are free to move between the panoramic car and the sophisticated observation space, ensuring a unique and immersive experience.
This is a luxurious and exclusive all-inclusive train decorated in the style of the 1920s Pullman cars. Each car is adorned with polished wood and bronze details and is equipped with large, very comfortable armchairs. It is the finest way to travel to Machu Picchu, with personalized service that takes care of even the smallest detail of the trip. On the Hiram Bingham, you can enjoy the sophisticated dining car, the bar car, and the observatory car, from where you can enjoy the wonderful route in the open air, accompanied by a Peruvian cocktail and live local music shows. It will be an experience you will never forget.
Ballestas Islands are a group of small islands located off the coast of Peru, near the town of Paracas. The islands are a popular destination for tourists who come to see the abundant wildlife and stunning natural beauty of the area. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit to Ballestas Islands:
Overall, a visit to Ballestas Islands is a must-do for nature lovers and anyone interested in experiencing the stunning natural beauty of Peru’s coast.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ballestas Islands:
Ballestas Islands are a group of small islands located off the coast of Peru, near the town of Paracas. The islands are known for their abundant wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, and a variety of seabirds.
The closest town to Ballestas Islands is Paracas, which is about a 4-hour drive south of Lima. From Paracas, you can take a boat tour to the islands. There are several tour operators in Paracas that offer tours.
On a tour of Ballestas Islands, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, and a variety of seabirds such as pelicans, cormorants, and boobies. The islands are also home to several species of dolphins and whales, although sightings are less common.
Tours of Ballestas Islands typically last around 2 hours.
It’s a good idea to bring a camera, sunscreen, and a hat, as the sun can be quite strong. You may also want to bring binoculars to get a closer look at the wildlife.
The best time to visit Ballestas Islands is during the summer months (December-February) when the weather is warm and the sea is calm. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (March-April or September-November).
While in Paracas, you may also want to visit the Paracas National Reserve, which is a protected area that is home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos and sea turtles. The reserve also has several beautiful beaches and sand dunes to explore.
Thank you for your interest in contracting your next vacation with our company, we are sure that we will do our best to give you the vacation of a lifetime; we have the experience that thousands of travelers from all over the world have traveled with us and all of them have returned to their countries with the most beautiful memories and many joys that we have had in their lives.