Ballestas Islands Tour

$ 15.00

Tour Information

The tour starts at the tourist and artisanal dock of El Chaco, from where we board a modern boat. At the beginning of the navigation, we will be able to observe the different types of boats that reflect the two main activities of Paracas: tourism and fishing.

We will travel along the bay of Paracas, bordering the largest peninsula in Peru, until we reach the northern point of the bay, where we will make a stop in front of the enigmatic geoglyph El Candelabro. There, the guide will give us an explanation about its dimensions, materials and theories about its origin.

We continue our journey and, after approximately 15 minutes of navigation, we arrive at the impressive Ballestas Islands, home to a rich marine biodiversity thanks to the influence of the Humboldt Current and the upwelling phenomenon.

During the tour, we will observe a great variety of fauna such as seagulls, boobies, cormorants, pelicans, waders, Humboldt penguins and more. It is also possible to see crustaceans, mollusks, seaweeds and other coastal species.

Undoubtedly, the most awaited moment is the encounter with the charismatic sea lions, which usually rest, interact and "pose" for the cameras. These marine mammals, having no natural predators in the area, dominate the ecosystem with total freedom.

The return is a relaxing experience, ideal to enjoy the sea breeze and disconnect from daily stress.

🛑 Restrictions

Infants under 1 year old are not allowed on the tour.
On national holidays (Easter and Independence Day), the tour ends 30 minutes earlier, as required by the port authorities.

⚠️ Important

The service is subject to weather conditions and may be modified or cancelled for safety reasons (high tide, high winds, port closure, etc.).
In case of cancellation due to weather conditions, the operator will offer an alternative tour, always prioritizing the passenger's safety.

📅 C ancellation policies

Cancellations up to 48 hours before the tour: a 10% administrative fee will be retained.
Cancellations with less than 48 hours or no-shows without notice: a charge of 100% of the tour value will be applied.
Date changes: must be requested at least 24 hours in advance and the service may be rescheduled within 1 year.

Itinerary

📍 Meeting point: Hotel Los Frayles, Paracas
🕗 Departure times: 8:00 am, 9:00 am or 10:00 am

➤ Reception and transfer to the tourist pier
➤ Boarding of the boat with guide on board
➤ Panoramic view of the geoglyph El Candelabro
➤ Navigation to the Ballestas Islands, where we will observe:
- Sea lions
- Humboldt penguins
- Boobies, pelicans, guanayes, cormorants and other seabirds
➤ Time for photos and enjoy the scenery
➤ Duration of the tour: Approximately 2 hours
➤ Return to the pier
➤ End of service

Includes

✅ Tourist boat ride
✅ Tourist guide on board (Spanish / English)
✅ Life vest
✅ Personalized assistance
✅ Transfer to and from Hotel Los Frayles

Does not include

❌ Tourist ticket SERNANP (payable at the pier)
❌ Food and beverages
❌ Gratuities
❌ Unspecified services

Recommendations

🟡 Wear a light jacket or windbreaker, as it is usually cool at sea.
🟡 Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap.
🟡 Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes in advance.
🟡 You are not allowed to go down on the islands, the tour is completely panoramic.
🟡 Bring a camera or cell phone with good battery to capture the scenery.
🟡 Avoid eating heavy food before the tour if you are sensitive to sea movement.
🟡 The tour is subject to weather and port conditions.