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Ballestas Islands Boat Tour: Explore Wildlife Sanctuary on Peruvian Coast
4.8
200 Ratings
Paracas
Embark on a thrilling boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, a wildlife sanctuary on the Peruvian coast. Observe sea lions, silly birds, pelicans, penguins, and other seabirds in their natural habitat.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- The Chandelier - We stop after navigating 10 minutes to be able to carefully appreciate a northern point of the Paracas peninsula. Where you can look at, photograph and film the Chandelier where the tour guide will briefly explain about the measurements, materials from the area and their possible origin.
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Islas Ballestas - The navigation continues and after approximately 15 minutes from the Chandelier you will arrive at the Ballestas Islands where you will have 30 minutes to appreciate a great biodiversity thanks to the Humboldt current and the upwelling phenomenon as well as other factors such as the sun and winds. Bird watching lovers will find a large number of these such as: seagulls, boobies, cormorants, pelicans, vultures and Humboldt penguins. Crustaceans, echinoderms, mollusks, seaweed and others will also be seen.
Definitely the highlight of the Ballestas Islands Tour are the sea lions who steal everyone’s attention due to their curious behavior (they sleep, “pose for the cameras”, or simply socialize and live without problems because they occupy the top of the food chain in the area without natural predators).
The return, of about 40 minutes of navigation, becomes relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze is a natural anti-stress.
What's Included
- Lifejacket
- Official Tourism Guide
What's Not Included
- Snacks
- Entrance fee to Ballestas Islands Adult: 16 Soles (USD 4.20 approx.), Child: 8 soles (USD 2.10 approx.)
Additional Information
The journey to Ballestas Islands starts from El Chaco’s artisan and tourist pier. Our sea vessel carrying 02 outboard engines will shuttle us to the amazing Ballestas Islands, home to the most significant wildlife refuge on Peru’s coastline, where a variety of marine creatures such as sea lions, goofy birds, pelicans, penguins, and other oceanic birds can be seen.
Undoubtedly, the true gems of the Ballestas Islands tour are the sea lions, drawing all eyes due to their interesting antics (sleeping, ‘modeling for the cameras’, or simply cohabiting without disputes as they sit at the top of the regional food chain with no natural enemies).
Location
Travel agency Paracas Explorer
We will meet at our office 30 minutes in advance, to go to the dock to board. It is a 2-minute walk away.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(200 Ratings)
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1 star
K6296aqalejandrof
Aug 2, 2024
Highly recommended excursion - The spectacular guide, spoke ES, EN and FR, and the excursion super complete and very entertaining. It was two hours of flying time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elisapo8321eh
Jul 13, 2024
Nature tour to the ballestas islands and reserve - Recommended by our hotel, super organized, helpful and welcoming.
The waiting room has bathroom, coffee and luggage service for customers included.
They arranged hotel pick up if necessary.
The tour includes a tour with a Spanish, English and French Speaking Guide. The Guide very nice, prepared, lover of his work and nature.
Recommendation to complete the visit with the bus tour in the reserve!
Paracas a small jewel of nature and biodiversity! Very satisfied:)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Talitar823
Jul 13, 2024
Magnificent experience - It was a unique experience, our Guide knew the region very well and also told several stories (theories) about aliens, which made the experience even more fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nuria
Jul 11, 2024
100% recommended! - Beautiful excursion.The Guide, Abigail, Very Friendly and Pro. A must when visiting Peru if you are in Paracas.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sightsee707756
Jul 11, 2024
Absolutely Superb Tour - This boat tour to Ballestas Islands from beach of Paracas was approximately 2 hour. We could observed wild animals like Humboldt Penguins, Sea Lions, Dolphins and many kind of rare birds. We also could see El Candelabro de Paracas from the boat on the way to Ballestas Islands. The tour was perfectly organized by the agent “Paracas Explorer” . All staff were professional with polite and warm attitude We really enjoyed the tour and this is highly recommendable one!
p.s. After the tour, I asked staff of Paracas Explorer about a good winery on my way drive back to Lima and she was very kind and used her precious time to check it and found a perfect place to visit ! Great service.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Muneaki_k
Jul 10, 2024
Absolutely Superb Tour - This boat tour to Ballestas Islands from beach of Paracas was approximately 2 hour.
We could observed wild animals like Humboldt Penguins, Sea Lions, Dolphins and many kind of rare birds.
We also could see El Candelabro de Paracas from the boat on the way to Ballestas Islands.
The tour was perfectly organized by the agent “Paracas Explorer” . All staff were professional with polite and warm attitude
We really enjoyed the tour and this one is highly recommendable one!
Review provided by Viator
Jaimealexisv2024
Jul 10, 2024
Crossbows!!! - From the beginning everything very well, the excellent Guide, the very beautiful landscapes and the modern and fast boat. I recommend it 100%.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joek025
Jul 9, 2024
Ballestas Island from Paracas - Very good tour, guide and boat captain were very friendly. The guide made sure we had a good experience and did our best to see the fauna Ballestas had to offer and explained everything in both Spanish and English
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christianott
Jul 8, 2024
Top - Very nice boat ride.
Seen penguins, top.
Interesting comments.
Very good captain very safe.
Recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Klausdc3628em
Jul 22, 2024
Good experience on the crossbow islands in paracas - Many animals were perfectly like penguins, seals, crabs and many birds. some people were irritating but it was fine.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
