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Explore the stunning Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve from the water. Navigate around rock formations to see resident colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and the massive Candelabra geoglyph.
Free Cancellation A two-day trip from the wildlife of the Ballestas Islands to the desert cliffs of Paracas and the dunes of Huacachina.
Free Cancellation Take a boat from El Chaco to the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, penguins, and diverse Peruvian coastal wildlife.
Free Cancellation See the wildlife of the Ballestas Islands and the dunes of Huacachina on a comprehensive full-day trip from Lima.
Free Cancellation Visit the Ballestas Islands and the Candelabra geoglyph to see thousands of marine species in their natural habitat.
Free Cancellation See sea lions and penguins at the Ballestas Islands followed by a guided tour of the Paracas National Reserve.
Boat through the Ballestas Islands and explore the coastal desert landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve.
Free Cancellation Explore the Ballestas Islands by speedboat to see massive colonies of sea lions and Humboldt penguins.
Free Cancellation See penguins, sea lions, and dolphins in their natural habitat on a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands.
Free Cancellation Visit the Ballestas Islands by speedboat to see sea lions, penguins, and the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph.
Free Cancellation See sea lions at the Ballesta Islands and explore the dramatic desert coastline of the Paracas National Reserve.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Paracas — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A Paracas boat tour is an exhilarating ride into the Pacific Ocean to explore what is affectionately known as the 'Poor Man's Galapagos.' You will speed past ancient desert geoglyphs etched into massive sand dunes and get up close to rocky islands teeming with incredible marine wildlife.
Navigate around these protected rocky outcrops that serve as a massive marine sanctuary. You will observe lazy sea lions basking in the sun and spot adorable Humboldt penguins nesting in the cliffs.
View a mysterious, 600-foot-tall prehistoric geoglyph etched into the peninsula's northern ridge. Dating back over 2,500 years, it is only fully visible from the ocean during your boat ride.
Enjoy a fast-paced, open-air boat ride through the Pacific waves. The two-hour journey is bumpy and refreshing, offering fantastic panoramic views of the desert meeting the sea.
Marvel at the highest concentration of seabirds in the world. The islands are covered in thousands of cormorants, pelicans, and boobies that thrive on the nutrient-dense Peru Current.
Many extended tours combine the boat ride with a land excursion into the 335,000-hectare reserve. You'll discover dramatic cliffs, ochre red-sand beaches, and sweeping desert landscapes.
Planning your Paracas boat tour requires a bit of preparation, especially regarding weather conditions, extra fees, and the physical nature of the boat ride. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.
You can choose a quick 2-hour speedboat tour just for the Ballestas Islands, or a 6-to-7-hour full-day tour that includes a guided bus trip through the Paracas National Reserve. Multi-day options from Lima are also popular.
Most tour prices cover the boat, guide, and lifejacket, but exclude the mandatory local tourist tax. Expect to pay around 16 to 17 soles in cash at the dock for the SERNANP entrance fee.
The ocean can get very choppy, especially in winter. If a storm is announced, port authorities may close the dock. In this case, operators usually offer a refund or divert the tour to the safer Islas Blancas.
Always try to book the 08:00 AM departure. The ocean waters are significantly calmer in the early morning, which reduces the risk of tour cancellations and makes for a smoother ride.
The open-ocean journey can trigger severe seasickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication or apply acupressure patches at least 30 minutes before boarding.
Due to the bumpy nature of the speedboats, these tours are not recommended for pregnant travelers, people with spinal injuries, or those with poor cardiovascular health. Infants under 1 year old are often not permitted.
The equatorial sun is intense, but the ocean winds are chilly. Dress in layers with a good windbreaker, wear a sunhat and sunglasses, and bring a waterproof dry bag to protect your phone from sea spray.
| 2-Hour Ballestas Boat Tour | Full-Day Ballestas & Reserve | Multi-Day Tour from Lima | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours | 6 - 7 hours | 1 - 2 Days |
| Best for | Quick wildlife spotting and travelers on a tight schedule | Seeing both the marine wildlife and the stunning desert landscapes | Travelers needing round-trip transport from the capital |
| Includes | Speedboat ride, bilingual guide, lifejacket | Boat tour, reserve bus tour, bilingual guide | Luxury bus transport, boat tour, Huacachina sandboarding |
| Price from | $15 - $22 | $40 - $59 | $79 - $134 |
Ballestas Islands Tours: The tourist dock in El Chaco operates strictly in the mornings for boat departures, generally from 06:00 to 13:00. The vast majority of guided speedboats depart between 08:00 and 10:00 to take advantage of calmer morning waters.
Paracas National Reserve: If you are visiting the land-based portion of the reserve, it is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00 via the Santo Domingo Checkpoint.
From Lima: Paracas is located about 260 km (162 miles) south of Lima. The journey takes 3.5 to 4 hours by bus. Reputable companies like Cruz del Sur and Peru Hop offer daily departures, with tickets ranging from $12 to $28.
From Ica: If you are coming from the Huacachina Oasis or Ica, it is a short 75 km drive taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes by public bus or taxi.
By Air: There are no direct commercial flights to Paracas, but private charter flights land at the Capitán FAP Renán Elías Olivera International Airport in nearby Pisco, just 15 minutes away.
Best Months: The warm summer season from December to February offers hot, sunny, and clear weather. However, if you are specifically looking to spot Humboldt penguins, the best viewing months are from April to November.
Time of Day: Early morning is universally the best time to visit. Booking an 08:00 AM boat tour ensures calmer seas, better wildlife activity, and a lower chance of weather-related cancellations.
Months to Avoid: Winter months can be very windy, causing choppy seas that disrupt tours. Also, try to avoid the Fiestas Patrias holidays (July 28-29) when the area is heavily crowded with domestic tourists.
Boat Tours: The speedboats to the Ballestas Islands are not wheelchair accessible. Passengers must navigate uneven docks and board a moving boat. The ride is also very bumpy, making it unsuitable for travelers with spinal injuries or severe mobility issues.
National Reserve: The land reserve is slightly more accessible. The main entrance plaza and specific viewpoints, like the Guardhouse Viewpoint, offer paved pathways. However, most natural beaches and cliff edges require navigating loose sand and rocky terrain.
El Chaco Tourist Dock: The main departure area for boat tours has basic facilities including public restrooms, small cafes, and souvenir shops. Some tour operators also offer luggage storage at their specific meeting points.
Inside the Reserve: Facilities are sparse once you enter the desert. There is a modern interpretation center near the entrance with archaeological exhibits and restrooms. You should bring your own water and snacks, as options are limited.
ATMs: Cash machines are available in the town of El Chaco, but it is advised to use them during daylight hours for safety.
The standard speedboat tour to the Ballestas Islands takes approximately 2 hours. This includes the travel time out to the islands, a stop to view the Candelabra geoglyph, and cruising around the rock formations to see the wildlife.
Usually, no. Most tour operators do not include the SERNANP tourist tax in their base price. You will typically need to pay an additional 16 to 17 soles in cash at the dock before boarding.
No, visitors are strictly prohibited from disembarking on the Ballestas Islands. They are a protected marine sanctuary, so you will observe the penguins, sea lions, and birds from the safety of the tour boat.
If port authorities announce a storm or choppy waters, tours may be canceled for safety. In this case, operators will either offer a financial refund or divert the tour to a safer, more accessible area like Islas Blancas.
It is very possible. The boats travel through open ocean waters that can be quite choppy, triggering motion sickness. It is highly recommended to take motion sickness pills at least 30 minutes before your tour begins.
You should dress in layers. The desert sun is intense, so wear a sunhat and sunglasses, but the ocean wind is very strong and chilly. A good windbreaker or light jacket is essential to stay comfortable.
The speedboats are quite bumpy and hit the waves hard. Because of this, tours are not recommended for pregnant travelers or people with spinal issues. Infants under 1 year old are often not permitted, and older infants must sit on an adult's lap.
While sea lions can be seen year-round, Humboldt penguins are migratory. The best months to spot them nesting on the rocky slopes of the Ballestas Islands are from April to November.
The easiest way is by bus, which takes about 3.5 to 4 hours down the Pan-American Highway. Companies like Cruz del Sur operate daily, and services like Peru Hop offer direct hotel pickups in Lima with drop-offs right in Paracas.
Yes, absolutely. Many operators offer a 6-to-7-hour full-day tour that starts with the 08:00 AM boat ride to the islands, followed by a guided bus or buggy tour through the desert reserve in the late morning and afternoon.
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This two-day itinerary covers the natural highlights of Peru’s southern coast and desert. On the first day, a boat tour takes you to the Ballestas Islands, a marine sanctuary where you can see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and dolphins. The journey continues to the Paracas National Reserve to see the coastal cliffs and beaches where the desert meets the ocean. The second day focuses on the Huacachina oasis. You will travel through the surrounding dunes in a buggy for a sandboarding session, with an optional upgrade for those who prefer an ATV experience. All logistics, including round-trip transportation and required entry fees, are included in the tour price.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
The tour departs from the El Chaco tourist dock, where you will board a boat equipped with twin outboard motors. From there, you will travel to the Ballestas Islands, one of the most significant wildlife sanctuaries on the Peruvian coast. The area is home to a wide variety of species, including penguins, pelicans, and blue-footed boobies. The highlight of the trip is observing the local sea lion colonies. Without natural predators in the immediate area, these animals are highly active and social, often seen resting on the rocky outcrops or swimming near the boat. The tour provides a close look at their natural habitat and the diverse birdlife that inhabits the islands.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This day trip leaves Lima for the southern coast to visit two of Peru's most distinct natural landscapes. The morning begins in Paracas with a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands. You will get a close look at the islands' resident wildlife, including large colonies of sea lions, fur seals, and various marine birds. From the coast, the tour moves inland to the Huacachina oasis. You will explore the surrounding desert in a specialized dune buggy, navigating the steep slopes of the dunes. The excursion also includes a sandboarding session on the desert peaks before the return journey to Lima.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This boat excursion takes you to two of the most significant sites on the Peruvian coast. The journey begins with a view of the Candelabra, a massive hillside geoglyph etched into the desert sand. Its origins and purpose remain a mystery, making it a unique landmark to see from the water. After passing the Candelabra, the tour continues to the Ballestas Islands. These rocky outcrops serve as a sanctuary for thousands of animals, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and various seabirds like boobies and pelicans. You will observe these species in their natural environment as the boat navigates around the island caves and arches. Please note that this tour is not available for cruise ship passengers arriving at San Martin Port.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour starts with a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, passing the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph on the hillside. At the islands, you will see large colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various coastal birds living among the rock formations. The boat stays close to the shore, allowing for clear views of the wildlife without leaving the vessel. The second half of the day is spent exploring the Paracas National Reserve by land. You will visit the desert landscape where the arid plains meet the ocean, including stops at the Red Beach and several coastal viewpoints. This portion of the trip focuses on the unique geology and the stark contrast between the yellow desert sands and the blue Pacific waters.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour begins with a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. You will see the resident colonies of sea lions and Humboldt penguins while navigating around the archipelago’s rock formations and arches. Following the boat tour, the trip continues on land through the Paracas National Reserve. This area protects a large section of coastal desert and marine environment. You will visit different points along the coast to see the contrast between the desert cliffs and the Pacific Ocean.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
Board a speedboat from Paracas to explore the Ballestas Islands, a protected marine reserve off the coast of Peru. On the way out, you will pass the Candelabra, a massive ancient geoglyph etched into the desert cliffs that remains a mystery to historians. As you reach the islands, the boat navigates near the rocky shores to provide close views of the local wildlife. You will see large colonies of sea lions, endangered Humboldt penguins, and thousands of coastal birds like boobies and pelicans in their natural environment.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Often called the 'Galapagos of Peru,' the Ballestas Islands offer some of the best wildlife viewing in the country. Setting off from the local pier, you will head out to see a landscape teeming with marine life. The islands are home to large colonies of sea lions and Humboldt penguins, along with thousands of cormorants and other coastal birds. As you navigate around the rocky outcrops, you will likely see dolphins swimming near the boat. Depending on the season, it is also possible to spot whales migrating through these waters. It is a straightforward, scenic way to experience Peru's coastal ecosystem and see species you might not expect to find in this part of the world.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
The tour departs from the Paracas pier on a speedboat headed toward the Ballestas Islands. On the way, the boat stops in front of the Candelabra, a giant geoglyph carved into the desert cliffs. Your bilingual guide will discuss the various theories regarding its origins and history before the boat continues toward the archipelago. Once at the islands, you will navigate around the rocky outcrops to observe wildlife including sea lions, endangered Humboldt penguins, and thousands of guano birds. Known for its high biodiversity, this marine sanctuary offers a close look at these animals in their natural environment. The tour is conducted from the water to protect the ecosystem, providing clear views for photography while the guide explains the local ecology.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
The day begins with a boat excursion to the Ballesta Islands. On the way, you will see the Candelabro, a massive geoglyph etched into the desert hillside, before reaching the islands to observe Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and diverse birdlife. The boat navigates around natural stone structures, including the Main Arch, providing close-up views of the local wildlife in their natural habitat. Following the boat trip, the tour moves into the Paracas National Reserve to explore its unique coastal desert geography. You will visit the dark sands of Supay Beach and the remains of the iconic La Catedral rock formation. The itinerary also includes a stop at the calm waters of La Mina Beach, where there is time to walk along the shore or rest by the water. Throughout the tour, professional guides provide historical and ecological context for each site. The schedule is designed to offer a balance of organized sightseeing and free time, ensuring you can take photos and explore the viewpoints of the reserve at your own pace.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish