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ParacasIsland tours

Our most recommended Paracas Island tours

From Paracas: Scenic Boat Tour to Ballestas Island

1. From Paracas: Scenic Boat Tour to Ballestas Island

After a convenient hotel pickup from either Paracas or Pisco, head to the Marina Turistica to start your islands adventure. Board a speedboat with your bilingual, Spanish and English-speaking guide, and jet out onto the sea towards the stunning Ballestas. Along the way, stop at the Paracas Peninsula to see the Candelabro, an enigmatic glyph carved into the side of the island — whose purpose, and creator, remain a mystery to this day. Afterwards, continue onwards towards the marine sanctuary of Ballestas. Gaze upon the rocky shores, filled to the brim with sunbathing seals and penguins diving into the turbid waters to hunt underneath the surface — all alongside other beautiful specimens, like majestic pelicans, and colorful blue-footed boobies. A protected habitat for the wide swathe of birds and sea-life that call these islands home, Ballestas is truly one of Peru’s natural treasures — and a speedboat tour around their shores is the best way to see the islands, and all they have to offer, up close.

Ica: Ballestas Island & Paracas Reserve Private Tour

2. Ica: Ballestas Island & Paracas Reserve Private Tour

After a convenient hotel pickup, head to the Marina Turistica to begin your adventure. Board a speedboat with your guide, and jet out onto the sea towards the stunning Ballestas. Stop at the Paracas Peninsula to see the Candelabro, an enigmatic glyph carved into the side of the island, whose purpose, and creator, remain a mystery to this day. Continue onwards towards the marine sanctuary of Ballestas. Gaze upon the rocky shores filled to the brim with sunbathing seals, and penguins diving into the turbid waters to hunt underneath the surface. See other beautiful specimens, like majestic pelicans, and colorful blue-footed boobies. Return to the Marina Turistica for a drive to Paracas National Reserve. Discover the almost alien landscape of the Paracas National Reserve, with vast sprawling deserts and high sandstone cliffs. Driving through the reserve, see the Cathedral, an area where a vast rock formation once stood before being destroyed by a cataclysmic earthquake. Visit the stunning maroon-sand beaches of Playa Roja and Lagunillas Beach. Having seen some of the world's most unique natural features, flora, and fauna, hop back in the car for a convenient transfer back to your hotel in Ica or drop-off in Paracas (Hotel or bus station).

From Lima: Full-Day Tour of Islas Ballestas and Huacachina

3. From Lima: Full-Day Tour of Islas Ballestas and Huacachina

Start your day bright and early at 4:00 AM with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in Lima City. From here, enjoy a scenic 4 hour trip to Paracas (Ballestas Islands). Once you arrive, you will board the 'sliders', from which, you'll be able to appreciate the iconic Candelabro de Paracas geoglyph. This tour will allow you to marvel at the diversity of marina fauna once you arrive at the National Reserve. Keep an eye out for Sea lions, Guaneras Birds, Humbolt Penguins, just to name a few. Continue on your tour and head into the city of Ica where you will visit the Haciendas Pisqueras, a place where they produce the National drink of Peru, "El Pisco". Here, you will be able to taste a diverse range of wines and Pisco, also in the Hacienda, you will get some time to stop for a bite to eat.  After you've eaten, proceed to the Oasis of Huacachina, a natural lagoon surrounded by palm trees and desert dunes. You'll also have the chance to partake in adventure sports such as buggy driving and sand boarding. This is a perfect place to take some truly memorable holiday photos, so don't forget to bring your camera. After this experience, head to the city of Lima for a convenient drop off back at your accomodation. 

From Paracas: Ballestas Island Boat Tour with entrances

4. From Paracas: Ballestas Island Boat Tour with entrances

Your tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in Paracas from where you transfer to the public dock. From there, move around the island in a comfortable boat whilst receiving explanations on board from your professional guide. You can observe the beauty of the island with its impressive fauna, and can also see El Candelabro - a large geoglyph which serves as a beacon for sailors. This geoglyph is related to the lines and geoglyphs of Nazca and Pampas de Jumana. The arrival of tourists to these islands is forbidden in order to avoid disturbing the animals that live there. Boats however can venture close enough to allow their occupants to enjoy the beauty of these animals. Following the completion of your 2-hour round-trip circuit, travel back to the port, end of the tour.

Ballestas Islands: Boat Excursion Shared Tour

5. Ballestas Islands: Boat Excursion Shared Tour

Explore the variety of marine life in the spectacular Ballestas Islands, in the South Coast of Peru. Board the boat from Paracas port and see the many caves and arches that have eroded over time, providing shelter to thousands of seabirds and sea lions, all the while admiring the amazing scenery of the Paracas peninsula along the way. See the El Candelabro, a large-scale geoglyph similar to those of the Nazca Lines. Take some photos, while your guide explains the different theories on who created this enigmatic figure. Observe other animals up close, like penguins and pelicans among others. During the tour of the islands, your guide will explain the different species seen, while you enjoy the glorious sunny day and the light breeze.

From Lima: Ballestas Island and Paracas Reserve Private Tour

6. From Lima: Ballestas Island and Paracas Reserve Private Tour

Private pick-up from your hotel at 06:00 am in Lima, to drive towards Paracas town (3 hours drive), breakfast will be served on your arrival, then you will board our group boat tour to the stunning Ballestas Islands where you will see thousands of marine life such sea lions, penguins, pelicans, seagulls, sea otters, dolphins and many more species that can be seen during the tours as well as natural rock formation caused by the erosions of the sea. The boat will navigate around these islands at a safe distance. Return to port to visit the stunning Paracas National Reserve, one of the driest deserts in the world, you enjoy amazing views of the desert, the blue ocean, and thousands of wildlife that can be seen, Stop at Lagunillas beach for lunch (not include) at the end of the tour will head back to your hotel in Lima arriving around 19 pm.

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Frequently asked questions about Paracas Island tours

What are other things to do than Island tours that are worth visiting in Paracas?

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Other Sightseeing Options in Paracas

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What people are saying about Paracas

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 10 reviews

Una muy bonita experiencia, Las Adventure se hizo cargo de recogernos, guardar el equipaje y llevarnos al muelle. La comunicación y la ayuda fue excelente. El tour dura 2 hrs total (30mins ida y 30mins vuelta hasta las islas). No se vieron muchos pingüinos pero sí lobos marinos y muchas aves, la guía fue muy informativa. Importante llevar sombrero con amarre porque el viento es fuerte en el camino hacia las islas.

You can see impressive landscapes apart from a clear explanation by the guide that makes you understand much better the evolution and history of several of the places you visit. Seeing penguins in their natural habitat was one of our goals and although there are currently very few, they can be seen. Recommended.

Great guide. Great views! Very enjoyable and worthwhile way to spend a couple hours! We ended up at White Islands instead of Ballestas due to closure, but we were NOT disappointed. We’d do it again!

Picked up on time at Nakua lodge. Shuttled to boat ride. Lots to see. Super photo opportunities. Definitely recommend.

Very nice and well managed activity, the agency was very helpful in meeting all our requests