Ballestas Islands Tour from Paracas
Cruise the "Peruvian Galapagos" and watch sea lions, Humboldt penguins and thousands of seabirds just meters from your boat.
Book on WhatsApp- Daily pier departures
- 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM
- Guided navigation
- 2 Hours
- Wildlife & Candelabra
- Speedboat Cruise
- All ages welcome
- Easy
- Certified on board
- Bilingual Guide
- Life vests included
- Shared Boat
- Per person
- S/ 80 (≈ US$ 22)
Adventure details
The Ballestas Islands are the star attraction of Paracas. Fed by the cold Humboldt Current, they form one of the most productive marine ecosystems on Earth, which is why they are called the "Peruvian Galapagos".
The tour departs from El Chaco tourist pier aboard a modern speedboat with life jackets and an onboard guide. For 2 hours you will cruise alongside colonies of sea lions and Humboldt penguins, boobies, cormorants and Inca terns, with frequent dolphin sightings along the way.
Before reaching the islands, the boat stops in front of the Paracas Candelabra, a giant geoglyph over 150 meters tall etched into the sandy hillside, visible only from the sea.
- Certified bilingual guides
- Free 24h cancellation
- Back in time for evening night buses
What will you see on the tour?
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Sea Lions
Observe large colonies of sea lions resting and swimming in total freedom.
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Humboldt Penguins
See penguins in their natural habitat within the marine reserve.
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Guano Birds
Thousands of boobies, cormorants, pelicans, and terns soaring in the skies.
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Dolphin Spotting
Frequently, groups of playful dolphins accompany our speedboats along the way.
Meeting point & bus connections
Free hotel pick-up: Complimentary pick-up from any hotel, hostel, or Airbnb in Paracas town / El Chaco area.
Central meeting office: If you are staying outside the center or arriving with luggage before the tour, meet us at our boardwalk office: SolyMar Paracas (Google Maps)
Catching an evening night bus?
All our day and afternoon tours are timed so you return with plenty of time for dinner or to catch your evening night bus (Cruz del Sur, Peru Hop) to Lima, Huacachina, or Arequipa. Free luggage storage is available at our office!
What to bring
Windbreaker or light jacket
Ocean breeze can be brisk on the speedboat, especially during transit to the islands.
Sunscreen & sunglasses
High UV reflection on open water. A hat with a chin strap is recommended.
Camera or phone with strap
Secure your device firmly to shoot photos of sea lions and penguins safely.
Cash for pier taxes
S/ 16 per adult (SERNANP + boarding tax) paid in cash at the pier ticket booth.
Motion sickness pill (optional)
If prone to seasickness, take medication 30 minutes before boarding.
Water bottle
Stay comfortably hydrated during the 2-hour marine excursion.
Loved by travelers worldwide
“Incredible experience with SolyMar! Booking was super easy, guides spoke great English, and the scenery was breathtaking. The best operator in Paracas!”
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Ballestas Islands tour cost in 2026?
Our tour costs S/ 80 per person and includes a modern speedboat, certified guide, and insurance. Separately, every visitor pays S/ 16 in pier taxes (SERNANP + boarding fee). Unlike the "teaser" prices you may see online, we tell you the real total cost before you book: no surprises, no hidden fees.
What is the best departure time?
The 8:00 AM departure is the best one: the sea is calmer, visibility is better, and wildlife is most active. The 10:00 AM departure is also good, though wind and swell tend to pick up later in the morning.
Can we walk on the islands or swim?
No, the Ballestas Islands are a protected reserve. The tour is 100% boat-based; stepping onto the islands or swimming is strictly prohibited to protect the sea lion and penguin colonies.
Is it suitable for children, seniors, or pregnant travelers?
Yes, it is a very safe, zero-effort ride. All passengers remain seated wearing mandatory life jackets. Children from age 2, seniors, and pregnant travelers (with uncomplicated pregnancies) enjoy it without any issue.
Will I get seasick?
The ride lasts 2 hours and the sea is usually calm at the first departure. If you are prone to motion sickness, take a seasickness pill 30 minutes before boarding and keep breakfast light.
What should I bring?
A windbreaker or light jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat that straps on (it gets windy at sea), and your camera or phone secured with a strap. The pier has restrooms and cafés to grab water before departure.
What happens in case of bad weather?
If the Port Authority closes the pier due to unusual swell, we will offer to reschedule your tour to the next available departure or issue a 100% refund.
Why book with SolyMar Paracas
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Safety first
Modern equipment, certified guides, and complete passenger insurance for total peace of mind.
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Expert local guides
Friendly bilingual guides sharing historical facts, desert geology, and spotting hidden wildlife.
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Licensed operator
We are a formal registered tour operator recognized by Peruvian tourism authorities (MINCETUR).
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Flexible guarantees
Free cancellation up to 24h before or receive a 100% full refund if weather prevents departure.
Limited spots per departure
Ready to start your Paracas adventure?
Get in touch with us today to secure your seats. We confirm your booking in minutes with flexible options!
Pay by card via secure payment link or cash on arrival · Free cancellation up to 24h before