2-Hour Ballestas Islands Tour from Puerto San Martín

Two hours on the water to see sea lions and penguins in their habitat

A 2-hour shared boat tour from Puerto San Martín to the Ballestas Islands, where you observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins and seabirds in Paracas Bay. The guide explains the landscape and fauna in English or Spanish as you pass the Candelabro rock formation on the way. Life jacket, taxes and fees are included. Pickup at the port terminal is arranged according to your reservation details.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ballestas Islands boat tour

• Meet at General San Martín Port Terminal
• Board covered boat with guide
• View and photograph the Candelabro
• Observe wildlife at Ballestas Islands
• Return to port enjoying sea breeze

The experience

The boat leaves Puerto San Martín and heads into Paracas Bay, stopping after about 10 minutes at a northern point of the peninsula to see the Candelabro: a large rock formation the guide will explain in detail. From there, the route continues to the Ballestas Islands themselves, the most important wildlife sanctuary on the Peruvian coast. What you see depends on the day's conditions, but sea lions, booby birds, pelicans, Humboldt penguins and other seabirds are the draw. The guide points them out and describes the local landscape as you move through the water.

The boat is covered and fitted with two outboard motors, so the ride is steady and the return journey becomes a chance to relax and feel the sea breeze. A life jacket is provided and worn throughout. The tour runs about 2 hours total, and you're picked up at the exit of the General San Martín Port Terminal with a sign bearing your name and the operator's name, so there's no confusion on arrival.

What’s included

• Life jacket.
• all taxes and fees.
• bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• pickup at the port terminal with name sign.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Paracas Explorer Travel Agency

Is this one for you?The guide speaks both English and Spanish, so you can follow the commentary in whichever language is comfortable for you. The bilingual setup means mixed groups don't need separate departures.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals will I see on the Ballestas Islands tour?

Sea lions, Humboldt penguins, booby birds, pelicans and various seabirds live on and around the Ballestas Islands. Sightings vary according to the day's conditions and the season, but these species are the main wildlife you'll observe from the boat.

How long does the tour take from start to finish?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours total, including the stop at the Candelabro formation on the way to the islands and the return journey to Puerto San Martín.

What is the Candelabro and why do we stop there?

The Candelabro is a large rock formation on the northern point of the Paracas peninsula. The guide stops the boat there to let you photograph and film it, then explains its measures, materials and possible origin before continuing to the Ballestas Islands.

Is pickup from my hotel included, or only from the port?

Pickup is arranged at the exit of the General San Martín Port Terminal according to your reservation instructions. The operator will wait for you there with a sign bearing your name.

What's included in the tour price?

Life jacket, all taxes and fees are included. The guide speaks English and Spanish, and the boat is covered. Lunch is not included.