Ballestas Islands boat tour from Paracas: Sea lions and penguins

Two hours on the water to see sea lions, penguins and the Candelabra geoglyph

A 2-hour guided boat tour from Paracas to the Ballestas Islands, where you watch sea lion colonies, Humboldt penguins, Peruvian boobies and other seabirds from the water. The route passes the Candelabra geoglyph, a 150-meter figure etched into the mountainside, on the way out. The return to Paracas is direct. An English-speaking guide is included. The Ballestas Islands entrance fee is optional at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ballestas Islands boat tour from Paracas

• Depart from Paracas beach town
• View Candelabra geoglyph and take photos
• Cruise to Ballestas Islands
• Observe sea lions on shores
• Spot Peruvian boobies, pelicans, and penguins
• Watch for dolphins in the water
• Learn about guano deposits on islands
• Return boat ride to Paracas dock
• Take photos of pelicans near dock
• Shop souvenirs or grab a snack

The experience

Two hours means the whole trip fits into a morning or afternoon without eating the rest of your day. The boat leaves Paracas heading west, and the first stop is the Candelabra geoglyph: a 150-meter-high candlestick figure carved into the mountain, rumored to have guided ancient sailors or connected to the Nazca lines. You get time to photograph it before the boat continues to the islands themselves.

The Ballestas Islands are a working seabird and sea lion reserve. Families of over 100 sea lions haul out on the rocks to sleep, bask and bark at each other over territory. Humboldt penguins nest in small groups alongside Peruvian boobies, cormorants and Peruvian pelicans. The guano deposited here over thousands of years sits 50 meters deep in places. It was Peru's top export in the mid-1800s, though extraction is now regulated to once per decade. If dolphins are moving through the waters that day, you may spot them.

The return ride to Paracas is fast and windy, a direct run back to the dock. Pelicans hang around the shoreline near the pier, and you'll have time to photograph them, buy souvenirs or grab a snack before your next stop. Bring layers and a windbreaker for the ocean air and spray. Binoculars help with the birds and sea lions. If motion sickness is a concern, take medication about 30 minutes before boarding.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide.
• 2-hour boat ride departing and returning to Paracas with stops at the Candelabra geoglyph and the Ballestas Islands.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 10:00

Book up to18h before

AgesUp to age 77

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 5.17

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Bamba Travel

Is this one for you?Join other travelers on a shared boat with an English-speaking guide if you prefer a structured group experience over coordinating your own vessel.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What wildlife will I actually see on the Ballestas Islands boat tour?

Sea lions in large colonies, Humboldt penguins, Peruvian boobies, cormorants, Peruvian pelicans and other seabird species. Dolphins sometimes appear in the waters, though sightings are not guaranteed.

What is the Candelabra geoglyph and when do I see it?

The Candelabra is a 150-meter-high candlestick figure etched into the mountainside west of Paracas. You pass it on the outbound journey to the islands and have time to photograph it before continuing.

How long does the boat ride take and what's included?

The tour is 2 hours total, including the ride to and from Paracas, time at the Candelabra and time viewing the islands. An English-speaking guide is included. The Ballestas Islands entrance fee is optional and added at checkout.

Do I need to worry about seasickness or rough water?

The return trip to Paracas is described as windy and direct. If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication about 30 minutes before boarding. Wear layers and a windbreaker for ocean spray and cool air.

What should I bring for this boat tour?

Bring adequate clothing to protect against cool ocean air, sun and sea spray: layers and a windbreaker work well. Binoculars let you see the birds and sea lions more clearly.