Ballestas Islands boat tour from Paracas: Sea lions and penguins

Paracas by boat: the El Candelabro geoglyph, sea lion colonies, and thousands of seabirds in two hours

A shared boat tour from Paracas to Ballestas Islands, a protected marine reserve 30 minutes offshore, where you see sea lions, Humboldt penguins and seabirds in their natural habitat. The tour passes the El Candelabro geoglyph (a 590-foot ancient carving on the desert cliffs) on the way out. Hotel pickup and return transfer are included in one option. Coffee or tea is served on board. The tour runs two hours total and operates with a live guide in English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ballestas Islands boat tour

• Pickup from Paracas hotel
• Travel to El Chaco dock
• Board boat to Ballestas Islands
• View El Candelabro geoglyph
• Explore Ballestas Islands wildlife
• Return to dock
• Transfer back to hotel

The experience

The boat leaves from El Chaco dock in Paracas after hotel pickup. On the 30-minute ride out to Ballestas Islands, you pass the El Candelabro geoglyph, a pre-Inca carving roughly 2,500 years old that still marks the desert hillside. The geoglyph measures 590 feet and remains unexplained. A mystery the guide will point out as you approach the islands.

Ballestas Islands is a natural reserve where sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans and other seabirds live year-round, with migratory species adding to the population. The boat circles the islands so you see the colonies at close range and watch the birds in their habitat. The islands are also famous for guano: the bird droppings that Peru mined heavily between 1845 and 1866 as a natural fertilizer and major export. The geological formations of the islands themselves are striking, shaped by the Pacific.

After the island exploration, the boat returns to El Chaco dock and you're transferred back to your hotel. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a windbreaker. The ocean wind picks up on the water. If you're prone to motion sickness, take precautions before boarding. Coffee and tea are available during the tour.

What’s included

• Shared boat ride to Ballestas Islands.
• coffee and tea on board.
• round-trip hotel transfer from Paracas (included in the "with transfers" option).
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• SERNANP national park fee.

Options for this experience

2 options

Ballestas Islands, transfers not includedGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00 and 10:00Pickup is included, transfers not included

Ballestas Islands, transfers includedGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00 and 10:00Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

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

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Infant (under 12)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.You can choose from 15 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tangol

Is this one for you?Choose the option with transfers if your hotel is in Paracas and you'd rather not arrange your own transport to El Chaco dock. Pick the without-transfers option if you have your own vehicle or prefer to meet the group at the dock. Either way, the two-hour boat tour and the guide remain the same.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 12).

What exactly is the El Candelabro geoglyph I'll see on the way to Ballestas Islands?

El Candelabro is an ancient carving on the desert cliffs near Paracas, roughly 2,500 years old and made by a pre-Inca civilization. It measures 590 feet and is shaped like a candelabrum or chandelier. Its purpose remains a mystery, and you'll see it from the boat during the 30-minute ride out to the islands.

Will I get close enough to the sea lions and penguins to see them clearly?

Yes. Ballestas Islands is a marine reserve where the boat circles the colonies so you see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans and thousands of seabirds at close range in their natural habitat. The boat stays in the water but approaches near enough for clear viewing and photography.

Does the tour include hotel pickup, or do I need to get to the dock myself?

Hotel pickup and return transfer are included if you book the "Ballestas Islands with transfers" option. The "without transfers" option means you arrange your own way to El Chaco dock in Paracas. Both options include the boat ride, guide, coffee or tea, and the SERNANP park fee.

How long is the boat ride and what should I bring?

The entire tour is two hours from pickup to return. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a windbreaker jacket. The ocean wind is strong on the water. Wear comfortable clothes and consider motion sickness precautions if you're prone to it. The guide speaks English or Spanish.

Are there any restrictions on who can take this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers due to the boat motion and the nature of the sea conditions.