Ballestas Islands & Paracas Reserve from San Martín Port

Wildlife and geology in one morning, without leaving the port

A combined boat and land tour departing from San Martín Port in Paracas takes cruise passengers to the Ballestas Islands for sea lion and penguin sightings, then through Paracas National Reserve's fossil beds, viewpoints and beaches. The tour includes speedboat and bus transport, a guide in English or Spanish, and guaranteed return to the ship on time. A mandatory $7 USD park entrance fee applies at the pier.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve tour

• Pick up at San Martín Port
• Transfer to Paracas tourist pier
• Boat tour to Ballestas Islands
• View Candelabro geoglyph
• Observe wildlife on boat
• Pay $7 USD entrance fee
• Break for restrooms and refreshments
• Land tour of Paracas National Reserve
• Visit Supay viewpoint and Cathedral rock
• See Isthmus of the Peninsula
• Explore Red and Yumaque beaches
• Option to visit Paracas museum
• Return to San Martín Port

The experience

Pickup happens steps from your ship at San Martín Port, then a short transfer takes you to the tourist pier in Paracas. The speedboat ride to the Ballestas Islands runs past the Candelabro geoglyph carved into the cliffs and circles the islands themselves, where you watch sea lions, Humboldt penguins and seabirds in their natural habitat. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed (this is a working reserve, not a controlled viewing area), but the boat stays close enough that binoculars are optional. The ride takes roughly an hour, and you'll need the life jacket provided before boarding.

After the boat returns, there's a 40-minute break at the pier for restrooms and to buy food or drinks. Then the land portion begins: a 2.5-hour bus tour through Paracas National Reserve covering the Supay viewpoint, the remains of the Cathedral rock formation, the Isthmus of the Peninsula, and the Red and Yumaque beaches. The guide points out ancient marine fossils embedded in the rock faces and explains the geology as you move between stops. Light walking happens at each site. Nothing steep or strenuous, but you'll be on your feet for stretches. The Paracas museum sits near the end of the route if you want to add it (entrance is separate), though most passengers skip it to stay on schedule.

The whole experience runs 4.5 hours door to door. Your guide speaks English or Spanish depending on your preference, and the operator tracks your ship's departure time to make sure you're back at the port with time to spare. Water and safety gear are included. Bring sunscreen and a hat, as the boat offers no shade and the reserve has little shelter.

What’s included

• Modern speedboat to Ballestas Islands with life jacket and safety equipment.
• English or Spanish-speaking guide.
• bus transport through Paracas National Reserve.
• water bottle.
• hotel pickup and drop-off at San Martín Port.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:15

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 30

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 7

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleInfants must sit on laps

Operated by JD ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Is this one for you?The boat portion has no shade and the reserve tour involves light walking at each stop, so come prepared for sun and bring comfortable shoes, but the pace is leisurely and the schedule is built around your ship's departure, so you're never rushed or stranded.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3).

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

Sea lions, Humboldt penguins and seabirds live on and around the islands year-round, and the boat passes close enough to observe them. Wildlife sightings are not controlled or guaranteed since this is a natural reserve, but the operator has extensive experience with the route and timing.

How much walking is involved in the Paracas National Reserve tour?

The land tour involves light walking at each stop (the Supay viewpoint, the Cathedral rock remains, the Isthmus and the beaches), but no steep climbs or long stretches. You'll be on your feet in short bursts between bus rides, and the pace is leisurely.

Will I have time to visit the Paracas museum?

The museum sits near the end of the reserve tour route and is optional. Most cruise passengers skip it to stay on schedule, but if you want to enter, the entrance fee is not included in the tour price and you'll need to budget extra time.

What happens if my ship leaves early or the tour runs late?

The operator plans the entire itinerary around your ship's departure time and guarantees a timely return to San Martín Port. Pickup and drop-off happen steps from the terminal, so the transfer time is minimal.

Is the boat ride rough, and do I need experience with water?

The speedboat is modern and stable, and life jackets plus all safety equipment are provided and required. No swimming or water entry is involved. You stay seated on the boat the entire time. The ride is suitable for all fitness levels.

What's included in the tour price, and what costs extra?

The tour includes speedboat and bus transport, the guide, water, life jacket and safety gear, and pickup and drop-off from your ship. A mandatory $7 USD park entrance fee is collected at the pier before boarding the boat. Food, drinks beyond the water bottle, tips and the Paracas museum entrance are separate.