Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve tour from Paracas

The Cathedral is a natural rock arch you can only see from inside the reserve, not from the islands.

A full-day tour from Paracas that combines a two-hour boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands (home to sea lions, migratory birds and Humboldt penguins) with a guided visit to Paracas National Reserve, where you walk to the Cathedral rock formation, visit Red and Yumaque beaches, and stop at Flamencos viewpoint. Hotel pickup is included. The guide speaks English and Spanish. National park entrance and meals are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Ballestas Islands3h
2. Paracas National Reserve4h

Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve Tour

• Pick up at hotel
• Transfer to Paracas tourist dock
• Boat excursion to Ballestas Islands
• Observe birds, sea lions, penguins
• Return to dock and free time
• Visit Paracas National Reserve interpretation center
• See The Cathedral rock formation
• Panoramic visit to Red and Yumaque beaches
• Walk to Flamencos viewpoint and Fusilera Zone
• Observe migratory birds and marine fossils
• Visit Lagunillas Beach (optional lunch and swimming)
• Return to hotel around 3:00 PM

The experience

The day starts with pickup at your hotel and a transfer to the tourist dock in Paracas. From there you board a speedboat for the nearly two-hour run to the Ballestas Islands, where thousands of migratory birds nest alongside colonies of sea lions. The boat circles the islands close enough to spot Humboldt penguins and other marine life in the water. After returning to the dock, you have free time to walk the bay, photograph the coastline or pick up breakfast and local crafts before the second part of the tour begins.

The afternoon shifts to Paracas National Reserve, the largest natural sanctuary on Peru's south coast. Your guide takes you first to the interpretation center, then drives toward the Cathedral: a whimsical rock formation that rises from the reserve's interior and offers a panoramic view across the landscape. From there the tour moves through Red and Yumaque beaches with a short walk to Flamencos viewpoint, where you can watch migratory birds and spot marine fossils. The Fusilera Zone follows, another stop for observing coastal wildlife. The final stop is Lagunillas Beach, where swimming and lunch are optional. You return to your hotel around 3 p.m.

The tour runs about seven hours total and suits all fitness levels. If sea conditions are rough on the day you go, the operator will substitute the Ballestas Islands with Islas Blanca, a similar island group with comparable wildlife. A bilingual guide leads the entire day, and the speedboat is included. You'll need to arrange your own park entrance ticket and any meals you want beyond what you bring.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and transfer to the dock.
• speedboat excursion to the Ballestas Islands.
• bilingual guide in English and Spanish throughout the day.
• visits to Paracas National Reserve, the Cathedral rock formation, Red and Yumaque beaches, Flamencos viewpoint and Lagunillas Beach.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 20 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$ 10.90

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by IZI PERU

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want both the marine wildlife of the Ballestas Islands and the coastal geology of Paracas National Reserve in a single day: the fixed itinerary and included guide mean the two parts connect without you arranging transport between them or navigating the reserve on your own.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 boat ride to the Ballestas Islands?

The Ballestas Islands are home to thousands of migratory birds and colonies of sea lions. You'll also see Humboldt penguins and other marine fauna during the nearly two-hour excursion.

What is the Cathedral in Paracas National Reserve?

The Cathedral is a natural rock formation inside the reserve with a distinctive whimsical shape. It's the main landmark stop and offers a panoramic view across the landscape.

How much free time do I have between the boat tour and the reserve visit?

After returning from the Ballestas Islands, you have free time at the dock to walk around the bay, take photos and buy breakfast or crafts before the reserve portion of the tour begins.

Can I swim during this tour?

Swimming is optional at Lagunillas Beach, the final stop in Paracas National Reserve, so you can choose whether to go in the water.

What happens if the sea is too rough for the Ballestas Islands boat ride?

If sea conditions are unsafe, the operator will take you to Islas Blanca instead, a similar island group with comparable wildlife and bird colonies.

Does the tour price include the national park entrance ticket?

The national park entrance ticket is not included in the tour price and must be purchased separately. The speedboat to the Ballestas Islands and the guide are included.