Ballestas Islands speedboat tour with sea lions and penguins

Glide past rugged cliffs to spot wildlife thriving in Peru’s “Galapagos” waters

A two-hour speedboat tour from Paracas to the Ballestas Islands, Peru's most important coastal nature sanctuary, with a live guide in English or Spanish. The boat passes the Candelabro rock formation on the way out, then circles the islands to observe sea lions, penguins, boobies, pelicans and other marine birds. Children from age 3 are welcome. Lifejackets are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ballestas Islands speedboat tour

• Board speedboat in Paracas
• View El Candelabro geoglyph
• Explore Ballestas Islands sanctuary
• Observe sea lions and penguins

The experience

The tour boards a speedboat with dual outboard motors at Paracas and heads toward the Candelabro, a large rock formation on the coast whose origin the guide will explain. From there the boat continues to the Ballestas Islands themselves, a protected sanctuary where the wildlife congregates in dense groups. You'll see sea lions hauled out on the rocks, penguins in the water and perched on ledges, boobies diving, and pelicans fishing. The guide narrates what you're watching and why these species cluster here.

The speedboat design means the ride is fast and the swell is felt. Lifejackets are standard issue. The guide speaks either English or Spanish depending on the group, and the whole outing runs two hours from start to finish. Infants under one year old and people in wheelchairs can board, though the boat's motion and tight spaces create real constraints for anyone prone to seasickness or with spinal injuries.

What’s included

• Speedboat with dual outboard motors.
• lifejacket.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• access to view the Ballestas Islands and the Candelabro formation.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 12:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Child (3 to 16 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 46

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$ 4.59

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Paracas Holiday

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're comfortable on a moving boat and want to see marine wildlife in a short morning or afternoon window. The speedboat's motion and open-water crossing make it unsuitable for anyone with spinal problems, motion sickness, or cardiovascular concerns, but it's fast enough to fit the islands into two hours, even with young children from age 3 along.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 16 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What animals will I actually see on the Ballestas Islands tour?

Sea lions, penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds live on the islands in large numbers. The guide will point out the different species and explain why they gather there, though sightings depend on the season and the time of day.

How rough is the boat ride to the Ballestas Islands?

The speedboat crosses open water with dual motors, so you'll feel the swell. The ride is not smooth, which is why the tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or motion sickness. The journey takes about two hours total.

What is the Candelabro and why does the guide talk about it?

The Candelabro is a large rock formation on the Peruvian coast that the boat passes on the way to the islands. The guide will explain the different theories about how it formed, making it a landmark stop on the route.

Is the tour in English, or do I need Spanish?

The guide speaks both English and Spanish, and the group determines which language is used. Let the operator know your preference when you book.