Ballestas Islands tour from Ica: Sea lions, penguins & Candelabra

Four hours on the water to see sea lions, penguins and rock formations up close

A guided boat tour of the Ballestas Islands departing from Ica or Huacachina with hotel pickup, where you circle the islands to watch sea lions and Humboldt penguins, pass the Candelabra geoglyph from the sea, and learn about the guano trade that shaped Peru's economy. The tour runs about four hours total, including the speedboat ride, island circuit and return transfer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ballestas Islands boat tour and transfer

• Pick up from Huacachina or Ica hostel
• Board speedboat to Ballestas Islands
• See Paracas Candle Holder geoglyph
• Observe sea lions, penguins, and seabirds
• View rock formations, caves, and arches
• Transfer from Paracas to Huacachina or Ica

The experience

The tour starts with pickup between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m. from your hotel in Huacachina or central Ica, then heads to Paracas where you board a speedboat for the Ballestas Islands. On the way out, the boat passes the Candelabra, a massive geoglyph carved into the cliffs and visible only from the sea: its origin and meaning still spark debate among researchers. The speedboat then circles the islands themselves, where the real wildlife appears: sea lion colonies lounging on rocks, Humboldt penguins diving in and out of the water, pelicans, cormorants and other seabirds that make this Peru's most important marine sanctuary.

The guide speaks English and Spanish, pointing out the rock formations, caves and natural arches that shape the islands, and explains the role guano played in Peru's 19th-century economy. These islands were the source. You get a life jacket for the boat ride and time to photograph the wildlife and landscape. The return transfer leaves Paracas around noon or 3 p.m., getting you back to Ica or Huacachina by mid-afternoon.

What’s included

• Pickup from Huacachina or central Ica.
• speedboat ride to and around the Ballestas Islands.
• life jacket.
• English or Spanish-speaking guide.
• return transfer to Paracas and back to your hotel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:30 and 07:00

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (11 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 10 years)

GroupUp to 46

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

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

Paid on siteUS$ 4.59

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Donde Viajar

Is this one for you?Pickup from Huacachina or Ica means you don't need a car or a separate ride to Paracas. The tour collects you in the morning and drops you back by early afternoon, fitting easily into a day spent elsewhere in the region.

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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: Youth (11 to 16 years); Child (2 to 10 years).

What wildlife will I actually see on the Ballestas Islands?

Sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, cormorants and glovebirds live on and around the islands. The sea lions are the most visible, hauling out on the rocks in large groups. The penguins are smaller and move quickly in the water and on the cliffs.

Is the Candelabra geoglyph the same as the Nazca Lines?

The Candelabra is a separate geoglyph carved into the cliffs near Paracas, visible only from the sea. It is much older than the Nazca Lines and smaller, but equally mysterious: its purpose and age remain debated.

How long is the boat ride and will I get seasick?

The speedboat circles the islands for the main part of the tour, which takes roughly two hours on the water. The boat moves at a steady pace. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding and stay in the middle of the boat where motion is least noticeable.

What is included in the price?

Pickup from your hotel in Huacachina or Ica, the speedboat ride around the islands, a life jacket, the guided tour in English or Spanish, and the return transfer to Paracas are all included. You can add a tourist income crossbow experience at checkout if you want.