Ballestas Islands tour from Paracas: Sea lions & penguins

Sea lions and penguins on the rocks, rock formations carved by centuries of waves

A private boat tour from Paracas to the Ballestas Islands for up to five travelers, with a professional bilingual guide and life jacket included. The route passes the Paracas Candelabra geoglyph on the way out, then circles the islands to watch sea lions, Humboldt penguins, boobies, guanays and cormorants in their natural habitat. The tour lasts roughly two hours and ends back at El Chaco pier. Entrance fees to the islands are paid separately at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private tour to Ballestas Islands

• Pick up travelers
• Transfer to Paracas Candelabra (20 min)
• Visit Paracas Candelabra
• Transfer to Ballestas Islands (20 min)
• Observe wildlife and rock formations
• Return to Chaco pier (40 min)

The experience

The boat leaves El Chaco pier and heads out for about twenty minutes to reach the Paracas Candelabra, a 180-meter geoglyph carved into the hillside of the peninsula. The figure has survived centuries of weather and remains clearly visible from the sea. Theories about its origin range from the Paracas culture around 200 BC to its use as a nautical signal or religious marker. After passing it, the boat continues another twenty minutes to the Ballestas Islands themselves.

Once at the islands, the guide points out the animals living on and around the rocks: sea lions resting or swimming in the water, Humboldt penguins (an endangered species), and large populations of seabirds including boobies, guanays, cormorants and wattles nesting on the cliffs. The islands also feature dramatic rock formations, natural arches and sea caves sculpted by erosion. What you see depends on the day's conditions and the animals' activity, so sightings vary. The return to El Chaco pier takes about forty minutes.

You travel in a covered boat with a professional guide who speaks both Spanish and English, and a life jacket is provided for safety. Groups stay small, maximum five people per tour, so there's room to move and ask questions as the guide explains the fauna and landscape. The boat itself offers shelter from the elements during the crossing.

What’s included

• Professional bilingual guide in Spanish and English.
• life jacket for each traveler.
• covered boat for the crossing.
• passage to the Paracas Candelabra and the Ballestas Islands with wildlife viewing and explanation of the fauna and landscape.

Before you book

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

Book up to2h before

GroupPrivate

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 27 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$ 4.60

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Paracas Explorer Travel Agency

Is this one for you?A private tour suits groups of up to five who want the islands without sharing a boat with strangers, and the small group size means the guide can answer questions and adjust the pace to your interest. The covered boat protects you from sun and spray during the two-hour crossing, making it manageable for most fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide 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.

How long is the boat ride to the Ballestas Islands from Paracas?

The total tour lasts approximately two to two and a half hours, including the twenty-minute crossing to the Candelabra, time viewing the islands, and the forty-minute return to El Chaco pier.

What animals will I see on the Ballestas Islands?

Sea lions, Humboldt penguins, boobies, guanays, cormorants and wattles are commonly spotted on and around the islands. Sightings depend on the day's conditions and the animals' natural behavior, so what you observe may vary.

What is the Paracas Candelabra?

The Candelabra is a 180-meter geoglyph carved into the hillside of the Paracas peninsula, clearly visible from the sea. Its origin remains mysterious, with theories suggesting it was created by the Paracas culture around 200 BC or served as a nautical signal or religious marker.

Is the boat covered, and what safety gear is provided?

Yes, the boat is covered to shelter you from the elements. A life jacket is included with every tour for safety during the crossing.

Do I need to pay for entrance to the Ballestas Islands separately?

Yes, entrance fees are not included in the tour price. Adult entry is 16 soles (approximately USD 4.20) and child entry is 8 soles (approximately USD 2.10). You pay these at checkout when booking.