Ballestas Islands tour from Paracas: Wildlife and the Candelabra

Sea lions, birds and a hillside mystery in two hours

A group speedboat tour from Paracas to Ballestas Islands, with stops at the Candelabra geoglyph and the islands themselves, where you navigate close to sea lion colonies and seabird habitats. The tour runs two hours total, includes a live guide in English or Spanish and a life jacket, and departs from the Marina Turistica in Paracas. Not available for cruise ship passengers arriving at San Martin Port.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour to Ballestas Islands

• Start tour at Paracas office
• Walk to Marina Turistica
• Board speedboat
• View the Candelabra on Paracas Peninsula
• Navigate around Ballestas Islands
• Observe birds and sea lions
• Return to pier

The experience

The tour starts at the office in Paracas, then moves to the Marina Turistica where you board a speedboat for the group crossing to Ballestas Islands. On the way, you stop at the Paracas Peninsula to see the Candelabra, an enigmatic geoglyph drawn on a hillside whose origin remains unknown: some theories link it to the Nazca Lines, but no proof has confirmed who created it or why. The mystery is part of what makes the stop worth the detour.

From there, the speedboat heads to Ballestas Island itself, where you navigate at a safe distance around the islands to watch sea lions and seabirds in their habitat. Depending on sea conditions, you may also pass by caves, though access and visibility depend on the water state on the day you go. The guide points out the wildlife and explains what you're seeing as the boat moves through the waters.

The whole outing wraps up back at the pier. You'll wear a life jacket throughout the speedboat portion, and the guide speaks English or Spanish so you can follow along in whichever language you prefer.

What’s included

• Speedboat trip to Ballestas Islands.
• life jacket.
• English or Spanish-speaking guide.
• all activities included in the tour.

Before you book

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

Book up to1h before

GroupUp to 40

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by JD ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Is this one for you?Two hours is short enough to fit before or after other plans in Paracas, but long enough to see both the Candelabra and the islands themselves. If your day has more time, you can add a separate visit to the Paracas National Reserve or explore the town. If you're pressed for time, this tour stands alone as a morning or afternoon outing.

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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.

What is the Candelabra and why is it on this tour?

The Candelabra is a large geoglyph (a figure drawn into the hillside of the Paracas Peninsula), whose origin is unknown. The tour stops there on the way to the islands so you see this enigmatic design. Theories connect it to the Nazca Lines, but no evidence has proven who made it or when.

How close do you actually get to the sea lions and birds?

The speedboat navigates at a distance that allows you to watch the colonies without disturbing them. Sea conditions on the day of your tour may affect how close the boat can approach and whether caves are accessible, but the route is designed to give you views of the wildlife in their natural habitat.

Is this tour suitable for someone who gets seasick easily?

The tour is a two-hour speedboat crossing on open water, so if you're prone to seasickness, you may want to take precautions beforehand. The boat is a working vessel designed for group transport, not a luxury cruise, so the ride can be choppy depending on sea conditions.

Can I bring my infant or small child on this tour?

Infants and small children can join the tour. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the speedboat ride, and children can ride in a pram or stroller while at the office and pier. Life jackets are provided for all passengers.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

Wear layers and bring sun protection, as you'll be on the water for two hours with limited shade. The tour does not include hats or food and drinks, so pack what you need. A life jacket is provided, and all areas are wheelchair accessible if you need that accommodation.