Kayaking in Paracas: Flamingos and history

Flamingos nest in the same bay where Peru's independence began

Kayak through Paracas Bay on the South Coast of Peru to reach Santo Domingo, a flamingo colony where birds that migrate from Canada gather year-round. A professional guide leads the paddle past the historic landing site of General San Martín and points out dolphins and sea lions along the way. The trip runs 2 hours and includes double kayaks, life jackets and oars. Children from age 7 are welcome, and pickup is included.

The experience

You paddle a double kayak through the calm waters of Paracas Bay, starting from the quiet beaches near the Plazuela del Desembarco Don José de San Martín: the exact spot where the general landed in 1821 to begin Peru's liberation campaign. The guide navigates the route and explains the history woven into the landscape: this is where San Martín drew inspiration for Peru's flag colors, a detail most visitors never learn from land. The paddle takes about 90 minutes to reach Santo Domingo, the flamingo viewpoint.

At Santo Domingo, the kayaks drift close enough to watch hundreds of flamingos in their natural habitat. The birds migrate annually from Canada, and you'll see them wade, feed and rest in the shallows. On calmer days, dolphins and sea lions surface nearby. The guide knows where to look and what to listen for. The whole experience stays intimate: you're not on a crowded boat, but moving quietly through the water at your own pace with a partner in the second seat.

Double kayaks mean you share the paddle with one other person, which steadies the boat and makes the rhythm easier if you've never kayaked before. Life jackets and oars are provided. The guide speaks English or Spanish and stays with the group throughout. Pickup is included, and the activity suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.

What’s included

• Double kayak and oars.
• life jacket.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel or accommodation pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (25 to 35 years) · Youth (15 to 24 years) · Child (7 to 14 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12

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 17 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.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Agencia de viajes Meet Peru

Is this one for you?The 2-hour paddle suits anyone who wants to see flamingos and wildlife without a crowded boat tour, and the calm bay waters work for paddlers of any experience level: children from age 7 can join, and you share the kayak with a partner so the effort stays manageable.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 24 years); Child (7 to 14 years). Under 7: they can't be included in the booking.

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 Santo Domingo and why do flamingos gather there?

Santo Domingo is a shallow bay within Paracas where hundreds of flamingos congregate year-round. The birds migrate from Canada each season and nest in this protected area, making it one of the most reliable spots to see them in Peru.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle in Paracas?

No. Double kayaks are stable and easy to paddle, and the guide leads the group through calm bay waters. The activity suits all fitness levels, and children from age 7 can join.

What else might I see besides flamingos?

Dolphins and sea lions often surface in Paracas Bay, especially on calmer days. The guide watches for them and points them out as the group paddles.

How long is the paddle to the flamingo viewpoint?

The journey to Santo Domingo takes about 90 minutes. The full activity, including the paddle back, runs 2 hours total.

Is the landing site of General San Martín visible from the water?

Yes. The Plazuela del Desembarco Don José de San Martín is near the starting point on the quiet beaches of Paracas, and the guide explains its role in Peru's independence as you paddle past.