Paracas: Ballestas Islands Boat Tour & Wildlife Watching

Summary

Boat ride from Paracas to Ballestas Islands for sea lions, penguins, and the Candelabro geoglyph

You’ll speed out from Paracas past the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph before reaching the Ballestas Islands by boat with your guide. Watch sea lions nap and bark just meters away, spot Humboldt penguins among noisy seabirds, and feel ocean spray on your face. It’s loud and lively—and you might find yourself smiling at something you can’t quite explain.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing a little on the boat when our guide, Rosa, handed out bright orange lifejackets—mine was stiff and smelled faintly of salt and sunscreen. The engine started up (louder than I expected), and we left El Chaco dock behind, spray hitting my face as we sped toward the open water. Ten minutes in, Rosa called out for us to look left—there it was, the Candelabro. It’s this huge ancient geoglyph carved into the sand of the Paracas Peninsula. She explained some theories about pirates or old civilizations making it—I’m still not sure what to believe, but seeing it just sitting there above the sea felt kind of eerie. I tried to say “Candelabro” with a Spanish accent and got a laugh from an older man next to me.

The air changed as we got closer to the Ballestas Islands—cooler, sharper somehow, and suddenly full of bird calls. There were so many birds I lost count: pelicans gliding low, cormorants perched like tiny statues on jagged rocks, even a couple of Humboldt penguins waddling around (I didn’t expect that). But honestly? The sea lions stole the show. They sprawled all over the rocks in these lazy heaps, barking at each other or just flopping into the water without warning. Some seemed almost bored by us; others looked straight at our cameras like they knew exactly what was going on. The smell was… well, let’s say you don’t forget it—kind of fishy and wild.

I kept thinking how close we were—sometimes only a few meters from these creatures doing their thing while we bobbed quietly in our boat. Rosa pointed out some smaller animals clinging to the rocks (sea stars? she said echinoderms but I missed most of that). My hands were cold but I didn’t want to stop taking photos. The ride back felt slower somehow; maybe everyone was tired or just letting the sea breeze wash over them after all that noise and color. I still think about those sea lions sometimes—the way they seemed so unbothered by everything except each other.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour to Ballestas Islands

• Board boat at El Chaco dock
• Navigate 10 minutes to Paracas peninsula
• Observe and photograph the Chandelier
• Continue 15 minutes to Ballestas Islands
• Watch sea lions and seabirds for 30 minutes
• Return 40 minutes by boat to dock

Top questions

How long is the Ballestas Islands boat tour?

The tour includes about 40 minutes of navigation plus stops at key sights like the Candelabro geoglyph and around 30 minutes near the islands themselves.

What wildlife can I see on a Ballestas Islands tour?

You can see sea lions, pelicans, cormorants, seagulls, Humboldt penguins, vultures, crustaceans, echinoderms, mollusks, and more seabirds.

Is there a guide during the Ballestas Islands boat trip?

Yes, an official tourism guide is included throughout your tour.

Are lifejackets provided on this tour?

Yes, lifejackets are provided for all passengers during the boat ride.

Where does the Ballestas Islands tour start?

The tour starts at El Chaco dock in Paracas.

Is lunch included in this Ballestas Islands day trip?

No lunch is included; only transportation by boat and guiding are provided.

Is this tour suitable for infants or people with injuries?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries but otherwise suitable for most fitness levels.

What’s included

Your morning includes departure from El Chaco dock in Paracas with a local guide leading your group by motorboat toward both the Candelabro geoglyph viewpoint and around Ballestas Islands’ wildlife colonies—all while wearing provided lifejackets before returning to shore together.