Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve Day Trip from Paracas | 7 hours

32 Reviews | Paracas
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 15 travelers in total.
Adult (0-77) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
2
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Per Person
2 Adults x $39.00
$78.00
Approx Total
$78.00

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English, Spanish
  • Ballestas Islands Boat Ride
  • Transportation
  • English-speaking guides
  • Paracas National Reserve Tour
  • Paracas National Reserve Entrance Fee (11 Soles)
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Ballestas Islands Entrance Fee (16 Soles)

Overview

Take a boat tour to see the impressive Candelabra geoglyph, Peruvian boobies, Humboldt penguins, and abundant marine life at the Ballestas Islands archipelago. Visit the pristine Paracas Natural Reserve in the afternoon to see La Catedral rock formation and watch flamingos and parihuanas from a breathtaking scenic overlook.

Meeting points

Paracas, Peru, PE

Departure Point: Paracas Local Office (Paracas Explorer Office in Paracas located inside the Ballestas Island hotel, A.H.ALAN GARCIA PEREZ mz -LT 9 EL CHACO) Address: Paracas Explorer Office in Paracas located inside the Ballestas Island hotel, A.H.ALAN GARCIA PEREZ mz -LT 9 EL CHACO)

End point

Paracas, Peru

Open in Google Maps

Paracas city centre

Itinerary

  • Ballestas Islands

    Depart from the boat dock in Paracas at 8:00 am for your visit to the Ballestas Islands archipelago. As you cruise west from the tiny beach town of Paracas, you won't be able to miss the Candelabra geoglyph, a 150m high and 50m wide figure of a candlestick etched into the mountain, rumored to have been an ancient guide for sailors or a connection to the Nazca lines. A short description and time for photos is given before cruising on to the famous Ballestas Islands. Ballestas islands is an excellent opportunity to see large families of over 100 sea lions sleeping on the shores, basking in the sun on the rocks or some barking loudly in efforts to protect their territory. Spot cormorants, the Peruvian booby and Peruvian pelican as well as other impressive varieties of sea bird species and Humboldt penguins nesting together in small groups. Feeling lucky? Watch the waters for dolphins. Apart from the abundant marine and bird life found here, the Ballestas Islands are also very well known for the guano (seabird droppings) deposited on the island over thousands of years which creates a natural reserve of nitrogen-rich fertilizer over 50 meters deep in some areas. The guano came to be Peru's #1 export in the mid-19th century however today the extraction of guano has been regulated to every 10 years. The return trip to Paracas is a quick, very windy, direct boat ride to the dock. Upon arrival at 10:00 am, your first tour comes to an end. You should have some time to take photos of the friendly pelicans that hang out on the shoreline beside the dock. Then make your way to the same departure point for your next tour.

    2 hours

  • Paracas National Reserve

    At 11:00 am depart to the Paracas National Reserve for a guided tour through this pristine and unique natural reserve located south of the town of Pisco. Visit the Mirador de Flamencos and see flamingos eating at the shore, continue your adventure towards the Centro de Interpretacion to learn about all the fauna in the reserve. In this Centre you can see skeletons of whales, sea lions, and penguins. To finish your tour go off road in the desert towards beautiful Lagunillas Beach, where you can enjoy lunch with a view (not included). At Lagunillas, those who want to go for a swim are welcome to! Return to Paracas.

    4 hours

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Suggestions for Ballestas Islands Boat Tour: Make sure you bring adequate clothing to keep you protected from the cool ocean air, the sun and spray from the sea. Bring a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the birds and sea lions. If you are prone to motion sickness, you should take medication about a half-hour before you board.
  • Suggestions for Paracas National Reserve Tour: If you are taking this day tour during summer (December to March), please bring an extra set of fresh clothing due to high temperatures, especially during January and February. For the rest of the year, please bring a jacket to protect you from cold winds. Sun block, hat and sunglasses are highly recommended.
  • Not recommended for child aged 6 and under

Free Cancellation

June 18100% refund
June 19No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.0

32 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    16
  • 4 stars
    5
  • 3 stars
    8
  • 2 stars
    1
  • 1 star
    2

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 16 reviews with 5 stars

It was pretty smooth, the...

Published on Mar, 2025

It was pretty smooth, the tour guides were nice and knowledgeable and we really enjoyed our experience.

Everything I'd expect

Published on Nov, 2022

The tour guides were enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and the tour itself was organised efficiently. Worth mentioning that there is a 45min gap between the Ballestas Islands tour and that of the national park, where you come back to Paracas and can get a coffee or early lunch.

Fabulous

Published on Oct, 2022

Great views. Up close to marine life I wanted to see. Fantastic price. Arrive 15- 20 minutes early. We cut it a little to close but still made it. If you sit in back of the boat, its easier to get great picts but you will get wet. We went in October so didn't get to see babies but still worth going this time of year.

Paracas Reserve/Ballesta Island

Published on Jun, 2022

Guides were super friendly and knowledgeable! The ballestas island guide pointed out a ton of different wildlife for us and was able to answer a bunch of questions. The paracas reserve guide was super funny and made sure we all had an enjoyable time. He also recommended a good lunch spot for after the tour.

Wonderful tour!

Published on Mar, 2022

The tour of both the islands and the national reserve were just wonderful. We saw Peruvian penguins and thousands of birds/sea lions on the islands. The boat would stop and get close enough to take photos. The national reserve was quite interesting. The lunch stop was on the expensive side but it was good. I would recommend taking this tour while in Paracas.

Compare Similar Experiences

Current

Ballestas Islands and Paracas National R ...
11413P18
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
32
Unique Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and ...
Special Offer
122472P5
time

17 hours

time Free Cancellation
312
Visit to Paracas, Ballestas Islands and ...
133686P4
time

17 hours

time Free Cancellation
264
Boat Tour of the Ballestas Islands in Pa ...
102105P5
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
247
Nazca Lines & Ballestas Islands Private ...
5243LIMNAZ
time

14 hours

time Non Refundable
74
From Lima: Ballestas, Nazca Lines & Huac ...
103984P7
time

14 hours to 16 hours

time Free Cancellation
74
Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve fr ...
14547P9
time

5 hours

time Free Cancellation
55
Huacachina from Lima, with the Ballestas ...
204384P2
time

16 hours

time Free Cancellation
48
Full Day Paracas Ica and Huacachina from ...
239682P1
time

16 hours

time Free Cancellation
46
Ballestas Islands Group Tour from Paraca ...
14547P1
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
33
Ballestas Islands Group Tour from San Ma ...
14547P5
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
32
7-Hours Tour in Paracas National Reserve ...
102105P6
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
30
Full day | Paracas- Huacachina ALL inclu ...
Special Offer
353438P1
time

16 hours to 17 hours

time Non Refundable
27
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Boat Tour of the Ballestas Islands in Pa ...
102105P5
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
247
4 Hrs GOLDEN SHADOWS TREK in Paracas Nat ...
115478P6
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
116
ATV Tour Adventure in Reserva Nacional d ...
115478P1
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
112
Paragliding Flight at Paracas National R ...
25644P1
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
75
Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve fr ...
14547P9
time

5 hours

time Free Cancellation
55
Ballestas Islands Group Tour from Paraca ...
14547P1
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
33
Ballestas Islands Group Tour from San Ma ...
14547P5
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
32
7-Hours Tour in Paracas National Reserve ...
102105P6
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
30
Paracas National Reserve Tour
180124P1
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
30
Excursion in Minibuggys in Paracas Natio ...
115478P8
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
19
Paracas National Reserve by Tourist Bus
New On TravelOne
115478P9
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
17
Tour the Paracas National Reserve in a M ...
449621P2
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
9
Recently Viewed
Private Sunset boat trip in Chania, Cret ...
114947P3
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
5
Palermo: Tour Historic Center, Catacombs ...
Special Offer
347290P2
time

1 hour to 3 hours

time Free Cancellation
19
Rhodes Sea Kayaking Tour
182632P1
time

5 hours

time Free Cancellation
417
Dublin: Private Chauffeur Tour
New On TravelOne
421508P5
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
10
Historical Hitler Walking Tour of Vienna
46089P4
time

2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
636
Photoshoot in Buenos Aires
182925P1
time

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
31
Combo Tour: Tulum, Cenote and 5th Avenue ...
3206P82
time

12 hours

time Free Cancellation
12
Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana d ...
Likely To Sell Out
6099AGRIGENTO
time

12 hours

time Free Cancellation
135
From Ravenna: Deluxe Venice with opt. To ...
63772P88
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
43
Nikko Toshogu, Kegon waterfall, Lake Chu ...
436509P2
time

12 hours

time Free Cancellation
18
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Plan your Next Trip
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover

TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or would you like TravelOne AI to suggest one?

What is your destination?

Are you visiting Japan for the first time?

Travel Date

What is your general interest for this trip?

City Breakup


Travelers Details


Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2

Accommodation Preferences

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Dining Preferences

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Transportation

What are your preferences for arrival/departure transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Guide Support

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?

Dining recommendations/reservations?

Flights Preferences

What are your preferences for onward and return flights?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What are your preferences for internal flight?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

    Culinary Classes and Workshops
    Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Olive Oil Tasting Wine Making Workshops
    Food & Beverage Tours
    Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours
    Food Tastings and Sampling
    Cocktail Tastings Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings High Tea
    Dining Experiences and Meals
    Brunch Dinner Lunch Breakfast Restaurants Dinner and Show Tickets
    Food-Related Cruises
    Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises
    Thematic Food Events & Experiences
    Donut Walking Tour Markets
    Specialized Food Events
    Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets
    Wildlife Observation & Encounters
    Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Whale Watching Shark Diving Wildlife Watching Wildlife Encounters Swim with Dolphins Zoos & Wildlife Parks Aquariums Safaris
    Hiking & Exploration
    Hiking Tours Glacier Walks Nature Walks National Parks Nature Parks Parks Natural Attractions Outback Tours
    Camping & Outdoor Stays
    Camping Honeymoon Packages
    Adventure & Sports in Nature
    Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Horseback Riding Sandboarding
    Boating & Cruises
    Sailing Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises
    Paddle & Active Water Sports
    Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding Jet Ski Rentals
    Underwater Exploration
    Scuba Diving Snorkeling Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins
    Fishing & Marine Experiences
    Fishing Charters Eco Tours
    Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences
    Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights
    Historical Landmarks & Sites
    Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites
    Museum & Cultural Institutions
    Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Attractions & Museums Planetariums
    Classic & General History Tours
    Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours
    Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours
    Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours
    Mystery & Dark History Tours
    Ghost Tours Crime Tours Underground Tours
    Industrial & Commercial History
    Factory Tours Plantation Tours
    Observation & Structural History
    Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers Classic Car Tours
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    Religious Sites Religious Tours
    Spiritual & Cultural Rituals
    Sufi Whirling Shows Easter Lunar New Year
    Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices
    Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens
    Healing & Wellness Experiences
    Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Spas Yoga Classes
    Immersive Spiritual Experiences
    Light & Sound Shows
    Nature & Wildlife Conservation
    Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching
    Protected Natural Areas
    National Parks Nature Parks Involves Poverty Stricken Communities Involves Animals
    Sustainable & Responsible Travel
    Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours
    Land-Based Exploration
    Hiking Tours Nature Walks Walking Tours Self-guided Tours
    Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport
    Cycling Cycling Classes Bike Rentals Bike Tours E-Bike Tours
    Nightlife & Entertainment
    Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours
    Live Music & Performances
    Concerts Jazz Shows Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows Live Concerts Music Tours
    Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
    Festivals Mardi Gras Carnival Christmas Halloween Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events
    Dance & Cultural Party Experiences
    Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows
    Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment
    Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows
    Unique & Themed Experiences
    LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks
    Performing Arts & Live Shows
    Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances
    Cultural & Heritage Experiences
    Cultural Tours Culture Costume Dress Up Experiences Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival
    Art & Creative Workshops
    Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Pottery Classes Photography Tours
    Dance & Music Participation
    Dance Lessons Dance Shows
    Language & Cultural Learning
    Language Classes Spanish Lessons
    Historical & Traditional Skills
    Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes
    City Exploration
    Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours
    High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
    Air Tours Hang Gliding Helicopter Tours Heli-Hiking Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining
    Land-Based Extreme Driving
    4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Hummer Tours Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Motor Sports Go Kart Road Trip Vespa Rentals
    Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
    Airboat Tours Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks Flyboarding
    Climbing & Vertical Challenges
    Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Caving Sea Caving
    Snow & Ice Adventures
    Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
    Water & Surf Sports
    Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting
    Sand & Desert Adventures
    Camel Rides Sandboarding
    Unique & Unconventional Challenges
    Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing Scavenger Hunts Fun & Games
    Spectator Sports & Events
    Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
    Ball Sports
    Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis
    Winter Sports
    Skiing Skiing Classes
    Combat & Tactical Sports
    Martial Arts Classes Paintball
    Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
    Obstacle Courses
    Sports Training & Lessons
    Sports Lessons Cycling Cycling Classes
    Exclusive & VIP Experiences
    Private and Luxury Viator VIP Tours Once in a Lifetime Experiences Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator Exclusive Tours
    Private & Personalized Travel
    Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours
    Romantic & Scenic Experiences
    Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots
    Weddings & Special Celebrations
    Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations Photo Shoots
    Classic & Scenic Cruises
    Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours
    Themed & Specialized Cruises
    Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours
    Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys
    Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion
    Private & Adventure Boating
    Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing
    Unique & Alternative Water Travel
    Duck Boat Tours Pack Animal Tours Ferry Services Water Transfers Water Parks Water Equipment Rentals
    Travel by Season
    Autumn / Fall Spring Summer Winter Spring Break Winter Sports

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!