Ballestas Islands Group Tour from Paracas
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
This is the perfect tour for those wishing to be close to nature, knowing thousands of species in their own natural habitat. The tour consists in two views, The Candelabra and Ballestas Islands. This tour is no for cruise ship passenger arriving at San Martin Port.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Las Islas Ballestas
The tour starts at our office in Paracas, then we walk to the Marina Turistica where you will board our speedboat to begin our adventure to the stunning Ballestas Islands (group service). On the way you’ll stop at the Paracas Peninsula to see the enigmatic figure of the Candelabra, stunning design drawn on the side of a hill in the Peninsula. Nobody knows for sure who did it or why. There are many hypotheses regarding its origin, some believe it is related to the Nazca Lines but still found no proof or evidence that can define its creation. Afterward you will head off to Ballestas Island where you will enjoy a stunning worlds filled with birds and sea lions. You will navigate around the islands at a distance allowed and probably some caves but this will be depending on the condition of the sea. The tour will finish at the pier.
What‘s Included
Speedboat trip to Ballestas Islands
Life jacket
English and Spanish-speaking guide
All activities
Food and drinks, unless specified
Hats
16 soles per person
Options
Ballestas Islands
This is the perfect tour for those wishing to be close to nature, knowing thousands of species in their ow natural habitat. The tour consists in two views, Paracas Peninsula and Ballestas Islands.
Reviews
38 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
All options are the same experience, find the cheapest.
Mitchell M,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Decent tour, their pre-trip communication was good, though your interactions with this specific company are limited. You meet at the travel agency office and they’ll escort you to the port where they’ll hand you off to a tour company which leads you to a boat of about 45 passengers. This can be a bit of a confusing process, and it feels like everyone’s trying to take their rake of the tourist’s money. This travel agency partners with a tour agency (JD Adventure travel) who facilitates the actual tour (this seems common for most companies, just find the best price or go to the port and start bartering). Additionally, you’ll pay s/11 to enter the national reserve area, s/5 as a port tax. I didn’t walk around downtown to find the best price, but this ($15/person on Viator + s/16 in admission ticket) seems good value from what I’ve heard from hotels and other travel agencies. I appreciated having Viator’s guarantee which avoids some of the sketchier vendors in downtown Paracas. The tour guide had some basic facts, but was mainly just helpful to point out animals/marine life. Journey: 10 min boat ride to a candelabra in the side of a mountain (Nazca lines-ish), 15 min more to the islands, 30 min circling around the islands, 30 min back to port.
Magique
ainhoad373,,Jul 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing day. First, the tour of the islands was spectacular: sea lions, penguins, pelicans, whales... wonderful... Juan was a great guide, super passionate and with many interesting things to tell. The visit to the national park was also magical. In a smaller group, Olenka took us through landscapes that looked like they were from another planet, took the time to explain the history and particularities, show us the best points and let us enjoy ourselves without hurry, taking photos and admiring everything. We couldn't have asked for more!
Penguin sighting
731danielec,,Jul 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00beautiful speedboat excursion. beautiful views, many birds and penguins. definitely a recommended trip (especially when there is good weather)
Precise islands full of pelagic birds and some, unique.
gabrielBZ,,Mar 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful and essential visit to the Ballestas Islands, you sail 1/2 hour in a speedboat. First you visit the coastal area and see the spectacular “Candelabra” figure made on the ground of the pre-Inca era. Then you're headed to the islands. My interest was to see birds. And my interest was filled. I wanted to see the spectacular Inca terns. The boat handling is fabulous. You are in the Pacific and you have to know how to drive very well because they come very close to the islands. The seascape or rock formations are also unique and spectacular. It's a lovely ride. And absolutely recommended.
Definite pass
Departure56317057068,,Feb 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00I bought two tickets, yet was refused two seats on the boat, even though it was paid for. Had a kid sleeping on me the entire trip back. Then after the tour, no one was there to drive me back to my hotel as advertised, leaving me stranded miles from my hotel. I’d recommend a company that actually follows through with their obligations. The not driving customers home seems to be a pattern given reviews (apparently should have done better research), but the tour was good, however not this company. They outsource.
This is a must do in Paracas
Trek775172,,Nov 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was definitely a tour that you should take while in Paracas. It was absolutely fantastic, first you sail to the candelabra to take pictures from the boat. They turn the boat so that each side can see it and take pictures. Then you go to Ballestas which was absolutely fantastic. We do recommend you bring a wind breaker since you will get wet. We highly recommend this tour
Good tour
alimig23,,Sep 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice tour to the Ballestas Islands. Convenient pick up at the hotel. Our Guide, Olenka, nice, kind and prepared! Recommended.
Lots of fun!
Linda L,,May 22, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Our boat ride could not take place due to rough waters however it was replaced with sand buggy rides through the national reserve park, it turned out to be a very fun day with nice and helpful guides. Would definitely recommend!
Must do day trip, but may not need to go with tour
Xinfei H,,May 18, 2023
- Review from Viator
3.00If you can manage a day trip to Paracas island, this is something you must do. The island has rock formation and many bird/animals, it is a highlight of the trip to Peru. However there is a 16 Sole per person undisclosed charge at the port, you will have to pay it yourself. Actually there are many boats departure from the port, if you can manage to get the port yourself, you do not need to buy tour and your time will be more flexible.
Chandeliers, Ballestas and the charm of animal life
Joana M,,Sep 21, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A memorable experience. Travel very comfortable, safe, with a guide on board very peaceful, extremely knowledgeable of nature and kind. Visit the Candelabro in Paracas peninsula and then visit the 3 Ballestas islands, with observation of sea lions, half a million birds, penguins and crabs. A stunning visit!
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Operated by JD ADVENTURE TRAVEL