Taking an Islas Ballestas Tour: How to Experience the Famous Islands of Paracas, Peru
The Islas Ballestas tour is one of the top attractions in Paracas, Peru, offering visitors a chance to experience incredible wildlife and stunning coastal landscapes. Sometimes referred to as the "Poor Man's Galápagos," these islands are a budget-friendly island chain home to sea lions, penguins, and thousands of birds.
A boat tour to the Islas Ballestas takes you up close to this natural wonder, with breathtaking views of rock formations and the famous Candelabra geoglyph along the way. The tour is perfect for nature lovers and those looking to add a unique experience to their Peru itinerary.
Whether you're planning a day trip from Lima or visiting on a short Paracas adventure, this Islas Ballestas guide will cover everything you need to know—from booking tips to what to expect on the tour.
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Islas Ballestas Tour: a Brief Intro
Before diving into the different Ballestas Islands tours, we're going to share with you a few basics about the islands.
🤩 What Makes the Ballestas Islands Special?
Islas Ballestas are one of the top places in Peru for wildlife. The area is protected and is home to over 150 species of birds, as well as marine life like sea lions, otters, and even whales!
Visiting the Ballestas Islands is one of the top things to do in Paracas, and is also a popular day trip from Lima.
📍 Where are Islas Ballestas in Peru?
The Islas Ballestas are located off the coast of Paracas, a small town in the Ica region of southern Peru. They lie about 260 kilometers (160 miles) south of Lima, making them a popular day-trip destination from the capital.
The islands are part of the Paracas National Reserve and sit in the Pacific Ocean, just a short boat ride away from the Paracas port. They are known for their rich marine life, dramatic rock formations, and the iconic Candelabra geoglyph, which can be seen from the sea during the boat tour.
Paracas serves as the main base for visitors taking an Islas Ballestas tour, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and tour operators offering excursions to the islands.
How to Visit the Ballestas Islands
Now that you know where Islas Ballestas are located, let's go over how to get there.
⛵️ How Do You Get to Ballestas Islands?
The only way to visit Islas Ballestas is by taking a boat there. You can either go on one of the shared boat tours, or you can hire your own boat.
Islas Ballestas Tours - Shared
The most popular option for taking an Islas Ballestas Tour is to to take one of the shared boats. There are many different companies that run this tour, but they all use the same speed boats that hold 35 people, and take the same route.
It's important to note that there are two different boat tours that you can get though. Some boats will go to Isla Blanca, which is a different place that is closer to Paracas.
If you'd like to take the Islas Ballestas Tour, then make sure you clarify with the tour operator, or you can book online in advance.
Islas Ballestas Tours - Private
If you're looking for a more relaxed boat trip, then you can opt to charter your own boat! We'd recommend this for bigger groups who want a longer and more chilled excursions.
How Do I Get to Islas Ballestas from Lima?
In order to take an Islas Ballestas tour you can do one of the following:
- Take a tour from Lima that goes to Islas Ballestas.
- Rent a car and drive to Paracas, taking a tour from the pier.
- Take a bus from Lima to Paracas, and spend the night before in Paracas.
Islas Ballestas Tours: Times & Prices
Now that you know how to get to Paracas, let's look at how much an Islas Ballestas tour costs, and the availability of the tours.
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When are the Islas Ballestas Tours?
The Islas Ballestas tours are technically at 8:00, 9:00, and 10:00 am. However, we had the 10:00 tour and didn't actually board the boat until 10:40, and also didn't leave the pier until 11:00.
Remember that Peruvians aren't necessarily the most punctual, and it's a little more relaxed here, which can work in your favor if you aren't an early bird.
How Long is the Ballestas Island Tour?
The Ballestas Island tour is an hour and 30 minutes to an hour and 40 minutes roughly. You'll want to account for waiting time at the pier though, which for us was another 20 minutes waiting for our transportation, 20 minutes on the pier, and 20 minutes in the boat before the tour left.
If you opt for an earlier tour, we'd calculate closer to 2 hours in total to expect for ticketing, boarding, and the excursion itself.
How Much are Tours to Islas Ballestas?
Tours to Islas Ballestas typically are 35-45 soles for the tour, and then there is a park fee, and a pier fee on top of that.
The basic Islas Ballestas tour price breakdown looks like this:
- Tour price: 35-45 soles
- Park entrance: 11 soles (or you can pay 17 soles if you'd like to include a visit to Paracas National Reserve which we highly recommend)
- Embarkation fee: 5 soles
Tours online are a bit more expensive, but many include visits to Paracas National Reserve or other nearby attractions, making them definitely worth a look. We had our own car, and were staying in Paracas, but if you are looking for a more complete tour, then make sure to check these options out:
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How to Prepare For Your Islas Ballestas Tour
Now that you know how to book your Islas Ballestas tour, let's go over some ways to help you prepare for your excursion.
What to Wear to Ballestas Islands
Even going in the height of summer, it was pretty chilly when the speed boat was going fast, especially since the boats are covered.
As you won't be getting out of the boat, we'd simply recommend whatever clothing makes you feel comfortable, and to bring a sweater to wear when the boat is moving quickly.
It's also important to note that if you sit in the back you might get wet, so you'll want to wear something waterproof, as well as sunglasses, and preferably a waterproof backpack.
Even in the summer the weather may not be super hot or sunny.
What to Bring to an Islas Ballestas Tour
Here are some things we'd recommend bringing with you on your Islas Ballestas tour:
- Sunglasses
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
- Zippered Bag or Backpack (preferably waterproof) - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Light jacket or sweatshirt
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
- Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
- Standard Lens for a dynamic range (we use the Sony GM 24-70)
- Telephoto Lens to capture the wildlife closer up (we use the Sony GM 70-200)
- Case Mate waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Casemate Waterproof Phone Pouch)
- Hair tie to put your hair back
- Sea sickness pill if you're prone to motion sickness
- Cash to pay for the pier fee (unless your ticket covers it)
Bring a telephoto lens to get up close shots of the wildlife.
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Islas Ballestas Tour: What to Expect
We booked our tour with our hostel, and they arranged to send transportation to bring us to the pier. Being that Paracas is a very small town though, this truly isn't necessary, and you can easily walk to the pier which is where all the restaurants, beaches, and action happens in this tiny beach town.
We first had to go with our guide to have our park entrance fees paid for, and then we all walked to the pier together, where our guide dropped us. We waited in line, and had a few locals selling drinks and snacks around us, and it was honestly pretty chaotic and unorganized.
Being that our tour was at 10:00 and we arrived to the pier at 10:20 had us pretty stressed out until we realized that the timetable really didn't matter, and the boats just continue to fill.
Starting our Islas Ballestas Tour
We got into our boat at 10:40, and then had to wait for the local authorities to clear us, so our captain told us some fun facts about Islas Ballestas, and briefed us on what the tour was going to look like.
We set off at 11:00, and the first 15 minutes we just sped through the blue waters admiring the cliffs along the coastline, and looked out for dolphins and whales. I was pretty sure I saw a few dolphins in the distance! But it happened a little too quick to capture.
The Candelabria
At 11:15 we arrived at the famous Candelabria, an iconic geoglyph that is one of the top highlights of Paracas. The boat took a 360 turn so that everyone could see it, and then we continued on.
Las Islas Ballestas
After 15 more minutes on the boat we finally arrived to Islas Ballestas. We enjoy a series of beautiful arches, beaches, and got to get up close to some of the best wildlife there including a verity of birds, penguins, and sea lions.
We spent 40 minutes sailing around on our Islas Ballestas tour, learning all about the animals, and enjoying them in their natural habitat,
The ride back was about 20 minutes, and was a little rough with the waves and the wind, but overall we loved our experience and would definitely recommend an Islas Ballestas tour.
You'll witness a lot of wildlife and beautiful landscapes on the Islas Ballestas Tour.
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Safety & Tips for Visiting Islas Ballestas
Now that you know a bit of what the Islas Ballestas tour looks like, let's go over a few details to help you stay safe and make the most of your excursion.
Is an Islas Ballestas Tour Safe for All Ages?
The Islas Ballestas tours are suitable for all ages, and are completely safe. All boat are equipped with life jackets, that are mandatory to wear.
It's important to note though that the boat can rock a lot, so if you are prone to sea sickness, you should take a pill before boarding.
Also, make sure to hold on to your belongings tight, avoid wearing a hat, and keep your electronic inside the boat so they don't get wet.
Tips for the Islas Ballestas Tour
- Sit in the front of the boat so that you don't get splashed.
- Sit on the left side, as they have coastal views on the way, and overall a better experience.
- Cover your electronics to prevent them getting splashed with salt water.
- Keep an eye out - you might also spot dolphins or whales!
- Take the earliest tour for the best weather and least amount of waiting time.
- Boats are covered so you won't need sunscreen.
- Bring a telephoto lens so that you can zoom in on the wildlife.
- Boats turn so everyone can see - have your camera ready!
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Other Things to Keep in Mind for Your Islas Ballestas Tour
Now you know almost everything you need to know for an Islas Ballestas tour! But don't go just yet - we have a few other things to share with you.
Weather in Paracas
Paracas experiences mild temperatures year round, with slightly warmer temperatures in the summertime (December-March).
This area is desert-like, but is also known for their intense coastal winds, which are at their worst in from August to October.
Winds pick up throughout the day, making the seas pretty rough. This is why there are only morning tours to the Ballestas Islands, and it's something to keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
The earlier you on go on the tour the better!
The Best Time to Do an Islas Ballestas Tour
We'd honestly recommend doing the first tour that goes out. This is because the seas are the calmest early in the morning, the lighting is best, and the most ideal time-wise. The chaos that comes with a later tour can add a lot of waiting time, and choosing an early tour eliminates the long lines and standing around.
The best time of year to do an Islas Ballestas tour is in the summer months. If you happen to visit in January like we did, you may be able to see the penguins changing their feathers, which means they'll most likely stay put - making it a great time to see them! Also, there is a higher chance of whale spotting at this time.
In the summer you can see penguins at the Ballestas Islands!
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Are the Ballestas Islands Worth Visiting?
The Islas Ballestas Tours are super affordable, and are definitely one of the top highlights of visiting Paracas.
If you love wildlife, then we highly recommend adding the Ballestas Islands to your Peru itinerary.
Since it is a bit far from Lima, we'd recommend spending at least one night in Paracas, or perhaps a few to take advantage of the nearby Pisco vineyards, and the stunning oasis of Huacachina.
Going on an Islas Ballestas tour is highly recommended for wildlife lovers.
The Ultimate Day Trip from Lima
Are you short on time but want to experience all that the area has to offer? Well, this tour includes an Islas Ballestas tour, visit to Huacachina Oasis with a buggy tour and sand boarding, and a Nazca Lines flight - something that took us a few days to accomplish, but is made possible through this epic excursion.
Travel Planning Tools
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So are you ready to experience the Islas Ballestas tour? This is one of the top attractions in Paracas, and is a great addition to your Peru itinerary.
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