Ballestas Islands Tour from Puerto San Martín – 2-Hour Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers
If your cruise ship arrives at Puerto San Martín in Paracas, don’t miss the chance to discover one of Peru’s natural treasures: the Ballestas Islands. This 2-hour boat excursion has been designed especially for cruise passengers who want to make the most of their limited time on shore. Known as the “Little Galápagos of Peru”, the Ballestas Islands are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including playful sea lions, endangered Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seabirds such as cormorants and Peruvian boobies. Along the way, you will also admire the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph, a huge figure etched into the desert hillside, whose origins remain unknown. This tour is the only opportunity during your cruise to witness such a unique ecosystem up close, combining breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. A must-do experience for nature lovers visiting Paracas.
Top Highlights
- 2-hour boat tour from Puerto San Martín, perfect for cruise passengers with limited time.
- Explore the “Little Galápagos of Peru” and its unique marine wildlife.
- Spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, dolphins, and thousands of seabirds.
- Admire the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph on the Paracas Peninsula.
- A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Peru’s natural wonders.
Tour Level: Easy.
Service Type: Group Tour.
Departure: 08:00 am | 09:00 am
Duration: 2 hours
Tour Type: Nature & Wildlife – Boat Tour.
Your adventure begins right at Puerto San Martín, only a few metres from the cruise ship hangar, where our professional guides will be waiting for you holding a sign with our company logo. There is no need to take the cruise shuttle buses – simply meet us directly outside the terminal. Once all guests are gathered, we will start a short 25-minute journey to the tourist pier in Paracas. Here, we will make a brief stop so you can use the restrooms before boarding the speedboat for your unforgettable Ballestas Islands tour. During the excursion, you will admire the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph, dramatic rock formations, and an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seabirds, making these islands world-famous as the “Little Galápagos of Peru”. After returning to Paracas, you will enjoy around 1 hour and 30 minutes of free time to savour a delicious seafood lunch by the bay or stroll through the charming town. Finally, we will return you to Puerto San Martín in time to re-embark your cruise. For passengers who wish to go back immediately after the tour, cruise shuttle buses are available every 20 minutes from the pier.
Included:
- Pick-up and assistance directly at Puerto San Martín, just a few metres from the cruise ship hangar.
- Professional English and Spanish-speaking guides holding a sign with our company logo.
- Tour in English
- Round-trip transportation from Puerto San Martín to the Paracas tourist pier.
- Speedboat excursion to the Ballestas Islands (approximately 2 hours).
- Safety equipment and life jackets during the boat trip.
- Free time in Paracas (around 1 hour and 30 minutes) to enjoy lunch or explore the town.
- Return transfer to Puerto San Martín in time for cruise embarkation.
Not Included:
- Tourist entrance fees to the Ballestas Islands (mandatory government fee 5 USD per person).
- Meals and drinks (available at restaurants in Paracas).
- Personal expenses and tips for guides or boat crew.
- Any services not clearly mentioned in the itinerary.
Note:
The entrance fee is not included in the tour price and must be paid in cash (in US dollars) directly at the port before departure.
What’s Allowed
- Taking photos and videos during the boat tour.
- Carrying small backpacks or handbags with personal items.
- Using binoculars or cameras to observe wildlife.
- Bringing bottled water and light snacks..
What’s Not Allowed
- Swimming or disembarking on the Ballestas Islands (strictly prohibited to protect wildlife).
- Feeding or touching animals such as sea lions and birds.
- Throwing rubbish into the sea.
- Large luggage or suitcases on the boat.
What to Wear and Bring
- Light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather.
- A windbreaker or light jacket, as it can get windy on the boat.
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with good grip.
- Camera or smartphone with extra battery.
For your peace of mind!
We would like to reassure all our guests, especially those travelling with PRINCESS CRUISES and other cruise lines, that although announcements are sometimes made on board saying local operators cannot enter because San Martin is a container port, this can cause unnecessary confusion. For your peace of mind, please note that we are a fully accredited company that has been successfully operating shore excursions for cruise passengers since 2007. While it is true that ports in Peru are mainly for industrial use, whenever a cruise ship arrives, the local port authorities assign a safe and designated area where licensed operators and shuttle buses are authorised to operate without any problem. As a legal company, we complete all the necessary procedures and pay the official fees that allow us to operate inside the port, which means you will be met directly at the pier, just steps from your ship, without needing to take any shuttle bus. So please don’t worry, your journey with us is completely safe, professional, and guaranteed from port to port.
Meeting Point
The meeting point will be inside Puerto San Martín, just a few metres from the cruise ship hangar. You will not need to take the shuttle buses provided by the ship – simply look for our guides holding a sign with our company logo.
Communication Before the Tour
Two days prior to your excursion, we will contact you to finalise all details. Communication is very important, so we kindly ask you to stay attentive to any updates or last-minute changes. We strongly recommend using WhatsApp for faster and more reliable communication.
Weather Conditions
Please note that this tour is highly dependent on weather and sea conditions. In case of unfavourable conditions, the itinerary may be adjusted for your safety and comfort.
Comfortable and Modern Transport
For your convenience, all our buses are modern, well-maintained, and fully equipped with air conditioning and other amenities to ensure a pleasant journey. For the Ballestas Islands tour, we use modern, safe, and comfortable boats, specially designed for sightseeing and offering the best conditions for an enjoyable experience.
Wildlife Sightings
The Ballestas Islands are a natural habitat, meaning that the presence of species such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds can vary depending on the season and environmental factors. Although sightings are common, they cannot be guaranteed. We appreciate your understanding regarding this matter.
Changes and Schedules
Tour schedules are subject to change without prior notice. We kindly ask for your cooperation and flexibility in case adjustments are necessary to ensure the best possible experience.
Physical Condition & Recommendations
Accessibility:
Please note that this tour is not fully accessible for passengers using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, especially during the Ballestas Islands boat excursion, where boarding and disembarking may require some assistance. However, our team will do everything possible to support you so that you can still enjoy your experience.
Land Tours:
For sites such as Tambo Colorado or the Paracas National Reserve, the terrain is not completely accessible and may involve uneven ground. Still, we are always ready to help you make the most of your visit and enjoy your journey.
Private Tours:
If you have extreme mobility difficulties, we highly recommend booking a private tour, which allows us to dedicate personalized attention to your needs. For arranging a private service, please contact us directly.
Boat Tours Advice:
For the boat tours, we suggest taking motion sickness tablets if you are sensitive to sea conditions. We also recommend bringing waterproof clothing, as you may occasionally get splashed during navigation.
Your tour is confirmed immediately upon booking, and you will receive an official confirmation by email or WhatsApp. We accept all major credit and debit cards and offer secure online payment options for your convenience.
You may cancel or reschedule your tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time at no additional cost. If you fail to show up on the day of the tour (No Show), no refunds or rescheduling will be offered.
In the event that the tour must be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions or by decision of the port authorities, we will offer you the following two alternatives:
- Join an alternative tour of equal value.
Receive a full refund of your payment.
We are committed to providing flexibility and transparency, ensuring your experience in Paracas is enjoyable, safe, and fair under all circumstances.
What Our Customers Say
Our clients consistently praise our tours for their professionalism, punctuality, and exceptional service. Many highlight the knowledgeable bilingual guides, the comfort and safety of our boats, and the unforgettable wildlife sightings. With thousands of positive reviews, travellers recommend us as the top choice for Paracas tours, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience every time.
