Ballestas Islands & Paracas Reserce
Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve Tour – A Must-See Coastal Adventure in Peru
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Peru’s southern coast with our Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve Tour — the perfect blend of wildlife, natural wonders, and scenic landscapes. This full-day eco-adventure departs from Paracas and takes you on a thrilling speedboat journey to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “Galápagos of Peru,” where you’ll witness colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and countless seabirds in their natural habitat. Along the way, marvel at the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph, etched into the coastal hills. The tour continues with a guided exploration of the Paracas National Reserve, a protected desert-meets-ocean ecosystem renowned for its dramatic cliffs, red-sand beaches, and sweeping ocean views. Learn about the region’s unique biodiversity, ancient cultures, and geological formations while soaking in the serenity of this untouched paradise. Ideal for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and eco-conscious travellers, this tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience just a few hours from Lima. Join us and uncover one of the most spectacular coastal tours in Peru — a must-do for every visitor seeking authentic and unforgettable adventures in Paracas.
Top Highlights
- Speedboat ride to Ballestas Islands to spot sea lions, penguins, and marine birds.
- View the ancient Candelabra geoglyph carved into the Paracas coastal hills.
- Explore Paracas Reserve's dramatic desert landscapes and coastal cliffs.
- Perfect for wildlife lovers, nature enthusiasts, and eco-minded travellers.
- Unforgettable coastal adventure just a few hours away from Lima.
Tour Level: Easy – suitable for all ages and fitness levels
Type of Service: Small group guided tour with bilingual local guide
Departure Point: Office at 8:00am
Duration: Approx. 4 to 5 hours (including both Ballestas Islands and Reserve)
Tour Type: Nature and wildlife tour / Eco-adventure / Coastal sightseeing
The tour begins at 8:00 am from our office in Paracas, where you’ll embark on a scenic speedboat ride across the bay to marvel at the enigmatic Candelabra geoglyph, etched into the coastal hillside. From there, the journey continues to the Ballestas Islands, home to a stunning variety of marine life including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and numerous seabird species. After enjoying the natural spectacle, you’ll return to Paracas at approximately 10:00 am and have a short 40-minute break before the second part of the adventure begins. At 11:00 am, you’ll join a guided group tour of the Paracas National Reserve, a protected desert-meets-ocean ecosystem rich in biodiversity and geological wonders. Highlights include ancient marine fossils, the dramatic Supay viewpoint, the natural rock formation known as La Catedral, the serene Yumaque beach, the striking Isthmus viewpoint, and the iconic Red Beach (Playa Roja). You’ll also have the option to visit the local museum and interpretation centre to learn more about the area’s unique ecology and cultural history. The tour concludes with a return to Paracas at approximately 3:00 pm.
Book now for an eco-tourism experience you won’t forget!
Included:
- Speedboat tour to the Ballestas Islands.
- Visit to the Candelabra geoglyph.
- Group guided tour of the Paracas National Reserve.
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish).
- Transport within the Reserve (shared vehicle).
- Entry to beaches and viewpoints within the Reserve.
- Life jackets and safety equipment for the boat tour.
Not Included:
- Entrance fee: Ballestas & Paracas Reserve (S/.22 or approx. USD 7 per person).
- Snacks, meals or drinks.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off (available at extra cost).
- Entry to the Interpretation Centre and Museum (optional, small fee).
- Personal expenses or tips for the guide.
Note:
Entrance fee is not included in the tour price and must be paid in cash (in Peruvian soles or US dollars) directly at the port before departure.
✅ Allowed:
- Photography and video (non-professional equipment).
- Binoculars for birdwatching.
- Personal backpacks or small bags.
- Hats and sunglasses.
Water in personal bottles.
❌ Not Allowed:
- Drones (prohibited by local authorities).
- Littering or feeding wildlife.
- Smoking during the tour.
- Large luggage or suitcases.
- Loud music or disruptive behaviour.
🎒 What to Bring:
- Light jacket or windbreaker (it can be windy).
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Comfortable shoes (you won’t disembark but comfort matters).
- Camera or smartphone for photos.
- Cash in soles or US dollars for entrance fee.
- A small bottle of water.
Please note that the meeting point for this tour is at our main office in Paracas, and all passengers must arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time to complete the check-in process and receive safety instructions. It is essential to provide a valid phone number with WhatsApp access at the time of booking, as we may need to contact you for updates or last-minute changes related to the tour.
⚠️ This tour is not suitable for cruise ship passengers arriving at San Martín Port, due to timing restrictions and distance from Paracas.
Please be aware that this tour for Ballestas Islands is highly weather-dependent and may be modified, delayed, or cancelled without prior notice for safety reasons, in accordance with maritime conditions and port authority guidelines.
As the Ballestas Islands are a protected natural reserve, wildlife sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed, as the presence of sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and birds depends on seasonal and environmental factors.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation to ensure a safe and respectful experience in one of Peru’s most biodiverse coastal areas.
This 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 three alternatives:
Postpone your tour to the next available departure.
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.
Why Book This Tour
Why Book With Us?
Ballestas & Paracas
From $30 USD per person
Free Cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
To see more Tours in Paracas
To see more Tours in Peru
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.
Posted on Ainsley Gaudet31 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jose, was very accommodating to us when we decided we wanted to switch to a buggy rather than a scooter. Meant so much to us & we had a phenomenal time. The ladies that assisted us were helpful and very sweet. Great communication all in all, everyone we spoke to answered our questions to the fullest. Totally recommend booking with JD Adventures.Posted on K.C. Worrall3 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our experience with JD Adventure Travel was terrific! We were met exactly on time and in the right place and whisked away without a moments' loss. Our guide, Olenka, stayed with us the entire tour and was delightful! She was very knowledgeable and also knew how to get the best out of every situation. We could not have been more pleased with the whole tour, and highly recommend JD Adventure Travel to everyone!Posted on Marta Iwanicka15 November 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Super wycieczka, polecamPosted on 岡安尚子1 November 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ベルーのカヤオ港からクスコとマチュピチュを観光する2泊3日のツアーでした。 23人という大人数でしたが、余裕を持ったスケジュールで、何の心配もありませんでした。各地を堪能し、楽しむことができました。ツアーガイドもマチュピチュの日本語ガイドも素晴らしかったです。Posted on Ignacio Cabrera26 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Muy buena experiencia! La recomiendo 100%.Posted on Pablo Galofré20 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excelente experiencia con la scotter por Paracas, y gracias a las recomendaciones de José, un gran día!Posted on Daniel George18 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. "Absolutely fantastic experience with Peru Sights! Their team was professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable. The tour of Machu Picchu was seamless and truly awe-inspiring.Posted on tim breidbach16 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nice experience, super easy communication beforehand. We did the 3pm bufggy tour through the nature reserve and had to take the 5:40 Pm back to Lima. The crew made sure everything is on time and we had a nice closing of our paracas experiece. Would definetly recommend.Posted on Marly Rocha7 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nos gustaría agradecer a Jorge por su atención y cuidado. Fue brillante.Posted on 李賦庭6 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The agent was super helpful! They gave me traffic information from Ica and answered all my questions. They keep following my traffic condition and successfully took me on the flight, even though there was traffic jam. The flight was wonderful! Highly recommended.
Posted on Tom KVerified Boat and Buggy tour This was brilliant. We did a boat tour to the islands to see Seals, Penguins and birds. Then had an hour break before going on a buggy tour through the national park visiting multiple beaches and driving the buggy through the desert. Completely safe, follow a private guide and see many incredible sights. Worth doing!Posted on SidRamageVerified Great views of the amazing Nazca Lines! Plane left punctually, flies for about 40 minutes to Nazca, spends 40 minutes there then flies back. The views of these extraordinary features were wonderful with every chance to take photos as the pilot made sure that passengers on both sides of the plane got excellent views of everything. Compared to a long drive to visit on foot (which would not allow you to properly see the full scale of the images) this is a must.Posted on Denise DVerified Two sites, one good tour. The weather was beautiful to visit the Ballestas Islands for the boat ride. Fabio was a wonderful guide, very animated. He explained all of the important information for Tambo Colorado as we walked through the ruins. I would recommend Fabio and JD Travel for your next tour to Pisco port.Posted on James HVerified First Class Excursion We benefited from a well organized and well informed excursion. The Paracas National Reserve is stark and dramatic with awesome sights. The team led by Jose did everything possible to ensure that saw and understood the key elements and they were diligent in keeping us safe at all times.Posted on jkedzufVerified Boat and bus tour from Pisco. The combined boat and bus tour was great. Our tour guide was Olenka and she did a very nice job discussing and answering questions from the group of about 25. We saw numerous penguins and sea loins.Posted on Luigia CVerified Top experience We did an amazing experience in Ballestas islands and the natural reserva in Paracas!!We enjoyed and Olenka has been a lovely guide for our trip!!! Amazing time!! I will recommend for surePosted on Gudrun KVerified Great - gladly again Everything worked great (advance contact, pick-up and return information, briefing at the airport) and to top it all off there was a very pleasant flight!