Ballestas Islands Peru
Discover the "Poor Man's Galapagos"! Witness abundant sea lions, penguins, and seabirds on a boat tour around the Ballestas Islands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer seas and active wildlife
Ballestas Islands Peru
Best Time
Calmer seas and active wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the "Poor Man's Galapagos"! Witness abundant sea lions, penguins, and seabirds on a boat tour around the Ballestas Islands.
"Fantastic experience! Many birds and sea lions, a must-see in Peru."
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Secure your spot on a boat tour early, especially for popular morning slots, to avoid disappointment.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The coastal breeze is chilly! Bring a windbreaker or jacket, even on sunny days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sea Lion Colonies
Ballestas Islands
Witness hundreds of playful sea lions basking on the rocks and swimming in the ocean. A true wildlife spectacle!
+1
Humboldt Penguins
Ballestas Islands
Spot adorable Humboldt penguins waddling along the rocky shores and diving into the Pacific.
Abundant Birdlife
Ballestas Islands
Marvel at diverse seabirds like pelicans, boobies, and cormorants nesting on the islands.
The Candelabra Geoglyph
Paracas Peninsula
See the mysterious ancient geoglyph etched into the desert hillside, visible from the boat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Scams
What to Pack for the Coast
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Secure your spot on a boat tour early, especially for popular morning slots, to avoid disappointment.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The coastal breeze is chilly! Bring a windbreaker or jacket, even on sunny days.
💰 Beware of Scams
Be cautious of unofficial vendors in Paracas; book tours with reputable companies.
🦭 Wildlife Viewing Tips
Bring binoculars for closer views of sea lions, penguins, and birds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Secure your spot on a boat tour early, especially for popular morning slots, to avoid disappointment.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The coastal breeze is chilly! Bring a windbreaker or jacket, even on sunny days.
💰 Beware of Scams
Be cautious of unofficial vendors in Paracas; book tours with reputable companies.
🦭 Wildlife Viewing Tips
Bring binoculars for closer views of sea lions, penguins, and birds.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses – the sun can be intense.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ballestas Islands for their incredible wildlife, particularly the sea lions, penguins, and diverse birdlife, often calling it the "Poor Man's Galapagos." The boat tours offer a unique perspective on these natural wonders and the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph. Some travelers noted fewer penguins than expected or minor issues with tour organization, but the overall experience is highly recommended for nature lovers.
"The islands are worth the trip on a touristy boat with strangers. If you love birds, penguins, and sea lions it's worth the trip. If you don't love these you probably shouldn't go as there isn't anything else like a cool boat ride or whatever to make it worthwhile."
J Eliassen
"Fantastic experience! Took a boat and circled the island. Many birds and sea lions and I think I saw one penguin."
Silvia X
"A good tour and activity. We had to weirdly wait 40 mins for one person for our boat to complete its occupancy. When departed, it took 20 something minutes to reach the islands. Take a coat please, the breeze is extremely cold. On the islands itself, if you have never seen penguins and sea lions, it is a great experience. Interesting story around the bird poo as well."
Nuno L.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to take a bus from Lima to Paracas, which takes about 3-4 hours. From Paracas, you'll board a boat tour to the islands. Some tours combine the Ballestas Islands with a visit to the Huacachina oasis. +2
Several bus companies operate daily services from Lima to Paracas. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
Yes, it's a popular day trip! Many tours depart from Lima early in the morning, visiting the islands and often combining it with Huacachina.
Yes, driving is an option, and it offers flexibility. The drive from Lima is straightforward via the Pan-American Highway. Parking is available in Paracas.
The boat ride from Paracas to the Ballestas Islands typically takes about 20-30 minutes each way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices can vary, but generally range from S/ 35 to S/ 50 soles (approximately $10-$15 USD). This usually includes the boat trip but not the national reserve entrance fee. +2
Yes, there's typically a separate entrance fee for the Paracas National Reserve, which is often around S/ 11 soles (approximately $3 USD), payable in cash.
Tickets are usually purchased directly from tour operators at the docks in Paracas. It's advisable to book in advance or arrive early.
Most tours include the boat ride around the islands to see wildlife and the Candelabra geoglyph. Some may offer additional commentary.
While possible, buying tickets on the day is not recommended, especially for morning tours, as they can sell out. Booking ahead ensures your spot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see large colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds like pelicans and boobies. Dolphins and whales are sometimes spotted.
No, visitors are not allowed to disembark on the islands due to conservation efforts. You observe the wildlife from the boat.
Morning tours are generally recommended for calmer seas and more active wildlife. However, midday tours are also popular. +1
The boat tours typically last around 1.5 to 2 hours, providing ample time to observe the wildlife and scenery.
Yes, it's generally suitable for children, but they should be supervised. The boat ride can be bumpy, and the sun exposure is significant. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The islands offer fantastic opportunities to photograph sea lions, penguins, and diverse bird species in their natural habitat. The Candelabra geoglyph is also a unique shot.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing wildlife details from the boat. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscapes.
Yes, most boats offer good vantage points. However, be prepared for movement and potential sea spray, so a protective camera cover is advisable.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in protected natural areas like the Ballestas Islands to avoid disturbing wildlife. Always check local regulations.
Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion, especially for birds in flight or sea lions diving. Continuous autofocus is also helpful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
+1 The tour prices are very reasonable, typically ranging from S/ 35-50 soles, plus a small national reserve fee. 📸 Wildlife Photographers
+1 Consider bringing a telephoto lens to get detailed shots of the animals from the boat. Be prepared for movement on the boat and potential sea spray, so a waterproof camera bag or cover is a wise precaution. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The "Poor Man's Galapagos"
+2 This protected sanctuary is a vital breeding ground and home to an incredible array of marine life. Visitors can expect to see large colonies of sea lions lounging on the rocks, Humboldt penguins waddling along the shore, and a dazzling variety of seabirds, including pelicans, cormorants, and Peruvian boobies. The sheer abundance and proximity of these animals make it a photographer's and nature lover's paradise. The boat tours provide an excellent vantage point for observing these creatures in their natural habitat. While you cannot disembark on the islands themselves due to conservation laws, the boats navigate close enough for fantastic viewing and photography opportunities.
The tours also offer a glimpse of the enigmatic Candelabra geoglyph, an ancient drawing etched into the desert hillside on the Paracas Peninsula, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the natural wonders. It's important to note that while the wildlife is abundant, some visitors have reported seeing fewer penguins or sea lions than expected on occasion.
Planning Your Ballestas Islands Excursion
When booking your tour, be aware of potential scams. It's recommended to book through reputable tour operators at the docks in Paracas or through your accommodation to avoid unofficial vendors.
Crucially, pack appropriately for the coastal climate. The sea breeze can be quite cold, so a windbreaker or jacket is essential, even on sunny days.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit