Water activity

From Paracas: Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve

4.7 / 5

49 reviews

Activity provider: LAS ADVENTURE
Water activity

From Paracas: Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve

Activity provider: LAS ADVENTURE
Likely to sell out

From US$ 70 per person

Likely to sell out

Experience the singular beauty of two of Peru's natural treasures. Float by one of the world's largest colonies of sea lions. Explore deserts and craggy cliffs — all right next to the ocean.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
Spanish, English, Italian
Pickup included
Please, arrive 10 minutes before the activity starts at your hotel lobby. All our pickups are from your hotel within Paracas and Pisco. If you are staying in a different town or city. please contact us +51 945 716 329 so we can arrange a pick up with an additional cost.
Wheelchair accessible
Private group

Experience

Highlights
  • Visit the stunning region often referred to as "Peru's Galapagos"
  • Watch collections of thousands of sea lions and penguins basking on Ballestas Island
  • Explore the otherworldly landscape of Paracas National Reserve
  • Gaze upon the ocean while standing in a stark desert
Full description
After a convenient hotel pickup from either Paracas or Pisco, head to the Marina Turistica to start your adventure. Board a speedboat with your bilingual, Spanish and English-speaking guide, and jet out onto the sea towards the stunning Ballestas. Along the way, stop at the Paracas Peninsula to see the Candelabro, an enigmatic glyph carved into the side of the island — whose purpose, and creator, remain a mystery to this day. Afterwards, continue onwards towards the marine sanctuary of Ballestas. Gaze upon the rocky shores, filled to the brim with sunbathing seals, and penguins diving into the turbid waters to hunt underneath the surface — all alongside other beautiful specimens, like majestic pelicans, and colorful blue-footed boobies. You’ll then return to the Marina Turistica for a drive to Paracas National Reserve. An almost alien landscape, the Paracas National Reserve is composed of vast, sprawling deserts and high sandstone cliffs directly next to the bright, blue ocean. Driving through the reserve, see the Cathedral, an area where a vast rock formation once stood before being destroyed by a cataclysmic earthquake. Your tour caps things off with visits to Playa Roja and Lagunillas Beach, two stunning maroon-sand beaches that are truly one-of-a-kind. Having seen some of the world's most unique natural features, flora, and fauna, you'll hop back in the car for a convenient transfer back to your hotel.
Includes
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Paracas and Pisco
  • Bilingual guide in English/Spanish
  • Boat tour to Ballestas Islands
  • Private vehicle for Paracas Reserve tour
  • Water, soft drink, coffee, or tea
  • Entrances fee for adults (22 Peruvian Soles per person; in cash only)
  • Entrances fee for kids (16 Peruvian Soles per person; in cash only)
  • Meals and alcoholic drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional gratuities
Not suitable for
  • Children under 5 years
  • Pregnant women
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Oversize luggage
  • Smoking
  • Luggage or large bags
  • Alcohol and drugs

Know before you go

  • The Entrance Fees to the Ballestas Island and Paracas National Reserve are paid locally at harbor main gate - cash only, so it is recommended that you bring some Peruvian Soles for the payment of the local fee.
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 49 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.9/5
  • Service
    3.5/5
  • Organization
    4/5

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Star rating:

The Paracas natural reserve tour was excellent! Olenka is a great guide, very eager to explain and go the extra mile! The only reason for 4 stars is that the boat tour was in Spanish which was not very helpful for us. In any case we would recommend! Thank you very much

March 27, 2023

Fantastic experience! Everything was perfect, from the pickup to the tour itself. The islands and the national park are stunning and even better was our guide. She was great, taking care of us during the whole tour. She gave us a lot of info and knowledge about the places but in a really entertaining and interactive way. A must to do in Paracas!

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March 27, 2023

La guida é stata chiara nelle indicazioni e molto puntuale nel venirci a prendere in albergo per poi accompagnarci di mattina all'imbarco per le isole Ballestas e poi di pomeriggio nella Riserva Nazionale di Paracas. Tra le due escursioni abbiamo avuto la possibilità di pranzare in un ottimo ristorante tipico di pesce consigliato dalla guida. La guida parla un buon italiano quindi é stato molto facile comprendersi. Tour molto consigliato!

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March 27, 2023

Product ID: 246227