Minimum age: 1 year old – Must have parents permission

Boarding a speedboat from the town of Paracas, this 2-hour tour will take you to the spectacular Ballestas Islands that are located off the coast of Peru. You will get the opportunity to see the many caves and arches that have eroded over time, providing shelter to thousands of seabirds and sea lions, all the while admiring the amazing scenery of the Paracas peninsula along the way.

20 minutes out from the bay of Paracas we will reach El Candelabro, a large-scale geoglyph similar to those of the Nazca Lines. Here you will have a chance to take some photos, while your guide explains the different theories on who created this enigmatic figure.

From there, we will continue on for another 15 minutes until we reach the famous Ballestas Islands. The Islands are a group of massive rock formations that, due to erosion, have created eye-catching structures, arches and caves. One of those caves is known as the maternity beach for sea lions. Here you will be able to see baby sea lions splashing around with their mothers. You will also be able to observe other animals up close, like penguins, pelicans, guanaes and chiquitas. During the tour of the islands, your guide will explain about the different species seen, and you will have an opportunity to take some amazing photos from up close. After approximately 1 hour, the speed boat will depart the islands and return to the Port of Paracas.

Departures:
07:30 hrs
10:00 hrs

Note: Setting foot on the Islands themselves is forbidden as it is a protected, ecological area. This tour takes place on a speed boat.

Restriction: The operator does not allow babies under 1 year of age on to the tour.

Holidays: In the following festive dates the tour will finish 30 minutes earlier.
July 28th, 29th
December 31th
January 1st

Be ready at the port 30 minutes before in this special dates.

07:00 / 09:30

Meet at Paracas Explorer Office , Av Alan García Perez Mz. D lote 5 - Paracas

07:30 / 10:00

Leave El Chaco Port by speedboat

07:55 / 10:15

First stop to see "The Candelabro"

08:00 / 10:30

Arrive to the Islands

09:00 / 11:30

Depart Islands

09:30 / 12:00

Arrive back to El Chaco Port

- Boat trip
- Life jackets
- Tour guide Spanish/English
- Tourist taxes
- Entrance ticket

-Tips (optional)

- Bring a jumper or rainjacket, as the wind at sea can be cold
- Sunglasses
- Camera

IMPORTANT: Children under 1 year old can not do the tour

Cancellation or changes of this tour:

CHANGES: Any changes to the tour date need to be done before 6:00 pm the day before the tour begins.

NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel the day prior to the tour before 6:00 pm (Lima time) or earlier, a 10% administration fee (+ the card fee) will apply. After this time, there is a 100% no-show or cancellation fee.

You must email bookings@findlocaltrips.com (include the name of the tour and the reservation number) to cancel this tour or to make any changes.

1. Is it possible to walk on the islands or to go swimming?

   The islands are protected, meaning you cannot swim with the animals or walk on the islands themselves, but you will get very close to them by boat. A unique experience for those who have never been to the Galapagos.

2. Why does the tour start so early?

   Due to increasing winds during the course of the day, the tours only depart in the mornings at 8am and 10am, and are available every day of the week. The advised schedule is the 8am tour, for the best weather conditions and wildlife spotting.

3. Can weather conditions affect the tour?

   Yes. This is something beyond our control. Winds and waves tend to get stronger later in the day, and for this reason the tours only leave in the morning when the sea conditions are calmer. Occasionally, the seas can also be too rough in the morning. In such instances, the Navy closes the port of Paracas for safety reasons, and NO operators are permitted to leave. Unfortunately, this is not easily predicted and the decision is made at the port early each morning. If the tour gets cancelled, a full refund will be given.

4. Is there a pick up?

   No, we meet at Frayles Residencial Hotel. Paracas is a tiny village, just a couple of hundred metres long, and Frayles Residencial Hotel is very centrally located.

5. Is it safe to do the tour?

   Absolutely! Life jackets are provided for every passenger on board the speedboat, and the boats have regular maintenance checks to make sure everything is perfect for the tours.

6. What should I bring to the tour?

   It can get chilly on the boat with the sea breeze. It is recommended to bring a wind jacket or jumper to protect yourself from wind/ocean spray. It can also be very sunny, so do not forget your sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. You should also bring a camera or cell phone to take pictures.

7. I do not want to take all of my belongings with me. Where can I leave my big bag or suitcase?

   You can leave your luggage in Paracas Explorer´s office (AH Alan Garcia Perez Mz D - It 05) next to Frayles Residencial Hotel

8. Can pregnant women go?

   Yes, the operator allow them onboard.

9. Why book with FindLocalTrips.com?

   Apart from our low-price guarantee, with us you are 100% assured that your booking is made. We provide an instant email confirmation, and have live spaces and availability for each tour. If you have any queries, you are in the hands of our team of 20 local experts here on the ground, who speak perfect Spanish and English. We guarantee quick responses to any questions or queries. Tour operators are experts at operating their tours... We are the experts at reservations, organisation and assistance with your plans for these tours.