Ballestas Islands (Islas Ballestas) Tours and Tickets

Q: Are there guided tours of the Ballestas Islands?

Yes, there are ample guided tours of the Ballestas Islands. Most depart from Lima and include a wildlife-watching speedboat ride around the Pacific Ocean islands. Many tours also visit the desert town of Huacachina—famous for the green oasis in its center—for sandboarding and dune buggy adventures.

Q: What wildlife can you expect to see on a tour of the Ballestas Islands?

The Ballestas Islands are home to huge colonies of South American sea lions and fur seals, who can be seen lounging on the rocky, sun-soaked shores. The islands are also a birdwatcher’s paradise; bird species include guanays, Humboldt penguins, Inca terns, Peruvian boobies, pelicans, and kelp gulls.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit the Ballestas Islands?

While you can see wildlife at the Ballestas Islands year-round, the best time to visit is from June to September, when the weather is dry and sea conditions are ideal for boat rides. Sea lion calving season runs from January and March, when you’re likely to spot cute cubs.

Q: What should I wear to visit the Ballestas Islands?

When visiting the Ballestas Islands, you should wear closed-toe shoes with a good grip, so you can climb on and off the boats with ease. Ensure you pack a hat and sun protection, as many of the boats aren’t covered for wildlife viewing. This coastal area is also extremely windy, so take layers even if the temperature is warm.

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Boat Tour of the Ballestas Islands in Paracas

The Tour to the Ballestas Islands begins at the craft and tourist dock of El Chaco. We will board our boat with 02 outboard motors that will take us to the wonderful Ballestas Islands, the most important wildlife sanctuary on the Peruvian coast, where we will observe sea lions, silly birds, pelicans, penguins and other seabirds. Definitely the highlight of the Tour to the Ballestas Islands are the sea lions or sea lions who steal everyone's attention due to their curious behavior (they sleep, "pose for the cameras", or simply socialize and live without problems since occupy the top of the food chain in the area without natural predators).

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Boat Tour of the Ballestas Islands in Paracas

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(342)

from $20

Special Offer

Full Day Tour From Lima: Paracas and Huacachina Oasis

Experience an unforgettable day trip from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina, featuring a guided boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, penguins, and more in their natural habitat. Explore the stunning Huacachina Desert Oasis at your own pace, then enjoy an exhilarating dune buggy ride and sandboarding adventure, capped off with a breathtaking desert sunset. Travel in comfort with air-conditioned buses and bilingual guides, with optional local cuisine like ceviche and pisco sours to complete your journey.

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Full Day Tour From Lima: Paracas and Huacachina Oasis

18 hoursFree Cancellation

Paracas : Tour to the Ballestas Islands by Modern Boat

2 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(5)

from $20

Ballestas Islands Group Tour from Paracas

The Ballestas Islands in Paracas are an iconic Peruvian sight, but they can only be seen from a tour boat—unless you’re up for an 8-hour swim. Among the islands' usual inhabitants, which you may spot on this tour, are penguins, sea lions, and Peruvian boobies. Along the way, enjoy the view of the mysterious candelabra carved into the hillside, and perhaps offer your own theory as to its unknown origin. Speedboat transportation, pickup and drop-off from accommodations, and occasional bird guano included.

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Ballestas Islands Group Tour from Paracas

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(40)

from $15

Full Day Tour to Visit Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve

7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(13)

from $59

Ballestas Islands excursion from Paracas

With this tour you can live one of the unique experiences in your life because hiking in Ballestas Islands allows you to observe a huge variety of animals that are currently endangered as the Humboldt penguins, sea lions and occasionally dolphins, starfish, among others. Also, we will visit "El Candelabro" an enigmatic figure of great dimension drawn in the sand with an origin similar to the lines found in Nazca.

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Ballestas Islands excursion from Paracas

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(18)

from $20

Paracas Full Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and National Reserve

Explore the stunning Ballesta Islands and Paracas National Reserve on a full-day adventure. Start with a boat trip to observe wonderful wildlife, including sea lions and Humboldt penguins, while enjoying natural rock formations such as the Candlestick and the Main Arch. After a short break, take in the colorful landscapes of the reserve, stopping at spectacular beaches such as Supay Beach with its dark sands, the iconic La Catedral rock formation, and the tranquil La Mina Beach. This tour includes informative commentary from expert guides and memorable photo opportunities throughout the day. •Full day tour with boat ride to the Ballestas Islands. •Visit the stunning beaches and formations of the Paracas National Reserve. •Feedback from expert guides that enrich the experience. •Free time to relax and explore at your own pace.

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Paracas Full Day Tour to Ballestas Islands and National Reserve

6 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

from $40

Lima : Paracas & Huacachina- Day to Islas Ballestas & Sandboard

Discover the Ballestas Islands, Peru’s answer to the Galapagos Islands, and ride the sand dunes of Huacachina on this action-packed day tour from Lima—which saves you the hassle of booking multiple activities separately. Increase your chances of spotting wildlife during a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, taste Peru’s national drink, and enjoy an exhilarating afternoon of sandboarding and a dune buggy ride.

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Lima : Paracas & Huacachina- Day to Islas Ballestas & Sandboard

14 to 15 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(117)

from $79

1 day tour to Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve

7 hours

4.7

(6)

from $40

Lima: Paracas Reserve, Slave Tunnels & Ballestas Islands Full Day

18 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(761)

from $99

Special Offer

Paracas, Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Tour from Lima

Get ready for a complete adventure in Ica and its surroundings! In addition to the excitement of the Huacachina dunes, your trip includes a visit to the stunning Ballestas Islands, in the beautiful Paracas National Reserve. Here you will embark on an exciting boat tour around the islands, where you will witness Peru's incredible marine biodiversity. As you sail through the crystal-clear waters, you will be able to admire colonies of playful sea lions resting on the rocks, seabirds such as Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seagulls, pelicans, and boobies that make this place their home. Also, don't miss the iconic Candelabro, an enigmatic figure carved in the sand that dominates the coast and whose origin is still a mystery. Book now and combine the best of the desert, ocean, and adventure in one spectacular adrenaline-filled trip!

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Paracas, Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Tour from Lima

14 to 15 hoursFree Cancellation

Embark on a 2-day adventure to Paracas, Ballestas Island, and Huacachina from Lima. Begin by spotting the diverse marine life, including sea lions, penguins, and dolphins, on a boat tour around Ballestas Island. Next, take a guided tour of the Paracas National Reserve and enjoy spectacular views along the Pacific coastline. Finally, visit the oasis of Huacachina and take a thrilling dune buggy and sandboarding experience.

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2 Day Tour from Lima: Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina

2 daysFree Cancellation

4.9

(562)

from $149

Likely to Sell Out

Ballestas Islands & National Reserve of Paracas from Ica

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(72)

from $39

Paracas, Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Guided Tour

17 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(1,101)

from $75

Ballestas Islands tour from Pisco CRUISESHIP TERMINAL

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(43)

from $50

Ballestas island & Paracas reserve from PISCO CRUISESHIP TERMINAL

Enjoy a short excursion during your time at port to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve by speedboat. See the iconic Candelabra geoglyph carved into the side of a mountain and observe the native flora and fauna of the area, including sea lions, as you navigate through the caves. Receive a personalized experience with a private guide and learn about the Paracas area before rejoining your ship.

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Ballestas island & Paracas reserve from PISCO CRUISESHIP TERMINAL

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(87)

from $100

Unlike others, our tour will connect you with the past and present in an unforgettable experience. We start in Paracas, where you will be fascinated with its stunning coastal landscapes, the diversity of exotic birds and the majesty of the Ballestas Islands. Then, in Ica, you will discover the art of pisco in its emblematic wineries and experience the thrill of touring the imposing dunes in a buggy ride. Finally, Huacachina awaits you with its magical atmosphere, an oasis in the middle of the desert ideal for relaxing or sliding on the sand with sandboarding. Don’t miss this unique adventure! Book now and live an unforgettable experience.

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Full day Paracas - Huacachina from Lima

17 to 18 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(73)

from $62

2 Day Tour from Lima: Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina

See the best of southern Peru without having to worry about planning your tours and transfers on a 2-day tour that’s ideal for time-pressed travelers. Highlights include a dune buggy ride in the desert oasis of Huacachina, a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines, and a cruise of the Ballestas Islands, known as the Galapagos of Peru. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for added convenience.

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2 Day Tour from Lima: Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina

2 daysFree Cancellation

4.7

(669)

from $279

Premium Paracas & Huacachina Day Trip from Lima with Sunset Toast

A ONCE IN A LIFETIME Day Trip from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina Oasis with Peru Hop, the MOST HIGHLY REVIEWED Company in Peru. Our Huge Luxury Buses are almost double the size of any other company offering this tour. We are the ONLY company offering Free High Speed Wi-Fi, which is hugely important for the long journey to and from Lima. Visit the Ballestas Islands in Paracas, Peru’s “Mini-Galápagos,” where sealions, penguins, and countless seabirds thrive in their natural habitat. Learn how Peruvian pisco is made during a visit to a vineyard and taste the different varieties of pisco, an authentic introduction to Peru’s national spirit. Experience the desert oasis of Huacachina, dune buggy and sandboarding with the best local company in Huacachina, all timed perfectly for a spectacular sunset toast in the desert. Onboard local Peruvian hosts who will share stories about life in Peru you won’t find in guidebooks. Don’t Be a Typical Tourist… Discover the Real Peru with Peru Hop!

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Premium Paracas & Huacachina Day Trip from Lima with Sunset Toast

16 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(8,310)

from $99

Luxury Private Paracas & Huacachina Tour with Sunset Picnic

Experience a full Full Day from Lima combining sea, desert, adventure and a special sunset experience. Sail to the Ballestas Islands in Paracas, one of the most visited natural destinations on the Peruvian coast, where you can appreciate seascapes and local fauna. Then continue to Ica, where you will enjoy a tasting of piscos and wines, ideal to know part of the wine tradition of southern Peru. In Huacachina, there’s the adrenaline of riding the dunes in a buggy and basic sandboarding in the desert. To close the day, enjoy a sunset picnic at the Huacachina oasis, a special experience that makes this tour a more exclusive option than the traditional Full Day to Paracas, Ica and Huacachina.

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Luxury Private Paracas & Huacachina Tour with Sunset Picnic

17 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(503)

from $270

Price varies by group size

3 Day Tour from Lima: Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina

Discover the mystifying Nazca Lines, spectacular Paracas National Reserve, and enchanting Huacachina oasis on a 3-day group tour from Lima. In Paracas, you'll observe sea lions, penguins, and other exotic marine life on a boat tour of Paracas Bay. Later experience the thrill of sandboarding in Huacachina's golden dunes. The multi-day adventure concludes with a flight over the desert to get a bird’s eye view of the ancient geoglyphs.

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3 Day Tour from Lima: Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina

3 daysFree Cancellation

4.9

(515)

from $289

From Lima: All-Inclusive Day trip to Paracas & Huacachina Oasis

Embark on a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience: Food, Drinks, Private Buggy Ride, Sandboarding at SUNSET, Tour the Top Vineyard & Speedboats! Skip the Early Wake-Up — Live a Private Adventure Like No Other! Forget the 4 AM alarms! Start at 6:00 AM, enjoy more rest, and return earlier to your Hotel/AirBnb — no rushing, no stress Your Experience Includes: Authentic Peruvian Breakfast Full on-table breakfast with freshly baked artisanal breads from a traditional wood-fired oven Ballestas Islands Tour Sail to meet penguins, sea lions, pelicans, and admire the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph Award-Winning Vineyard & Restaurant Tour South America's oldest vineyard, savor à la carte lunch at the region’s best restaurant, and enjoy a FREE Pisco Sour Desert Oasis Adventure Visit Huacachina for a private buggy ride over sand dunes and sandboarding at SUNSET WHY US? Modern vehicles, expert planning, and every detail handled for your comfort and safety BOOK NOW FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE!

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From Lima: All-Inclusive Day trip to Paracas & Huacachina Oasis

16 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(166)

from $270

From Lima: Ballestas, Nazca Lines & Huacachina Oasis

Escape the bustling city of Lima and explore Peru's countryside on this full-day excursion. Enjoy a boat tour of the wild-life rich Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and many species of birds. Then, fly over the Nazca Desert to see the Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs that have been etched into the earth. End your tour at the Huacachina Oasis, where you have free time to explore.

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From Lima: Ballestas, Nazca Lines & Huacachina Oasis

14 to 19 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(84)

from $550

Price varies by group size

Full Day Paracas Ica and Huacachina from Lima All Included

Step away from traditional sightseeing and discover the serene landscapes of the Peruvian countryside on a full-day excursion from Lima. Trade the hustle and bustle of the city and see Humboldt penguins and sea lions in their natural habitat at the Ballestas Islands, visit a local winery to taste the national drink, pisco, and get your adrenaline pumping with a sandboarding experience on the dunes of Huacachina.

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Full Day Paracas Ica and Huacachina from Lima All Included

16 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(638)

from $85

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What are people saying about Ballestas Islands (Islas Ballestas)

Ballestas Islands & National Reserve of Paracas from Ica

EDWARD_B, Apr 2026

The tour was very...

The tour was very interesting. The Ballestas Island was absolutely incredible — we saw a dolphin, seals, sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and other fascinating birds. The national park is very beautiful, with an amazing combination of yellow landscapes and blue sea. I wish the bus had been better. The air conditioning didn’t work, and the bus itself wasn’t very clean.

Lima: Paracas Reserve, Slave Tunnels & Ballestas Islands Full Day

Chayasak_W, Jun 2026

We had a good experience...

We had a good experience visiting Paracas and Ballestas island from Lima. Our guide, Raul, was very informative and helpful. Just some suggestion for people who plan to take this tour to prepare raincoat and maybe anti-motion sickness medication for speedboat traveling.

From Lima: Ballestas, Nazca Lines & Huacachina Oasis

Marv_M, May 2026

Amazing Experience (but cramped van)

Great tour with experienced and friendly guide, Jesus, and his skilled driver. Appreciated his talks with digital photos. Expect a long day with three amazing stops - boat tour, air over Nazca, and dune buggies but long drives between. Highly recommended. Only negative and not 5 stars was that the back seats in the van were exruciating painful for anyone over 5'2".

2 Day Tour from Lima: Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina

Suzanne_D, May 2026

Fun packed few days

What a fantastic trip with Luis, Eduardo and Mr Johann. Well organised with so many very different experiences. It was a long bus trip back to Lima but well worth it for the trip. Highly recommend,

Ballestas island & Paracas reserve from PISCO CRUISESHIP TERMINAL

John_S, Apr 2026

Scenic Boat Rise

This was a wildlife tour. It consisted of a boat ride out to some islands populated by a lot of birds, a few penguins, and sea lions. Unfortunately, the public address system on the boat was very poorly used by the guide such that it was very difficult to understand the narration of the tour and discussion about what we were seeing. But there were many opportiunities to take pictures and enjoy the scenery.

Ballestas Islands from San Martin Port CRUISESHIP TERMINAL

Sylvie_S, Apr 2026

Birds, so many birds, and sea lions

The boat ride was great! Fiorella and Captain Oscar are a great guides. We even saw two whales (mother and baby) on the way back. The weather was perfect. It truly was worth every penny. However, the "only land" experience was very mid. No food, no water. We were left to our own devices for about 30-45 mins, with nothing to do. Weird. That's why I'm removing one star. But the birds and sea lions are totally worth it.