Ballestas Islands (Islas Ballestas) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Ballestas Islands. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Premium Paracas and Huacachina Day Trip from Lima with Sunset Toast

• Full-Day Tour From Lima: Paracas and Huacachina Oasis

• Paracas and Huacachina Premium Experience from Lima

• Paracas, Ballestas Islands, and Huacachina Guided Tour

• Lima: Paracas Reserve, Slave Tunnels, and Ballestas Islands Full Day

The cost of visiting the Ballestas Islands really depends on the tour package you choose. Short group tours that only visit the Ballestas Islands start from as low as US$15 per person, while excursions that also include a stop at Huacachina for sandboarding start from around US$50. For any tours that include a flight over the Nazca Lines, prices start at US$200 or more.

Yes, definitely. A visit to the Ballestas Islands off the southern coast of Peru is a highlight of many people's trip. Known for their abundance of bird life—including blue-footed boobies and Peruvian pelicans—the islands are an essential stop for twitchers, and you'll often see sea lions on the boat ride across. As you have to reach the islands by boat, a guided excursion that includes a ride out to the islands, as well as other top activities such as sandboarding in Huacachina and passing through Paracas, is recommended.

Per one customer who booked the Premium Paracas and Huacachina Day Trip from Lima with Sunset Toast, "This trip exceeded expectations! Everything from the Ballestas Islands and seeing penguins and boobies (birds), trying pisco, and the absolute highlight---the dune buggy and sandboarding! The last two activities will stay with me for life, and I've done them before in other countries, and it doesn't even come close to here."

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.

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.

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.

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.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Ballestas Islands. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions on the South Coast of Peru:

• Nazca Lines

• Miraflores

• Colca Canyon

• Paracas National Reserve

• Chachani Volcano

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions on the South Coast of Peru.