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

18 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

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from USD 99

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

(8,237)

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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

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from USD 85

Unforgettable Trip to Ballestas and Huacachina from Lima

17 hours 10 minutesFree Cancellation

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from USD 50

Price varies by group size

Lima: Ballestas Islands, Tacama Vineyard & Huacachina Oasis Tour

15 hoursFree Cancellation

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from USD 285

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Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve Day Trip from Paracas

Get up close and personal with the rich array of marine life that inhabits the waters and rocky shores of Peru during this full-day trip to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve. Start your morning with a boat ride to the Ballesta Islands, stopping to check out the Candelabra geoglyph and observe the wild array of species like Humboldt penguins, Peruvian boobies (birds), sea lions and sometimes even dolphins that inhabit the area. In the afternoon continue your trip at Paracas National Reserve, observing the area’s Andean flamingos, whales, and other wildlife. Your trip also includes the services of a guide.

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Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve Day Trip from Paracas

7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.1

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from USD 34

Ballestas Islands from San Martin Port CRUISESHIP TERMINAL

If you’re landing at San Martin Port, don’t miss the chance to see the Ballestas Islands and their native wildlife. Observe penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and more during this short excursion. Take off in a speedboat and pass the famous Candelabra geoglyph that can be spotted on the hill, believed to be part of the mysterious Nazca Lines, before heading to the islands to explore the sea caves. Port pickup and drop-off is included.

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Ballestas Islands from San Martin Port CRUISESHIP TERMINAL

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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from USD 50

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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

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

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from USD 100

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

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from USD 15

Ballestas Islands Sightseeing Boat Ride from Paracas

Journey by boat from Paracas for a 2-hour trip to Peru’s unspoiled Ballestas Islands, a marine sanctuary where you can observe a wealth of sea birds and marine life in their natural habitat. Spot for some of the Islands’ rich array of penguins, Peruvian boobies (native birds), sea lions and Peruvian pelicans, along with many more species. If you’re lucky, you might even observe a dolphin or two. You’ll also enjoy views of the mysterious 490-foot (150-meter) Candelabra geoglyph, rumored to have been constructed in ancient times. Your boat ride also includes the services of a guide.

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Ballestas Islands Sightseeing Boat Ride from Paracas

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.3

(11)

from USD 24

Ballestas Islands & Tambo Colorado from PISCO CRUISESHIP TERMINAL

Make the most of your time in port with this Ballestas Islands shore excursion from San Martin Port that also includes a visit to the Tambo Colorado, one of the best-preserved Inca fortresses on the Peruvian coast. Cruise by three of the Ballestas Islands to explore caves, spot sea lions, and watch for the islands’ remarkable birdlife, then head to the mainland to discover the fascinating Inca architecture at Tambo Colorado.

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Ballestas Islands & Tambo Colorado from PISCO CRUISESHIP TERMINAL

5 hoursFree Cancellation

3.8

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from USD 110

Paracas & Huacachina Premium Experience from Lima

⚠️ Important: The price shown corresponds to the ESSENTIAL (basic) option. Full experiences such as Ballestas Islands, buggies and hotel pickup are available only in the Premium or Private option. Discover Paracas, Ica and the oasis of Huacachina in an experience designed for travelers looking for comfort, organization and higher-level service from Lima. Forget the logistics and enjoy a smooth tour where every detail has been carefully planned so you can experience the desert, sea and Peruvian culture in one day, without worry. To adapt to your travel style, we offer three experience options: Essential, Premium and Private, each with different inclusions and service levels. We recommend reviewing the details of each option before booking, to choose the one that best fits what you want to live.

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Paracas & Huacachina Premium Experience from Lima

17 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(1,167)

from USD 50

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Paracas, Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Guided Tour

17 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

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from USD 75

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

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from USD 550

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Ultimate Comfort: Lima to Huacachina, Ballestas and Vineyard

The countryside outside Lima boasts fertile vineyards and spectacular natural wonders, but organizing excursions and transportation to explore independently can be tough. On this tour, escape the city and see the best of Peru’s wilderness scenery with ease. Spot native penguins and sea lions in the Ballestas Islands, explore the desert oasis of Huacachina, and taste Peruvian Pisco at a local winery—with pickup and drop-off in Lima included.

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Ultimate Comfort: Lima to Huacachina, Ballestas and Vineyard

15 hoursFree Cancellation

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from USD 200

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Full day to Paracas & Huacachina from Lima with Ballestas island & Sand boarding

15 to 16 hoursFree Cancellation

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from USD 110

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

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from USD 279

3 Day Tour From Lima: Paracas, Huacachina Oasis & Pisco Vineyard

Experience the best of Paracas and Huacachina at a leisurely pace on a 3-day group tour from Lima. Itinerary highlights include a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands within Paracas National Reserve, a dune buggy ride through the desert oasis of Huacachina, a horse exhibition, and a vineyard tour in Pisco. This comprehensive excursion enables you to immerse yourself in local culture as you complete your Peru bucket list.

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3 Day Tour From Lima: Paracas, Huacachina Oasis & Pisco Vineyard

3 daysFree Cancellation

4.9

(666)

from USD 159

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

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

(549)

from USD 149

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

(511)

from USD 289

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 USD 270

Price varies by group size

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

Trade the city for sand, sea, and sky on this epic 4-day trip from Lima. Cruise through Paracas Bay to spot sea lions and penguins on Peru’s very own “Mini-Galapagos.” Explore surreal desert cliffs inside the Paracas National Reserve. Then ride dune buggies across the golden sands of Huacachina and try your hand at sandboarding in South America’s only natural desert oasis. On the final day, take to the skies for a breathtaking flight over the ancient Nazca Lines - mysterious geoglyphs best seen from above. With hotel pickup, comfortable transportation, and curated experiences included, this is the ultimate no-stress coastal adventure.

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

4 daysFree Cancellation

4.9

(448)

from USD 299

2 Day Tour from Lima: Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard

During this 2-day small-group tour from Lima, experience natural wonders, area adventures, and a cultural cornerstone. In Paracas, take a boat to the Ballestas Islands to see marine birds and mammals including penguins and sea lions. In Huacachina, enjoy dune buggy and sandboard adventures. Visit a pisco vineyard to learn about the history and production of Peru's beloved distillate. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for convenience.

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2 Day Tour from Lima: Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard

2 daysFree Cancellation

4.8

(441)

from USD 149

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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.

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,

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

Similiana_F, May 2026

Excellent tour

Well organized tour , Ana did an excellent job keeping us posting with timelines and events . Ana and Mike are excellent tour guides.

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.