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

(341)

from $20

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

4.9

(5,103)

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

Special Offer

Paracas : Tour to the Ballestas Islands by Modern Boat

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Full Day Tour to Visit Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve

7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(13)

from $59

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

Ballestas Islands tour from Pisco CRUISESHIP TERMINAL

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(43)

from $50

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

(506)

from $289

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

18 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(736)

from $99

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

4.7

(40)

from $50

Special Offer

Premium Paracas & Huacachina Day Trip from Lima with Sunset Toast

Immerse yourself in the culture and scenery of the Ballestas Islands, Paracas, and Huacachina Oasis on this full-day trip. Beat vacation planning overwhelm and leave the logistics and organization to your guide. Enjoy a comprehensive itinerary that includes a speedboat tour, a vineyard visit, a sandbuggy ride and dinner. Don't worry about getting sore feet, as you relax in an air-conditioned vehicle between stops.

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Premium Paracas & Huacachina Day Trip from Lima with Sunset Toast

16 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

(539)

from $149

Special Offer

1 day tour to Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve

Ballestas Islands & National Reserve of Paracas from Ica

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(72)

from $39

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

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

(116)

from $79

Paracas, Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Guided Tour

17 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(1,103)

from $75

Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve Expedition from Ica group

In our experience we will enjoy the flora and fauna of the Ballestas Islands, the imposing geoglyph El Candelabro, which is related to the Paracas and Nazca culture where we will also visit the best beaches of the Paracas national reserve, you will have free time for lunch in front of nature the best fish and seafood is an unforgettable experience to have a good time with families and friends

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Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve Expedition from Ica group

9 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(12)

from $25

From Lima: PARACAS, ICA and OASIS HUACACHINA, ALL INCLUSIVE

Live the adventure by visiting the Oasis of Huacachina and Paracas, we will enjoy a lot of adrenaline in the desert dunes and we will observe marine fauna, all this in a whole day. In Paracas we will board to the Ballestas Islands, seeing a variety of sea lions, dolphins, guano birds and penguins. Finally we will go to the famous Oasis of America HUACACHINA, where we will do adventure sports on Buggies (sand cars) and sandboarding on the dunes of this beautiful desert. Visit the Oasis of America: Huacachina Experience the adventure inside a buggy and practice sandboarding in the desert, Admire the marine fauna in Paracas and the enigmatic figure of the Candelabra, Try our national drink Pisco, Enjoy a personalized experience, One-way transfers are included and return to your accommodation

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From Lima: PARACAS, ICA and OASIS HUACACHINA, ALL INCLUSIVE

16 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(41)

from $84

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

(658)

from $279

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

(636)

from $85

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

(83)

from $550

Price varies by group size

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

(162)

from $270

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

(1,165)

from $50

Price varies by group size

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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

Edeltrudy_K, May 2026

Paracas

great experience on a well coordinated day with a great tour rep from Peru Hop who was so enthusiastic and gently kept us on time

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.

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

Elizabeth_L, May 2026

Well managed and enjoyable excursion

Overall, Peru Hop provided an enjoyable and enriching experience The tour was well run. The use of the limited time was excellent.we were able to cover many interesting activities in 2 days.

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.

Ballestas Islands & Tambo Colorado from PISCO CRUISESHIP TERMINAL

James_P, Mar 2026

Full time experience

The trip felt a bit rushed due to our cruise trip all aboard time, but it was well executed. Our guide Fabio was full of knowledge and funny stories. The wildlife at the islands were abundant and very close. Our boat driver even went out of his way when he spotted a pod of dolphins, getting them to swim right past us. Tambo Colorado is a bit of a drive, but the ruins were very interesting. We were the only group there which was nice. Highly recommend!