paracas boat tours

THE 10 BEST Paracas Boat Tours

Boat tours in paracas.

• Speed Boats Tours
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Islas Ballestas
• Paracas National Reserve
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 2 Day Tour from Lima: Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina

2. 3 Day Tour from Lima: Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina

3. Boat Tour of the Ballestas Islands in Paracas

4. Full Day Tour from Lima: Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve

5. Paracas and Nazca Lines Full Day

6. 2 Day Tour from Lima: Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina

7. Ballestas Islands Sightseeing Boat Ride from Paracas

8. Ballestas Islands Tour Boat with roof

9. 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard

10. 7-Hours Tour in Paracas National Reserve with Pickup

11. 2-Hour Tour to the Ballestas Islands from Puerto San Martín

12. Ballestas Islands Group Tour from San Martin Port

13. Paracas and Huacachina Oasis Tour - Full Adventure and Relaxation

14. Paracas Islands & Oasis of Huacachina in Ica Full Day Tour

15. Tour to Ballestas Islands in Paracas

16. 3-Day Paracas Tour Package

17. Full Day Ballestas and Huacachina Oasis from Lima

18. Ballestas Islands Private tour

19. 2d1n Paracas + Ica + Accommodation

20. Paracas Full Day (Ballestas Islands)

21. Full day tour in Ballestas Islands Ica Huacachina from Paracas

What travelers are saying.

• Boat Tour of the Ballestas Islands in Paracas
• 2 Day Tour from Lima: Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina
• Ballestas Islands Sightseeing Boat Ride from Paracas
• Full Day Tour from Lima: Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve
• 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard
• South Americans Secrets
• Agencia de viajes Meet Peru
• Paracas Inca Land
• Favio Valcarcel
• Paracas Voyager
• Paracas es Aventura
• Descubre Paracas

THE 10 BEST Paracas Boat Tours

Boat tours in paracas.

• Speed Boats Tours
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Islas Ballestas
• Paracas National Reserve
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 2 Day Tour from Lima: Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina

2. 3 Day Tour from Lima: Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina

3. Boat Tour of the Ballestas Islands in Paracas

4. Full Day Tour from Lima: Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve

5. Paracas and Nazca Lines Full Day

6. 2 Day Tour from Lima: Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina

7. Ballestas Islands Sightseeing Boat Ride from Paracas

8. 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard

9. 7-Hours Tour in Paracas National Reserve with Pickup

10. 2-Hour Tour to the Ballestas Islands from Puerto San Martín

11. Ballestas Islands Group Tour from San Martin Port

12. Paracas and Huacachina Oasis Tour - Full Adventure and Relaxation

13. Ballestas Islands Tour Boat with roof

14. Paracas Islands & Oasis of Huacachina in Ica Full Day Tour

15. Tour to Ballestas Islands in Paracas

16. 3-Day Paracas Tour Package

17. Full Day Ballestas and Huacachina Oasis from Lima

18. Ballestas Islands Private tour

19. 2d1n Paracas + Ica + Accommodation

20. Paracas Full Day (Ballestas Islands)

21. Full day tour in Ballestas Islands Ica Huacachina from Paracas

What travellers are saying.

• Boat Tour of the Ballestas Islands in Paracas
• 2 Day Tour from Lima: Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina
• Ballestas Islands Sightseeing Boat Ride from Paracas
• Full Day Tour from Lima: Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve
• 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard
• South Americans Secrets
• Agencia de viajes Meet Peru
• Paracas Inca Land
• Favio Valcarcel
• Paracas Voyager
• Paracas es Aventura
• Descubre Paracas

Paracas, Peru: The Official Information Website

Ballestas Islands Boat Tour: Everything to know!

By Paracas Peru

Paracas is known as the perfect getaway destination due to its near perfect weather, natural wonders, and exciting activities. Out of all the things, most would agree that the Ballestas Islands Boat Tour is the best of them all. Here’s what to expect, what to bring, prices, and more!

Ballestas Islands Boat Tour: what to expect

The Ballestas Islands are often referred to as the Peruvian Galapagos because of its abundant and diverse marine wildlife such as sea lions, penguins, and more.

Currently, the Ballestas Islands remain as a protected area in order to preserve the marine wildlife and its ecosystem. Therefore, the only way to visit this beautiful place is by taking a boat tour. Most of the operators offer a 2-hour boat tour, starting in the morning, where you’ll be able to get up close to its landscapes and watch the animals in their natural habitat, making it the perfect choice for animal lovers!

Once in the port, you will depart with a speed boat towards the islands. The first ride lasts 30 minutes with a stop to see the ‘Candelabro’, a geoglyph on the sand of the Paracas National Reserve .

The boat will be floating around for 1 hour allowing you to get to see some animals in their natural environment. The guide will be explaining the history and the importance of these islands while you appreciate the amazing views. After the tour, you will head back to the port in a 30-minute ride.

Important note: Children under 1 are not allowed on the tour. This applies for all tour operator’s.

Prices vary depending on the tour operator service, however, the average cost will be 19.00 USD per person. Note that for any reservation, you will have to book the tour in advance.

What’s usually included

• Life jackets
• Tour guide Spanish/English
• Tourist taxes
• Entrance ticket

How to get to the Ballestas Islands

To get to the Ballestas Islands one must be in Paracas. Currently, the only way to get to this small town is by land.

Peru Hop is the most reputable bus company for travelers due to its flexibility, safety and years of experience. With Peru Hop, you can easily start your trip to Paracas from Lima, Arequipa, Puno or even Cusco, whether it’s on a day trip from Lima which already includes the Ballestas Islands Boat Tour or a hop-on, hop-off pass which includes a free visit to the Paracas National Reserve. Check out our how to get to Paracas page for more info of the best options!

Once in Paracas, you’ll find different tour operators, but not all of them are the same. Make sure to choose your tour operator wisely since in many opportunities, travelers have been scammed. We encourage you to visit FindLocalTrips.com , the best platform for comparing tour operators, prices, and activities in South America.

Recommended

Here are some recommendations on what to bring to visit the Ballestas Islands, make sure to follow these suggestions so you can experience this adventure at its fullest.

• Protect yourself from the sun. Make sure to apply sunscreen at least every 45-50 minutes, as well as wearing a sunhat and sunglasses since Paracas usually have clear skies all year long.
• Bring a light jacket. Although rain is not very common in this region, while going on the speedboat, you could get wet from all the splashes. Keep in mind that the pacific ocean waters are cold, so you better be prepared with a light sweater or a windbreaker for the boat ride.
• Don’t forget your camera! This must be in every traveler’s list, the Ballestas Islands are as visually striking as you can imagine, and you definitely don’t want to miss the opportunity of immortalizing these landscapes full of gorgeous animals.
• Bring your binoculars. If you love birdwatching as much as us, this is one of the things you should not miss while packing your bag for this tour. With these, you’ll see penguins from a distance since they tend to hide from boats and people.

Without a doubt, Paracas gathers the most exciting activities near Lima, making it the perfect destination to escape to. Learn more about Paracas to enjoy the most of this beautiful town!

• Why hop with us
• Hop Login Here
• How We Started
• Who Travels with us?
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• Peru Hop vs Public Buses in Peru
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• Nazca Lines Viewing Tower
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• Day Trips from Lima
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• Paracas Day Trips
• Huacachina Day Tours
• Extra Tours
• Rainbow Mountain

Ballestas Islands

• Quad Bike ATV
• Paragliding in Paracas
• Buggy and Sandboarding
• Nazca Lines Flight
• Full Day Tour
• Ruta del Sillar Tour
• Lake Titicaca
• 2 Hour Tour
• Isla del Sol

Ballestas Islands: 2024 Updated information about the Ballestas Islands in Paracas Peru from how to get there, itineraries, prices, and FAQs.

Ballestas Islands Brief Summary:

• Ballestas Islands are a group of rocky islands located off the coast of Paracas and are nicknamed “The Peruvian Mini Galapagos”.
• Home to thousands of birds, penguins, sea lions, Inca terns, pelicans, and dolphins.
• Best way to get to Paracas: No Airport, Peru Hop bus rated #1 bus company on Tripadvisor.
• Best Ballestas Islands Tour companies: Check out Findlocaltrips to compare operators and prices here.

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Below we have created our extensive guide to the Ballestas Islands based on our expert local knowledge having helped to transport over 250,000 travelers here since our formation in 2013.

Ballestas Islands Guide Contents:

• How to get to the Ballestas Islands – Transport information.
• Ballestas Islands Tour Information – Breakdown of Island boat tour.
• Did you know? – Ballestas Islands fun facts.
• What to bring to the Ballestas Islands? – Be prepared for your tour.
• Gallery – A selection of our favorite photos and videos from the tour.
• Ballestas FAQs – We answer your frequently asked questions.
• Summary – A quick recap on everything you need to know before you go!

Peru Hop Day Trip!

Voted #1 thing to do in Lima

Peru Hop voted #1 thing to do in Lima!

How to get to the Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands are a group of rocky islands located off the coastal town of Paracas . The only way to visit the islands is to take a speedboat tour from the town.

There are many local companies that sell their tours in Paracas. These are usually at inflated prices and are not guaranteed to have safe boats or licensed drivers. Avoid the hassle and book in advance !

Paracas is a beautiful fishing town just 3 hours south of Lima . Nestled along the sandy streets are dainty cafes and restaurants serving up fresh fish and killer Pisco sours. Head south for the day, spend the night, or stay on board to experience Huacachina, only a short distance away.

You have 2 options to get to Paracas:

• Peru Hop bus

There are many public bus companies operating the Lima to Paracas route. The only problem is the headache you will have trying to compare prices and after you choose one, having to find the companies terminal since there is no central bus terminal.

Peru Hop busses offer a comfortable and safe trip, with free pickups and drop-offs. There are also included stops and tours on the way to Paracas which will make your trip much better! Make sure to check out the bus passes and decide which adventure best suits you!

Ballestas Islands Tour Information & What's Included

Peru Hop does not operate any tours to the Ballestas Islands. To see Peru Hop’s recommended operator for this tour read below.

Ballestas Islands Tour

Times: 08:00am or 10:00am

Duration: 2 hours

Meeting Point: Frayles Residencial Hotel – 15 minutes before departure time

Capacity: ≈ 42 persons per boat, including a bilingual guide and experienced driver

Suitability: Ages 2+

Note 1: Those who suffer from motion sickness should take necessary medication prior to boarding

Important Note: The duration of this tour is shortened to 1 hour 30 minutes during holiday periods (e.g. Easter weekend, end of July), with no change in price.

Special deal for Peru Hop Passengers: Tours booked via Find Local Trips allow date changes up until the evening before your tour begins at no extra cost.

Whether you start the adventure at 08:00 am or 10:00 am, this 2-hour tour will take you out to the amazing Ballestas Islands that are located off the coast of Paracas.

20 minutes out from the bay of Paracas you will reach El Candelabro , an immense geoglyph similar to those of the Nazca Lines. Your guide will talk about the different theories of the creation of the figure while giving you time to take pictures.

From there, the tour will continue for another 15 minutes until reaching the famous Ballestas Islands. These islands are a group of rock formations, caves, and arches that have eroded over time, providing shelter to thousands of seabirds, sea lions, and hundreds of other species.

You will pass through one of the caves known as the maternity beach for sea lions. Here you will be able to see baby sea lions splashing and playing around with their mothers, or basking in the sun’s rays.

You will also be witness other animals up close, like penguins, pelicans, guanos, and chiquitas, all in their natural habitat!

During the tour, your guide will explain about each of 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 start making its way back to the port of Paracas.

• Ballestas Islands entry ticket
• All tourist fees and taxes
• Guided boat trip
• Professional bilingual guide (Engish & Spanish)
• Safety equipment and life jackets

Not included:

Ready to experience the beautiful Ballestas Islands?

Book a Ballestas Islands Tour now!

Did you know?

• The Ballestas Islands are home to the endangered Humboldt penguin.
• Sea lion breeding season is between January and March. During these months you will see the beaches full of sea lion cubs and huge rival males defending their mating territories.
• Keep your eye out for “The Candelabro”, a huge geoglyph in the form of a candlestick (or is it a cactus?) found on the northern face of the Paracas peninsula. Sailors used this for hundreds of years as a coastal reference point.
• If you take the Peru Hop bus at 06:00 am from Lima, you have time to do the 10:00 am tour of the Ballestas Islands and continue to Huacachina the same day.
• Humpback Whales are frequently spotted in these waters between August and October as they move north for mating season.
• Nicknamed “Peru’s Galapagos”, the islands are a must-see for all wildlife lovers as they’re home to thousands of birds and mammals including penguins, sea lions, Inca terns, pelicans and dolphins.
• The islands, locally known as Las Islas Ballestas, are protected, meaning you cannot swim with the animals or walk on the islands themselves, but you can get very close to them on a boat tour.

What to bring to the Ballestas Islands?

Due to increasing winds during the course of the day, the tours only depart in the mornings at 08:00 am and 10:00 am, every day of the week. So be sure to wrap up if you are on the 10:00 am tour and tie that hair back to avoid missing the beautiful views!

• Wind jacket or jumper
• Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen
• Camera or cell phone to take pictures

Ballestas FAQ's

I am planning to follow your recommended minimum schedule leaving on one of the 07:00 am departures from Lima. Spending the first night in Paracas do I have time to do the Ballestas Island Tour, go on the free National Reserve Tour and still catch the bus leaving for Huacachina at 1:00 pm on the second day?

Yes, our buses are programmed to allow you to visit the Ballestas Islands (08:00 am – 10:00 am), the Paracas National Reserve (depart 11:00 am) and still leave for Huacachina at 1:00 pm to arrive in time for sandboarding at sunset!

I do not feel well and wish to cancel my tour for the next morning. Will I get a refund?

Peru Hop does not operate the Ballestas Islands trip. The tour provider allows changes up to 6:00 pm the day before at no cost. Cancellations or missed tours will be charged the full fee.

I woke up late and missed my tour. Can I change it for tomorrow?

Unfortunately, the operator of the Ballestas Island will charge fully for any NO SHOW or missed tours not previously changed before 6:00 pm the day before. If you would like to book the tour again for the next day then this is possible, but you will have to pay a second time.

Are there pick ups?

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

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 that will not make it to the Galapagos.

• The Ballestas Islands are a small group of rocky islands that are home to thousands of birds and mammals including penguins, sea lions, Inca terns, pelicans and dolphins.
• They are located in the Pacific Ocean, just off the coast of Paracas. Paracas is a small fishing town in the Pisco Province of the Ica Region.
• The islands are only accessible via boat. Speedboat tours run daily from Paracas.
• Peru Hop provide safe and flexible bus services from Lima to Paracas. Click here and choose your perfect pass.
• Peru Hop also provide a unique opportunity to see the Ballestas Islands along with other trips including the Pisco Vineyard and Huacachina, the only oasis desert in South America! Start your journey, here.

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Tour Ballestas Islands

$ 25.00 $ 19.00

• Duration: 2 hours
• Activity level: low
• Group size: large

Description

• What Does It Include?

In this tour our first point of visit will be the Candelabro located in the Paracas peninsula, then we will continue to the islands where we can see rock formations, while the guide will explain about the flora and fauna found in the area, you can see animals such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins and some types of birds such as boobies, guanay, cormorants, tendrils, among others. At the end of the tour we will return to the starting point in the Chaco.

The return becomes relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze is a natural anti-stress.

Restrictions: The operator does not allow babies under 1 year old on the tour. Holidays: On the following holidays the tour will end 30 minutes earlier. Holy week National Holidays

- The service may vary without prior notice due to weather conditions (port closure due to high tide, strong winds or rain) in which case the operator will provide the option of an alternative tour, always guaranteeing the traveler's safety.

• Revenue tickets.
• Spanish - English guide.
• Personalized attention.
• Life jacket.
• Pick up from the Paracas bus terminal or hotel.

Does not include

• Windproof jacket.
• Binoculars.

More than 50,000 passengers per year.

We take customer satisfaction very seriously.

We work to the highest safety standards.

We also recommend...

Paracas National Reserve Tour

• Duration: 4 hours
• Activity level: Normal
• Group size: medium

Paracas – Ica Full Day

• Duration: 1 day
• Activity level: high

Paracas Full Day

• Duration: 6 hours
• Activity level: moderate

Tour/Related Packages

Lagoon costa rica

• Duration: 3 hours

Paracas - Ica - Nazca | 3 Days 2 Nights

• Duration: 3 Days 2 Nights
• Level of activity: High

Ballestas Islands + Golden shadows trek

• Duration: 5 hours
• Activity level: Medium / high

Paracas Explorer the travel agency N ° 1 in sales in Paracas

Every year more than 50,000 passengers trust us..

From Paracas: Ballestas Island Boat Tour With Entrances

Set out on an unforgettable journey with the ‘From Paracas: Ballestas Island Boat Tour With Entrances’ experience. Visitors will set sail to explore the mesmerizing Ballestas Islands, home to diverse wildlife and intriguing historical sites.

The boat tour promises a blend of adventure and discovery, offering a glimpse into the wonders of the sea and the secrets of ancient geoglyphs. Stay tuned to uncover the hidden gems waiting to be discovered on this exceptional excursion.

• Witness sea lions, penguins , and the geoglyph Candelabra on a 2-hour boat tour.
• Enjoy close-up views of wildlife like sea lions, fur seals , and Humboldt penguins .
• Learn about the historical significance of the geoglyph Candelabra as a sailor’s beacon.
• Benefit from a comfortable boat ride with expert guides and conservation-focused wildlife viewing.

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• ATV Tour Adventure in Reserva Nacional De Paracas
• Boat Tour of the Ballestas Islands in Paracas
• Paragliding Flight at Paracas National Reservation
• Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve From San Martin Port

Booking and Logistics

When planning your Ballestas Island boat tour from Paracas, the booking and logistics process ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for every traveler. With flexible options for starting times , travelers can easily find a slot that fits their schedule.

The convenience of reserving now and paying later allows for greater flexibility in travel plans. The 2-hour duration of the boat tour ensures a comprehensive exploration of the islands’ highlights.

Plus, having a live tour guide in English and Spanish, along with pickup from Paracas accommodation, enhances the overall experience. The hassle-free booking and verification process further streamlines the journey, making it easier for visitors to focus on the excitement of encountering sea lions, penguins, and the geoglyph Candelabra.

Cancellation and Payment Options

Transitioning from the seamless booking process, travelers are provided with convenient cancellation and payment options for the Ballestas Island boat tour from Paracas.

• Refund Policy : Enjoy a full refund when cancellations are made up to 24 hours in advance.
• Payment Flexibility : Reserve your spot now and pay later to accommodate your travel plans.
• Easy Cancellation : Cancel hassle-free without incurring any charges within the specified time frame.
• Payment Security : Secure your booking with confidence through trusted payment methods.
• Booking Assurance : Rest assured with flexible payment options and a clear refund policy in place.

Tour Duration and Availability

Explore the Ballestas Island boat tour’s 2-hour duration and varied starting times for a flexible and immersive experience. The tour offers flexibility in duration, allowing visitors to enjoy the sights at a comfortable pace.

Morning tours provide a fresh start to the day, with the chance to witness wildlife in action and the geoglyph Candelabra under the morning light. Afternoon tours offer a different ambiance, with the sun casting a warm glow over the islands and wildlife.

The availability of both morning and afternoon tours caters to different preferences, ensuring that visitors can choose the best time to embark on this captivating adventure. Whether you prefer the vibrancy of mornings or the tranquility of afternoons, the Ballestas Island boat tour promises a memorable experience.

Live Tour Guide and Pickup

Embark on the Ballestas Island boat tour accompanied by a knowledgeable live guide fluent in both English and Spanish, offering insights into the rich wildlife and cultural significance while enjoying a convenient pickup service from your accommodation in Paracas.

• Tour guide expertise providing in-depth knowledge of the wildlife and history
• Bilingual commentary for a comprehensive understanding
• Hassle-free transportation from your accommodation to the dock
• Personalized insights into the geoglyph Candelabra and its significance
• Engaging explanations on the wildlife and conservation efforts

Experience a seamless journey with a professional guide enriching your exploration of Ballestas Island’s wonders.

Boat Tour Highlights

With a focus on wildlife encounters and cultural marvels, the boat tour around Ballestas Island promises an enriching and captivating experience. Visitors are treated to stunning scenic views of the rugged coastline and the vast Pacific Ocean, creating a picturesque backdrop for the adventure.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to observe diverse marine wildlife such as playful sea lions, elegant Humboldt penguins , and various seabirds in their natural habitat. As the boat cruises along the island, passengers can witness these fascinating creatures up close without disturbing them.

The knowledgeable guides onboard provide insights into the fauna, enhancing the overall experience and fostering a deep appreciation for the importance of wildlife conservation.

Geoglyph Candelabra Significance

As visitors embark on the boat tour around Ballestas Island, the Geoglyph Candelabra stands as a significant historical beacon, connecting to the Nazca and Pampas de Jumana lines and geoglyphs.

Navigational Beacon : The Candelabra served as a crucial navigational aid for sailors in the past.

Historical Artifact : Its presence enhances the historical and cultural richness of the tour.

Connection to Nazca : The geoglyph shares ties with the famous Nazca lines, adding to its intrigue.

Pampas de Jumana : It’s linked to the geoglyphs found in the Pampas de Jumana, showcasing a historical connection.

Enhanced Navigation : This artifact played a vital role in aiding navigation for seafarers in the region.

Wildlife Viewing Experience

The boat tour around Ballestas Island offers a captivating wildlife viewing experience, allowing visitors to observe sea lions, fur seals , Humboldt penguins , and a variety of wild birds in their natural habitat. Participants gain insights on the diverse fauna from the knowledgeable guides, enhancing their natural habitat appreciation .

The tour ensures close viewing of these animals from the boat without disturbing them, emphasizing the importance of wildlife respect and conservation efforts. Visitors can marvel at the graceful movements of the sea lions, the playful interactions of the fur seals, and the adorable waddle of the Humboldt penguins.

The experience provides a unique opportunity to witness these creatures thriving in their undisturbed environment, fostering a deeper connection to the beauty of nature.

Tour Details and Conservation Focus

Guests on the Ballestas Island boat tour are immersed in a journey that intricately weaves together informative insights, comfortable boat rides , and a steadfast commitment to wildlife conservation. The tour details and conservation focus prioritize sustainable practices and ensuring minimal ecological impact .

• Implementation of conservation practices for the protection of wildlife habitats
• Education on the importance of preserving the delicate ecosystem of Ballestas Islands
• Support for ongoing research projects aimed at understanding and safeguarding local fauna
• Emphasis on responsible tourism behaviors to minimize disturbance to the natural environment
• Collaboration with local authorities and organizations to promote environmental stewardship

Through these efforts, visitors not only enjoy a memorable experience but also contribute to the long-term preservation of this unique marine environment.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Paracas National Reserve Tour
• Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve Day Trip From Paracas
• Ballestas Islands Group Tour From San Martin Port
• Buggy Ride in Paracas National Reserve
• Ballestas Islands Group Tour From Paracas

Common questions

Are there any restrictions on bringing food or drinks on the boat tour.

There are strict food restrictions and drink limitations on the boat tour. Visitors are advised not to bring any food or drinks to protect the wildlife. Enjoy the tour without carrying snacks, respecting the conservation efforts.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Children to Participate in the Boat Tour?

Children can join the boat tour with no minimum age requirement. The experience offers close encounters with wildlife like sea lions and penguins. A knowledgeable guide ensures an educational and safe journey, enhancing the adventure for young participants.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available on the Boat During the Tour?

Restroom breaks are not available on the boat during the tour, so visitors should plan accordingly. Hygiene concerns are important, so it’s advised to use facilities before boarding. Enjoy the experience with this in mind.

Can Passengers Bring Cameras or Binoculars to Enhance Their Wildlife Viewing Experience?

Passengers can bring cameras and binoculars to enhance their wildlife viewing experience. Photography tips and binocular benefits can assist in optimal wildlife spotting. The live guide can provide insights on camera settings , ensuring a memorable tour.

Is There a Designated Area for Storing Personal Belongings During the Boat Tour?

During the boat tour, passengers can store personal belongings in designated areas onboard to ensure safety measures . This allows visitors to focus on wildlife encounters without worrying about their items, enhancing the overall experience.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Day Tour: Ballestas Islands & Paracas Natural Reserve
• Hidden Oasis in Paracas – Buggy and Sandboarding
• From Lima: 1-day Ica Paracas Excursion Vineyards and Buggy
• Excursion the Ballestas Islands
• Paracas Reserve Off-Road Expedition – Buggy or Quad
• Ballestas Islands Full Day
• From Lima: Ballestas Islands and Huacachina (Full Day)
• From San Martin Port: 2-Hour Ballestas Island
• From Paracas: Paracas National Reserve Private Tour
• From Lima: Ica-Paracas-Machu Picchu-Rainbow Mountain 7D/6N
• Ballestas Islands Tour

Embark on the unforgettable Ballestas Island boat tour for a seamless booking experience, flexible cancellation policies , and expert guidance in English and Spanish. Witness sea lions, penguins, and exotic birds while exploring the historical geoglyph Candelabra.

Enjoy the rich wildlife and cultural significance of the islands, all while supporting conservation efforts. Book now for an enriching adventure filled with natural wonders and cultural heritage.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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