Ballestas Islands in Paracas

How to Get to the Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands are a marine sanctuary off the coast of Paracas, famous for its coastal wildlife (sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and guano birds). They are part of a protected natural area managed by SERNANP (Ballestas Islands sector).             

How to Get from Lima to Paracas by Bus

Typical route: Lima → Pan-American Highway South → Paracas (Pisco Province, Ica Region).

Travel time (approx.): between 3 and 5 hours, depending on the company and traffic.

As an official tourism reference, the route Terminal 28 de Julio (Lima) → Paracas Bay is recorded as ~231 km / 3 hours.

To enter the Paracas National Reserve by land, SERNANP indicates access from Lima via the Pan-American Highway South (Km 245) and an estimated 272 km / 4 hours.   

Tip: If your plan is Ballestas, choose an early bus (or arrive the night before) to secure a spot on the morning departures.

Port Location in Paracas (El Chaco)

Boarding for the Ballestas tour takes place at the El Chaco Pier/Jetty, in Paracas Bay (malecón/waterfront area). In the official tourism inventory, it appears as an access point for bay rides and for the Ballestas Islands tour.    

Information About Ballestas Islands Tours

What is the Ballestas Islands tour like?

It’s done on a speedboat (fast launch) from El Chaco, and the usual duration is 1.5 to 2 hours (depending on sea conditions and the exact route).

The route includes views of the El Candelabro geoglyph and then a “circuit” around the islands to spot wildlife. A more relaxed option is the Lima, Paracas, Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 7D/6N, if you want more peace of mind and to explore much more—not only the Ballestas Islands, but also the most important destinations in Peru.

Speedboat Departure Times

The most common schedule is morning departures only, especially:

8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

(Some operators publish extra times depending on demand, but 8:00 and 10:00 are the most consistent.)

Protected area visiting hours (SERNANP, Ballestas): 06:00 to 13:00.

Tour Prices and Fees (SERNANP / Reserve)

1) Boat ride price (operator)

In Paracas (shared), published rates are often around: S/ 60 – $ 20 (depending on the operator).

2) Protected area fees (SERNANP)

SERNANP entry fee – Ballestas Islands sector (RNSIIPG):

• Peruvian adults: S/ 11 – $ 4.
• Children (5–16): S/ 3 – $ 1.
• Under 5: free.

Practical note: in addition to the SERNANP ticket, some services may charge a “boarding fee/service” or operating fees; ideally your quote should say “all-inclusive” or break it down clearly.

Do You Need to Book in Advance?

Recommended yes—especially for:

• Weekends, holidays, and high season (because the main departures are 8:00 and 10:00).
• If you arrive the same day from Lima: buy ahead so you don’t miss the departure.

What to See During the Ballestas Islands Tour

1) The Mysterious El Candelabro Geoglyph

Before reaching the islands, the boat stops (or slows down) in front of this massive geoglyph on the Paracas Peninsula, also called the Trident or Three Crosses. Its exact origin is still debated, and it’s part of the cultural “mystery” of Peru’s southern coast.

2) Spotting Humboldt Penguins and Sea Lions

On the rocks you’ll see sea lion colonies and, if you’re lucky, Humboldt penguins (they’re not equally easy to spot year-round, but they’re an icon of the tour).

3) Marine Wildlife: Guano Birds and Boobies

The most spectacular part is often the “living sky”:

• Guano birds (like the guanay cormorant),
• boobies, pelicans, and other coastal species.

These islands have been valuable for centuries because of their marine life and the dynamics of the cold sea (the Humboldt Current), which concentrates food and makes this explosion of wildlife possible.

Recommendations for the Speedboat Tour (Paracas – Ballestas Islands)

If you look at it through a historian’s eyes, Ballestas is part of Peru’s “guano islands”: places where marine life concentrates thanks to the Humboldt Current, and where guano was a key resource for centuries. Today, this sector belongs to the National Reserve System of Guano Islands, Islets, and Capes (RNSIIPG), created in 2009, and it protects emblematic wildlife such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and guano birds.

Before you board (what a guide would absolutely tell you):

• Arrive early: the first departures usually have calmer sea conditions and less wind.
• Wear your life jacket the entire time (non-negotiable).
• Restrooms before boarding: use the facilities at the pier/boarding area.
• Respect wildlife: don’t feed animals, shout, or make loud noises (it changes their behavior).
• Take your trash with you (even better if you avoid single-use plastics).

How to avoid motion sickness on the boat (tips that work)

Motion sickness happens when your eyes “say” one thing and your inner ear feels another. To reduce it:

• Choose the least bumpy seat: generally, the center of the boat feels less rocking.
• Look at the horizon (not your phone).
• Avoid screens/reading during navigation.
• Eat light before the tour (don’t go on an empty stomach, but avoid heavy/greasy meals).
• Ginger (candy, cookies, tea) can help nausea for some people.

If you’re very prone to motion sickness, there are medications for it, but they can make you drowsy and have contraindications. The safest choice is to consult a health professional (especially for kids).

Clothing and essential gear (windbreaker + sun protection)

Paracas is dry and has an average annual temperature of ~22 °C, but it can feel cold on the water because of the wind, and speedboats often get sea spray.

What you shouldn’t forget:

• Windbreaker (ideally with a hood).
• Sunscreen + sunglasses + cap/hat.
• Comfortable clothing (cotton is best, and preferably in subtle colors that “blend” with the environment, as recommended by SERNANP).
• Closed-toe shoes (sneakers).
• A dry bag or waterproof cover for your phone/camera.
• Water (even a small bottle).

Pro tip for photos

If your boat moves a lot, record short videos and then pull sharper “frames” (stills) from the footage.

Best Time to Visit Paracas and the Ballestas Islands

According to SERNANP, you can visit year-round.
What changes is the sea experience: 

• More sun and a summer feel: usually concentrated between December and March (high season).  
• The real “trick” isn’t the month—it’s the time: early departures (because of wind/swell).

Important: If there are abnormal swells or strong winds, the Harbor Master/authorities may suspend departures for safety (this can happen and is announced on the spot).

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ballestas Islands

How long is the Ballestas Islands tour?

The standard is between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the sea and safety protocols.
Useful detail from SERNANP: from Paracas to Ballestas it’s approximately 21.4 km, and the round-trip navigation is around 1 hour 40 minutes (the rest is observation time and maneuvering).

Can you get off the boat on the islands?

No. The tour is wildlife viewing from the boat to avoid disturbing animals and the protected ecosystem.

What’s the difference between the Ballestas Islands and the Palomino Islands?

Ballestas Islands (Paracas, Ica)

Focused on wildlife viewing: sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and guano birds, plus arches and coastal rock formations shaped by marine erosion.

No disembarking or swimming during the tour.

Palomino Islands (Callao/Lima)

Also part of the guano islands system and has decades of tourism, but it’s located off the coast of Callao, and many tours are sold as a “swim with sea lions” experience (with wetsuits).

Is it suitable for young children and older adults?

In general, yes—if they:

tolerate wind/cool temperatures and the boat’s movement, and don’t have conditions that could worsen with motion sickness or rough sea bumps.

Practical points:

• For kids: early departures are best, dress them warmly, and consider ginger candy (if they tolerate it). For medication, ask first (not all options are suitable depending on age).
• For older adults: prioritize a steadier boat, sit near the center, and avoid days with strong swell.
• If someone has balance issues, back problems, heart conditions, pregnancy, or a recent recovery, the most sensible option is a calmer/private tour or rescheduling.