Ballestas Islands Marine Life Adventure: Half-Day Group Tour from San Martin Port
4.6
29 Ratings
Paracas

Should your ship anchor at San Martin Port, seize the chance to explore the Ballestas Islands. This half-day journey around the stunning Islands is designed for all guests alighting at San Martin Port. You’ll have the opportunity to observe myriad marine life, including penguins, sea lions, diverse bird species, dolphins, and more.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Islas Ballestas - You will be met by our guide at 9:15am at San Martin Port, then you will be transferred to Paracas town, at this point you will meet the rest of the group and board our speedboat to begin the adventure to the stunning Ballestas Island. On the way you will stop at the Paracas peninsula to see the enigmatic figure of the Candelabro, a stunning design drawn on the side of a hill in the Peninsula. Nobody knows for sure who did it or why. There are many hypotheses regarding its origin, some believe it is related to the Nazca Lines but still found no proof or evidence that can define its creation. Afterwards, you’ll head off to Ballestas Island, where you will see a stunning world filled with birds and sea lions. Here, you’ll visit the three islands at a distance allowed, navigating inside some caves, depending on the condition of the sea. On your return to the port, you will board our vehicle to drive back to San Martin port to re-join your ship.
What's Included
  • Pickup and drop-off from San Martin Port.
  • Bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
  • Group activities and transportation included.
What's Not Included
  • Personal Travel Insurance
  • Entrance fees of 16 soles per person ($4.80 USD) local payment at the dock.
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
Additional Information
  • If your ship has a delay in arriving, we strongly suggest to notify us three to four days in advance so we can arrange a new pick up time. We also suggest you to keep checking your emails in case the pickup time changes.
  • Printed travel voucher or E-travel voucher along with your passport or any ID its required before boarding (verification purpose only).
Location
Terminal Portuario General San Martín
You will be met at San Martin Port at the main arrival gate.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(29 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Mary_s
Apr 13, 2024
It was a great tour.... - It was a great tour. Thoroughly enjoyed this cruise. We did get to see 3 penguins and lots of sealions.
Review provided by Viator
Christin_c
Apr 7, 2024
Great views of marine life. - Had a wonderfully exciting and informative tour around the Islands to see marine life and unique rock formations. The boat was driven safely and allowed views for all passengers.
Review provided by Viator
Mary_c
Mar 25, 2024
Tour in March 2024 - The wildlife, scenery and candelabra were amazing. Weather was great. The boats were clean, comfortable with life jackets on each seat. Town had many restaurants and shopping stalls.
Review provided by Viator
Arthur_m
Mar 24, 2024
Worth the price - It was a great experience, however, the crowded and uncoordinated personnel at the dock was a mess. Waited over an hour to board boat. That’s not your fault though.
Review provided by Viator
Lisa_r
Mar 9, 2024
Very Informational in every aspect of the area and a great value!!!! - Well, we really liked this excursion. We saw lots of animals. Sea lions, penguins, crabs and multiple breeds of birds. It smells like bird poop. They actually have an industry on these islands of gathering the poop for fertilizer, which was interesting. It was HOT while we were waiting. Not a lot of shade unless you get lucky to be under the tent. A little hectic because this area is where the natives go to take water taxis too. The price was a good price although you can get for cheaper when you get there but you're not guaranteed someone who speaks English. If you speak Spanish or at least know a little it would help. I knew a little but it was too little. The boat is covered so no need for a hat. The driver was great. He knew how to maneuver around for the least amount of splash or bumpiness. He also got us into spot to see better without hitting an rocks, which gave us even better views. The driver was very accommodating by turning the boat around to give everyone an opportunity to take pictures and videos from each side. You can't go wrong with using Viator. I will say it was a little chaotic when we got to the port where the boat for this excursion took off so just have some patience and find some shade. Heat tends to get people more frustrated. I'm going to say I went in February and I've been on a lot of cruises and around part of the world and this by far was the HOTTEST trip we took. We were in Chile for 11 days then a took a cruise up to Miami for 16 days. HOT/MUGGY with no relief even in the shade. I would recommend and I feel for a stress free excursion this is a good price and way cheaper than the cruise price.
Review provided by Viator
Rachel_g
Feb 29, 2024
Fabulous wildlife - Had a wonderful time on this trip. The captain of our boat did a great job spotting sealions well before we got to the islands, and we even saw a couple of Humboldt Penguins. Pick up was nice and smooth from infront of the cruise ship, and we were given the option afterwards of staying in Paracas and taking the cruise shuttle bus back, so I even got to spend a bit of time in the little town.
Review provided by Viator
Nxwwqx2tf5
Dec 18, 2023
Wonderful day out watching wildlife - What an experience got to see tons of sea lions penguins 🐧 lots of other wildlife. Carlos the tour guide was outstanding with information on the island and what the tour was all about.
Review provided by Viator
Valerie_b
Dec 5, 2023
Fast Boat - This tour was great, as they picked us up at cruise port and took us to boat. The two places it went were wonderful so close to see. The boat was fast.
Review provided by Viator
Scott_s
Dec 16, 2023
If you want to see nature and wildlife, do this - Seeing the penguins, seals, birds, crabs, and starfish was amazing. My wife and I enjoyed this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Judithevelyn_a
Jan 23, 2024
Great experience - We say penguins and sea lions in the wild and many sea birds, however the organization at the dock was not good and needs to improve. We stood in the su for a long time before we got to the boat. Give out the tickets to get on the boat in the air condition bus ahead of time and then line up to get on the boat, however I would still recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today