Early pickup in Ica
Meet at your centrally located hotel or previously confirmed point.
20 min
Ballestas Islands Tour from Ica
Marine adventure ★★★★★5.0
Leave Ica for the Paracas pier and board a tourist boat to explore the protected surroundings of the Ballestas Islands. During the cruise, stop for a panoramic view of the Candelabro geoglyph.
Continue around the islands to see cliffs, natural arches and wildlife such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins and guano birds. Visitors remain on the boat, and sightings depend on natural conditions.
General information
Start: central hotel or confirmed point in Ica
End: Ica
Duration: about 4 hr 30 min
Difficulty: easy
Experiences: boat ride, scenery and wildlife
Service: shared
Boarding: authorized pier in Paracas
Languages: Spanish and English depending on departure
What to expect
Transfer to Paracas
Travel by road to Paracas Bay and the boarding pier.
1 hr
Registration and boarding
Passenger check, safety briefing and life jacket fitting.
20 min
Candelabro geoglyph
Panoramic stop from the sea to see the large figure drawn on the hillside.
15 min
Ballestas Islands circuit
Cruise around the islands to admire rock formations and look for wildlife without disembarking.
1 hr 15 min
Disembarkation and return to Ica
Return to the pier and travel by road to the agreed point in Ica.
1 hr 20 min
What you should know
What to bring
- ID or passport
- Windbreaker or light jacket
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Non-slip footwear
- Water
- Protection for your camera or phone
- Motion-sickness medicine if normally used
- Optional binoculars
Prepare for an early boat ride
The boat may move and receive sea spray. If you are prone to motion sickness, consult a professional about preventive measures. Report limited mobility, a recent injury or any condition that may make boarding difficult before booking.
Sailing depends on sea conditions
The maritime authority may delay, change or cancel a departure because of waves, wind, fog or other safety conditions. The route follows protected-area rules.
Wear your life jacket throughout the boat ride.
Remain seated whenever the crew instructs you to.
Do not feed, touch or disturb wildlife.
Visitors do not land on the islands.
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Protect cameras and personal items from spray.
Included
- Pickup and return within central Ica.
- Shared Ica–Paracas–Ica transfer.
- Shared tourist boat excursion.
- Life jacket.
- Guide or commentary during the cruise.
- Boarding assistance.
Not included
- Protected-area admission unless expressly confirmed.
- Pier or boarding fee unless confirmed.
- Food and drinks.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips and personal expenses.
Location
Ica, Peru
Ballestas Islands questions
Do visitors land on the islands?
No. The entire circuit is viewed from the boat to protect the ecosystem.
Are penguins or sea lions guaranteed?
No. They are wild animals, and their presence depends on the season and sea conditions.
What happens if the port closes?
The departure may be rescheduled or canceled according to maritime orders and the booked conditions.
Are fees included?
No, unless your booking confirmation expressly states otherwise.
Can children participate?
Yes, under adult supervision and following the operator’s safety instructions.
How long is the boat ride?
About two hours; the complete service from Ica takes roughly four and a half hours.
Reviews
5.0
70 reviews
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Rene is very passionate about the history of the places. He knows many histories of the places and the local culture.
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Hi! I'm Maribel from Argentina. What can I say about our amazing experience in Cusco! It was incredible! I traveled there in October to celebrate my birthday. Words can't describe the wonderful experience we had! Thank you, Lost in Peru, for providing everything we agreed upon, and much more! A company to hire without hesitation! We paid for our tour, including accommodation, all covered by the company. Congratulations and may you continue to grow! I will definitely contact you again to plan my return trip to Peru! See you soon! Greetings from Argentina! Sending you kisses! Maria, Melissa, Ana, and Maribel
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I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have connected with such a wonderful company as Lost in Peru, with its amazing people. From the very first contact, over 3,000 km away, they arranged our entire stay, accommodations, transfers, guided tours, and much more, with remarkable kindness. And as if that weren't enough, they welcomed us and said goodbye with beautiful gifts. THANK YOU!! Highly recommended, without a doubt. Tupananchiskama
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Voy a recomendarlos siempre! Fue una experiencia maravillosa viajar a Perú con Lost in Perú. Estuvieron atentos todo momento, puntuales, en cada detalle y respondiendo todas las consultas...gracias por hacer de nuestro viaje, un viaje inolvidable...
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I highly recommend Lost in Peru!!! I want to thank everyone, especially Bertha and Alonso, for their attention during those 10 days of the tour!!! Also, thank you for the gift!!! I'm so happy to have visited Peru!!! Lost in Peru...thank you so much for everything!!! 🥰❤️🇦🇷
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