Ballestas Islands Boat Tour: A Wildlife Spectacle Review

The Ballestas Islands, sometimes called the “Poor Man’s Galapagos,” are just a super cool spot off the coast of Paracas, Peru. Actually, it is more than just a clever nickname, it’s like this spot has tons of wildlife crammed onto a group of rocky islands. Really, it’s a must-see if your like your are going to Peru, particularly if you are traveling somewhere near the coast. Getting out on the water and seeing these animals is quite something, a truly memorable experience that’s relatively easy on the wallet too.

What’s the Ballestas Islands Boat Tour About?

Alright, so the Ballestas Islands boat tour, it’s basically a guided trip that gets you up close and personal with the islands’ wildlife. Now, typically, most tours, that leave from Paracas, last around two hours. Actually, the boats, they aren’t too fancy – simple speedboats mostly – but they do the job of getting you there reasonably fast. Your boat will zip you past these super dramatic rock formations and cliffs absolutely teeming with life, such as noisy sea lions and tons of different types of birds.

During the trip, the guides usually tell you, a little bit, about the area’s ecosystem and the different species you’ll be seeing. Plus, you might just catch a glimpse of the Paracas Candelabra, that’s a huge prehistoric geoglyph etched into the cliffs. It’s all kind of breathtaking actually; the sheer number of creatures and the stark beauty of the landscape make for an really great experience.

Getting to Paracas & Setting Up Your Trip

To experience this adventure, you, like, need to get to Paracas. Well, it’s pretty straightforward; most travelers end up coming from either Lima or maybe Ica. If your starting in Lima, it’s usually a three to four-hour bus trip south along the coast. Several bus companies, such as Cruz del Sur or Peru Hop, that they offer daily services, so booking a seat is, for the most part, fairly easy.

Coming from Ica, it’s just a much shorter hop, that is approximately an hour by bus or taxi. The smaller scale transportation will also make the journey a bit shorter too it’s almost. When you get to Paracas, that you’ll find tour operators all over the town, offering these Ballestas Islands tours. Now, it is typically easier to book ahead of time, especially during peak season, to, for the most part, make sure you grab a spot. Yet, you are also likely to find spots if you wait and book once you get there.

What You’ll See: Wildlife Galore!

Ok, the stars of the Ballestas Islands are, I think, undoubtedly the animals. We, basically, are talking huge colonies of South American sea lions lounging on the rocks, barking and jostling for space. Actually, you will probably see cute Humboldt penguins waddling around too or darting through the water. The birdlife is, as a matter of fact, spectacular too, you know. There are tons of different species, like the Inca terns, with their cool mustaches, plus boobies, cormorants, and Peruvian pelicans filling the air and the cliffs.

Basically, as you circle the islands, that it’s hard not to be amazed by the sheer number of creatures packed into this small area. If your anything like your seeing nature in the raw, the whole thing will leave a lasting impression.

Timing Your Visit: Best Time to Go

If you are planning a trip, keeping the weather in mind is always a good idea. So, basically, the best time to visit the Ballestas Islands tends to be during Peru’s dry season, and that’s from, say, May to September. During these months, you often have clear skies and calmer seas, which can, for the most part, really make the boat trip more enjoyable. In particular, that’s if you are sensitive to seasickness. Although, if you head out during the wet season which usually falls between December and March, that the weather can be more unpredictable and maybe it would rain.

Actually, one more important thing: the tours often leave in the morning, and that is, as a matter of fact, mainly because the seas tend to be calmer at that time. Early morning light is, of course, much better for taking those photos too if your anything like your are planning on capturing some wildlife shots.

Booking Your Tour: Options and Prices

As I was saying, you’ll find all kinds of tour options once you are there in Paracas. Plenty of tour operators offer pretty much the standard two-hour trip to the Ballestas Islands. Although, there are often combined tours you can get which includes a visit to the Paracas National Reserve. Now, it kind of depends what you like. If your up for seeing more of the area then doing both might be for you. It’s not uncommon too it’s almost, that there will be other packages so really just search online or check with your hostel / hotel to learn about your available options.

Talking about prices, I think a standard Ballestas Islands tour typically costs between $15 to $25 USD. Obviously this amount, naturally, that it might change a bit depending on the season and the operator, but, at the end of the day, it’s reasonably cheap actually. If you are doing a combined tour with the Paracas National Reserve, so expect to pay a bit more, usually another $10 to $20 USD.

Tips for an Amazing Trip

• Bring Layers: It may start chilly but will warm up. Dressing in layers really, really can help make your trip comfortable.
• Sunscreen is Key: That equatorial sun can be, actually, brutal even on cloudy days. Really protecting your skin should be on the top of your list!
• Hat and Sunglasses: I would say, similarly to above, protection from the sun is really really crucial! So plan for it and consider protection essential!
• Camera Ready: Like your are obviously going to take photos, that a zoom lens would do you, very, very good if you want to get decent shots of the wildlife.
• Seasickness Prevention: I mean, if you are prone to motion sickness, well it may well be helpful to take medication beforehand, alright? As I was saying, mornings can be the calmest on the ocean!
• Listen to Your Guide: This is very, very, very important. They are the experts, they have so many good things to say. I mean they know the area and the animals best, well I mean after all this is their back yard isn’t it. Following their instructions is, I would say, key to a safe and also enriching trip.

Respecting the Environment and Wildlife

We want these places to be beautiful for a long time. It’s important to remember that the Ballestas Islands is this fragile ecosystem. That that requires us all to be responsible, so we can visit. Never ever leave any trash behind on the islands or in the water, ok? If your on the islands anyway you should adhere, very very very seriously, to the rules and guidelines set by the tour operators, such as keeping a respectful distance from the wildlife. In other words, don’t disturb the animals! That can seem obvious, but I find I need to really constantly think about it when I’m viewing any nature to remember, and for good reason I think!

Paracas Candelabra: A Quick Stop

We, sometimes, quickly, get a glimpse of the Paracas Candelabra from the boat which is like, a large geoglyph carved into the cliffs, a bit before we get to the islands. What you might not know is that, the origins and meanings of the Candelabra are actually steeped in mystery. So many stories and theories you wouldn’t believe!

The boat typically slows down so you can, for instance, take a few pictures, though we really won’t get close enough for amazing, highly detailed shots unless you have like, the professional zoom equipment. Actually it’s still worth it as it will make the overall trip a bit more interesting. You get an important look at Peru’s heritage even if you are just viewing the wildlife. Is that really cool or what?

Is the Ballestas Islands Tour Worth It? My thoughts

After this tour I have to say the Ballestas Islands boat tour, you know it’s more than just seeing some animals, its about enjoying this wonderful beauty! For just a small amount of money it will definitely create a fun memory! If you’re visiting Peru’s coast this boat trip will be right up your alley. The great numbers of birds, the sea lions resting it’s honestly kind of exciting!