From Paracas: Ballestas Islands Boat Tour – A Detailed Review

Thinking about seeing the “Poor Man’s Galapagos?” Then the Ballestas Islands, just a short boat ride from Paracas, Peru, might be exactly what you are after, especially if you are wanting a memorable experience that is packed with incredible wildlife. This review covers my adventure with one of the local boat tours, highlighting the sights, the sounds, plus all those little tips that can really make your trip even better, so that it will be very smooth. Is the tour genuinely something to consider, or does it not live up to the hype? Read on to find all the insider info.

Booking Your Ballestas Islands Adventure

Choosing the right tour operator can very much impact your total experience. There are actually numerous agencies in Paracas that provide tours, ranging in cost plus the services they offer. I, like your average traveler, opted for one of the more highly-reviewed tours available right from the town center. The selling points? A smaller boat to have, more or less, a more intimate experience and guides who speak very good English. Plus, the ease of actually booking was a selling feature, too, with numerous options and departure times, so it became quite convenient.

Most tours typically last around a couple of hours. Boat fees are pretty similar across the board, yet always check just what is and isn’t included. For example, some tours can include the park entrance fee within the price, while others will have you pay separately. Similarly to booking any tour, think about reading reviews plus comparing what is being offered before deciding.

Setting Sail: What to Expect on the Water

As I was saying, the tour usually starts from the main pier in Paracas. So you’ll need to arrive a bit early just to check in and potentially pay any remaining fees. Almost immediately upon departing, you’ll start taking in the scenic views of the Paracas Bay. A few minutes into the ride, our boat sped up a bit towards the famous “Candelabro,” that is actually a large geoglyph etched into the coastline’s sandy hillside.

Our guide started giving an explanation regarding the various theories that surround the glyph’s creation, from its potential relationship to the Nazca Lines or its use as a lighthouse for seafarers. Arguably, the most impressive part might be its scale, visible from a good distance out at sea.

Up Close with Wildlife: A Sensory Overload

It is almost once you get closer to the islands that the real magic happens. It’s almost a wall of sound and smells that greet you: the constant barking of sea lions, the cries of various seabirds, plus that unmistakable, well, guano aroma. The Ballestas Islands are, after all, a protected area that teems with biodiversity, with thousands upon thousands of birds like your Humboldt penguins, various types of boobies, plus cormorants all packed onto these craggy rock formations. They are packed!

As the boat gently moved around the islands, we started seeing big colonies of sea lions basking right in the sunlight or playing within the waves. Your guide would then usually point out the different species of birds, describing the habits, in addition to any interesting facts about their behaviors. Do keep an eye out, too, for the shy Humboldt penguins that often dart across the water. That, in itself, is something to think about.

The Boat Tour Experience: Comfort and Practicalities

Ballestas Islands boat tours can actually be fairly basic in terms of comfort. Boats are normally speedboat style, which, in a way, can make for a bumpy ride, particularly if the sea is just a little choppy. Be sure to dress appropriately; that usually means layers. That’s due to the conditions being very cool and windy on the water, regardless if it is actually sunny inland. I was wishing for a hat plus some sunglasses, also, to protect against glare from the sun.

Is that all there is? Nope, not at all, remember sunscreen! Arguably, space to move around may be limited on smaller boats. Very small ones, it must be noted, yet usually there’s ample opportunity to take a few good photographs from different vantage points. Many of the tours do provide life jackets, so it is important to make sure they’re fitted and worn correctly.

Photography Tips for Aspiring Wildlife Photographers

The Ballestas Islands happen to be a photographer’s wonderland, yet capturing amazing shots can require some planning plus patience. Using a camera that has a zoom lens is more or less essential, since it then lets you zoom in on the wildlife without disturbing them. Also, think about upping your ISO a bit to compensate for the movement of the boat. Even with a zoom, don’t zoom right in when starting – better to have the larger shot which can be cropped at leisure.

As the boat may move around quite a bit, think about upping your shutter speed, also, to avoid blur. Think about taking lots and lots of photographs since, quite often, that one great shot is more or less just luck! Also, is that the right light? Well, morning tours benefit a bit more from the light angle, but honestly, midday works okay as well.

Responsible Tourism: Protecting the Islands

Seeing the Ballestas Islands is truly an unforgettable experience, plus it brings on an important responsibility when it comes to sustainable practices. Tour operators will often really stress the significance of not disturbing the wildlife. Stay on the boat, it must be noted, do not throw any items into the water, plus respect the environment. I feel that many also give some info regarding the delicate ecosystem and the way in which tourism should sustain conservation efforts.

Deciding to pick tour operators that display responsible practices can actually have a substantial impact. It is more or less good to ask about their environmental policies, to make sure they follow park rules, or potentially even support conservation projects within the area.

Paracas Beyond the Islands: Other Attractions

As well as the Ballestas Islands, Paracas itself provides more attractions that could be considered. The Paracas National Reserve includes dramatic desert landscapes that meet the ocean, plus are very worthwhile exploring. You can easily do this through a tour by bus, by renting some quad bikes, or driving.

For something relaxing, think about heading to El Chaco beach that includes restaurants as well as craft stalls. If you’re thinking about Peruvian history, then have a quick trip to the Julio C. Tello Site Museum, as it features artifacts that tell more about the ancient Paracas culture.

Final Thoughts: Is the Ballestas Islands Tour Worth It?

In general, a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands happens to be an incredible value, especially for wildlife enthusiasts or anyone wanting an unforgettable day trip when visiting Peru. The amount of wildlife you can witness is really amazing, plus the scenery provides lots of photo opportunities. While, perhaps, it might not be as well-known as the Galapagos, it has many similar experiences within just a short boat ride and for far less of a cost. However, do think about selecting a tour that will suit you. Remember your sunscreen!

Essential Tips to Know Before You Go

• Book in Advance: Reserve your tour, most likely, to secure a spot, especially in peak season.
• Dress in Layers: That’s because the boat ride is, more or less, windy and chilly.
• Bring Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, in addition to sunglasses.
• Camera Ready: Do not forget to bring a zoom lens for better wildlife photography.
• Motion Sickness: Think about bringing motion sickness pills if you’re sensitive.

By bearing these details, so to speak, in your thoughts, you should make the most of the trip out. And now? Go enjoy yourself!

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