Paracas & Ballestas Islands Tour: A Detailed Review

Thinking of checking out Paracas and the Ballestas Islands? I get it, you, like your average traveler, are curious to know what this whole trip offers, so let’s take a relaxed look at what’s involved. Basically, if you’re after seeing some pretty interesting wildlife and views, this tour could be just the ticket, almost, I suppose. This isn’t just a rundown; it’s like sharing what I experienced and hopefully giving you a good idea of what to anticipate. I’ll touch on everything from the boat ride to the kind of critters you might encounter, so that you can make up your own mind about whether it’s something you really want to do.

Setting off From Paracas

So, the tour usually kicks off from the little town of Paracas, a spot that’s, like, pretty chill and has that seaside vibe. You’ll probably find that most tours begin in the morning. This happens for a reason: to catch the calmest seas, as I gather. The departure points are usually hard to find as they are clustered around the main harbor. I felt a bit excited hopping onto the speedboat, a bit like gearing up for a waterborne adventure, is that not what one should feel?. Keep your eyes peeled, because very shortly after setting off you can see “El Candelabro”, a huge geoglyph etched into the cliffs. Theories differ on its origins, but it looks a little bit like a candelabra etched onto the landscape, right?

The Speedboat Ride

That speedboat portion? I thought it was rather interesting. Depending on the tour, it might take about 30 to 45 minutes to reach the Ballestas Islands. Because of this, prepare yourself. Sometimes it can get rather bumpy out there. If you tend to feel seasick, consider popping a pill beforehand; I reckon that is what everyone will tell you to do anyway. Yet, the sea spray on your face and the sight of the coastline whizzing past is actually, for the most part, super refreshing. Hold on tight with one hand and the camera with the other!.

Arrival at the Ballestas Islands

Okay, so pulling up to the Ballestas Islands, like, hits you with all kinds of sensory overload. Think of thousands of birds all squawking at once—that’s what it is. You’ll notice it definitely smells a bit strong due to the guano (that’s, basically, bird poop) but don’t let that put you off, as I learned, it’s all part of the experience. One thing you’ll not see: is people actually going onto the islands. Preserving the delicate environment of the island involves boats steering around them so folks can glimpse the wildlife.

Spotting the Wildlife

Wildlife? The main attraction for just about everybody I could see. You’re almost sure to spot playful sea lions lounging on the rocks and penguins waddling about looking almost proper comical. Various types of seabirds are about as well. The islands are actually, like, a safe home for Humboldt penguins, Inca terns, and cormorants, to name a few. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars to, like, get a better view!. You’re bound to have that ‘aw’ feeling while seeing how they interact in their setting; that’s what I felt like anyway.

Photography Tips

Snapping decent pictures out on the tour requires a little planning, as I learned. A camera with a zoom will probably come in really handy because of getting detailed pictures of the wildlife at a safe distance. Given the boat rocks a lot, try, as much as possible, upping your shutter speed a bit, to reduce blur. Morning light usually is better to, like, get some vivid pictures because that’s when shadows are softer. Really, keeping a spare battery around wouldn’t hurt either; you can easily run out of charge after snapping photos of, what feels like, every animal in sight!.

What to Bring

Packing the appropriate stuff can make this trip that bit more pleasant. Sunglasses, hats, and loads of sunscreen should be on the list, really, to fend off that intense sun, so I learned to do, anyway. In terms of clothes, wearing layers means you’re good to go regardless of whether the morning’s cool or the day’s hot, like, super versatile. Also, remember to bring some water so you stay hydrated. And finally, I can’t express how many people I saw without them, don’t forget your camera!.

Tour Guides and Information

Most of those tour guides have a wealth of information about the local wildlife and also the geography of the islands. They tend to speak English and Spanish pretty well. During the ride, they often provide you a rundown on the animals you are seeing and a little history behind the islands themselves, which makes that experience feel much more profound, as I would say it anyway. Do not hesitate to shoot a few questions as they are, like, pretty open to share anything about the area.

The Ethics of Tourism

Being a good traveler means taking the local environment seriously, you see. The Ballestas Islands can only remain an animal haven for future peeps to see, if we all play our part. Listen to what your tour guides suggest and remember to never throw trash. Respect for wildlife means admiring from a safe distance and never, in any circumstances, trying to feed or touch the animals, which I’m pleased to say I didn’t see much of anyway. Doing it right will protect the amazing beauty for later generations.

Other Activities in Paracas

Paracas isn’t just the Ballestas Islands, there’s also the Paracas National Reserve. It has a different, rugged kind of appeal. Those desert landscapes are quite striking, especially when they meet up with the ocean. So, why not rent a dune buggy or four-wheeler for a wild ride around the desert, like what you see in movies. Loads of eateries line the waterfront at Paracas, therefore tasting some regional cuisine will bring a very satisfying end to your adventure filled day.