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A half-day at sea and a half-day on raw desert coast: this tour combines a boat trip around the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands with a driven loop through Paracas National Reserve’s cliffs and beaches. Expect sea spray, nesting birds and stark coastal views.
A half-day at sea and a half-day on raw desert coast: this tour combines a boat trip around the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands with a driven loop through Paracas National Reserve’s cliffs and beaches. Expect sea spray, nesting birds and stark coastal views.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Sam Travel Experiences · Paracas, Ica
A salt-scrubbed wind hits the pier as the boat slips free from Paracas; spray dots your sunglasses and the sea opens like a moving map. Within minutes the hull threads past the Candelabro—a pale, carved figure on a coastal slope—before the islands themselves appear: low, dark rock crowned with a frantic colony of birds and the slow silhouettes of sea lions.
easy.
7–8 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels—mostly seated boat travel and short, easy walks on flat or sandy terrain
The full excursion runs about 7–8 hours door-to-door from Ica, including transport, a roughly 2-hour boat experience, and time in the Paracas Reserve.
Common sightings include South American sea lions, Humboldt (Peruvian) penguins, pelicans and various guano-producing seabirds.
Yes—pickups are arranged from central Ica locations such as Plaza de Armas or specified hotels; check your booking for exact meeting points.
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers but is not recommended for pregnant guests or people with serious heart or spinal conditions; boat boarding can be awkward.
The Ballestas and Paracas coast played a central role in Peru’s guano boom; the Candelabro geoglyph remains a navigational and cultural landmark tied to pre-Columbian and maritime history.
The Ballestas and Paracas Reserve are protected to preserve nesting habitat and marine productivity—stay on marked paths, avoid disturbing colonies, and follow guide instructions to minimize impact.
Sam Travel Experiences operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
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