THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend a full day from Lima visiting Ballestas Islands by boat to see sea lions and penguins, then shift to Huacachina for high-speed dune buggies and sandboarding. Expect wildlife viewing, desert geology, and a long but rewarding day trip.
Spend a full day from Lima visiting Ballestas Islands by boat to see sea lions and penguins, then shift to Huacachina for high-speed dune buggies and sandboarding. Expect wildlife viewing, desert geology, and a long but rewarding day trip.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by HAKU TOURS · Ica, Ica
The tour unfolds before sunrise as the bus eases out of Lima and the coastline opens into the wind-scoured cliffs of Paracas. Salt spray and gull calls punctuate the approach to the Ballestas, where low, sculpted rock arches and colonies of sea lions crowd the shallows. The boat slips close enough to feel the ocean’s push; cormorants wheel, and the tiny Humboldt penguin can sometimes be seen bobbing near kelp.
moderate.
12–15 hours.
Moderate fitness—able to climb dune slopes and board from a standing or kneeling position; must manage stairs onto a small boat.
The full-day tour runs roughly 12–15 hours with early morning pickup from Lima; exact pickup time varies by hotel location and number of stops.
You can often see sea lions and several seabird species; Humboldt penguins are present but sightings depend on season and sea conditions, so they are likely but not guaranteed.
No—guides provide basic instruction and most guests ride on their stomach or feet; a short practice on smaller slopes is common before steeper runs.
Children must be accompanied by an adult; the boat and buggy rides are not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious back issues.
The Paracas coastline has been used for millennia by Andean maritime cultures and later as a guano-collection zone; its protection began in the 20th century to preserve seabird colonies.
The Ballestas sit within the Paracas Reserve where wildlife is monitored; stay on guided vessels and avoid feeding or disturbing animals to limit human impact.
HAKU TOURS operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
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