From Ica: Ballestas Islands + Paracas National Reserve

From Ica: Ballestas Islands + Paracas National Reserve

Traveling from Ica, just a short drive south of Lima, offers a fantastic chance to explore some of Peru’s most striking coastal landscapes. For $65 per person, this full-day tour takes about 9 hours, giving you a well-rounded glimpse of marine wildlife and dramatic desert scenery. Led by guides who speak both Spanish and English, the experience combines boat rides, land excursions, and plenty of opportunities for photos and relaxing moments.

What we love about this tour is how it balances up-close wildlife encounters with the chance to walk and breathe in stunning natural landscapes. The boat trip to the Ballestas Islands promises views of sea lions, penguins, and diverse bird species — a real treat for nature enthusiasts. On land, the visit to Paracas National Reserve offers sweeping vistas, unusual rock formations, and peaceful beaches.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour operates with a guide in Spanish, so if you don’t speak the language, a little extra preparation might help. Also, the entrance fees for the islands and reserve are paid separately, which can add a few soles to your overall cost.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a full day of adventure that’s both relaxing and visually stunning. If you’re interested in wildlife, natural scenery, and don’t mind a bit of a group setting, this experience offers solid value and memorable moments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Wildlife Focus: See sea lions, Humboldt penguins, boobies, terns, pelicans, and vultures.
• Varied Scenery: From rocky islands to expansive desert landscapes.
• Moderate Cost: $65 per person includes boat ride, land transport, and guiding.
• Flexible Timing: Check availability for start times; tours usually start early morning.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants, offering more personal attention.
• Separate Entrance Fees: Budget for S/.17 for the islands and S/.5 for the reserve.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Morning Pickup and Transfer

The day begins early, around 6:30 AM, with a pickup from your hotel or bus terminal in Ica. This is a thoughtful touch, removing the hassle of finding your way to the meeting point. After a short drive, you’ll arrive at the tourist pier for the boat trip. Keep in mind that the boat leaves promptly at 8:00 AM, so punctuality is key to making the most of your day.

The Ballestas Islands Maritime Tour

The boat ride is the highlight for many. Led by a guide (in Spanish), you’ll cruise past the geoglyph El Candelabro, a mysterious large design etched into the desert hillside visible from the water. The guide will point out the distinctive rock formations, which resemble sculptures and cliffs sculpted by nature over thousands of years.

Of course, the main draw is the wildlife. We loved the way the boat navigates through the islands’ narrow channels and around the rocky outcroppings, where colonies of sea lions lounge and bark. The maternity wards for sea lions are particularly charming, giving you a close-up view of their playful and sometimes lazy behavior.

Birdwatchers will be thrilled with the sightings of Humboldt penguins, boobies, terns, and pelicans. One review mentioned that the guide’s spotting skills really enhanced the experience: “We saw so many birds, and the guide was great at pointing them out.” The diversity of species, along with the dramatic scenery, makes this part of the tour truly memorable.

More Great Tours Nearby

Free Time at the Pier

At around 10:00 AM, the boat ride concludes, and you’ll have some free time. Many travelers use this window to have breakfast, visit small craft stalls, or snap photos of the bay. It’s a relaxed moment before heading onto land for the next phase.

Land Tour of Paracas National Reserve

By 11:00 AM, the group boards a vehicle for the land tour of Paracas National Reserve. This area is a vast desert coastline with contrasting red and white beaches, rugged cliffs, and interesting rock formations like La Catedral. The guide (again in Spanish) shares stories about the geological history and the significance of these formations.

Highlights include Supay Beach, known for its peaceful atmosphere, and Roja Beach, with its distinctive color and scenic views. Visiting Lagunillas Beach adds to the variety, as you can enjoy some quiet time or take photos of the surrounding desert meeting the ocean.

End of the Day

By 4:00 PM, the tour wraps up, and you’ll be transferred back to Ica’s bus station or your hotel. The long, rewarding day leaves you with a good sense of the natural beauty and wildlife of the Peruvian coast.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides for making the experience informative and engaging. One traveler commented, “We loved the way our guide explained the significance of the formations and the animals, making the trip both fun and educational.” Others appreciated the stunning views—the beaches, cliffs, and islands are genuinely breathtaking, especially when the sunlight hits just right.

Some travelers note that the boat ride can be a bit choppy, so bringing seasickness tablets might be wise. Also, because the guides operate in Spanish, non-Spanish speakers might want to prepare some questions beforehand or consider hiring a translator if available.

Practical Considerations

The price of $65 is quite reasonable considering the boat ride, land transport, and guided experience. However, remember that entrance fees for the islands (S/.17) and reserve (S/.5) are additional. These are paid in cash, so plan accordingly.

The tour is limited to 10 participants, which enhances the experience by making it more intimate, but it also means spots can fill up quickly, especially in peak season. Booking in advance is advisable.

The timing is flexible—check with the provider for available start times, but early departures mean you get the most out of the day without feeling rushed.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves wildlife, stunning coastal scenery, and a well-organized day out, this tour is a great choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate small group experiences and enjoy learning about nature from knowledgeable guides.

Those with an interest in geology or birdwatching will find plenty to admire. Because the tour covers both boat and land activities, it caters to those who want variety without a full-blown multi-day commitment.

However, expect a busy day with early starts and a fair amount of walking and boat rides, so it may not be ideal if you’re seeking a more relaxed, leisurely pace.

The Sum Up

This tour from Ica offers a balanced mix of marine wildlife, desert landscapes, and geological formations — a real showcase of Peru’s diverse coast. The boat trip to the Ballestas Islands is particularly loved for the chance to see sea lions and penguins in their natural habitat, while the land tour provides sweeping views and interesting rock formations.

The small group size and knowledgeable guides make the experience more personal and engaging, although language could be a barrier if you don’t speak Spanish. The entrance fees are modest but should be factored into your budget.

This tour provides excellent value for money and a chance to see some of Peru’s most iconic coastal sights in one day. It’s perfect for wildlife lovers, photographers, and those wanting a scenic escape from more urban settings. If you’re after a well-organized, authentic experience that combines nature, adventure, and stunning vistas, this tour is an excellent choice.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes pick-up from your hotel or bus terminal in Ica, boat trip to the Ballestas Islands with a guide (in Spanish), transportation for the land tour of the Paracas Reserve, and transfer back to your accommodation or bus station.

Are guides available in English?
Guides operate in Spanish, but the tour description mentions English as well. It’s best to confirm with the provider if English guides are available if that’s your preference.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts about 9 hours, starting early in the morning and ending around 4:00 PM.

How much are the entrance fees?
The entrance fees are S/.17 for the islands and S/.5 for the reserve, payable separately during the tour.

What’s the best time of day to do this tour?
Most tours start early morning to maximize daylight and wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for the boat ride.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the length and boat ride suggest it’s best for older children or those comfortable with boat trips and walking.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, camera, and some cash for entrance fees and souvenirs. Seasickness tablets are recommended if you’re sensitive to boat motion.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

Who is this tour ideal for?
It’s ideal for those interested in wildlife, scenic landscapes, and a guided experience that covers both marine and desert environments, especially if you prefer small groups and insightful guides.

This tour from Ica provides a well-rounded, authentic taste of Peru’s coastal natural wonders—an unforgettable day for lovers of nature and stunning scenery alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby