Quick overview:
This full-day tour from Ica takes you to the famous Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve—two must-see highlights of southern Peru. For around $50, you’ll enjoy a boat ride with wildlife sightings, a visit to the Candelabro geoglyph, and scenic viewpoints like La Catedral and Playa Roja. It’s a solid choice for travelers wanting an affordable, packed day of natural beauty and quirky sights.

We particularly appreciate how this tour covers both marine wildlife and spectacular landscapes in one go. The boat trip, with its chance to see sea lions, penguins, and pelicans, gives you a real sense of the area’s vibrant ecosystem. Plus, the viewpoints at the reserve allow for memorable photos of iconic formations like La Catedral and the fiery Playa Roja.

One thing to consider is that some reviews note extra charges and a less-than-two-hour boat ride, which can be disappointing if you’re expecting a longer cruise or all-inclusive pricing. The tour works best for those who enjoy nature, wildlife, and scenic vistas without needing gourmet meals or shopping stops.

This experience is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want a comprehensive day trip, and those who are okay with a busy schedule and some optional extra costs. If you’re comfortable with sea conditions or looking for a quick overview of the area, this tour can be very rewarding.

Key Points

Affordable Price: At $50 per person, it offers good value for a full-day tour covering key sights.
Wildlife & Geoglyphs: See penguins, sea lions, and the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph via boat.
Scenic Landscapes: Visit stunning viewpoints like La Catedral and Playa Roja within Paracas Reserve.
Free Time: Enjoy leisure time at beaches such as Lagunilla and La Mina.
Optional Extras: Beware of potential extra charges for entrance fees and shopping stops.
Limited Duration: The boat ride is less than two hours, which may feel short for some.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Paracas and Ballestas Islands Tour in Detail

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Starting Point and Itinerary

The adventure begins with a pickup in Ica, a town known for its vineyards and desert surroundings. From there, your guide, whose name was not specified but is described as engaging, takes you to the El Chaco Pier in Paracas. Here, the real highlight kicks off: a boat cruise around the Ballestas Islands.

The boat trip lasts roughly 2 hours, offering a good chance to get close to sea lions lounging on rocks, penguins waddling in the shallows, and myriad seabirds soaring overhead. You’ll pass the Candelabro geoglyph, a 170-meter-high figure carved into the sand, visible from the ocean. Some reviews mention that the boat ride is slightly shorter than two hours, so don’t expect a lengthy cruise, but enough for a solid wildlife spotting experience.

What Makes the Boat Trip Special?

The Ballestas Islands are often called the “Poor Man’s Galápagos,” and for good reason. Their rugged, rocky formations are dramatic, and the wildlife is plentiful. We loved the way the boat gets close enough for good photos—just be prepared for the sea spray and occasional wave splashes. Keep your camera ready and your waterproof case on hand. The Candelabro, visible from the boat, is a fun visual puzzle—an enormous geoglyph that’s been a mystery for centuries.

One reviewer, Horst, points out that extra charges can complicate the experience: “The entrance fee to the islands was not 16 soles but 17 soles, and an additional 5 soles per person for unspecified extras.” It’s worth bringing some cash just in case, as some costs aren’t included in the initial price.

Exploring Paracas National Reserve

After the boat ride, you’ll have some free time—a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the beaches of Lagunilla and La Mina. These spots are perfect for a quick walk or just relaxing by the surf. You might choose to grab a snack from local vendors or simply soak in the scenery.

Next, your guide will take you to several viewpoints within the Paracas National Reserve. The La Catedral, a towering rock formation resembling a cathedral, is an impressive photo stop. Similarly, Punta Santa María offers panoramic views of the coast, and Playa Roja stands out with its striking reddish sands. These viewpoints are highlights that showcase the surreal beauty of the desert meeting the ocean.

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Additional Stops and Considerations

The tour also includes a visit to La Mina Beach, popular for its golden sands, and an optional stop at a shop selling textiles and jewelry—a common feature in many tours. One review mentioned feeling surprised about extra charges and a sales show after the boat cruise, which some travelers find less appealing. It’s advisable to remain aware that some stops may involve pushy sales tactics or additional costs.

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Logistics and Practical Tips

Price & Value: The $50 fee covers transportation, a guide, and the boat excursion. However, entrance fees to the islands are not included (S/16 for adults, S/8 for children), and additional charges for extras may apply.
Timing & Duration: The entire day can be quite full, so plan for a long, active day. Check starting times in advance, as they can vary.
What to Bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen, camera, and water. Seasickness can be an issue for some, so if you’re prone, consider taking precautions.
Not Suitable For: Pregnant women, people with back problems, or those prone to seasickness might want to think twice, given the boat component.

Authentic Experiences & Helpful Insights

This tour is best for those interested in wildlife and scenic landscapes rather than luxury or gourmet meals. As one review bluntly puts it, “The food in the restaurant was so-so,” and there’s a sales show after the boat ride that some might find a bit intrusive. Still, the views and wildlife encounters can be quite memorable if you’re prepared for a busy, straightforward day.

The Sum Up

This Ica to Paracas and Ballestas Islands full-day tour offers a practical way to see some of Peru’s most iconic natural sights without breaking the bank. It combines marine wildlife, geoglyphs, and spectacular coastal views into a well-rounded day trip. The boat cruise is the highlight, giving you a close-up look at sea lions, penguins, and seabirds, while the viewpoints add a sense of the grandeur of the desert-ocean meeting.

It’s best suited for budget travelers who want a full experience in one day and don’t mind some optional extras or a faster pace. If you’re comfortable with shorter boat rides and are prepared for some extra charges, this tour provides a good introduction to the coastal wonders of southern Peru.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can enjoy the wildlife viewing and scenic viewpoints, but consider their comfort with boat rides and walking.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat cruise lasts about 2 hours, though some reviews mention it might be slightly shorter.

Are meals included?
No, there are no included meals. You can buy snacks or eat during free time at the beaches.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees?
Yes, the entrance fee to the islands (about S/16 for adults) is not included and must be paid separately.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, camera, and water. Seasickness remedies might be helpful if you’re sensitive.

Is the tour flexible or customizable?
No, the schedule is set, but you have some free time at beaches and viewpoints to explore on your own.

This tour offers a straightforward, engaging experience of Peru’s coastal treasures, perfect if you’re after wildlife, striking landscapes, and a taste of local geology—all without fuss and at a reasonable price.