Unforgettable Paracas: Ballestas Islands & Desert Safari

The boat ride was good, however due to the weather we were unable to see Ballestas Island, however we were taken to White Island and saw lots of wild life. The second part of the tour was ok, however we never went to the flamingo viewpoint, and for me this was the most important part of the tour. So I was truly disappointed.

It was pretty smooth, the tour guides were nice and knowledgeable and we really enjoyed our experience.

This is a 2 part tour that seems to be operated by different vendors. The 8-10am boat trip to the island was good. Just the right amount of time. A little chilly, so bring an extra layer of clothes. Then one hour down time. The 11-3 driving tour to the national reserve was only mildly interesting. There were two hours of somewhat spectacular coastal panoramas. and 2 hours of lunch and swimming. We didn't eat, but those who did seemed happy. Very few in our group swam...very cold water. If I were to do it again, I'd just do the boat trip to the island and and skip the driving trip to the reserve. I'm very certain that the limited journey is possible to book...there were many boats all leaving at the same time.

Both the boat tour and the park were wonderful. I would fully recommend the sites. But tour operator did a poor job. After the boat tour we were told to return to the travel agency by 10:50 for the 11:00 park tour. We were then walked back to the port to meet the tour guide. He said, small delay, be back in 10 minutes. We returned and waited another 30 minutes. We thought the tour may have left without us. We get in a van that is ???? old with a cracked windshield. I am in the jump seat next to the driver, seat belt broken. No air conditioning. The tour begins by going to an overlook site of the city. Then back to paracas. Tour guide gets out???? Ten minutes later he returns with more people. Not enough seats so the guide does not have a seat. Although the time was much shorter we enjoyed the park. On the way home the driver runs over a large rock. The driver was concerned about the condition of the vehicle ,drove about 10 miles per hour and stopped 4 times to look under the hood. We were on a cruise and had a time considerations. Very stressful. In the end everything was fine but I would find a tour operator with better communication and equipment.

Boat tour is fine lots of wild birds and some sealions and a couple of penguins. Reserve tour at 11 organised through Paracas travel really disappointing. 2 stops to see the playa roja a full hour at playa Mina - wasn’t told that should bring swimming gear and a full hour and half for lunch before returning to Paracas. This tour would be better done in a taxi if you are not on your own.

The tour guides were enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and the tour itself was organised efficiently. Worth mentioning that there is a 45min gap between the Ballestas Islands tour and that of the national park, where you come back to Paracas and can get a coffee or early lunch.

Great views. Up close to marine life I wanted to see. Fantastic price. Arrive 15- 20 minutes early. We cut it a little to close but still made it. If you sit in back of the boat, its easier to get great picts but you will get wet. We went in October so didn't get to see babies but still worth going this time of year.

Guides were super friendly and knowledgeable! The ballestas island guide pointed out a ton of different wildlife for us and was able to answer a bunch of questions. The paracas reserve guide was super funny and made sure we all had an enjoyable time. He also recommended a good lunch spot for after the tour.

The tour of both the islands and the national reserve were just wonderful. We saw Peruvian penguins and thousands of birds/sea lions on the islands. The boat would stop and get close enough to take photos. The national reserve was quite interesting. The lunch stop was on the expensive side but it was good. I would recommend taking this tour while in Paracas.

Loved this trip the boats were modern and the guide was really educational. I would do this again all the birds and animals are as advertised.