Take the morning boat
Tours leave the Paracas jetty early, when the sea is calmest and the wildlife most active. Later departures meet rougher afternoon water.
Ballestas Islands
Paracas, Ica, Peru
Off the desert coast of Paracas, the rocky Ballestas Islands rise from the cold Humboldt Current — home to Humboldt penguins that breed among the guano cliffs alongside sea lions and vast flocks of seabirds.
The Humboldt coast
Penguins of the cold current
The Humboldt Current sweeps cold, fish-rich water up the Pacific coast of South America, and the Humboldt penguin follows it. On the Ballestas Islands they nest in burrows and crevices in the guano-crusted rock, sharing the islands with Peruvian boobies, pelicans, cormorants and noisy colonies of South American sea lions.
The islands are a protected reserve, and visitors do not land — the penguins and seabirds are watched from boats that circle the arches and sea caves. It is a short, rich trip: the water teems with life, drawn up by one of the most productive currents on earth.
Humboldtthe species of the islands
Year roundbirds are present in every season
Apr–Novthe cooler, most active months
Boat tourthe only way to visit — no landing
Plan your visit
Watching well at Ballestas Islands
The Ballestas are a boat trip from the Paracas waterfront — short, and best taken early.
You watch from the boat
The islands are a no-landing reserve. The penguins, sea lions and seabirds are seen from the boat as it circles the arches and caves.
Bring a layer
Even in the desert, the cold current and sea spray make the open boat chilly. A windproof layer and a hat make the trip more comfortable.
Pair with Paracas
The trip combines well with the Paracas National Reserve on shore — desert cliffs, lagoons and more seabirds along the same stretch of coast.
Keep exploring
More places to see penguins
Ballestas Islands is one of many wild shores where penguins come ashore. Follow them around the globe.
Where to see penguins