Paracas National Reserve Private Tour with the Ballestas Islands
Some travelers want more than a packed group boat and a rushed afternoon. The paracas national reserve private tour pairs the Ballestas Islands boat trip with a small-group, more personal exploration of the reserve — floating past one of the largest sea lion colonies on the coast, then winding through deserts and craggy cliffs with a guide who has time to answer every question. At five hours and around $65, with hotel pickup included, it is the choice for couples and small groups who value space and depth over the lowest price. See how it compares with every Ballestas Islands tour from Paracas below.
About This Activity
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Ballestas boat tour plus the Paracas National Reserve
Pickup and drop-off at Paracas hotels
Float past one of the coast's largest colonies
Live guide in English and Spanish
Cliffs, viewpoints and ancient sea-bed fossils
Check Live Availability & Prices
This is the more personal combo — a smaller group and an optional private reserve tour. It rates 4.8 stars from 377 reviews and the better-value morning slots go first. Check the calendar.
Why Choose This Combo Over the Cheaper Ones
Space, depth and a private reserve option
Run by JD Adventure Travel, this tour is built around a more personal experience. The boat trip is the same wildlife spectacle as every Ballestas tour — but the reserve portion can be done as a private, small-group tour, so you set the pace and the guide tailors the stops to your interests.
Reviewers repeatedly name their guides — Olenka, Pablo, Jose — and praise how much they know about the geology, the wildlife and the impact of El Niño on the landscape. If you care about understanding what you are looking at, not just photographing it, this is the upgrade worth paying for.
One of the largest sea lion colonies on the coast
The boat leg floats you past a sea lion colony that ranks among the biggest on this stretch of Peru's coast — hundreds of animals hauled out, barking and swimming around the boat. Combined with the penguins, pelicans and the Candelabra, the two-hour crossing alone justifies the trip, before the desert even begins.
What You'll See on This Tour
Wildlife, cliffs and fossils, in one trip
This combo balances the marine spectacle of the islands with the geology of the reserve:
- A large South American sea lion colony from the boat
- Humboldt penguins, pelicans and guano birds at the islands
- Dolphins on lucky crossings
- The Paracas Candelabra geoglyph
- Desert cliffs and craggy coastline in the Paracas National Reserve
- Fossils from the ancient sea bed, explained by the guide
- Sweeping viewpoints where the desert drops into the Pacific
What Is Included — and What You Should Still Bring
Included in the tour price
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Paracas - Round-trip speedboat ride to the Ballestas Islands - Guided tour of the Paracas National Reserve (private/small-group option) - Live English- and Spanish-speaking guide - Life vest and safety equipment for the boat - Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
Not included — plan for these
- Lunch and drinks (there is usually free time at a local café) - The Paracas National Reserve entrance fee, if not bundled (confirm at booking) - The small dock tax at the pier - A windproof jacket for the boat and water for the desert - Gratuity for your guide and driver
What Happens on This Tour — Step by Step
Important Things to Know Before You Go
What to bring
- A windproof jacket for the breezy morning boat ride - Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the exposed desert - Water and a snack for the reserve, where shops are scarce - Cash for any café stop and the dock tax - Comfortable closed-toe shoes for the viewpoints - A camera with space — the sea lion colony and cliffs are highlights
Not allowed, and who should skip it
There are no landings on the islands, and fossils, shells and rocks must stay where they are in the reserve.
The boat leg makes the tour unsuitable for heavily pregnant travelers, those with serious back problems, or anyone badly affected by seasickness. The reserve walks are short but on uneven ground. If seas are too rough, the boat portion may be rescheduled while the reserve tour still runs.
Where You'll Explore — Paracas National Reserve
Who Is This Tour For?
Ideal for
- Couples and small groups who want a more personal, less crowded experience - Travelers curious about the geology, fossils and wildlife, not just photos - Anyone who wants hotel pickup and a smoother, paced day - Visitors happy to pay a little more for space and a private reserve option - Those who want both the sea lion colony and the desert in one trip
Not ideal for
- Budget travelers — the boat-only or all-inclusive tours are cheaper - Anyone who suffers badly from seasickness without medication - Heavily pregnant travelers or those with serious back problems - Visitors who also want the Huacachina dunes (book the full-day adventure)
Is the Paracas National Reserve tour actually private?
The reserve portion is offered as a private or small-group tour, so the group is smaller and the guide tailors the pace and stops to you — while the boat leg is shared. Confirm the exact group setup at booking. Compare it with the larger-group combos.
How much does this combo tour cost?
It starts at around $65 per person, which buys hotel pickup, a smaller group and the private reserve option. The cheaper combos run group reserve tours for less. See the full range of prices.
What will I learn in the reserve?
Guides cover the desert geology, the fossils from the ancient sea bed, the wildlife, and how El Niño shapes the coast — reviewers single out how knowledgeable they are. Browse all the reserve tours here.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes — pickup and drop-off at Paracas hotels are included, which makes the morning straightforward. Confirm your hotel when you book. Check live availability.
Can I just do the reserve without the boat?
This particular tour is built as a combo, so the boat and reserve go together. If seas are rough the boat leg may be rescheduled while the reserve runs. For other configurations, see all the Paracas tours.
What Travelers Say
The boat trip in the morning around the islands was great — dolphins, penguins, pelicans, sea lions and the Candelabra in the rock face. In the afternoon our guide Olenka took us through the reserve with spectacular desert scenery and fossils from the original sea bed. If you can, do both — the contrast is incredible.
Very personal and a great experience. We arrived a little late but could join the boat tour straight away, and afterwards had a private tour in the desert reserve. Amazing place, amazing guide who took all the time we needed, with very good English. Really recommend doing both.
The best part was the private tour of the national reserve with our guide Pablo. He is an amazing guide and the whole trip was incredible. It is a must to do while you are in Paracas.