Islas Ballestas — Local services in North Ballesta Island

A bare rock, overcrowded by birds and smeared with guano, that doesn't sound interesting. The opposite could not be less true! The Islas Ballestas are located about twenty kilometers by boat from Paracas, are an ideal resting and foraging place for countless animal species thanks to the cold, nutrient-rich Humboldt Current. As you approach the three islands, the black rocks don't seem overpopulated, but once you get close enough you discover that the rocks are covered with a black "blanket" consisting of many, many thousands of birds that nest there. Guanay comorants, Inca terns, Peruvian pelicans, Peruvian boobies, kelp gulls and Humboldt penguins, among others, compete for every available (and sometimes seemingly impossible) spot on the rocks. At the foot of those rocks, the South American sea lions and fur seals claim their place. If you're really lucky you might get to see a humpback whale passing through or the rare "Gato Marino" (a marine otter). The Islas Ballestas? A fantastic destination on the Peruvian coast that you...

Paracas is not pretty, nor clean. It really has no appeal for the international traveler except for these Islands. And It's worth a stop over just for them!

Lots of tour operators, don't bother booking in advance, prices are cheaper in person. Boats are comfortable but many don't have tops, bring sunscreen. The front of the boat is less prone to being a splash zone than the rear.

There are penguins, but not many. Don't expect a good picture without a zoom lens.

So many birds and sea lions. If you are a bird lover,...

I thought this will just be another normal island hopping or sightseeing. But it was actually fun and interesting. While we are on our way to the island, close from the jetty we saw some dolphins swimming close to the boat, it was actually cool. And aslo I was amazed by the Candelabro mysterious symbol. If you wanted to see some animals on the island, you should go before mid of April. We were told that before April ends the animals like penguins will not be there anymore since it will be too...