Visit to Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands (Spanish: Islas Ballestas) are a group of small islands near the town of Paracas within the Paracas District of the Pisco Province in the Ica Region, on the south coast of Peru.

Composed largely of rock formations and covering an estimated area of 0.12 km², these islands are an important sanctuary for marine fauna like the guanay guano bird, the blue-footed booby and the Peruvian Booby (gray footed Booby) and Inca Terns. Other notable species include Humboldt penguins and two varieties of seals (fur seals and sea lions), amongst other mammals.

Quite interesting tour, around the islands. Trips are exclusively done in the morning or early afternoon, before the wind usually picks up speed and increases the odds of capsizing. It’s hard to maneuver the boats under choppy conditions.

Photo Gallery

16 thoughts on “Visit to Ballestas Islands”

Indira on March 31, 2020 at 12:31 pm said:

Fabulous shots of the coastal landscape!!

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- H.J. for avian101 on March 31, 2020 at 3:54 pm said:
  
  These are a group of islands. Thank you, Indira. 🙂
  
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Jane's Heartsong on March 31, 2020 at 1:29 pm said:

Breath-taking! and good timing, glad you got back home safely.

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- H.J. for avian101 on March 31, 2020 at 3:56 pm said:
  
  Thank you very much, Jane. 🙂
  
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sv-anui.com on March 31, 2020 at 5:42 pm said:

Wow HJ, these islands look interesting with all the caves and the BirdLife there plentiful.

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- H.J. for avian101 on March 31, 2020 at 7:44 pm said:
  
  It reminded me of you, navigating around the islands. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you, Chris. 🙂
  
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tootlepedal on March 31, 2020 at 6:07 pm said:

That is a place which I would like to visit. Thank you for the pictures, HJ..

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- H.J. for avian101 on March 31, 2020 at 7:47 pm said:
  
  It was very interesting and unique. Thanks, Tom. 🙂
  
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aussiebirder on March 31, 2020 at 8:39 pm said:

Wonderful coastal scenery HJ, and plenty of birds we would never see here. You certainly had a birder’s feast on your time away 🙂

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- H.J. for avian101 on March 31, 2020 at 9:15 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Ashley. I was busy but enjoyed it very much. 🙂
  
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de Wets Wild on March 31, 2020 at 11:21 pm said:

The rugged landscapes and multitude of life will surely remain fresh in your memory for some time!

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- H.J. for avian101 on April 1, 2020 at 6:03 pm said:
  
  Especially the smell! 🙂
  
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  - de Wets Wild on April 1, 2020 at 10:54 pm said:
    
    😀
Christine J Randall on April 1, 2020 at 9:42 pm said:

Very rugged formations. Loved the seals.

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- H.J. for avian101 on April 1, 2020 at 9:52 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Christine. 🙂
  
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Geri on April 21, 2020 at 10:44 am said:

Love the unique rock formations and arches. It looks like a place to see when I go to Peru to see Machu Picchu. Thanks

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Location	Pacific Ocean
Coordinates	13°44′09″S 76°23′47″W Coordinates: 13°44′09″S 76°23′47″W
Major islands	Ballesta Norte, Ballesta Centro, Ballesta Sur
Administration
Peru
Region	Ica

H.J. Ruiz – Avian101