Marine Fauna of the Ballestas Islands in Peru 2025

Sea lions, penguins, and pelicans are good neighbours on the Ballestas Islands

Best time: January–March

The rich marine fauna of Ballestas is very popular. The songs of sea lions create some sort of orchestra, which sounds from every rocky island. Moreover, if you visit the place between January and March, during their breeding season, you will see big groups of these animals.

The close proximity of a cold current makes living conditions just perfect for Humboldt penguins. Birds are mainly represented by pelicans and gulls, whose excrements are collected by locals and sold as fertilisers.

In addition, an ancient geoglyph is visible on the coast during the boat trip to Ballestas. The huge Paracas Candelabra has been a special sign for mariners for more than two thousand years.

Practical info

When is the best time to see sea lions on the Ballestas Islands?

The breeding season of sea lions on the Ballestas Islands is from January to March, which is the best time to observe them. During this period, there are large groups of sea lions that can be seen, including nursing mothers and playful young ones. This is also when the sea lions are most active, and visitors can readily hear their distinct barks and songs all around the islands.

where is the ancient geoglyph in the Ballestas Islands visible from?

The Paracas Candelabra, which is a 600-foot-long ancient geoglyph, is visible from boats going to the Ballestas Islands. The geoglyph has been a navigational aid for sailors for more than 2,000 years and is etched into the Paracas Peninsula hillside. It was created by the Paracas culture, which flourished in the region between 800 BCE and 100 BCE. Its exact purpose remains an enigma.

What kinds of sea lions are found on the Ballestas Islands?

Only the South American sea lion species is present on the Ballestas Islands, and they are easy to spot due to their loud barks and songs. These large groups of sea lions are frequently be seen sunbathing, swimming, and sometimes playing together. The sea lions are most active from January to March, which is their breeding season. It's the best time to witness the animals' special interactions and conduct up close.

When is the sea lion breeding season on the Ballestas Islands?

The breeding season of sea lions on the Ballestas Islands is in the period from January to March. Visitors can see a large number of sea lions, including nursing and playful ones, during particular months. While they are very active during this time, their loud barks and songs can be heard from all around the island. It is the perfect moment to witness their distinctive behaviours and interactions up close.

Are there any other marine animals worth seeing near the Ballestas Islands?

Considered a haven for marine life enthusiasts, the Ballestas Islands are home to various marine animals such as Humboldt penguins and Peruvian boobies aside from the South American sea lion. These animals thrive in the cold water currents off the coast of Peru. Dolphins, plenty of fish species, and even whales are other animals that can be observed around the islands. Admirers of marine animals can find a variety of options to see in these islands.