Short Sea Kayak tour in the Paracas Bay

Connect with nature
FromUSD$60
Connect with nature
FromUSD$60
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  • Tour 07:30Available: 4 seats
  • Tour 10:30Available: 4 seats

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Availability 2024

Eduardo and Eloisa are back at guiding kayak trips in the arctics! In the off seasons they will be happy to receive you for this Short Sea Kayak tour in Paracas:

From January 3 to February 9

From April 6 to June 21

From August 16 to October 15

December 1 to 23 and 26 to 29

On this Short Sea Kayak tour in Paracas you will explore part of the National Reserve within Paracas bay.

After a short safety briefing and testing of the paddling equipment, you will leave early in the morning from Santo Domingo (this is the return point as well). We will row (5 km) in the calm of the Paracas bay near the wetland protection zone where we will be able to appreciate an enormous diversity of birds and unique landscapes such as the Cerro “Colorado” and Cerro “Lechuza”. The formations we can see here were adored by the ancient Paracas inhabitants. Moreover, the famous mummies of “Paracas Cavernas” were found here.

Please check our FAQs to get information about the exact starting- and endpoint of our Short Sea Kayak tour in Paracas.

Tip: we also have a “full-morning” version of this tour, which more than doubles the distance covered and also includes a picnic on a deserted beach. It only costs $20 p.p. extra. Click here for more info about that longer sea kayak tour!

If, for any reason, this tour is not available but you find yourself in Paracas and still eager to embark on a remarkable alternative excursion, we wholeheartedly recommend the following without any hesitation: Harvesting and tasting scallops directly from the Ocean

Additionally, if you’d like to read more about the region in general, please refer to our Travel Guide for Paracas, Ica & Nazca.

Why is this experience Impactful?

Paracas Bay is one of the most emblematic and biodiverse reserved bays on the Peruvian coast, threatened by different problems (such as illegal fishing and mining) that deserves more protection. We believe that making low impact use of this area is important to let the authorities know that other ways of development are possible. This place is of great importance for hundreds of species of birds, resident and migratory ones, and for families of bottlenose dolphins that use the bay for hunting small fish. It is full of ancient history and beautiful landscapes.

This experience tries to be as sustainable as possible. By using our own energy to move, we do not disturb animals with any sounds or release toxic gases into the atmosphere. The kayaks allow for easy and quick access to places that are not visited by motorboats. Many times we find marine litter on the sea or beaches, which we will remove. 

We believe that kayaking in Paracas bay is a great way of sensitizing visitors. Each paddle is a unique learning experience, showing us the importance of protecting nature.

Read here how the Sustainability Score was elaborated

Details

Price Includes

  • Transportation inside Paracas town
  • Touring sit inside sea kayaks & paddling gear
  • Safety & emergency gear, first aid gear
  • Professional sea kayak guide
  • Snacks and water

Price Excludes

What to Bring

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Short Sea Kayak tour in Paracas

Is this tour physically demanding?

A little bit, yes. This Short Sea Kayak tour in Paracas is less strenuous than the longer version of this tour, but of course you are still paddling at sea for a few hours. The rhythm is slow, though, and you’ll get good instructions from your guide before leaving. Anyone who’s medium fit can do this tour. 

Can I do this tour with my children?

Yes, this sea kayak tour is family-friendly. We advise a minimum age of 14 years old though. If your children are younger, please fill in the Enquiry Form and we’ll advise you about the possibilities. 

Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit as long as the person has enough mobility to get in and out of the kayak.

Is it a requirement to know how to swim?

It is not a requirement to know how to swim, but it is advisable not to be afraid of the water.

Is previous experience necessary?

No previous experience is necessary. Each outing is adapted to the performance of the people in the group. Before starting the activity in the water, we make a detailed explanation about the handling of the kayak. During the paddling we solve doubts.

Anyone who wants to enjoy a sea kayaking trip can participate as long as they have the minimum necessary ability to get in and out of the kayak by themselves.

What kind of weather should we expect during this excursion?

The Paracas Bay, like any coastal area, can have different kinds of weather throughout the year. Generally, in (southern hemisphere) summer it’s hot and sunny, and in the long winter it’s foggy. However, any day of the year the sun can be out, or it can be foggy and wet. So be prepared for any kind of weather and make sure you’re well protected against the elements. 

Our excursion takes place in the morning because generally it becomes too windy in the afternoon. 

Find more info about climates in Peru in our blog “Best Time to Travel to Peru“. 

What happens if I capsize in the kayak?

At the beginning of the activity the guide will instruct you on how to proceed in case of a capsize. The guide’s instructions and help will help you get out of the kayak and get back in without any difficulty.

What kind of kayaks will we use?

We will paddle in pairs in closed double kayaks.

Can I use a single kayak?

Yes, depending on previous experience and equipment availability.

Is it very tiring? How long will we be paddling?

The actual paddling time is less than the total time of the excursion, since it includes stops to rest without getting out of the kayaks. Although it is not a physically demanding activity, it is necessary to maintain an upright posture and endurance.

Why is it better to take a kayak tour than a motorboat tour?

Mainly because we do not produce greater impact on the environment and because when we move by our own means we do not generate toxic emissions. Also, by moving slowly and silently in a small group of people we can contemplate nature in all its splendor.

What animals can be observed?

Mainly an enormous variety of birds such as the Peruvian tern, the Peruvian booby, cormorants, pelicans, different species of seagulls, among others. As for mammals, sometimes we are lucky to observe bottlenose dolphins.
Also in the intertidal we can observe many species of invertebrates.

Are we going to get wet?

When getting in and out of the kayak we will get wet up to our ankles and sometimes up to our knees. Once inside the kayak, the spray skirts will keep us protected and comfortable. We may get a little splashed when paddling, so it is advisable to carry a windbreaker, especially for the winter season.

Why go with a guide?

Going with a guide makes the excursion more rewarding and safer, since his/her extensive knowledge of the natural environment and her/his paddling experience make your experience very complete.

How do I get to the starting point of this tour?

This tour starts and ends in the Santo Domingo Bay just a bit further south from the center of Paracas. It is easily walkable from most hotels in Paracas center. However, a pickup from your hotel in the Paracas area is included in the price of this tour.

How to get there by my own means?
From the main square of Paracas you should go to the roundabout (Plaza Iquique) and take the left exit onto Los Libertadores Avenue. Continue along this avenue towards Santo Domingo. As a reference you can take the hotel El Cóndor and the Club Oasis. Once you reach these references, you must continue 300 meters to the house “Las 3 Velas” where we will be waiting for you.

Once you book, you can be in touch by email with us and the provider.

Is this a private excursion or will I share the experience with other travelers?

There are only four spaces available for a tour so in case there are other travelers, you’ll always remain in a small group. 

What happens if the tour is canceled due to bad weather or contingencies?

We will be glad to invite you to come back the following day, depending on availability. So we recommend you plan your visit to Paracas considering at least two full days to make sure there is flexibility.

Am I insured if something happens?

Please note that sea kayaking accidents are usually NOT insured by a regular travel insurance company. Despite our very expert and experienced guides, there is always a small risk that something happens. Please check beforehand with your travel insurance whether medical attention and other costs deriving from an accident during a sea kayaking activity would be insured. 

General questions

For questions about booking a tour, prices, preparation for your trip, health and safety or other themes, please check our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you can’t find your question & answer, email us and we’ll add it!

Reviews
Your Host
Eduardo Larrañaga García is our sea kayak specialist in Paracas | Responsible Travel Peru

Eduardo Larrañaga

Eduardo was born in Lima, and from a very young age he had a close bond with the sea and unique places on the Peruvian coast. At 19 years of age, he fulfilled one of his dreams, embarking on a sailboat in Paracas Bay to make his first voyage to Easter Island. Years later he made a second sailing trip from Brazil to South Africa, passing through places full of wildlife such as Tristan da Cunha. Surely that contact with the sea and nature was what led him to study biology. He had the opportunity to research humpback whales in northern Peru, work for the Galapagos National Park and in Tierra del Fuego. 12 years ago he started kayaking and for 6 years he has been working as a sea kayak guide in the Arctic and Antarctica, a job he enjoys very much, since it combines his passion for nature and sport.

The combination of sport and nature is precisely what motivates him to create “Sea Kayak Paracas” and guide in Peru so that more people have the opportunity to enjoy and protect the Peruvian sea. Eduardo is also certified as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and is an ACA (American Canoe Association) level 3 kayak instructor.

Like Impactful Travel, Eduardo is aware that the better our practices, the less negative impact will be generated on the environment. With sea kayaking we promote sustainable tourism because it is practically non-invasive and in this way we maintain our respect for wildlife.

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