Skip Ballestas Islands: Do This Authentic Paracas Scallop Tour Instead

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. The most fun, and most authentic thing you can do in Paracas isn’t the crowded Ballestas Islands Tour – it’s this.

A local family in Paracas took me and two others out on their fishing boat the other morning for the most authentic experience in Paracas, Peru. If you want to connect with locals, support a family-run business and taste the freshest scallops of your life, skip the big tour and contactTour Vivencial Atenas Beach instead.

My Morning Harvesting Scallops in Paracas

They picked me up directly at my hotel in Paracas for the 10-minute drive to Atenas Beach, which is right next to the port in the Paracas National Reserve.

Meeting the Family

We hopped aboard the boat and met the fishermen waiting for us, a father, his son, and a good friend. This is truly a family business, passed from father to son, and they only started taking tourists aboard in 2020.

As we headed out, the father began the tour, passionately explaining the history of their family business and the protected setting around us. We did our tour in Spanish (which was great practice (and a challenge) for me!), but they also offer tours in English.

The Sustainable Farming Practice

In Paracas National Reserve it’s strictly forbidden to fish – it’s a reserve after all. So how does it work?

Well, the scallops here are not exactly wild-caught. It’s sustainable farming in “wild” waters. From what I understood: The family actually buys baby scallops from a local hatchery. They place them in their protected areas of the bay, where they grow for months (or even years) to their full size. The largest ones we pulled up they estimated to be about a year old. The unique environment of the reserve is what gives them their incredibly sweet flavor and perfect texture.

The Dive & The Haul

The father put on a wetsuit and mask, grabbed his net and dove into the calm, two-meter-deep water (about 5-6 feet). He came back up almost immediately with his hands full of scallops.

In just five minutes, he had a whole bag full. I helped him pull it aboard, and he poured the haul onto the bow. I was excited by the vibrant colors of the shells. He talked us through the different sizes and colors, and showed us the other “goodies” he brought up, like mussels, crabs, and seaweed.

Tasting the Scallops (Yes, On The Boat)

The highlight of course. While dad was explaining everything to us, the friend was shucking scallops for the tasting. We ate them as they called, American style, eg only eating the white meaty part and ditching the rest.

• First, au natural: Sweet and delicate. This was my favorite.
• Next, with lime: A classic pairing that brings out more flavor.
• Finally with a special sauce popular with local fishermen in the area.

It was all paired with a little 9 am vino. Seafood doesn’t get fresher than this.

Kayaking and Swimming at Atenas Beach

After the tasting, we had time to hop in the water. The girls tried kayaking, and I tried diving for scallops myself. Turns out it was as easy and as fun as it looks. New job?

What to Know Before You Go

Here’s a quick rundown of the logistics:

• Cost: I paid 180 soles (about $50 USD) for one person
• Paracas National Reserve Fee: You must also pay the 11 soles ($3 USD) entrance fee for the Paracas National Reserve. Pro tip: If you visit the reserve the day before or after, they will often let you re-enter with the same one, so save your ticket.
• Duration: The tour itself lasts about two hours. Factor in an extra 30-40 minutes for transport to and from your hotel.
• What to bring:
  • A swimsuit and towel (if you want to dive in!)
  • Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
  • A windbreaker or long-sleeve jacket (it’s always windy in Paracas, we needed them in the morning)
  • Water
  • Your camera or phone

How to Book This Authentic Paracas Tour

I found it a bit difficult to track down how to book this experience with Tour Vivencial Atenas Beach, so I’ll make it easy for you. There were a few third party sites where I saw this tour (or similar) but it was only possible to book privately for 2+ people.

The best way to get in touch is to contact Liccet directly via WhatsApp +51 917 594 850. She’ll share all the details, availability, and pricing. You can also find them on Instagram or Tiktok, @tourvivencialatenasbeach.

I stopped by their shop the day before to sign some papers and pay. Go enjoy the most authentic tour in Paracas with the sweetest family, and let me know what you think.

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