Looking for a unique and fun experience during your time in Peru? This Palomino Islands tour is one of the best day trips from Lima. You’ll take a scenic boat ride past historic islands and finish the tour swimming with hundreds of friendly sea lions in the ocean. The Palomino Islands Lima tour is a perfect mix of wildlife, ocean views, and exciting adventure — all in just half a day!
Tour description – Palomino Islands Tour from Lima
We start this Palomino Islands Lima tour in the port area of Callao. After a short safety talk and check-in, we board a comfortable yacht that takes us along the beautiful coastline. During the ride, we pass by five famous islands — including San Lorenzo and El Frontón — where you’ll learn more about the area’s history and nature.
Then we reach the Palomino Islands, a protected area full of wildlife. You’ll see thousands of sea lions sunbathing and playing in the water. The highlight of the trip? You can jump into the sea and swim with the sea lions! This is a safe and unforgettable experience, guided by professionals and with all safety equipment provided.
After the swim, we return to the port. This half-day Palomino Islands sea lion swimming tour is great for couples, families, and solo travelers looking for something special to do near Lima.
Activities included on the Palomini Islands tour
Here’s what you’ll do on this Palomino Islands swim with sea lions tour:
- Scenic yacht ride from Callao
- View 5 famous islands:
- El Camotal
- San Lorenzo Island
- El Frontón (old prison island)
- Cavinzas Islands
- Palomino Islands
- Watch seabirds and marine life
- Swim with sea lions (20 minutes in the ocean!)
Itinerary – Palomino Islands Sea Lion Swimming Tour
10:00 AM – Meeting at the Naval Center (Callao)
We begin at the Naval Center of Peru in Callao, or another agreed meeting point. Here we verify your booking, explain safety protocols, and share recommendations. Drinks can be purchased from the on-site restaurant (optional).
10:30-11:00 AM – Boarding and departure
We board a shuttle to the dock and then step onto our modern yacht. As we sail toward the Palomino Islands, enjoy beautiful coastal views of:
- La Punta resort area
- El Camotal (a submerged section of old Callao)
- San Lorenzo Island (presidential beach residence)
- El Frontón Island (historic prison)
- Cavinzas Islands (home to guano birds and natural arches)
- This scenic cruise is the perfect introduction to the Palomino Islands Lima experience.
1:00 PM – Swim with sea lions
At the Palomino Islands, you’ll witness over 5,000 sea lions resting, barking, and diving into the waves.
Here comes the best part: you’ll get the chance to swim with sea lions for about 20 minutes!
We provide:
- Wetsuits (to protect from cold water)
- Life vests and floating rings
- Swimming alongside these curious creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — and one of the best wildlife encounters in Peru.
2:30 PM – Return and end of tour
After the swim, we’ll go back to the port. We’ll disembark at the dock and conclude this unforgettable Palomino Islands sea lion swimming tour.
All times are approximate and subject to change depending on weather and conditions.
Important notice – Port of Lima (Callao)
All boat tours that depart from the Port of Lima (Callao) are subject to the official regulations of the Harbor Master’s Office (Capitanía de Puerto). For safety reasons, the authorities may decide at any moment to close the port, either partially or completely, due to weather or sea conditions.
We cannot know in advance when such a closure will be announced. If this happens, we will notify you as soon as possible and you will receive an immediate full refund of your booking.
Your safety is always our top priority.
About the Palomino Islands
The Palomino Islands are a group of small rocky islands off the coast of Lima, in the Pacific Ocean. They are part of a protected marine reserve and are famous for their huge sea lion population. Over 5,000 sea lions live here all year round, along with many seabirds like pelicans, boobies, and gulls.
The water around the islands is cold and rich in nutrients. This makes it the perfect home for marine wildlife. Swimming with sea lions here is a rare experience that only a few places in the world offer — and Peru is one of them!
The nearby islands also have interesting stories. For example, El Frontón was once a high-security prison, and San Lorenzo Island is the largest island in Peru. During the tour, your guide will tell you fun facts and history about each place you pass.