Palomino Islands Tour from Lima – Swim with sealions

Palomino Islands Tour from Lima – Swim with sealions

$ 59.00

Join our Palomino Islands tour and swim with sea lions near Lima! Enjoy a half-day boat ride, explore five islands, and experience Peru’s marine wildlife up close. Wetsuits, and an English speaking guide are included. An unforgettable adventure just off the coast of Lima.

Tour at a glance

Difficulty Easy
Duration 1 day

Most important tour information

Arrival in the ending city
2:30 PM Approximate arrival time in the city where the tour ends

Verified traveler review

What travelers loved

Read all reviews
Loading verified traveler reviews…
Read all reviews

Highlights

  • Swim safely with sea lions
  • Wetsuit, life jacket and lifeguard included
  • Learn more about 5 islands; El Camotal, San Lorenzo, El Frontón, Cavinzas, Palomino

What is included

Included

  • Yacht ride from Callao to the Palomino Islands
  • Bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish)
  • Visit to 5 islands: El Camotal, San Lorenzo, El Frontón, Cavinzas, Palomino
  • Swim with sea lions (20 min)
  • Wetsuit (optional) and life jacket
  • Lifeguard guide during swim
  • SERNANP entrance fee

Not included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Meals
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Personal expenses

Itinerary

10:00 AM – Meet at the Naval Center of Peru (Callao) or agreed meeting point

  • Check reservation details
  • Optional: buy a drink at the restaurant

10:30 AM – 1:00 PM – Board the shuttle and yacht

  • Safety briefing and tips
  • Begin boat ride along the coast
  • We will pass by:
    • La Punta beach resort
    • El Camotal (submerged island)
    • San Lorenzo Island (presidential beach house)
    • El Frontón Island (former prison)
    • Cavinzas Islands (seabird reserve)

1:00 PM – Arrive at Palomino Islands

  • Observe sea lions and seabirds
  • Swim with sea lions (20 minutes)
  • Wetsuits and life vests provided

1:30 PM – Return journey

  • Enjoy the views on the way back

2:30 PM – Arrive at port

  • Shuttle transfer back to disembarkation point
  • End of tour

Times are approximate and the order may change with weather, traffic, or local conditions.

Practical information

Meeting and timing

End point
2:30 PM

Trail and tour details

Difficulty
Easy
Tour duration
1 day

Full tour description

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!)

Short itinerary

During this tour, you depart from Callao and take a boat trip along the coast. Along the way, you pass several islands such as La Punta, El Camotal, San Lorenzo, and El Frontón.

At the Palomino Islands, you will have the opportunity to see sea lions and seabirds up close. You can also swim with sea lions, with wetsuits and life vests provided.

After this experience, you return to the port and are transferred back to the starting point.

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.

What to bring

  • Swimsuit worn under your clothes
  • Photo of passport or ID (required)
  • Towel and dry clothes
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Light breakfast before the tour
  • Optional: personal snacks or drinks
  • Comfortable clothes and shoes
  • Energy and excitement for the sea lions!

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the Palomino Islands from Lima?

The Palomino Islands are located off the coast of Callao, near Lima. Most travelers join a guided Palomino Islands tour that includes transportation by yacht from the port. The tour starts from the Naval Center in Callao, which is about 30–45 minutes from central Lima by taxi.

Where does the Palomino Islands tour start?

The tour begins at the Naval Center of Peru in Callao, or another meeting point confirmed at booking. From there, you’ll board a yacht for a scenic ride to the Palomino Islands Lima.

Do you offer hotel pickup for the Palomino Islands tour?

This Palomino Islands tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off by default. However, we can help arrange transportation from your hotel in Lima to the meeting point upon request.

Is the Palomino Islands Tour safe for children?

Yes, it’s safe for children with a parent or guardian. We provide child-size life jackets and all safety gear. Swimming with sea lions is safe and always guided. Currents are usually calm, and tours only run in good conditions. Swimming with sea lions is allowed from 8 years and older.

Can you swim with sea lions in the Palomino Islands?

Yes! The Palomino Islands swim with sea lions experience is the highlight of the tour. You’ll have 20 minutes to safely swim near hundreds of sea lions in their natural environment.

Is it safe to swim with sea lions?

Yes, swimming with sea lions is safe. You’ll be accompanied by a trained lifeguard guide and provided with wetsuits and life jackets. The sea lions are curious but non-aggressive.

Is the Palomino Islands Tour for families?

Yes, the Palomino Islands Tour is a great family activity. It’s fun, safe, and suitable for both kids and adults. Families enjoy the boat ride, sea views, and the chance to swim near friendly sea lions. All safety measures are in place to ensure a great experience for everyone.

Do I need to know how to swim to join the tour?

No, you don’t need to be a swimmer. We provide life jackets, and a lifeguard guide will enter the water with you. The sea lion swimming tour is suitable for most people.

How cold is the water at the Palomino Islands?

The ocean around the Palomino Islands Lima is cold year-round, usually between 16–20°C (61–68°F). That’s why we provide wetsuits for comfort during the swim.

Are wetsuits provided for the swim?

Yes, wetsuits are included in the tour. They help keep you warm in the cold water and make the swim more enjoyable. Life vests are also provided.

How long is the boat ride to the Palomino Islands?

The boat ride from Callao to the Palomino Islands takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on sea conditions. Along the way, you’ll pass several interesting islands and landmarks.

Is there a bathroom on the boat?

Yes, the yacht used for the tour has a basic bathroom available for passenger use.

Palomino Islands Tour from Lima – Swim with sealions reviews

Loading verified traveler reviews…
$ 59.00 per person