Swim with Sea Lions in Peru: Palomino Island Boat Tour

Swim with Sea Lions – Palomino Islands, Lima, Peru

Don’t worry if you are not a great swimmer. And have no fear of the cold Pacific ocean water. We will provide you with the appropriate wetsuit floatation vest. You just have to float and enjoy this incredible experience.

The boats are yar: sturday, fast and properly equipped. The crew is professional, very friendly and willing to assist you at all times.

The boats have a capacity of 30 passengers. They stop at a prudent distance from the islands for a close-up view of the wildlife.

The observation of Humboldt penguins is one of the super kid-friendly activities during the excursion — especially in recent years, ever since the release of the movie “Madagascar.” These elegant birds “dressed in tuxedos” live grouped in colonies of more than 1,200.

Contact Fertur Peru Travel to book this Palomino Islands Tour. Bring your bathing suit, a towel, hat and strong sun block.

• This unforgettable excursion can be very windy. Best to come dressed in sports attire, including windbreakers or waterproof jackets.
• Regarding footwear, it is prudent to wear sneakers or rubber-soled shoes to avoid slipping on the boat.
• Finally, people who are not used to sailing or who think they will be affected by the motion should take a pill for seasickness one hour before embarking.

Detailed Itinerary for Palomino Island Boat Tour

Pick-up from your hotel

09:45 AM: The meeting point for departure is the Marina Yacht Club of Callao (Jorge Chavez 120, Chucuito). Where is that? In front of the Naval Museum and practically next to the docked Abtao Submarine.

Once the passengers are assembled, we will take about 30 minutes to pass the port control to register and pay the entrance fee to the National Reserve of the Guaneras Islands, Islets and Puntas System.

10:30 AM: We set sail for the islands. During this part of the journey we will pass the yachts, merchant vessels and some warships that are anchored in the bay of Callao.

During the open sea trip, we will slow down when we are close to the area known as “El Camotal,” a barely submerged sand bank popular with surfers at high tide and fishermen when tide is low.

11:00 AM: We cross the straights passing San Lorenzo Island, the site of legends dating back to pre-Columbian times, and currently has a base for the Peruvian Navy.

There will be plenty of opportunities to take photographs of various species of guano birds flying low over the cresting waters, artisanal fisherman aboard their boats, casting nets and hauling in their catch, and of course, magestic penguins.

12:00 PM At approximately midday, we approach the farthest part of the boat ride, the Palomino Island. A beautiful place of majestic marine landscapes, which provides a refuge for one of the largest, if not the largest, colony of sea lions in Peru.

After the observation and photo opportunities, passengers are invited to share the amazing experience of swimming with sea lions. For this activity, neoprene wet-suits are provided, along with life jackets.

Swimming in the open sea in this area of calm waters is very safe. Due to the absence of natural predators, the sea lions behave very sociably and are extremely curious about the people who swim their waters. It is undoubtedly one of the most sublime and unforgettable moments to remember for a lifetime. This incredible sea adventure is waiting for you.

12:30 PM: At the appointed time, we will return and again pass by the beautifully ragged, rocky cliffs and islets, the product of millions of years of erosion from water and wind. Your imagination will be put to the test to imagine the whimsical shapes you can discern.

Before arriving back at the Callao pier, there will be time for the crew to serve passengers snacks and drinks (subject to availability).

01:00 PM: Arrival at the pier and transfer back to your hotel.

Recommended additional activities (NOT included): Lunch in Chucuito or La Punta. The seafood restaurants are excellent. You can also continue exploring Callao, but definitely do so with a guide. The port of Callao can be rough. Other tour attractions include the Naval Museum, the Abtao Submarine and the portentous, historic and ever-mysterious Real Felipe Fortress.