Lima: Palomino Islands, Swim With Sea Lions in the Pacific Ocean

Imagine swimming alongside playful sea lions in the azure waters of the Palomino Islands near Lima, Peru. This unforgettable adventure offers a chance to encounter these charismatic marine mammals up close. Equipped with wetsuits and snorkeling gear, visitors can enjoy the Pacific Ocean and witness the sea lions’ captivating behaviors. With a small group size and professional guides, the experience promises an intimate and extraordinary glimpse into the underwater world off the coast of Lima. But the true wonder lies in what awaits those who embark on this thrilling journey.

Key Points

• Palomino Islands, located off the coast of Lima, Peru, offer the unique opportunity to swim with sea lions in the Pacific Ocean.
• The tour includes professional bilingual guides, wetsuits, snorkeling equipment, and a boat crew to accompany the excursion.
• Competitive pricing starts from $75.00 per person, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers to ensure an intimate experience.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for those with back problems or pregnant individuals.
• Participants should arrive 30 minutes before the activity, wear comfortable clothing, and consider a light breakfast to avoid seasickness.

Location and Accessibility

Though the Palomino Islands are located just off the coast of Lima, Peru, the tour requires a boat ride to reach the destination.

Visitors have the option of arranging their own transportation to the departure point or selecting a tour that includes hotel pickup. Regardless of the option chosen, travelers must arrive at the designated meeting spot at least 30 minutes before the activity begins.

The Palomino Islands aren’t wheelchair accessible, and the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems or pregnant individuals. Mobility impairments are also not accommodated.

Tour Activity and Inclusions

The Palomino Islands tour offers a unique opportunity to swim with sea lions in the Pacific Ocean. Travelers will be outfitted with wetsuits and life jackets, and provided snorkeling equipment to explore the marine life. A professional bilingual guide leads the excursion, accompanied by a boat crew and an instructor in the water. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off services, depending on the option selected. Participants can expect to see an abundance of sea lions and learn about their behaviors from the knowledgeable guide.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Professional bilingual guide	Gratuities
Wetsuits and life jackets	Personal expenses
Snorkeling equipment	Protection and boarding fees
Boat crew and water instructor

Pricing and Group Size

The Palomino Islands tour offers competitive pricing, with costs starting from $75.00 per person. The price varies depending on group size, with a maximum of 15 travelers allowed. This small group size ensures an intimate and personalized experience.

The tour includes:

• Professional bilingual guide
• Wetsuits and snorkeling equipment
• Boat crew and in-water instructor
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (depending on option)
• Protection and boarding fees

With a 5.0 rating from 4 reviews, this tour provides excellent value for money and the opportunity to swim alongside the abundant sea lions in the Pacific Ocean.

Participant Guidelines

Participants should keep in mind this tour’s guidelines.

The boat tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Infants must sit on laps, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant women, and mobility impairments can’t be accommodated.

Visitors should wear comfortable clothing, rubber-soled shoes, and bring sun protection, a towel, and a hat. A light breakfast is recommended to avoid seasickness.

The water temperature ranges from 7 to 19 degrees Celsius, influenced by the Humboldt Current, so proper attire is essential for an enjoyable experience.

Pickup and Meeting Information

Pickup points for the tour include hotels in Miraflores and San Isidro if the transfer option is selected, or Muelle Club Canottieri in La Punta, Callao if no transfer is needed.

No pickups are available from private residences like Airbnbs. Instead, coordinate the meeting point with the tour operators.

Passengers without the transfer option must arrive 30 minutes before the activity starts.

The rules are clear:

• Pickup from hotels in Miraflores and San Isidro
• Pickup from Muelle Club Canottieri in La Punta, Callao
• No pickups from private residences
• Coordinate meeting point if applicable
• Arrive 30 minutes early without transfer

Weather and Water Conditions

As the Humboldt Current influences the region, the water temperature in the Palomino Islands ranges from a chilly 7 to 19 degrees Celsius.

This cool, nutrient-rich water attracts an abundance of marine life, including the playful sea lions that visitors delight in swimming with.

The moderate temperatures are comfortable for donning wetsuits and spending time immersed in the Pacific.

Travelers should be prepared for breezy conditions on the open water, though the guides provide life jackets and other safety equipment.

With the right attire and a little fortitude, visitors can fully enjoy the unique experience of swimming alongside these captivating creatures.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Passengers receive confirmation upon booking the Palomino Islands tour. The tour is non-refundable, as cancellations don’t qualify for refunds. The policy aims to ensure tour availability and minimize last-minute dropouts.

This tour has tight capacity limits, with a maximum of 15 travelers. Guests should plan accordingly and arrive 30 minutes early if not opting for the pick-up service.

The logistics are as follows:

• Pickup locations are in Miraflores and San Isidro for the transfer option, or Muelle Club Canottieri, La Punta, Callao for the no-transfer option.
• Airbnb guests must coordinate a meeting point.
• Protection and boarding fees of $5 per person aren’t included in the tour price.

Participant Feedback and Experiences

Feedback from participants highlights the abundance of sea lions and the positive experiences with the knowledgeable guides during the Palomino Islands tour.

Travelers are captivated by the sheer number of these playful marine mammals swimming and sunbathing around the islands. The expert bilingual guides provide insightful commentary, helping guests better understand the sea lions’ behaviors and habitat.

Many note the guides’ passion for the wildlife and their efforts to ensure a safe, memorable experience.

Sum Up

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Palomino Islands, where you’ll swim alongside playful sea lions in the stunning Pacific Ocean. With professional guides, intimate group sizes, and top-notch equipment, this tour promises an exhilarating experience you won’t soon forget. Don’t miss your chance to learn about the natural beauty of Peru’s coastal waters.