Palomino Islands: Swim With Sea Lions in the Pacific Ocean

Exploring the Palomino Islands off the coast of Lima, Peru, offers a truly unique opportunity to swim alongside thousands of playful sea lions in the Pacific Ocean. This stunning natural setting provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for wildlife enthusiasts, featuring guided tours, breathtaking coastal views, and the chance to encounter a variety of marine life, including Humboldt Penguins. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this tour promises to captivate your senses and leave you with lasting memories. But to truly appreciate the magic of this destination, you’ll need to…

Good To Know

• Take a 100-minute yacht journey to the Palomino Islands to swim with approximately 8,000 sea lions as part of a 4-7 hour guided tour.
• Observe Humboldt Penguins and guano birds during the tour, which includes optional hotel pickup and a 30-minute safety briefing.
• The tour package includes neoprene wetsuits, life jackets, seasickness medication, and specialized guides for a secure swimming experience.
• Visitors must bring their own food, drinks, fins, mask, and towels, and pay a nature reserve fee of $7 per person.
• Recommended gear for the tour includes sunglasses, sunscreen, and a jacket, as visitors may experience strong sea lion odors and unpredictable weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour to the Palomino Islands offers visitors a unique opportunity to swim with sea lions in the Pacific Ocean.

The price starts from $59.00 per person, and the tour duration is 4-7 hours. Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without paying anything upfront.

The tour includes a yacht journey to the Palomino Islands, where visitors can observe marine life, swim with sea lions, and enjoy a guided tour in English and Spanish.

Itinerary and Activities

Visitors can opt for optional hotel pickup from various locations in Lima, including Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco, Magdalena, or Downtown Lima.

After a 30-minute safety briefing, they’ll embark on a 100-minute yacht journey to the Palomino Islands. Along the way, they’ll enjoy sightseeing of the Callao coast, El Frontón Island, and Cabinzas Islands.

Once at the islands, they’ll have the opportunity to swim with approximately 8,000 sea lions, as well as observe Humboldt Penguins and Guano Birds, all under the guidance of experienced crew members who provide safety gear and a protected marine environment.

Wildlife and Marine Life

Approximately 8,000 sea lions call the Palomino Islands home, offering visitors a unique opportunity to swim alongside these charismatic marine mammals.

Palomino Islands are home to 8,000 sea lions, allowing visitors to swim alongside these charismatic marine mammals.

The protected marine area is also home to:

• Humboldt Penguins, with their distinctive black and white plumage

• Guano birds, known for their valuable nutrient-rich droppings

• Diverse fish and invertebrate species in the cool waters

• Guided tours led by experienced crew, providing insight into the islands’ wildlife

• Provided safety gear, including neoprene wetsuits and life jackets, ensuring a safe and comfortable swimming experience.

Enjoy the vibrant marine ecosystem of the Palomino Islands.

Included and Excluded Items

The tour package includes the yacht journey, neoprene wetsuits, life jackets, seasickness medication, specialized guides, and round-trip transportation from select locations.

Visitors must bring their own food, drinks, fins, mask, and towels. There’s a nature reserve fee of $7 per person that’s also included.

The tour respects the environment, so visitors shouldn’t litter or touch the animals.

Bringing appropriate gear like sunglasses, sunscreen, and a jacket is recommended, as the weather can be unpredictable.

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Important Information and Recommendations

First, it’s recommended to bring a few key items for the tour, such as sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

Pets aren’t allowed on the tour. The weather can be changeable, so a light breakfast is suggested to avoid seasickness.

Restrooms are available on the yacht, and there are guidelines to respect the nature reserve, such as avoiding littering and touching the animals.

Visitors should also be prepared for the strong odors of the sea lions, as acclimatization may be necessary.

The water temperature ranges from 7-19 degrees Celsius, depending on the season.

• Sunglasses

• Swimwear

• Towel

• Sunscreen

• Water

Safety and Precautions

While safety is of utmost importance during the tour, the experienced crew provides comprehensive guidance and specialized gear to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.

Participants receive a safety briefing upon arrival, covering proper swimming techniques and etiquette around the sea lions. All guests must wear neoprene wetsuits and life jackets provided by the tour operators.

Plus, seasickness medication is available if needed. The protected marine area ensures a controlled environment for swimming, and the crew closely monitors the animals’ behavior to maintain a safe distance.

Respect for the wildlife is emphasized throughout the excursion.

Memorable Experiences

Guests embarking on this unforgettable tour can expect to create lasting memories as they interact with the majestic sea lions in their natural habitat.

The 30-minute swim with these friendly marine creatures is a truly mesmerizing experience.

Highlights include:

• Witnessing the sea lions’ playful and curious nature as they approach swimmers

• Observing the elegant movements of these agile animals in the crystal-clear Pacific waters

• Capturing breathtaking photos and videos to commemorate the once-in-a-lifetime encounter

• Appreciating the tranquility and beauty of the Palomino Islands’ protected marine ecosystem

• Returning to shore with a renewed sense of wonder and connection with the natural world.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

To make the most of your sea lion swimming adventure, visitors should pack a few essential items. Bring sunglasses, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water to stay comfortable.

A light jacket is also recommended, as the weather can be changeable. Don’t forget to leave pets at home, as they aren’t allowed in the nature reserve.

Respect the environment by avoiding littering and touching the animals. Be prepared for strong sea lion odors during the swim, and note that water temperatures range from 7-19°C depending on the season.

With the right gear and mindset, you’ll have an unforgettable experience swimming with these friendly marine mammals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Equipment?

While you can bring your own snorkel equipment, it’s not necessary as the tour provides neoprene wetsuits and life jackets. The specialized gear ensures your safety and comfort during the sea lion swimming experience.

What Is the Maximum Number of People per Tour?

The tour size is flexible, with no set maximum. The tour operator can accommodate small groups or larger parties. Guests are encouraged to book early to secure their preferred tour size.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate?

There’s no minimum age requirement specified, but the tour may not be suitable for very young children. Participants should be able to swim and follow safety instructions. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Are Professional Photographs Available for Purchase?

Professional photos are available for purchase. Guests can purchase photos taken by the crew during the swimming and viewing activities to capture their memorable experience with the sea lions.

Can I Request a Specific Pickup Location Within Lima?

Yes, guests can request a specific pickup location from various neighborhoods in Lima, including Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco, Magdalena, or Downtown Lima. The tour includes complimentary round-trip transportation from the selected pickup point.

The Sum Up

The Palomino Islands offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim alongside thousands of playful sea lions in the Pacific Ocean. This unforgettable tour provides breathtaking views, guided experiences, and the chance to encounter diverse marine life. With proper safety precautions and practical tips, visitors can create lasting memories from this unique wildlife adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: