Swim with Sea Lions: Palomino Islands Lima

About the Tour

Sail through the Callao islands and swim alongside sea lions at the Palomino Islands.

Lima, Callao, San Lorenzo Island, El Frontón, Cavinzas Islands, Palomino Islands

The Palomino Islands tour is a thrilling maritime excursion from Callao, just minutes from Lima. The adventure begins in Callao Bay, sailing between yachts and historic landmarks like El Camotal — a colonial town submerged after an 18th-century earthquake — and passing the iconic San Lorenzo Island and El Frontón.

The tour continues to Cavinzas Islands — home to seabirds and the emblematic Humboldt Penguin — and finally reaches the Palomino Islands, one of the largest sea lion colonies on the Pacific coast. The highlight: the chance to actually swim alongside these incredible animals in their natural habitat, with wetsuit provided. A bucket-list wildlife encounter just a short trip from Lima.

Lima

Lima is located on the central coast of Peru, along the Pacific Ocean, and is the main international gateway to the country.

Tour Images

Step by step

Itinerary – Palomino Islands Full Day

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8:00 a.m.

Hotel Pick-up in Lima

Pick-up from your hotel in Lima and transfer to the boarding point at Marina Club del Callao. Shared group service.

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9:30 a.m.

Meeting & Boarding – Marina Club del Callao

Arrival at Marina Club del Callao. Group meeting and boarding the tourist vessel.

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10:30 a.m.

Navigation – Callao Bay

Departure toward the Callao Islands. Sail past yachts and merchant ships. View of the historic El Camotal (colonial town submerged after 18th-century earthquake), San Lorenzo Island, and El Frontón.

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11:00 a.m.

Cavinzas Islands – Seabirds & Humboldt Penguin

Navigate between San Lorenzo and El Frontón toward the Cavinzas Islands. Spot diverse seabirds and the iconic Humboldt Penguin in their natural coastal habitat.

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12:00 p.m.

Palomino Islands – Swim with Sea Lions

Arrival at the Palomino Islands, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies on the Pacific coast. Optional swim with sea lions in their natural habitat — wetsuit and life jacket provided.

⏱ 30–40 minutes of wildlife viewing and optional swimming

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12:30 – 1:00 p.m.

Return to Hotel

Return voyage past cliffs and sea stacks. Arrival at Marina Club del Callao and transfer back to your hotel in Lima.

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Included

Hotel – port – hotel transfers.
Tourist boat navigation.
Specialist guide throughout the tour.
Life jacket.
Wetsuit for swimming with sea lions.
Wildlife spotting: sea lions, Humboldt penguins, seabirds.

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Not Included

Food or beverages.
Personal expenses.
Tips (optional).
Travel insurance.

Tour duration

Approx. 4 to 5 hours (including transfers).

Schedule

Pick-up: 8:00 a.m. | Return: approx. 1:00 p.m.

Max altitude

Sea level — 0 ft / 0 m.

Difficulty

Easy. No hiking involved. Basic swimming ability recommended for the optional sea lion swim.

Tour type

Nature Tours

Location

Off the coast of Callao, approx. 6 miles / 10 km from the port. Departs from Marina Club del Callao.

Wildlife spotting

South American sea lion (chusco), Humboldt Penguin, guanay cormorants, and other marine species of the Peruvian Pacific.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any questions?

No. Swimming is completely optional. Guests who prefer can stay on board and observe the sea lions from the vessel.

Yes. The activity takes place in controlled areas under the supervision of the guide and crew, with life jacket and wetsuit provided.

You can spot sea lions, Humboldt Penguins, guanay cormorants, and other marine bird and sea species native to the Peruvian coast.

The full experience lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, including hotel transfers, navigation, and on-island activities.

No advanced experience required, but being able to swim is recommended. A wetsuit and life jacket are provided for your safety.

The tour departs from Marina Club del Callao. Hotel pick-up from Lima is included.

Recommendations

Get ready to make the most of it

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Swimming Gear

If you plan to swim, wear your swimsuit under your clothes. The wetsuit is included. Bring a towel and dry change of clothes for the return.

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Sun Protection & Comfort

Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap. Dress comfortably and bring non-slip shoes or comfortable sandals for the vessel deck.

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Waterproof Camera

Bring a waterproof camera or phone case to capture the sea lion swimming experience. This is a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.

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Eat a Light Breakfast First

Have a light breakfast before the tour. No food is included, so bring snacks and water for the journey.

Palomino Islands Full Day
Lima