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PALOMINO ISLANDS

Duration
Half Day
Activity level
Moderate
Tour type
Adventure, Nature
Group size
Min. 2

Overview

Discover the marine wildlife of Callao on a half-day boat excursion to the Palomino Islands. Navigate along La Punta, El Camotal, San Lorenzo Island, El Frontón, and Cavinzas Islands while enjoying views of the Peruvian coast and its diverse marine life.

Continue to the Palomino Islets, home to a large colony of sea lions. Enjoy the opportunity to swim near these animals under the supervision of a safety guide, with life jackets, flotation equipment, and a wetsuit available for the activity. During the return journey, enjoy light snacks and beverages before arriving back at Callao.

Palomino Islands Tour Highlights

  • Palomino Islands: Visit the famous islets and observe one of Peru’s largest sea lion colonies.
  • Swim with Sea Lions: Enjoy a supervised swimming experience near the sea lions in their natural environment.
  • Marine Wildlife: Look for sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, guanays, and other marine birds.
  • San Lorenzo and El Frontón: Navigate past two of Callao’s most important islands and learn about their history.
  • Cavinzas Islands: Pass through an important area for marine birds and coastal wildlife.
  • La Punta and El Camotal: Enjoy views of Callao’s coastline and the historic sunken area of El Camotal.
  • Safety Equipment: Use life jackets, flotation rings, and a wetsuit during the swimming activity, with a safety guide nearby.
  • GoPro Photos and Videos: Capture photos and videos during the sea lion swimming experience.

Check our Ica + Paracas tour to add adventure to your vacation!

Trip details

Itinerary

  • 10:30 am: Arrive at the Centro Naval del Perú, Sede Callao, or the agreed meeting point. Check in with the tour staff, confirm your reservation, and receive the safety recommendations for the excursion.
  • 11:00 am: Transfer to the boarding area and board the yacht. Begin the navigation towards the Palomino Islands, passing along the coast of La Punta and the area known as El Camotal.
  • 11:30 am: Continue the boat ride towards San Lorenzo Island, the largest island off the coast of Callao, followed by a panoramic view of El Frontón, historically known for its former prison.
  • 12:15 pm: Navigate past the Cavinzas Islands, an important area for marine birds and wildlife, where you may see Humboldt penguins, pelicans, Peruvian boobies, guanays, and other seabirds.
  • 1:00 pm: Arrive at the Palomino Islets, home to a large colony of South American sea lions. Enjoy approximately 30 minutes around the islets and observe the animals in their natural environment.
  • 1:15 pm: Get ready for the optional swimming experience with the sea lions. A wetsuit, life jacket, and flotation ring are provided. With the assistance of the safety guide, you can enter the water and swim near the sea lions while respecting the established wildlife guidelines.
  • 1:45 pm: Begin the return navigation to Callao. Enjoy light snacks and beverages during the journey back.
  • 2:30 pm: Arrive at the port and transfer back to the disembarkation area. End of the service.

Distance: Approx. 12 nautical miles offshore | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Highest point: Sea level | Meals: Snacks and beverages included

Inclusions

  • Transportation: Yacht or boat transportation for the complete Palomino Islands excursion.
  • Guiding: Professional bilingual guide throughout the tour.
  • Wildlife Route: Navigation through El Camotal, San Lorenzo Island, El Frontón, Cavinzas Islands, and the Palomino Islets.
  • SERNANP Entrance: Entrance fee to the protected natural area.
  • Sea Lion Experience: Swimming experience with the sea lions under the supervision of the safety guide.
  • Safety Equipment: Life jackets, flotation rings, and wetsuit available for the swimming activity.
  • Safety Guide: Lifeguard guide accompanying the swimming activity.
  • GoPro Photos and Videos: Photos and videos taken during the swimming experience.
  • Accident Insurance: Basic accident insurance during the tour.
  • Snacks and Drinks: Light snacks and beverages during the return navigation.
  • Transportation to the Meeting Point: Transportation to and from the Centro Naval del Perú, Sede Callao, unless previously arranged.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, or other meals not specifically mentioned.
  • Restaurant Drinks: Optional drinks or purchases at the meeting point before boarding.
  • Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, additional food, drinks, or other personal purchases.
  • Tips: Gratuities for guides, crew, or staff.
  • Travel Insurance: Personal travel or medical insurance.

FAQS

What time does the tour start?
The tour starts at 10:30 am. Passengers should arrive at the Centro Naval del Perú, Sede Callao, or the agreed meeting point before departure.

Where does the Palomino Islands tour depart from?
The tour departs from the Centro Naval del Perú, Sede Callao, or another meeting point previously agreed with the tour operator.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Lima?
Hotel pickup is not included. You must make your own way to the meeting point in Callao unless transportation has been arranged separately.

What islands and areas will we see?
The route includes La Punta, El Camotal, San Lorenzo Island, El Frontón, Cavinzas Islands, and the Palomino Islets.

How many sea lions can I see at the Palomino Islands?
The Palomino Islets are home to a colony of more than 5,000 sea lions, along with several species of marine birds.

Can I swim with the sea lions?
Yes. The tour includes a swimming experience near the sea lions. The activity is supervised by a safety guide and includes life jackets and flotation equipment.

Is a wetsuit included?
Yes. A wetsuit is available for the swimming activity. You should arrive wearing your swimsuit underneath your clothes.

Do I need previous swimming experience?
Basic swimming ability is recommended because the activity takes place in the open sea. Life jackets and flotation equipment are provided, and a safety guide supervises the activity.

What happens if I do not want to swim?
Swimming is optional. You can remain on the boat and observe the sea lions and the surrounding marine wildlife.

Are the sea lions safe?
The sea lions are wild animals, so visitors must follow the guide’s instructions and maintain the required distance. Touching or feeding the animals is not permitted.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children can participate, but participation in the swimming activity depends on the operator’s safety requirements and sea conditions.

What should I bring?

  • Passport or photo of your ID
  • Swimsuit
  • Comfortable clothing
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Light snacks and water
  • Waterproof bag for personal belongings

Do I need to bring my passport or ID?
Yes. A photo of your passport or identification document is mandatory for the tour.

Does the tour include food?
A light snack and beverages are provided during the return navigation. Breakfast and lunch are not included.

Are photos and videos included?
Yes. The safety guide uses a GoPro during the swimming experience to take photos and videos.

Can the tour be cancelled because of weather?
Yes. The maritime excursion depends on sea and weather conditions. If conditions are considered unsafe, the operator may modify or cancel the departure for safety reasons.

Is accident insurance included?
Yes. Basic accident insurance is included during the tour.

IMPORTANT: Tour timings are approximate and may change depending on seasonal availability, train schedules, weather conditions, site regulations, or operational logistics. Our team will always make the necessary adjustments to ensure the itinerary runs as smoothly as possible.

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