Palomino Islands: Swim With Sea Lions in the Pacific Ocean

Palomino Islands offers a unique opportunity to swim alongside captivating sea lions in their natural Pacific Ocean habitat. Guided tours provide an intimate look into the diverse marine life and coastal landscapes of this captivating destination. Visitors can expect an educational and immersive experience, with the chance to observe the playful sea lions up close. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or an adventure seeker, Palomino Islands promises an unforgettable encounter that will leave you eager to discover more about these charismatic creatures and the remarkable ecosystem they call home.

Key Points

• Take a 4-hour yacht journey from Callao port to the Palomino Islands for the opportunity to swim and snorkel with curious and playful sea lions.
• Observe a variety of marine life, including penguins and seabirds, while exploring the islands with the guidance of an experienced, English-and-Spanish-speaking guide.
• Enjoy convenient hotel pickup from Miraflores, San Isidro, or Downtown Lima, and access to essential gear like neoprene wetsuits, life jackets, and seasickness medication.
• Capture stunning photographs of the Callao Islands, San Lorenzo Island, and El Frontón Island during the 100-minute yacht ride.
• Prepare for the tour by having a light breakfast, dressing in layers, and being mindful of the nature reserve’s environmental impact during the activities.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a 4-hour yacht journey to the Palomino Islands, where visitors can observe penguins, seabirds, and swim with thousands of sea lions.

Priced from $59.00 per person, the tour runs for 4-7 hours, with availability for various start times.

Travelers can opt for hotel pickup from Miraflores, San Isidro, or Downtown Lima. A live English and Spanish-speaking guide accompanies the group, providing a safety briefing before the yacht ride, which lasts approximately 100 minutes.

Once at the islands, guests can take photo stops, enjoy guided tours, free time, swimming, and snorkeling, as they cruise past notable sites like the Callao Islands and San Lorenzo Island.

Itinerary and Activities

Pickup from hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, or Downtown Lima is available for those who selected this optional service.

After a 30-minute safety briefing, guests board the yacht for a 100-minute ride to the Palomino Islands.

Once there, they’ll have the chance to take photos, join guided tours, swim, snorkel, and observe the marine life up close.

The tour also includes a cruise past notable sites like the Callao Islands, San Lorenzo Island, and El Frontal Island.

Neoprene wetsuits, life jackets, and seasickness medication are provided to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.

Inclusions and Fees

For the Palomino Islands tour, the yacht tour with a swimming opportunity is included in the price.

Travelers will also receive neoprene wetsuits, life jackets, and seasickness medication to ensure a comfortable experience.

If selected, round-trip transportation to the port is provided. Plus, the nature reserve protection fee of $5 per person is covered.

While food, drinks, and tips aren’t included, the tour offers excellent value for money.

Reviewers have consistently praised the overall organization and service quality, with the guides receiving particularly high praise for their expertise and engagement.

Important Considerations

Travelers should come prepared for the Palomino Islands tour. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s recommended to dress in layers and bring a light jacket.

Participants should also eat a light breakfast to avoid seasickness, as the yacht ride can be somewhat turbulent. The tour provides seasickness medication, but it’s better to be proactive.

Restrooms are available on the yacht, and visitors should be mindful of their environmental impact while exploring the nature reserve.

The sea lions are friendly, but their strong odor is something to be expected.

With the right preparation, travelers can fully enjoy this unique and unforgettable experience.

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Customer Feedback

The tour’s impressive customer ratings, with an overall score of 4.7 out of 5 from 448 reviews, underscore its popularity among travelers.

Guides received a stellar 4.8 rating, while the transportation and overall service and organization scored equally high.

Travelers highlight the tour’s engaging guides, unique experiences, and excellent value for money. Many were thrilled by the close encounters with curious sea lions and the chance to spot whales.

Positive feedback emphasizes the tour’s exceptional execution, from the seamless logistics to the fulfillment of expectations.

With these glowing reviews, it’s clear this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to swim with sea lions and explore the Palomino Islands.

Getting to Palomino Islands

To reach the Palomino Islands, visitors embark on a 4-hour yacht journey from the port in Callao. The tour includes a safety briefing before setting sail.

During the 100-minute ride, the yacht cruises past notable sites like the Callao Islands, San Lorenzo Island, and El Frontón Island.

Once at the Palomino Islands, travelers enjoy a guided tour, photo opportunities, and free time to swim and snorkel amongst the playful sea lions. The tour provides all necessary gear, including neoprene wetsuits and life jackets.

Pickup from select hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, or Downtown Lima is available for added convenience.

Exploring the Islands

Upon arriving at the Palomino Islands, visitors embark on a guided tour, exploring the diverse marine life that calls this nature reserve home. The journey begins with a safety briefing, after which guests board the yacht for the scenic 100-minute ride.

Once at the islands, the adventure unfolds:

1. Guided tours provide opportunities to observe penguins, seabirds, and the main attraction – thousands of playful sea lions. Visitors can swim and snorkel alongside these charismatic creatures, marveling at their agility and curious nature.

2. Photo stops at notable sites, such as the Callao Islands and El Frontón Island, allow travelers to capture the stunning coastal landscapes.

3. Throughout the excursion, the knowledgeable English and Spanish-speaking guides share their expertise, enhancing the overall educational and immersive experience.

Recommended Preparation

With a few simple preparations, visitors can make the most of their excursion to the Palomino Islands.

It’s recommended to eat a light breakfast to avoid seasickness – the tour provider offers medication if needed. As the weather can change, it’s wise to dress in layers and bring sun protection.

Restrooms are available on the yacht, so travelers can freshen up during the journey.

Visitors should also be mindful of the nature reserve, minimizing their environmental impact and not disturbing the wildlife.

Following these tips will help ensure a comfortable and memorable experience swimming with the friendly sea lions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Sure, you can bring your own snorkeling gear. However, the tour company provides neoprene wetsuits and life jackets, so you may not need to. It’s best to check with them beforehand if you plan to use your own equipment.

How Difficult Is the Swimming With Sea Lions?

The swimming with sea lions experience is moderate in difficulty. Guests can expect to get close to the sea lions, but the interaction is generally calm and controlled. Neoprene wetsuits are provided to help with buoyancy and warmth in the water.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum age requirement, but it’s recommended for children 8 years and older who can comfortably swim. Participants must be able to board the yacht and wear the provided safety gear.

Can I Extend My Stay on the Palomino Islands?

Unfortunately, the tour does not allow visitors to extend their stay on the Palomino Islands. The tour is a 4-hour yacht journey with pre-determined activities and a fixed itinerary. Guests must return to the mainland with the group.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Islands?

The best time to visit the Palomino Islands is during the summer months from December to March when weather conditions are most favorable for wildlife viewing. The cool, dry season offers the ideal opportunity to observe the islands’ diverse marine life.

Recap

Palomino Islands offers a truly unique opportunity to swim alongside playful sea lions in their natural habitat. With guided tours providing insights into the diverse marine life and ecosystems, visitors can enjoy an educational and immersive experience. Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, this destination is a must-visit, allowing you to create unforgettable memories amidst the stunning coastal landscapes of the Pacific Ocean.

You can check if your dates are available here: