Exploring the waters off the coast of Lima offers a unique opportunity to swim alongside playful sea lions. This four-hour excursion takes adventurers to Palomino Island, where they’ll cruise by boat and have the chance to enjoy the sea lions’ natural habitat. Beyond the charismatic pinnipeds, participants can spot a variety of seabirds, including the iconic Humboldt penguin. While the experience promises an exhilarating encounter with Lima’s marine wildlife, there are a few key details to consider before embarking on this underwater adventure.
Key Points
- The tour provides the opportunity to swim with wild sea lions off Palomino Island near Lima, Peru, in their natural habitat.
- Participants can also observe Humboldt penguins, Inca terns, and Peruvian boobies during the 4-hour excursion.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, transport to Callao, and a guided cruise, costing from $129 per person with a 4.5-star rating.
- Itinerary involves a 10 am pickup, departure from Callao at 11:30 am, and arrival at Palomino Island around 12 pm for swimming.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps, but it is generally suitable for most travelers with some considerations.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Wildlife Sightings
- Itinerary and Timing
- Cost and Inclusions
- Customer Reviews
- Booking and Confirmation
- Accessibility and Restrictions
- Meeting Locations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Palomino Island?
- Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
- Can I Extend My Time on the Island After the Tour?
- What Is the Typical Group Size for This Experience?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Lima
- More Tour Reviews in Lima
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Lima we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The tour offers a unique opportunity to swim with wild sea lions in their natural habitat off the coast of Lima, Peru.
Located on Palomino Island, the 4-hour excursion includes pickup from your hotel in Lima, transportation to the departure point in Callao, and a guided cruise through the bay.
Participants will have the chance to observe Peruvian wildlife such as Humboldt penguins, Inca terns, and Peruvian boobies.
The tour is priced from $129 per person, with variations based on group size, and has earned a 4.5-star rating from 41 reviews.
Wetsuits and life jackets are provided, but guests must bring their own fins and snorkeling gear.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Lima.
Wildlife Sightings
Along With the opportunity to swim with sea lions, the tour offers a chance to observe a variety of Peruvian seabirds. Guests can spot Humboldt penguins, Inca terns, and Peruvian boobies around Palomino Island. The area is home to the second-largest colony of Humboldt penguins, providing a unique wildlife viewing experience. Cruising past nearby islands like San Lorenzo, Fronton, and Cavinzas Island, travelers can take in scenic views and keep an eye out for more avian species.
| Bird Species | Description |
|---|---|
| Humboldt Penguins | Flightless seabirds with distinctive black and white plumage |
| Inca Terns | Coastal birds with striking black and white feathers and vibrant red beaks |
| Peruvian Boobies | Large seabirds known for their impressive diving abilities |
Itinerary and Timing
The day begins with pickup from hotels and Airbnbs around Lima at 10am.
Travelers then depart Callao at 11:30am, sailing through the bay and enjoying views of yachts and merchant ships. They arrive at Palomino Island around 12pm, ready to swim with the sea lions in their natural habitat.
The 4-hour tour, including travel time, offers guests the chance to observe Humboldt penguins, Inca terns, and Peruvian boobies. Visitors can also cruise past nearby islands like San Lorenzo, Fronton, and Cavinzas Island, home to the second-largest colony of Humboldt penguins.
Throughout the experience, the private driver and guide ensure an informative and enjoyable journey.
Cost and Inclusions
A typical tour costs from $129.00 per person, though the exact price may vary depending on the group size. The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Lima, a private driver/guide, and the necessary equipment like wetsuits and life jackets. However, fins, goggles, and masks are not provided.
| Cost | Duration | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| From $129.00 | 4 hours | Pickup/drop-off, private driver/guide, wetsuit, life jacket |
| Varies by group size | Travel time included | Fins, goggles, and mask not included |
The tour has a Badge of Excellence with a 4.5-star rating based on 41 reviews, indicating a high-quality and enjoyable experience for most customers.
Customer Reviews
Based on the reviews, customers generally had a positive experience with the "Swimming With Sea Lions" tour. Most praised the helpful guides and the overall enjoyment of the tour.
However, some issues were noted, including:
- Cancellations due to fog and unclear refund processes
- Shorter tour durations than advertised for some participants
- Recommendations to bring motion sickness medication, as the boat ride can be rough at times
Despite these minor concerns, the tour maintains a 4.5-star rating, indicating that the majority of visitors were satisfied with their experience swimming alongside the playful sea lions and observing the diverse wildlife on Palomino Island.
Booking and Confirmation
Booking the "Swimming With Sea Lions" tour requires providing confirmation at the time of booking. Tourists must share their passport details to secure their spot.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Travelers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the tour start with no penalty.
Pick-up points include hotels and Airbnbs in Lima. Confirmation is essential, as the tour operator needs to know the exact number of participants to arrange transportation and other logistics.
Accessibility and Restrictions
The "Swimming With Sea Lions" tour has some important accessibility considerations and restrictions to be aware of.
While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, there are a few key points to keep in mind:
- The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, as it involves getting in and out of boats and swimming.
- Infants must sit on laps during the tour, as there are no designated spots for them.
- It’s important to confirm passport details at the time of booking, as this information is required.
Meeting Locations
The tour’s meeting points include hotels and Airbnb locations throughout Lima. Guests can be picked up from their accommodation, making it convenient for those staying in the city.
The tour operator provides a centralized meeting point in Callao, the port city near Lima, where the boat departs. This allows participants from various locations to join the tour and head out to Palomino Island together.
The meeting logistics are straightforward, ensuring a smooth start to the sea lion swimming experience. Travelers should provide their hotel or Airbnb details when booking the tour to coordinate the pickup arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Palomino Island?
The best time to visit Palomino Island is during the dry season from May to November when the weather is mild and calm seas make for optimal wildlife viewing and swimming conditions.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?
Travelers can’t bring their own snorkeling equipment on this tour. The tour provides wetsuits and life jackets, but fins, goggles, and masks aren’t included. Participants will need to use the gear provided by the tour operator.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but infants must sit on laps during the boat ride. Participants of all ages are welcome to swim with the sea lions, as long as they can comfortably wear the provided wetsuit and life jacket.
Can I Extend My Time on the Island After the Tour?
The tour itinerary doesn’t mention the option to extend time on the island after the tour. Guests must follow the scheduled 4-hour duration, which includes the return trip to the departure point in Lima.
What Is the Typical Group Size for This Experience?
According to the tour details, the typical group size for this experience varies, with prices that start from $129 and may change depending on the number of participants. The tour is private, allowing for a more personalized experience.
Swimming With Sea Lions in Lima
“I did read ahead that the water was freezing, but that was still rough. Everyone was so sweet though and we had a nice time. My 12 yr old did get v…”
Recap
Swimming with sea lions in Lima, Peru offers an unforgettable wildlife experience. Guests can observe diverse seabirds, enjoy scenic island views, and interact with the playful sea lions in their natural habitat. Highly rated by previous visitors, this four-hour excursion is a must-do adventure for those seeking an up-close encounter with these captivating marine mammals.
