Lima: Excursion to Palomino Island | Entrance, sea lions |

Lima: Excursion to Palomino Island | Entrance, sea lions
Location: Lima Province, Peru
Country: Peru
Rating: 4.8 (based on customer reviews)
Price: $129 per person
Supplier Name: Zarate Adventours
Duration: About 5 hours (check availability for exact times)

When you hear about Palomino Island, think of a vivid scene: a boat ride across the Pacific, a colony of over 5,000 sea lions lounging on rocky shores, and the chance to swim near these playful creatures. This tour departs from Lima’s Miraflores district, heading to the Plaza Grau Pier in Callao, where your adventure begins. It’s a chance to see San Lorenzo Island, the biggest island in Peru, and the Camotal or Sunken Callao, which adds a touch of maritime history to your trip. For $129, you get a five-hour experience filled with wildlife, scenic views, and some interesting local sights.

Two things we particularly like about this tour: first, the opportunity to swim close to sea lions—a rare and memorable wildlife encounter. Second, the chance to see San Lorenzo Island, which is often overlooked but offers a glimpse into Peru’s expansive marine environment. That said, a potential drawback is the short duration in the water—just about 10 minutes, which might feel rushed for those hoping for a more in-depth wildlife experience. The tour also involves a boat ride, so if you’re prone to seasickness, it’s worth considering. This tour suits travelers eager for an authentic and active marine adventure, especially those keen on wildlife and scenic boat trips.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Swimming with sea lions up close is the highlight.
• Scenic Boat Ride: The yacht trip offers views of San Lorenzo Island and El Fronton Island.
• Historical Sights: The Camotal or Sunken Callao provides a maritime history lesson.
• Limited Water Time: Expect about 10 minutes with the sea lions, which might be too brief for some.
• All-Inclusive: Wetsuits, life jackets, snacks, and drinks are included, making it a hassle-free outing.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation
The adventure begins with a hotel pickup in Miraflores, one of Lima’s most popular districts. From there, you’ll be transferred to the Plaza Grau Pier in Callao—a lively port area with a strong maritime atmosphere. This pickup and transfer process is convenient but does require early planning, so confirm your contact details beforehand. Once at the pier, it’s a short wait before boarding your yacht.

The Boat Ride and Scenic Views
The yacht ride itself is a major part of the experience. As you glide across the Pacific Ocean, you’ll enjoy stunning views of San Lorenzo Island, the largest in the country, and El Fronton Island, known for its history and rugged beauty. The boat ride is calm but can be chilly, so a windbreaker and sun protection are wise. The boat ride lasts long enough to soak in the scenery but not so long that it becomes tedious.

Visiting the Camotal or Sunken Callao
A highlight en route is passing by the Camotal or Callao Hundido, a site with maritime history. While the specific details of what you’ll see may be sparse, it adds historical context to your journey. These spots are interesting for history buffs or anyone curious about Peru’s naval past.

Palomino Island and Sea Lions
Arriving at Palomino Island, you’ll see a colony of over 5,000 sea lions lounging on rocks and beaches. The guide will give you quick instructions on how to approach the animals safely and respectfully. This is where the experience gets exciting: you have the chance to swim close to the sea lions.

However, note that many reviews mention the brief time in the water—around 10 minutes—which can feel rushed. Some travelers expressed disappointment, wishing for a longer or more relaxed encounter. The tour does not include snorkeling gear or photography services, so capturing the moment might be limited unless you bring your own waterproof camera.

Returning and Drop-off
After your wildlife encounter, you’ll head back to the port of Callao. The return trip includes snacks and drinks, making the journey comfortable and laid-back. Once ashore, transportation will take you back to your Miraflores hotel, completing a well-organized but sometimes hurried day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Inclusions
The tour’s cost covers hotel pickup within Miraflores, entrance tickets, snacks and drinks on the boat, and all necessary safety equipment like wetsuits and life jackets. A first aid kit is also on hand, adding an extra layer of safety.

Exclusions
You’ll need to bring your own food, as meals are not included. Extra expenses like souvenirs or additional activities are not covered and should be prepared for.

Practical Tips:
Bring cash for tips or personal purchases, your passport or ID, and sun protection. Wear swimwear and a sun hat, and don’t forget your camera. While the tour is suitable for most, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or anyone with pre-existing medical conditions.

Real Traveler Feedback

A recent review from a traveler on GetYourGuide paints a picture of mixed expectations. They described their experience as “underwhelming”—noting the short time in the water and a lack of communication throughout. They mentioned that transportation was late and not what was originally promised. They also expressed disappointment in the sparse information provided and the absence of snorkeling or photography options.

This highlights a common concern: the brief water encounter may not meet everyone’s hopes for a leisurely or immersive wildlife experience. Keep in mind that the small group size (limited to 10 people) does help ensure more personalized attention, but it doesn’t guarantee a longer or more relaxed swim.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This excursion is best suited for adventurous travelers who want a quick but memorable wildlife encounter with sea lions and enjoy scenic boat rides. It’s ideal if you’re okay with a shorter water experience and are eager to see San Lorenzo Island from the sea.

Those with a keen interest in maritime history will also appreciate passing by the Camotal. However, if you’re looking for a more extended time with the animals or detailed snorkeling, you might want to consider other options or be prepared for a more fast-paced experience.

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Final Thoughts

This tour offers a unique chance to get close to Peru’s abundant marine life without leaving the Lima area. The small-group setting enhances your chances of a personalized experience, and the logistics are well-managed with hotel pickup and included safety gear.

That said, the limited time in the water and the lack of photography or snorkeling gear may leave some travelers wishing for more. It’s important to go into this with realistic expectations: you’ll see sea lions and enjoy a scenic boat ride, but the experience is somewhat brief.

If wildlife and sea views are your priorities, and you’re okay with a quick, active outing, this tour offers good value for the price. For those seeking a more in-depth wildlife encounter or a longer swim, it might be worth exploring additional options.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, including hotel pickup, the boat ride, and return.

What’s included in the price?
You get hotel pickup within Miraflores, entrance tickets, snacks, drinks, wetsuits, and life jackets.

Can I bring my own snorkeling equipment?
The tour does not include snorkeling gear, so if you’d like to snorkel, you’ll need to bring your own or look for options elsewhere.

How much time will I spend in the water with the sea lions?
Expect approximately 10 minutes in the water, which some travelers found too brief.

Is the boat ride comfortable?
Yes, the yacht ride is generally smooth, but it can be chilly. Bringing a windbreaker and sunscreen is recommended.

Is this suitable for kids or non-swimmers?
It’s best for confident swimmers; non-swimmers or those uncomfortable in open water may find the swim challenging. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or individuals with certain health conditions.

In the end, this tour offers a lively glimpse into Peru’s marine wildlife and coastal scenery, perfect for travelers who value wildlife encounters and scenic boat rides over lengthy water immersion. With realistic expectations and some preparation, you can enjoy a fun and memorable day on the Pacific.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby