Imagine cruising off the coast of Lima, Peru, and finding yourself face-to-face with a playful sea lion colony just a few feet away. That’s exactly what this Palomino Islands tour offers—an exciting blend of adventure, wildlife, and scenic island hopping. Priced at $129 per person, this 5-hour excursion is packed with highlights like swimming with sea lions, visiting San Lorenzo Island, and exploring the historic Callao Hundido or Camotal.

What we particularly love about this experience is how intimate it feels—limited to just 10 participants, the tour maintains a small-group vibe that keeps things personal and relaxed. The chance to swim close to the sea lions is a real treat, especially for anyone who’s dreamed of meeting playful marine animals in their natural habitat. We also appreciate the opportunity to see San Lorenzo Island, Peru’s largest island, and learn about the region’s maritime history during the cruise.

On the flip side, one point for consideration is the tour’s duration and timing—while five hours is generally enough, it’s a fairly packed schedule, so those who prefer a more leisurely pace might find it slightly rushed. Also, since swimming is involved, participants need to be comfortable in the water and meet age or health restrictions.

This tour is ideal for travelers who love wildlife encounters, sea adventures, and want a meaningful, close-up experience with Peru’s marine life. It suits anyone from families (excluding very young children) to wildlife enthusiasts eager to see sea lions in their natural environment.

Key Points

Wildlife close-up: Swim with over 5,000 sea lions on Palomino Island—an unforgettable, hands-on experience.
Scenic island hopping: Visit San Lorenzo Island, Peru’s largest, and see other islands like El Fronton.
Historical sights: Pass by Callao Hundido or Camotal, adding a touch of local history to your journey.
Small groups: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and better chances for photo opportunities.
All essentials included: Life jackets, wetsuits, and a guide are provided, making it easy and safe.
Convenient transfer: Pickup from Miraflores and Callao Port simplifies logistics.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A deep dive into the Palomino Islands Experience

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Starting Point: From Miraflores to the Sea

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Miraflores, a popular neighborhood in Lima known for its lively atmosphere and ocean views. This is a thoughtful touch, sparing you the hassle of finding a meeting point. The transfer takes you to Plaza Grau in Callao, the bustling port hub where your adventure officially kicks off around 10:30 am.

Having a pre-arranged pickup ensures a smooth start, especially for travelers unfamiliar with local transportation. The guide, whose name we don’t have, will give you a quick briefing on what to expect, safety instructions, and some background on the sites you’ll see.

The Yacht Journey: Cruising to the Islands

Once aboard the boat, the adventure shifts into high gear. The yacht, typically small and comfortable, will whisk you across the bay—an enjoyable ride with refreshing sea air. Along the way, you’ll pass Callao Hundido or Camotal, historic sites that add a layer of cultural depth to the journey. These areas are known for their maritime significance and provide an interesting contrast to the wildlife encounters ahead.

The boat will also take you past San Lorenzo Island, the largest island in Peru, offering stunning views of rugged cliffs and lush greenery. You’ll love the chance to see the island’s natural beauty from the water, adding a scenic backdrop to your marine adventure.

Approaching Palomino Island: The Sea Lion Colony

Arriving at Palomino Island, you’ll be greeted by a colony of over 5,000 sea lions. The guide offers a brief explanation about the animals and the reserve, setting the stage for your interaction. This is the heart of the tour—swimming close to these playful creatures, often described as a highlight by previous travelers.

Authentic and up-close, the experience allows you to see the sea lions in their natural environment, without fences or barriers separating you. Many have noted that the sea lions are curious and friendly, often swimming right up to snorkelers. One review mentioned, “We loved the way the sea lions approached us, playful and unbothered by our presence.”

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The Practicalities of Swimming with Sea Lions

The inclusions—wetsuits and life jackets—make the swimming part more accessible, but a basic swimming ability and comfort in water are necessary. The tour provides the gear, but you’ll need to trust your guide’s instructions for safety.

The experience is both exhilarating and slightly surreal, especially when a sea lion pops up beside you or does a little flip. Keep in mind that children under 10 aren’t allowed**, and the activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with certain health conditions.

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Returning and Reflection

After about an hour of marine interaction, you’ll head back to Callao port. The boat ride home often offers more scenic views and photo opportunities, as you reflect on the wildlife encounters. The return trip is usually relaxed, giving you a chance to chat with fellow travelers and enjoy the cool sea breeze.

Once back at the port, your guide will transfer you back to Miraflores or your hotel, completing a well-rounded, memorable day.

Is This Tour Worth It?

At $129, the value hinges on how much you prioritize wildlife and sea activities. The small group size means you’ll have a more personal experience, and the all-inclusive approach—gear, guide, and transport—reduces hassle. The chance to swim with sea lions is genuinely special and not something many travelers get to do in South America.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour is relatively compact, so if you’re looking for a very relaxed, slow-paced day, this might feel somewhat rushed. Also, the water activities require basic swimming skills and comfort, so it’s not ideal for everyone.

This experience suits adventure seekers, wildlife lovers, and those eager for authentic marine encounters. It’s especially appealing for travelers wanting a unique story to share—standing face-to-face with playful sea lions is a memory few will forget.

In Summary: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re keen to see sea lions in their natural habitat, this tour offers a rare opportunity to get close. The combination of scenic island views, historical sites like Callao Hundido, and the interactive sea lion swim makes it a well-rounded choice for those interested in wildlife, nature, and marine scenery.

Travelers who value small-group experiences and organized logistics will appreciate the seamless transfer and safety gear included in the price. However, those with limited mobility or who prefer more leisurely activities may find the packed schedule a bit intense.

This tour is a wonderful option for adventure-minded visitors looking to add a memorable wildlife encounter to their Lima itinerary, especially if they’re open to some water activities and don’t mind a bit of an early start.

FAQ

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You should be comfortable in the water and willing to wear a wetsuit, but the tour provides life jackets and wetsuits to help keep you safe.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s recommended for children over 10 years old, as younger kids might not meet the swimming or safety requirements.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, cash, and perhaps a towel or change of clothes for after the swim.

Are meals included?
No, food isn’t included, so plan to eat before or after the tour.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, making it accessible for a wider range of travelers.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride to and from the islands takes about an hour each way, enjoying scenic views along the way.

What is the maximum group size?
Limited to 10 participants, which helps keep the experience personal and engaging.

Can I book last-minute?
For last-minute bookings, check availability directly with the provider via email to ensure space.

Is this tour safe?
Yes, the tour includes a first aid kit and safety instructions. Guides are trained to ensure your safety during swimming and boat operations.

In brief, this Palomino Islands tour offers a practical, exciting, and authentic marine experience right from Lima. Perfect for wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, and those wanting a memorable story to tell, it’s a day packed with natural beauty, playful animals, and scenic island views. Just remember to be water comfortable, book in advance, and enjoy the chance to swim alongside some of Peru’s most charming marine mammals.