Yacht tour around the Palomino Island

If you’re looking for an authentic and lively encounter with marine wildlife just outside Lima, a yacht tour around Palomino Island offers an unforgettable experience. For $99 per person, you’ll spend roughly three hours exploring the Callao Islands from the comfort of a modern yacht, with plenty of opportunities to see diverse seabirds, playful sea lions, and even penguins—something you won’t find on every boat trip around the world.

What stands out most about this trip are the close-up encounters with sea lions and the insightful guides who bring the islands’ ecology to life. We also love how the tour offers a perfect mix of scenery, wildlife spotting, and fun in the water—all in well-organized, manageable chunks. However, a potential consideration is that you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the pier, which adds a little extra planning.

This adventure is best suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of wildlife, scenic views, and a bit of aquatic fun. If you’re the type who enjoys boat rides with an active wildlife component, this experience will likely delight you.

Key Points

Accessible wildlife experience: Swimming with sea lions in their natural habitat is a highlight.
Educational guides: Bilingual guides provide rich context about the islands and their inhabitants.
Efficient itinerary: The tour manages to fit a lot into just three hours, including travel, sightseeing, and swim time.
Value for money: At $99, this offers a memorable wildlife encounter with all necessary equipment included.
Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind.
Limited extras: Food, drinks, and transportation are not included, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Review of the Palomino Islands Yacht Tour

The Itinerary and What You’ll Experience

Starting with a hotel pickup at 11:00, the tour’s convenience begins early, especially for travelers staying in Lima. From there, you’ll travel by tourist transport to Plaza Grau in Callao, a lively port area that marks the gateway to your adventure. The journey to the islands takes about 45 minutes on the yacht, giving you time to enjoy the views and listen as your guide shares stories about La Punta, Chucuito, Isla San Lorenzo, and El Frontón.

Once aboard, the boat’s atmosphere is relaxed but lively, often filled with eager chatter and anticipatory smiles. The guides, who speak both English and Spanish, are well-informed and enthusiastic, making sure everyone understands what they’re seeing. The boat crew and instructor are present in the water during the swim, ensuring safety and assistance.

Discovering San Lorenzo, Frontón, and Cabinzas Islands

The tour explores several key islands in the Callao archipelago. San Lorenzo Island is the largest and most significant, hosting diverse bird populations and historical sites. El Frontón is notorious for its past as a prison island but now serves as a natural sanctuary, where you can observe guano birds and other marine fauna.

The islands are home to Humboldt penguins and guano birds, providing a chance to see species that are rare or absent in many other parts of the world. Birdwatching enthusiasts especially appreciate this part of the trip, thanks to the variety of seabirds that congregate here.

Swimming with Sea Lions: The Main Event

The highlight for many is the 20-minute swim with sea lions. This isn’t a staged event; you’ll actually be in the water with thousands of playful sea lions in their natural environment. As one reviewer put it, “Swimming with the sea lions felt like being in a wildlife documentary,” and many travelers describe the experience as “thrilling” and “surprisingly gentle”.

The water can be cold, so bringing a wetsuit or rash guard is advisable if you’re sensitive to the chill. The guides and instructors are experienced, making sure everyone is comfortable and safe. The boat crew and instructors in the water are there to assist, making even first-time swimmers feel secure.

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The Scenery and Wildlife

During the boat ride, you’ll see stunning coastlines, rocky islands, and lush bird colonies. The guides openly share stories about the history and ecology of the islands, adding depth to the trip. We loved the way the guides actively pointed out the Humboldt penguins and explained their behaviors, making the wildlife feel accessible rather than distant.

Birdwatching is a major perk—if you’re lucky, you might see guano birds and other seabirds soaring overhead. The natural beauty combined with the lively wildlife makes this a compelling outing.

Duration, Cost, and Practicalities

At 3 hours total, this tour is a manageable outing, especially for travelers with a tight schedule. The price of $99 includes the yacht, life jackets, and guidance—no hidden fees—making it quite reasonable given the experience. Remember, food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or water is a good idea, and you’ll need to handle your own transportation back to your hotel.

The tour is available with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which is helpful if your plans change unexpectedly.

What Travelers Say

Many reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides for their ability to make wildlife and ecology understandable and engaging. Comments like “Our guide, Carlos, was fantastic—full of stories and facts that made the trip come alive” are common. The close encounters with sea lions are also frequently highlighted as the trip’s most memorable aspect.

Some travelers note that the water can be cold, so packing appropriately is wise. Others mention that arranging your transportation to the pier is essential, as the tour doesn’t include round-trip transit.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This tour suits nature lovers and those interested in marine wildlife. If you’re eager to see sea lions up close and enjoy a mix of scenery and wildlife, you’ll find this trip rewarding. It’s also great for families with older children, given the safe environment and the chance to learn about the islands’ ecology.

The experience is less ideal for travelers who prefer land-based sightseeing or who are not comfortable in the water, unless you’re prepared to watch from the boat.

The Sum Up

The yacht tour around Palomino Island offers an authentic wildlife experience in a beautiful setting, combined with the comfort of modern boats and knowledgeable guides. It’s a fantastic way to get outside Lima and see marine animals in their natural habitat, especially the famously playful sea lions.

For those who appreciate interactive wildlife encounters and enjoy boat rides that combine scenic views with educational commentary, this is a solid choice. The price reflects good value when you consider the included equipment, guides, and the unforgettable moments swimming among the sea lions.

While it requires some planning for transportation and packing for water, the overall experience is both fun and educational, making it a highlight for many visitors to Lima.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire trip lasts about 3 hours, including transport to and from the islands.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the yacht, life jackets, a bilingual guide, and the boat crew and instructor in the water.

Are food and drinks provided?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you may want to bring your own snacks and water.

Do I need to organize transportation to the pier?
Yes, transportation is not included, so plan to arrange your own ride to Plaza Grau in Callao.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially for older children who are comfortable in the water and interested in wildlife.

What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, water, sunscreen, and possibly a wetsuit or rash guard for the swim.

Is there any safety equipment?
Yes, life jackets are provided, and guides are present to ensure safety during the swim.

What wildlife will I see?
You can expect to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, guano birds, and other seabirds.

This yacht tour around Palomino Island offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, wildlife, and scenic beauty, perfect for those wanting a memorable outdoor experience outside the hustle of Lima.

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