Palomino Islands speedboat excursion & Swim with sea lions

Palomino Islands Speedboat Excursion & Swim with Sea Lions: An Authentic Peruvian Marine Adventure

If you’re visiting Lima and craving a break from the city’s bustling streets, this speedboat trip to the Palomino Islands offers an exhilarating blend of marine wildlife, history, and stunning coastal scenery. For $129 per person, you’ll spend approximately 4 hours exploring the Callao archipelago, with plenty of opportunities to swim among sea lions, see impressive rock formations, and learn about the area’s rich history from knowledgeable guides.

What we love about this experience is the personalized approach—small groups and specialized guides make the journey more intimate and educational. Plus, the chance to safely swim among playful sea lions is a highlight that doesn’t come around often. That said, a consideration is the initial confusion over the meeting point, which underscores the importance of clear communication and confirming details before your trip.

This tour fits best for travelers who enjoy marine wildlife, history, and scenic boat rides. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, wildlife lover, or simply someone wanting a different perspective on Peru’s coast, this excursion offers a well-rounded, authentic experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Unique marine wildlife experience – Swim among playful sea lions in their natural habitat.
• Rich historical sites – Discover pre-Inca archaeological sites, and cemeteries of Chilean soldiers.
• Small group size – Ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Expert guides – Bilingual guides who are knowledgeable about marine life and local history.
• Convenient and flexible – Book in advance, with options for free cancellation and pay later.
• Includes snacks and drinks – Hot and cold beverages with snacks to keep you energized.

Exploring the Callao Islands by Speedboat

When we first heard about this tour, we were immediately drawn to the promise of swimming with sea lions, a quintessential Peruvian marine encounter. The itinerary begins at a central meeting point on “Calle La Mar,” where you’ll gather before boarding a modern speedboat. The boat ride itself is a highlight, offering impressive views of rock formations, submerged islands, and the coastline.

The Journey Through the Islands

As the boat leaves the port of Callao, you’ll quickly venture into the South Pacific waters, where the natural beauty of the area unfolds. One of the most striking sights is El Camotal, an island that sank after a strong earthquake, revealing its remains at low tide—a fascinating reminder of the area’s geological volatility. Our guides pointed out El Fronton Island, notorious for its 1980s prison ruins, which are a reminder of Peru’s turbulent past.

Another fascinating stop is San Lorenzo, called the “mysterious island.” It’s home to a naval base, pre-Inca archaeological sites, and cemeteries of Chilean soldiers, making it a small but intriguing archaeological treasure. We loved the way guides shared stories about these sites, adding depth to what could otherwise be just a scenic boat ride.

Nature and Wildlife Galore

The island group of Cavinzas is a highlight for nature lovers. These rocky islets feature natural caves and caverns, and are home to a sizable colony of Humboldt penguins. Watching these birds waddle about in their rocky habitats is a wonderful moment, especially considering how rare penguins are in these waters.

The Palomino Islands themselves are famous for their large colony of over 5,000 sea lions. We loved the way the boat circled close to the islands, giving us a chance to admire their playful antics and impressive size. The rookery is remarkably intact, making it a great spot for photos and birdwatching.

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Swimming with Sea Lions: An Unforgettable Experience

The highlight of this tour is the opportunity to swim among sea lions—a rare chance to see these intelligent, playful creatures up close in their natural environment. The boat anchors near the shore, and an accompanying person is there to assist with the swim, ensuring safety and guidance.

The sea lions are curious and friendly, often approaching swimmers—an experience that many find thrilling and humbling. We appreciated the small group size, which maximized safety and interaction. While the guides are bilingual—speaking Spanish and English—their local knowledge added to the overall understanding of the ecosystem.

Some reviewers, like Philipp, noted initial logistical hiccups—the wrong meeting location and communication issues—but praised the guide’s efforts to resolve these problems quickly. This underscores the importance of confirming your meeting details and staying in touch via WhatsApp.

Practical Tips for Swimming

• Bring sunscreen, a towel, and beachwear.
• Wear a life jacket (provided) for safety.
• Keep in mind that the experience is not suitable for pregnant women or those over 95.
• Be prepared for cold sea water, especially if you plan to stay in the water for a while.

The Practical Side of the Tour

This tour is thoughtfully designed for small groups, which enhances the experience—more personal interaction and less crowded feeling. The entire trip lasts around 4 hours, including the boat ride, wildlife viewing, and swimming.

The price of $129 per person covers the boat trip, an English/Spanish guide, snacks, drinks, and safety equipment. The conservation fee of 11 S/ per person is an additional cost, supporting the protection of these sensitive ecosystems.

Booking is flexible, with options to reserve in advance and cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund. The pickup is coordinated via WhatsApp a day or two prior, so keeping your contact info correct is crucial.

What to Expect on the Day

Expect a punctual start at the designated meeting point, and a comfortable speedboat ride across the waters. The guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share facts about the islands’ geology, archaeology, and wildlife.

Throughout the trip, you’ll see spectacular rock formations, learn about the island’s volcanic origins and earthquake history, and witness the large sea lion colonies that thrive here.

Once anchored near the Palomino Islands, you’ll have the chance to swim in clear waters, often with sea lions swimming alongside. The guides will assist you, ensuring a safe and engaging encounter.

Authenticity and Value

While the tour offers a high degree of authenticity—visiting islands with archaeological significance and observing real sea lion colonies—the occasional logistical hiccup, like the initial confusion over the meeting point noted by Philipp, can happen. Always double-check your meeting instructions and stay in touch with the operator.

The value of this tour lies in its combination of wildlife, history, and adventure. The small group size, bilingual guides, and inclusion of snacks make it a solid choice for travelers looking for an intimate and educational experience.

It’s especially suited for those who enjoy up-close wildlife encounters and are comfortable with boat rides and cold water swims. The tour’s emphasis on safety and knowledgeable guides makes it accessible for most physically able travelers, though not suitable for pregnant women or older seniors.

The Sum Up: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This Palomino Islands speedboat trip is an excellent choice if you’re after more than just a boat ride. It offers the rare chance to see and swim with sea lions in their natural habitat, combined with visits to archaeological sites and legendary islands. The small group setting and expert guides make for an engaging, personalized adventure that’s both fun and educational.

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a history buff interested in Peru’s coastal sites, or a traveler who enjoys scenic boat rides with a dash of adventure, this tour ticks plenty of boxes. Keep in mind that you’ll need to be comfortable on a boat and prepared for a cold water swim.

Overall, it’s an authentic, well-rounded experience that offers great value for its price—a memorable day that blends nature, history, and a touch of adventure in Peru’s coastal waters.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, swimming with sea lions might be best suited for older children comfortable in water. Always check with the operator for specific age restrictions.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothes for the boat ride and pack some snacks if desired.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts around 4 hours, including boat travel, wildlife viewing, and swimming.

Is there a minimum group size?
The tour is designed for small groups, which enhances the experience and ensures more personalized attention from guides.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, hot and cold drinks and snacks are provided during the boat ride.

What is the conservation fee?
An additional fee of 11 S/ per person is charged to support the conservation of the islands and their ecosystems.

Is the tour available year-round?
Yes, the islands can be visited at any time of the year, making it a flexible option regardless of the season.

What language do guides speak?
Guides are bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible for most travelers.

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

Is this tour accessible for pregnant women or seniors over 95?
No, it is not recommended for pregnant women or people over 95 due to physical activity involved.

This speedboat adventure to the Palomino Islands offers an authentic glimpse into Peru’s marine life and coastal history, all wrapped in a compact, adventure-filled package. Whether you’re seeking an active wildlife encounter or simply a refreshing day on the water, you’ll find plenty to love here.

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