Swimming with the sea lions

Half Day

About the trip

The Palomino islands are a small archipelago off Callao. On them live about 5000 mane seals and plenty of sea birds. They belong to 22 islands along the peruvian coast, to which p.ej. the Islas Ballestas, which are particularly protected as Reserva Nacional Sistema de Islas, Islotes and Puntas Guaneras.

These four small islands are located about 10 kilometers from the port of Callao and are located east of San Lorenzo islands. The area covers 16.3 hectares of land and 5139 hectares of water. On the way to the islands you can also see the former prison El Frontón island. The islands rise to a maximum of 14.5 meters above sea level. Due to the large number of birds that live there, there is also plenty of guano here.

Right on the shores of one of South America’s largest cities lies one of the world’s most diverse marine ecospheres. Explore Lima for a day and then visit the Palomino islands, where you can see penguins and swim with sea lions.

The Ballestas Islands, off the coast of Paracas in southern Peru, were called the “Poor Galapagos”, but what people do not know is that off the coast of Lima lies another group of biologically significant islands that are full of life, Islas Palomino is just a short boat ride from the port of Callao. Here nature lovers will find everything they could wish for and it is not nearly as expensive as other peruvian island tours.

What are the Palomino Islands?

This small island group off the coast of Lima offers visitors an insight into the rich marine life along the peruvian coast. Take a tour to see the different species of birds and sea lions that have been providing more tourism lately – the island’s location near the capital is ideal for travelers.

Dont forget to take your camera with you

Bring your camera with you, as you will come into close contact with the underwater world of Peru: sea lions, penguins, exotic birds and, if you are lucky, even dolphins. The city of Lima is covered in gray fog most of the year, so you can expect it to be quite cold on your tour with visibility that is not always the best. When the sun is shining bring a hat and sunscreen – if it seems, it seems strong.

The Swimming Tour

If you really want to experience the full Palomino experience, why not go swimming with sea lions? Excursions can be arranged to visit a swimming party with small sea lion pups. For those who love animals and dogs, this is an unforgettable offer.

Itinerary

• 9:45 Meeting Time.
• Meeting point at the Marina Club del Callao Jorge Chávez 120, near the ABTAO submarine museum. Departure to the islands.
• 30 Min (+- 15 min) for control at the port, payment and incidentals.
• Fee Payment for the protecction and entrance to the natural reserve Guanera islands.
• 10:30 Start the adventure.
• Starting ther tour to the islands of Callao. At first we observed the anchorage of yachts, warships and merchant ships in Callao bay. During the trip we will go by the low or sand bank “El Camotal”, open sea “Mar Adentro”.
• We passed the island of San Lorenzo, rich history that comes from pre-Columbian times until today. We see fishing boats, various colonies of guano birds and Humboldt penguins.
• 11:30 Swimming with sea lions.
• We arrive at the farthest point, Palomino Island, which houses a large colony of sea lions (Sea wolves), where we can swim with neoprene suits with freedom among them, thanks to the absence of predators, is an unforgettable moment full of emotions.
• 12:35 Back to the Marina Club.
• It begins the return through cliffs and islets of impressive shapes. A snack is served before arriving at the pier.
• 13:00 Arrival to the Callao.
• Recommended (NOT included), lunch in Chucuito or La Punta, visit the naval museum, Abtao Submarine or the fortress of Real Felipe.
• For people with special conditions and adventurous.

We have a speed boat with wheelchair access.