Palomino Islands, Lima
The Experience
Off the coast of Lima are a number of small islands called Islas Palomino. These islands are also known as Palomino Lima or the ‘Islas Ballestas’ of Lima. The islands are similar to the Ballestas Islands, but have the advantage (besides being in Lima) that you can swim with sea lions during the excursion to Islas Palomino. So bring your swimsuit!
On the Islas Palomino live about 8000 sea lions, which can make a deafening sound. In addition to sea lions, you will also see seals during the excursion to Islas Palomino. You can also spot birds such as the Humboldt cormorant, guano rock pelican, the Peruvian pelican and sometimes even the Humboldt penguin.
What's Included
- Boat ride from Callao to Palomino Islands (via San Lorenzo and Frontón)
- Professional bilingual guide on board
- Historical and wildlife commentary during the journey
- Safety instructions for swimming with sea lions
- Wetsuit and life vest rental for swimming
- Opportunity to swim near sea lions (with safe distance guidelines)
- Scenic views of the Pacific coast and various islands
- Option for direct transfer to Lima airport (with prior arrangement)
- Luggage storage during excursion (if heading to airport afterward)
What's Not Included
- Transportation to the port of Callao (unless arranged separately)
- Snacks or beverages on board
- Towel (bring your own)
- Personal insurance
- Tips for the guide or boat crew
Day-by-Day Itinerary
You sail from the port city of Callao (attached to the city of Lima) to Islas Palomino, passing several other small islands named San Lorenzo and Frontón. This is a boat trip of approximately one and a half hours. During the trip, your guide will tell you about the wildlife in the area. The guide will also tell you about the history of the islands of San Lorenzo (where a Peruvian naval base is located) and Frontón (where a prison was formerly located and where Maoist members arrested during the Shining Path terror in the 1980s and early 1990s were detained).
Upon arrival at Islas Palomino, you will receive instructions from the guide on what to watch out for while swimming with the sea lions. You must not approach the animals too closely, and you must absolutely not touch them.
Tip: The starting point of this excursion is relatively close to the airport. It is possible to drive straight to the airport after this excursion. This saves travel time. You will not return to your hotel after the excursion, so you will take your large luggage with you immediately. Our driver will take care of your luggage during the excursion.
