Palomino Islands Yacht Tour & Sea Lion Swim from Lima

The Marine Sanctuary of Lima

Escape the city and embark on a thrilling half-day marine wildlife expedition into the nutrient-rich waters of the Pacific Ocean. Just off the coast of Lima and the historic port of Callao lies the protected Cavinzas and Palomino Islands National Reserve—an extraordinary marine sanctuary ideal for couples, families, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Departing from Callao Harbor aboard a stable cruiser yacht, you will navigate past San Lorenzo Island toward the rocky outcrops of the Palomino Islands. Along the way, your naturalist guide will point out colonies of Peruvian boobies, Guanay cormorants, Inca terns, and endangered Humboldt penguins. At the Palomino Islands, equipped with a thermal neoprene wetsuit and lifejacket, you will have the unforgettable opportunity to enter the ocean and swim safely alongside thousands of playful, wild South American sea lions. Combine this morning ocean adventure with an afternoon Historic Lima City Tour, our Larco Museum & Huaca Pucllana Experience, or continue south to Paracas & the Ballestas Islands.

Expedition Highlights

Detailed Palomino Islands Itinerary

The Pacific Wildlife Route

Elevation: Sea Level · Duration: Half Day (4 – 5 Hours)

1. Morning Hotel Pick-up & Transfer to Callao

Your adventure begins in the morning as your driver picks you up comfortably from your hotel in Lima (Miraflores, San Isidro, or Barranco) and transfers you to the historic port of Callao.

2. Boarding & Navigation Across Callao Bay

At the pier near the Real Felipe Fortress, board our comfortable cruiser yacht. As we navigate out of Callao bay, pass over El Camotal (the submerged colonial port from the 1746 earthquake) and sail alongside San Lorenzo—Peru's largest island—and El Frontón.

3. Marine Bird & Humboldt Penguin Observation

Approaching the Cavinzas Islands, the cliffs come alive with marine birds. Your naturalist guide will help you spot nesting Peruvian boobies, red-legged cormorants, Inca terns with their distinctive white mustaches, and Humboldt penguins resting along the rocky ledges.

4. Supervised Swim with Wild Sea Lions

Arriving at the Palomino Islands, you will be greeted by a colony of over 5,000 South American sea lions basking on the rocks and swimming in the coves. After putting on your thermal neoprene wetsuit and lifejacket, step into the water with your safety guide to float calmly as curious sea lions swim around you.

5. Return to Callao Harbor & Hotel Drop-off

After your swim, climb back aboard the yacht to dry off and enjoy snacks and beverages as we navigate back to Callao Harbor, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you directly back to your hotel in Lima.

Inclusions & Prices