8 Palomino Islands Sea Lion Tours from Lima to Build a Day Around

1.Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 134 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125Our pick

Leave your Lima hotel by minivan or SUV for Callao Harbor, then cruise past protected islands and seabird colonies. With a wetsuit and life jacket, you can float near wild sea lions. Guides such as Diego and Rodrigo have provided wildlife and safety briefings, with snacks and drinks included.

“Such a great half day adventure and a unique experience to swim in the ocean with these curious creatures. For anyone complaining about it not being a 'yacht' or the 'snacks' were not up to standard, you are missing the point of this adventure. It is a only a few hours of a boat trip not a full day, snacks are a bonus & you don't need a yacht.. It was a great boat for what the trip requires and the trip was actually not rough for us this day which was also great (it is of course the ocean and nature decides what will happen, so obviously if you…”

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2.Swimming with Sea Lions Palomino Islands Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 130 reviews · 2h 30m · from $76

From El Mirador in Callao, sail past El Camotal and San Lorenzo Island to Palomino Island. Put on a neoprene suit and swim near wild sea lions, or stay aboard for penguins, pelicans, and other seabirds. English and Spanish guides, snacks, drinks, and safety equipment are included.

“Fantastic. A unique experience I'll never forget. The guides were great 👍”

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3.Lima Peru Sea Lions, History and Palomino Callao Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · from $72Best value

From La Punta in Callao, you’ll speed by boat past San Lorenzo, Frontón, Cavinzas, and Palomino Islands with guides such as Rodrigo or Diego. Expect sea lions, Humboldt penguins, guano birds, rock formations, a wetsuit, snacks, and an optional swim.

“The tour is spectacular and one of the best things in Lima (including dining at Central). The thousands of sea lions are magnificent and it’s also wonderful to see the Humboldt penguins. The landscape is beautiful too. The boat ride is bumpy—a lot of fun if you are not seasick and maybe some pain if you are. The guides are very nice and friendly.”

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4.Swimming with Sea Lions in Lima

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $139

From Lima, ride to Callao and cruise past naval ships, fishing boats, penguins, and seabird colonies before swimming near wild sea lions at Palomino Island. A private driver and guide handle transport. Bring a towel, warm clothes, motion sickness medicine, and your own mask and fins.

“We really enjoyed our tour! Would 100% recommend! Definitely bring a fitted swimsuit to wear under your wetsuit, and make sure to bring a towel for drying off! It’s super cold, and the water was very rough, causing a few to be seasick. However, it’s still completely worth it. Our guide Ismael was amazing; he even got in the water with us! Javier, the boat captain, was a great driver. Pick up and drop off at our hotel was included, as well as tea/coffee at the beginning and snacks/water bottle at the end.”

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5.Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour & Swim with Sea Lions

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 33 reviews · 4h 30m · from $125

From central Lima, an English- or Spanish-speaking guide takes you by van to Callao, then by speedboat past El Camotal and San Lorenzo to the Palomino Islands. You can wear an included wetsuit, swim near sea lions, spot penguins and seabirds, and return with snacks and drinks.

“It was awesome if I could please have my guides number so I can receive pictures”

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6.Sea Lion Swim and Wildlife Palomino Islands Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 20 reviews · 4 hours · from $76

From La Punta, you cruise to San Lorenzo Island and the Palomino Islands with a bilingual guide, then enter the Pacific in a wetsuit to swim near wild sea lions. You may also spot Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies, and guano birds. Hotel pickup from Miraflores and San Isidro is optional.

“Dear Maciej, Thank you! We're so glad you had a great time exploring the Palomino Islands and swimming with sea lions. Hope to see you again soon!”

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7.Lima | Islas Palomino Tour | Swim with Sea Lions

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 9 reviews · 3 hours · from $79

Sail from La Punta through Callao Bay to San Lorenzo Island and the Palomino Islands, then swim beside a sea lion colony in open water. English and Spanish guides, including Carlos and Denis, help with safety and wetsuits. The tour lasts three hours and costs $79 per person.

“A day we will remember ! This is the first time we go to swim with sea lions. and it was an fantastic day. Thanks to the tour operator to help you with the organization ! They speak English, and hopefully aha hah !”

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8.Palomino Islands Yacht Tour and swim alongside the sea lions

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 4 reviews · 5 hours · from $125

From Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro, you’ll ride to Callao, cruise past Lima’s coastal islands, and swim for 15 to 20 minutes near wild sea lions at the Palomino Islands. An English or Spanish guide, crew, lifejacket, and hotel transport are included.

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