Swimming with Sea Lions in Peru: A Unique Adventure at Palomino Islands

When visiting Lima, Peru, last month, I had the unforgettable opportunity to swim with sea lions in the South Pacific Ocean. This adventure was beyond anything I could have imagined, and I’m excited to share all the details with you about the Palomino Islands, Peru, and the incredible sea lion experience.

Although I was traveling with other journalists, I immediately thought this would be an amazing trip for my family too. It’s just a six-hour flight from Atlanta, so it’s a manageable getaway, and since there’s no jet lag, it’s perfect for families. Peru is now officially on my travel radar, and I can’t wait to return!

Let’s dive right into the sea lion fun!

A Bucket List Experience: Swimming with Sea Lions at Palomino Islands

Swimming with sea lions in Peru was one of those rare experiences that exceeded every expectation. It was definitely a bucket list moment for me! The 2.5-hour sea lion excursion near Lima is ideal for adults, couples, and families with older children or teenagers. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through my entire experience on this incredible adventure.

If you’re short on time, I’ll also share the exact tour I went on, organized by Mar Adentro Excursions. There are several booking options available on different sites, and I highly recommend using Get Your Guide for ease of booking, especially if you’re traveling internationally.

Where are the Palomino Islands?

The Palomino Islands are part of the Callao archipelago, located just off the coast of Lima. The tour that I took included visits to several of the islands, each offering a unique experience. We first passed San Lorenzo Island, then sailed past El Frontón Island, where we enjoyed birdwatching, and Cavinzas Island, known for its Humboldt Penguins. Finally, we arrived at the Palomino Islands, home to the famous sea lion colony.

As we approached Palomino Island, it was impossible to miss the sea lions. They covered the entire island, and the sight was truly incredible. While penguins are rarer to spot on the earlier stops, there’s no shortage of sea lions here!

Why Are There So Many Sea Lions on the Palomino Islands?

You might wonder why such a large population of sea lions calls Palomino Island home. There are a few key factors:

• No Predators: The lack of predators, particularly sharks, makes this a safe haven for the sea lions.
• Ideal Reproduction Conditions: The island offers a peaceful environment with plenty of space for the sea lions to reproduce and raise their pups without stress or competition.
• Abundant Food Source: The rich waters surrounding the island are filled with Pacific Sardines, providing a consistent and easy food source.

These factors make the Palomino Islands an ideal spot for both the sea lions and visitors like us who want to swim with them in a safe, controlled environment. The sea lions here are friendly, well-fed, and non-aggressive, making it the perfect place for an up-close experience.

What It’s Like to Swim with Sea Lions

Swimming with the sea lions in their natural habitat was an exhilarating experience! I had no idea what to expect, but as soon as we arrived at Palomino Island, it became clear that this would be one of the most exciting moments of my trip.

After a short briefing and gearing up in wetsuits, I was ready to dive in. The sea lions swam right by me, darting around with such agility and speed. Their curiosity was evident as they circled around, making the experience feel like a truly magical encounter with nature.

If you’re lucky enough to join this tour, I highly recommend bringing a waterproof camera or GoPro, as I regretted not having one to capture the moment. Even though I didn’t have the equipment with me, I’ll never forget the joy and excitement of swimming alongside these playful creatures.

What to Expect on Your Sea Lion Excursion

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, but you should plan for a total of about five hours. This includes the transportation to and from the port, which takes about an hour from Lima’s Miraflores district. We used an Uber to get to the port, and it was an affordable and convenient way to travel.

Once you arrive, the group of about 20-30 people will board a boat, and you’ll head out to the islands. Along the way, the bilingual guides will point out interesting wildlife and share fascinating facts about the area. The boat ride lasts for about an hour before reaching Palomino Island, so bring binoculars for great wildlife spotting along the way!

Time to Swim!

Upon reaching Palomino Island, we were able to observe the sea lions from the boat before getting in the water. Then, it was time to suit up and swim! As I mentioned, I didn’t have photos of the swim itself, but you can find plenty of great photos on the tour’s booking site. The water can be chilly, especially if you’re visiting in the cooler months, but the excitement of being surrounded by the sea lions makes it all worth it.

One thing to note is that while the sea lions are not aggressive, they are naturally curious. They love to swim up close and even nuzzle your feet, which adds to the thrill of the experience. It’s not every day you get a whisker kiss from a sea lion!

After the Swim

Once you’ve had your fill of swimming, you’ll climb back onto the boat and head back to the port. Depending on the weather, you might feel a bit cold as the wind picks up and your wetsuit starts to dry, so I recommend bringing a hoodie or extra towel if you’re visiting during the cooler months. Despite the chill, I felt elated and grateful for the experience I had just had.

Four Tips for Visiting the Palomino Islands

To help you make the most of your adventure, here are a few tips and things to know before visiting the Palomino Islands:

1. The Sea Lions Love Feet: Sea lions have a particular fascination with feet. When swimming, try leaning back and extending your feet. They’ll come right up to give your feet a nuzzle, which is both adorable and a little ticklish!
2. The Water is Cold: The Pacific waters around the Palomino Islands tend to stay on the colder side, usually just over 60°F (15°C). If you visit in the summer (December to March), the water might warm up a bit, but it’s still chilly, so a wetsuit is a must.
3. Be Prepared for the Weather: While the water may be cold, the air temperature can vary. On cooler days, you’ll need to bundle up after your swim, but on hot days, you’ll warm up quickly. Plan accordingly based on the season.
4. Expect Variations in Water Color: The water around the islands can range from rich blue to a murkier green, depending on the season and weather. Regardless of the color, it’s still an incredible place to swim and interact with sea lions.

Final Thoughts

Swimming with sea lions near Lima is an experience you won’t want to miss. It offers a rare opportunity to connect with nature and witness these incredible creatures up close. Whether you’re an adventurer or just looking for a unique experience in Peru, this sea lion excursion should be on your list!