Palomino Islands Boat Trip from Lima: Worth It?

This is a straightforward half-day trip (usually 3–4 hours total) from Callao harbor, about 45 minutes from central Lima. You board a speedboat, cruise along the coast, and reach the Palomino Islands where hundreds of sea lions lounge on the rocks and swim around the boats. Most tours let you snorkel or swim with them in wetsuits if conditions allow – the water is cold year-round. You’ll also spot Humboldt penguins, boobies, and other seabirds. Expect some swell, especially further out, and a lot of barking sea lions up close. It’s genuinely wild and smells like it, which is part of the appeal. Not a luxury cruise; it’s a working boat trip with life jackets and basic snacks.

Best time is December to March when the sea is calmer and visibility is better for swimming. The rest of the year it can be rougher and colder. Expect to pay around $60–90 per person including wetsuit and snorkel gear; cheaper options without swimming are sometimes available. Private or small-group boats cost more but avoid the cattle-boat experience.

Tip: choose a morning departure to beat the afternoon wind and get better light. Skip the combined city tours that tack on Callao – they’re rushed and add little value. Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and a towel; the boat ride back can be wet.