Swimming with Sea Lions near Lima

Expect a fast boat ride (about 45-60 minutes each way) out to the Palomino Islands where hundreds of sea lions lounge on the rocks and swim in the cold Humboldt Current water. The animals are wild, curious, and sometimes very playful; you’ll likely get close enough for eye contact and have them darting around you. The water is cold year-round (16-19°C), so you’ll be given a wetsuit. The whole trip usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours. It’s a genuine wildlife encounter rather than a circus show, but it can feel crowded when multiple boats arrive at once.

Best time is November to March when the sea is calmer and visibility is better; June to October brings rougher swells and more chance of cancelled trips. Expect to pay around $45–75 per person for a standard tour that includes wetsuit, snorkel gear, and transport from central Lima. Private or small-group options push toward the higher end.

Pick the shorter morning departures that focus only on the sea lions and skip any that add long desert stops or sandboarding unless you actually want a full-day trip. Bring your own snorkel mask if you’re picky about fit; the provided ones are often well-used. If you get seasick easily, take medication beforehand—the Pacific can be choppy.