Swimming with Sea Lions from Lima

Expect a full-day trip leaving Lima by van, then jumping on a speedboat for about two hours to the Palomino Islands. Once there you gear up in a 5mm wetsuit (the water is cold, around 15-18°C), snorkel, and slip into the ocean beside a colony of wild sea lions. They’re curious and playful; most people get circled, bumped, or chased in a chaotic but thrilling 30-40 minute swim. The boat also cruises past other islands covered in seabirds and Humboldt penguins. It’s a genuine wildlife encounter, not a zoo show, so behavior is unpredictable—some days the sea lions are super active, other days more aloof.

Best time is November to March when the sea is calmer and visibility is better. Avoid June-August if you get seasick; swells can be rough. Expect to pay around $80-130 per person including transport, basic lunch, and gear. Private or smaller yacht options sit at the higher end.

Pick the tour that actually stops for a proper swim at Palomino rather than just a boat cruise. Skip the giant bus tours that rush the experience and pack 30+ people per boat—smaller groups (12 or fewer) let you spend more time in the water and feel less like cattle. Bring your own snorkel if you’re picky about fit; the provided ones are fine but well-used.