Swim with Sea Lions at Palomino Islands: 3-Hour Yacht Tour

You get 15 to 20 minutes in the water with the sea lions, by regulation: enough to watch them move around you.

This activity takes you out on a comfortable American yacht for a 3-hour trip around Palomino Islands and four neighboring reserves in Callao, where you swim with sea lions in their natural habitat for a regulated window of time. The boat carries wetsuits, masks and expert guides. Snacks and drinks are served on board, and a photographer captures the swim so you leave with images. A waiting room on shore lets you settle in before boarding, and the crew handles all safety briefings with park rangers.

The experience

The yacht BERTRAM departs from a waiting room where you'll have a comfortable space to gather before the safety talks begin: both the company's briefing and the official rundown from SERNANP park rangers. Once aboard, you'll cruise past San Lorenzo, Fronton, Camotal and the Palomino Islands themselves, a nature reserve in Callao waters. The boat moves slowly enough that you can watch seabirds the whole way, and if conditions align, you might spot Humboldt penguins.

When you reach the designated swim zone, you'll have between 15 and 20 minutes in the water with the sea lions: a window set by the park authority to protect the animals. The crew provides a wetsuit fitted to your size and an underwater mask so you can see clearly as the sea lions move around you. A photographer with a water camera captures the moment, and you'll get the photos and videos to take home. The whole experience runs about 3 hours from start to finish.

On board, there's space to change into your wetsuit and access to bathrooms. Piqueos (snacks) and drinks (water, soda, or coffee in winter) keep you comfortable between the cruise and the swim. Everything is included: the wetsuit, mask, guide expertise, park fees and taxes, so there's nothing else to arrange once you step onto the boat.

What’s included

• Wetsuit and underwater mask based on availability.
• snacks and drinks on board (water, soda, or coffee in winter).
• expert guides in English or Spanish.
• photos and videos captured underwater.
• all park fees and taxes.
• use of bathrooms and changing space on the yacht.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 24 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tours MyG

Is this one for you?The yacht departs from a waiting room on shore, so you don't need a car or advance knowledge of where to meet. Arrive, settle in, and the crew handles the rest. This suits anyone staying in Lima without transport, or anyone who wants the logistics of the boat, the swim and the timing arranged so you can focus on being in the water with the sea lions.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 9 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long do I actually spend swimming with the sea lions?

You get between 15 and 20 minutes in the water, a window set by SERNANP to protect the animals in their natural habitat.

What islands do we pass on the yacht ride?

The yacht cruises past San Lorenzo, Fronton, Camotal and Palomino Islands, all part of a nature reserve in Callao waters. You'll also see seabirds and may spot Humboldt penguins if conditions are right.

Is a wetsuit provided, or do I need to bring my own?

A wetsuit is included and fitted to your size based on availability. An underwater mask is also provided so you can see the sea lions clearly.

Do I get photos or video of the swim?

Yes, a photographer with a water camera captures the activity, and you receive the photos and videos to keep.

What's included in the price?

The yacht ride, wetsuit, mask, snacks and drinks on board, expert guides, all park fees and taxes, plus the photos and videos of your swim are included.