Islas Palomino
Islas Palomino
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
208 reviews
Excellent
146
Very good
49
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13
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Lisa E
Winston Salem, NC6 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Once in a lifetime experience. We booked with a tour company and I went with my three teens and six-year-old. We left from Lima, took a van half an hour, then took a rowboat out to a bigger yacht. The yacht was broken and had to be fixed. This put us back a while. Then it was about 1.5 hours to the island. The boat ride was beautiful and relaxing. Swimming with the sea lions was both smelly and amazing. We brought nose plugs but didn’t use them. Everyone spent the entire 20 minutes splashing near the sea lions. So fun. And then 1.5 hours back over rough seas.
Written December 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edwin william w
Belgium, WI3 contributions
Oct 2022
A very good experience, it was fantastic to be able to swim in the middle of the sea with the sea lions. The guide was super friendly, friendly, very attentive and very knowledgeable. Thanks to Peru Xperts for being part of our tourist experiences.
Written August 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rae M
Lima, Peru16 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
This is a fantastic half day trip to do from Lima - definitely worth it!
Our boat ride to the islands lasted approx 2.5hrs and cost s/120pp. We had great weather and a friendly guide who explained (in English) some of the history of the Islands, the prison and the guano mining of the past. The islands up close are quite beautiful to look at and there are plenty of birds, penguins and of course the sea lions. Swimming with them is an amazing experience! They are loud and curious and you really get up close to these beautiful animals. You will be surrounded by them - they might even give you a playful nudge! It truly is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed!
Recommendations - sunscreen is a must, wetsuit - it should be provided (it's freezing!) and a go-pro or waterproof camera would be fantastic!
After your boat trip go to the nearby area La Punta for a great ceviche lunch!
Our boat ride to the islands lasted approx 2.5hrs and cost s/120pp. We had great weather and a friendly guide who explained (in English) some of the history of the Islands, the prison and the guano mining of the past. The islands up close are quite beautiful to look at and there are plenty of birds, penguins and of course the sea lions. Swimming with them is an amazing experience! They are loud and curious and you really get up close to these beautiful animals. You will be surrounded by them - they might even give you a playful nudge! It truly is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed!
Recommendations - sunscreen is a must, wetsuit - it should be provided (it's freezing!) and a go-pro or waterproof camera would be fantastic!
After your boat trip go to the nearby area La Punta for a great ceviche lunch!
Written February 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaime_RC
16 contributions
Apr 2013
There is little I can add to other reviews. It is a great experience; you literally swim with sea lions in the wild.
I only have one piece if advice. Do not book this trip at the airport, you'll pay double (literally). There are many agencies that you can contact on the phone from your hotel or you can even get to the port (Callao) on your own and get a ticket right there, usually at a discount.
I only have one piece if advice. Do not book this trip at the airport, you'll pay double (literally). There are many agencies that you can contact on the phone from your hotel or you can even get to the port (Callao) on your own and get a ticket right there, usually at a discount.
Written April 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Panu
Provo, UT170 contributions
Nov 2018 • Family
We love animal encounters and I learned about swimming with sea lions as a fun day trip for us on our last day in Peru. The descriptions below are accurate; very rocky ride (2+ people started throwing up early in the trip on our boat) and the water is really cold. We had our 2 and 4-year olds with us. They didn't experience any sea sickness, and my wife and I took turns swimming so we could keep our eye on the kids.
One word of advice; a blog I'd read said to bring your own snorkel. We did, but it was a total waste. The water is so green and choppy that there was no visible under water. all the excitement is floating in the ocean, seeing how close you can get to a sea lion, and trying to get them to nibble on your toes!
I've heard the sea lion numbers reported anywhere from 3,000 to 8,000. The final count doesn't really matter - as you see in the photos they cover the whole island and lots are in the water at any given time.
One word of advice; a blog I'd read said to bring your own snorkel. We did, but it was a total waste. The water is so green and choppy that there was no visible under water. all the excitement is floating in the ocean, seeing how close you can get to a sea lion, and trying to get them to nibble on your toes!
I've heard the sea lion numbers reported anywhere from 3,000 to 8,000. The final count doesn't really matter - as you see in the photos they cover the whole island and lots are in the water at any given time.
Written November 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
_alex_trudgeonmaddix
Miami, FL30 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
I've never seen so many sea lions in their natural habitat, that was just an amazing experience. At was I first a little scared due to their teeth and the noise they made but when our guide told us that they are just curious and don't do anything if you don't attack them I was more relaxed. We were advised not to touch them just in case but as they were so curious they swam between my legs and my arms! It was really a unique day on which we saw many sea lions, birds, even some penguins and of course the Palomino islands which were larger than I imagined. Great option for a half-day activity in Lima, especially for December - March when temperatures are high. As I read positive reviews about exploor I also bought it with them and I don't have anything to complain about.
However, make sure you get the direction right when heading to Callao! Apparently this district is not that safe so I'd recommend taking an Uber for sure. In Peru Uber is relatively cheap in comparison to the States so no worries about the prices ;) Enjoy!
However, make sure you get the direction right when heading to Callao! Apparently this district is not that safe so I'd recommend taking an Uber for sure. In Peru Uber is relatively cheap in comparison to the States so no worries about the prices ;) Enjoy!
Written March 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
greenspratley
Surrey, Canada629 contributions
Jun 2016 • Friends
We booked this trip on line through a company called Trippers Peru. A car picked us up from our apartment and took us to the boat. The water was a little rough on the way out, but we saw lots of birds, people fishing and sea lions swimming near the various islands. Our guide provided us with lots of information about the area which was very interesting.When we arrived at the place where we were to jump into the water in wet suits, we saw the nearby island was covered in sea lions and they were all around us in the water. Our guide said there were 5 000 of them. Once we adjusted to the shock of the cold water, we floated on our back with our feet up. The sea lions were very curious and would come right up to us and tickle our feet with their whiskers. It was an incredible experience! We saw a lot of wonderful places during our three weeks in Peru, but this was one of the main highlights.
Written August 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malin P
Nyköping, Sweden2 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
We didn't believe you could swim with sea lions in Lima until we were told about it by a local by chance in a snack bar. We called up Eduardo from Mar Adentro Excursiones on Saturday night and managed to get a place on the Sunday morning tour. On the boat all the staff felt extremely knowledgeable about the islands, the species living upon them and spoke good English. We were given a thorough briefing before getting in the water with the sea lions and there appeared to be a good respectful attitude towards the wildlife.
There were sea lions everywhere!! They were so curious and swam right up to the boat and some swimmers even got their feet nibbled by the smaller sea lions. We paid 130 Soles for the 2.5 hour trip and can't recommend the tour and our tour operator enough. The experience was amazing!
There were sea lions everywhere!! They were so curious and swam right up to the boat and some swimmers even got their feet nibbled by the smaller sea lions. We paid 130 Soles for the 2.5 hour trip and can't recommend the tour and our tour operator enough. The experience was amazing!
Written September 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tasha R
Darwin, Australia27 contributions
You can catch either a speed boat to Palomino Island. This was the most amazing experience and I can't recommend it highly enough. There is a colony of 8000 sea lions (no sharks) and you can jump in the water and the come and play with you. I can't recommend this enough. The water is freezing but it's worth it. They do provide wetsuits if you desire and everyone has to wear a life jacket. There is a change room on the boat. There is no guarantee of a English speaking guide but it really doesn't make too much difference. Do a bit of research before u go if you like. Be sure to take sun protection (I got fried), a towel, a change of clothes and a couple of snacks. Our boat gave everyone sea sickness tablets before we left. This is a once in a lifetime experience and a MUST DO in Lima.
Written February 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nostoppin
Arlington, TX313 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
I saw lots of seals before in Alaska, Canada, New Zealand, but never had the opportunity to get this close to them. Once in a lifetime experience. They are huge, smelly, and intimidating, but don't let all that deter you. In their natural habitat they are gentle and curious.The boat trip is a pleasure by itself if the weather cooperates. The birds and the scenery along the boat ride make this half a day tour well worth the time and money you spend. Most tour operators will include in the price the transportation to the Callao port and back to your hotel. Go, have fun!
Written December 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Apparently locals say that the water is too cold for sharks, but Seal Island in South Africa which is notorius for great white sharks is a colder water temperature. Is this just an accident waiting to happen?
Written April 15, 2023
Boa tarde! gostaria de saber valores, se compra antecipadamente ou pode deixar p comprar la e se recomenda a agencia.
Written December 29, 2019
Eu comprei pela internet no dia anterior ao passeio. A agencia é organizada. Você terá que pagar na hora, antes do barco sair uma taxa de “preservação ambiental”. Não lembro os valores mas nada muito caro.
Written December 30, 2019
Boa tarde! gostaria de saber valores, se compra antecipadamente ou pode deixar p comprar la e se recomenda a agencia.
Written December 29, 2019
Hi there!
Wondering what tour operators people used?
Thank you!
Written August 16, 2018
Olá, tudo bem? Você lembra qual foi o valor do passeio por pessoa? Obrigada!
Written January 4, 2018
Camila, infelizmente não lembro o valor. Sei que foi inferior a 40 dólares por pessoa e sei que ficava mais em conta, fazendo como fizemos, ou seja, pegando um uber/táxi para o Cais e de lá acertando o valor, que é tabelado entre os vendedores.
Written January 4, 2018
Hello, I would like to visit the Palomino Islands the day after my arrival in Lima (arrival planned at 22h).
That's why I would have to book now on internet.
Which site / guide do you advise you to book? Also, is there a hotel (parternaire?) that you could advise me?
Thank you in advance ! :)
--------
Bonjour, j'aimerais visiter les iles Palomino le lendemain de mon arrivée à Lima (arrivée prévue à 22h).
C'est pourquoi il faudrait donc que je réserve dès maintenant via internet.
Par quel site/quel guide opérateur me conseillez vous de passer pour réserver ? De plus, il y a t-il un hotel (parternaire ?) que vous pourriez me conseiller ?
Merci d'avance !
Written June 26, 2017
Hello the reservation you can make them through the website of the agency lima vision is a recommendable agency and with respect to the hotel the most recommendable that makes the reservation by means of a web page where you will get discounts
I hope I have helped
regards
Moises gallegos
Written June 27, 2017
alguma agencia de turismo sai de lima para fazer esse passeio?
Written May 7, 2017
Sim, a Ecocruceros. Em Miraflores você consegue comprar o passeio.
Written May 8, 2017
Hello!
How much time should be dedicated to this trip?
How much did it cost for the trip (travel from lima + swimming?) I saw a person stating it was 100 peruvian sols? (wow that's cheap)
Written April 25, 2017
Yeah cheapest tours around 35 USD. They pick you up from the harbour, 2 hours boat journey (they offer you some free pills against sea sickness) and when you arrive the island they stop. You may or may not (it's up to you) pick up one of the diving suits and go near to the sealions with one of the ship staff (or local guide you may call). Including the stop this trip is about 4 hours.
Written April 25, 2017
Hmm, wondering if we could do this off our cruise ship in Callao, the day we disembark. The problem would be our luggage, not sure if that would work, maybe the ship would keep it. Anybody done this?
Written August 6, 2016
We did it from our cruise ship but we got in a day early (medical issue with one of passengers) so we didn't have luggage issue. I don't think the ship will hold luggage and there is no way to get back to ship once you leave - it is deep inside the port and gate is high security.
There are also no facilities in Callao to hold luggage that I saw. When you get off bus which takes you to gate, it is a mob scene with 100's of "taxi" drivers wanting your business. Callao is also a pretty rough city.
We went with another couple and the driver we picked was great but we were very worried about the safety of getting to where the tour boat leaves from.
I think your best option is to leave luggage at hotel if you're staying overnight or at airport if your flying out later that evening. Note: Airport and hotels are about 30-60 minutes from Callao.
Have a nice trip.
Written August 7, 2016
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