In summer, the Palomino Islands become the first nature tourist destination that is located near Lima and there are thousands of people who yearn to travel and discover this protected natural area that is home to the largest colony of sea lions.
Located just 30 minutes from Lima, the Palomino Islands Peru attract all the attention of travelers who arrive in the constitutional province of Callao to see one of the largest colonies of funny sea lions in Peru and a great variety of guano birds in the Islands. Cavinzas and the Palomino Islets.
This magical and beautiful place is ideal to visit in the current summer season. The protected area is part of the National Reserve System of Islands, Islets and Guaneras Points (RNSIIPG) that from Piura to Moquegua houses 22 islands and 11 guano points along the Peruvian coast.
Location
The Palomino islands are located 18 kilometers from the port of Callao (district of La Punta).
What are the Palomino Islands?
The National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp) by the State explained that the islands are made up of small islets that are located 6 miles from the port of Callao and west of San Lorenzo Island.
The place is considered the first natural tourist destination in Callao, this protected natural area has a great sensitivity and harmony that is manifested through a varied wildlife, the most representative being the sea lion that offers its visitors one of the most wonderful shows off the coast of our capital and whose visit allows you to break with the daily routine.
How to get to the Palomino Islands?
The starting point is Plaza Grau, where you can arrive by public transport or taxi from the Center of Lima (approximately 1 hour trip).
At the Plaza Grau dock there are boats that offer tours to the Palomino Islands. The trip in this boat is 1 hour and 30 minutes. The return trip follows the same route as the outbound trip.
Animals on the Palomino Islands
The Palomino Islands, located off the coast of Lima, are amazing not only for their rocky shapes and ocean views, but also for the special animals that live there. This small natural paradise is a real safe place for wildlife in the Peruvian Pacific.
Humboldt Penguins
Even though there are not as many as other animals, Humboldt penguins are cute sea animals that can be seen on the Palomino Islands. This type of penguin, which lives in the cold waters of the Humboldt current, is listed as vulnerable because they are losing their homes and being caught too much by fishing. So, seeing them in their natural place is a special thing to appreciate even more.
Their black and white feathers, their medium size, and their clumsy walk on the rocks make them seem lovable. You can often see them resting in the sun or going in and out of the sea with surprising quickness. They are great swimmers and use their wings like flippers to move fast underwater to find small fish, which is their main food.
The best time to see them is usually early in the morning or when the sun goes down, when there is more activity in their groups. Their presence also shows that the area is healthy, because they need specific conditions to live well.
Underwater Life
The waters around the Palomino Islands are cold, full of oxygen and nutrients thanks to the Humboldt current. This helps a lot of different sea creatures to live there, which you might not always see but is a very important ecosystem.
Under the water, you can find groups of fish like anchovies, silversides, and mackerel, which are the base of the sea food chain. There are also mollusks, crustaceans, starfish, sea urchins, and soft corals that cover the rocky bottom, creating a colorful and lively scene.
During the boat ride to the islands, it is not unusual to see common and dusky dolphins, which often come playfully close to the boats, jumping over the waves. For those who go diving or snorkeling in allowed areas, the underwater show is even more amazing, with the chance to see this whole ecosystem in action.
Sea Wolves
Once in the Palomino Islands, it is possible to appreciate the great attraction of the place: the hundreds of sea lions. In total there are more than eight thousand, which usually fish in the morning and use the afternoon to sleep.
Sea lions like the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean. There is an area of the island known as 'The Cemetery' because there old or injured wolves are left to die. At the top fly the vultures, carrion birds that feed in this place.
At the end of the visit, those who so wish will be able to swim with the sea lions. For this adventure it is necessary to know how to swim and have a special suit to better withstand the cold waters of Callao. The tours include everything you need to do it safely. The time in the water is approximately 20 minutes.
The birds of the Palomino Islands
The Palomino Islands are inhabited by different species of birds attracted by the fish and the little presence of man. The seagulls, the guanays, the tendrils, the pelicans, the elegant tern as well as the Peruvian boobies stand out.
At the end of the 19th century, the proliferation of guano produced by the birds of the islands originated an economic boom called 'The era of guano'. This product was used as a fertilizer in agriculture until the fall in prices and the mismanagement of the Peruvian State caused the decline of the business.
Of all the birds of the Palomino Islands, the one that stands out the most is the Humboldt penguin. This flightless bird inhabits the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean off Peru and Chile (the Humboldt Current). It is estimated that there are about 400 Humboldt penguins on these islands.
What activities can I do on the Palomino Islands?
1. Swim with sea lions
The Palomino Islands are home to an amazing group of sea lions that have gotten used to people being there. One of the most exciting things you can do here is swim near them in their natural home. With supervision and the right gear, you can go into their waters and share an unforgettable moment while you watch them play, talk to each other, or just rest on the rocks.
2. Seeing sea animals and birds
One of the main things that makes this place attractive is being able to see the many wild animals up close. From the allowed boats, visitors can get near the groups of sea lions and watch how they act without bothering them. Also, these islands are an important safe place for sea birds, so seeing kinds like seagulls, boobies, Inca terns, and pelicans is a fascinating activity for people who love nature.
3. Water sports
The waters around the islands are perfect for activities like snorkeling and diving. These sports let you explore the underwater ecosystems up close, see colorful fish, soft corals, and other sea creatures in a clean and natural place. It's a great chance for those looking for a deeper connection with the ocean.
4. The Boat Trip
The trip by boat (or yacht) offers the immense marine landscape gradually moving away from the port of Callao. During the 18 kilometers that the journey lasts, a series of islands and islets can be seen, of which the following stand out: Camotal (also called the Peruvian Atlantis), San Lorenzo Island (which functioned as a military fort), El Frontón Island ( which served as a prison) and the Cabinzas Islands (where you can see the beautiful Humboldt penguins).
The boat trip can cause dizziness to visitors not used to the zigzag of the sea. It is recommended not to travel after having breakfast or lunch. This can cause vomiting and headaches.
Tour to the Palomino Islands
This exciting tour to Lima’s nearby islands starts at the Dársena Dock (Plaza Grau) or the Marina Club Dock, where you board a boat and begin a relaxing trip across the Pacific Ocean. During the first part of the route, you'll pass by Chucuito, La Punta, El Camotal, San Lorenzo Island and El Frontón, each with its own unique history and views of the coast.
The tour continues to the Cavinzas Islands, known for their rich marine life. Here, you’ll spot Humboldt penguins and various guano birds, such as boobies and guanay, in their natural habitat.
Next, the boat reaches the Palomino Islands, where you can see a large colony of sea lions. In designated areas, and always keeping a safe distance (at least 30 meters from the islands), visitors can jump into the water and swim close to these playful animals — a favorite part of many day trips from Lima.
This experience, offered by some of the best Lima Peru tours, lasts between 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the type of boat and sea conditions. It's a great option for anyone looking to enjoy nature and explore a different side of Lima.
Take Into Account: The visit to the Cavinzas Islands and Palomino Islets takes place from 08:00 a.m. to 04:30 p.m. To enter the islands, it is necessary to hire the services of tour operators authorized by the Sernanp
Tickets
The cost of entering this protected natural area is 11 soles for adults and 5 soles for children under 16 years of age. The cost of the maritime transport service will depend on the type of boat: catamaran, slider or yacht that each tour operator provides.
Recommendations
The use of masks is mandatory, bring water, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, windbreaker. Respect the instructions of the guide and/or park ranger and the signs.
The use of a life jacket is mandatory, avoid making loud noises, avoid touching or feeding the sea lions. Do not throw waste into the sea and deposit it in suitable places once on land.
Other islands of Callao
In addition to the Palomino islands, during the trip you can see the following islands of Callao:
Isla El Camotal
Small islet that served as sweet potato cultivation land (hence its name). It is said that more than ten thousand people worked there until an earthquake in October 1746, and a subsequent tsunami, sank the islet. Approximately eight hundred people died from this tragedy. Today it can only be seen in summer (time of low tide). It is only 10 minutes from the port of Callao. It is also called 'Peruvian Atlantis'.
San Lorenzo Island
This island, the largest on the Peruvian coast, covers an area of 1,648 hectares. Since pre-Inca times it was used as a cemetery. The island was used throughout the history of Peru. There the pirates and corsairs who sought to assault Lima made their operations center. Also the Spanish who attacked the famous fortress of Real Felipe. In 1835 it was explored by Charles Darwin. In 1906 it was excavated by the archaeologist Max Uhle. It currently serves as a base for the Peruvian Navy.
Isla El Frontón
This small island is famous for housing the prison of the same name, where the most dangerous criminals in the country were imprisoned. In 1986 there was a riot organized by the prisoners of the Shining Path movement. The balance was the death of 118 inmates, many unofficially, which until today is the subject of investigation. Currently the island is abandoned.
Cavinza Island
This small group of islands and islets covers an area of 7.58 hectares. The important wildlife that inhabits there have made it a protected site by the Peruvian State. Bird species such as the guanay, the Peruvian booby, the pelican, the tendril, the red-legged cormorant, the vulture and, above all, the Humboldt penguin, stand out. Just like the Palomino Islands, boats with tourists arrive on its shores to enjoy its amazing marine animal life.
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