Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions in Lima, Peru
Lima, Peru

Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions

Outty Ranking 53 4.1 · 10 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $80
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Outty Ranking

53/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.1/5

Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions worth booking?

Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions is a 4-hour experience in Lima, Peru, from $80 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
53 / 100
Rating
4.1/5 (10)
Duration
4 hours
From
$80 per person

Are you a nature lover? Embark on an exciting journey through the waters of the South Pacific and explore the rich marine life of the Callao Islands. Enjoy the unique opportunity to swim among the playful sea lions in their natural habitat, an unforgettable experience you can't miss!

What you get

    About this experience

    Are you a nature lover? Embark on an exciting journey through the waters of the South Pacific and explore the rich marine life of the Callao Islands. Enjoy the unique opportunity to swim among the playful sea lions in their natural habitat, an unforgettable experience you can't miss!

    What's included

    Included

    • Conservation and wharf use fees (Entrance fees)
    • Accompanying person during the swim among sea lions.
    • Life jacket.
    • English and Spanish speaking guide.
    • Speed boat ride through the islands of Callao

    Not included

    • Extra expenses
    • Bathing suit.
    • Towel.
    • Water protector for cell phones.

    What you'll see and do

    1. Callao

      At 10:00 a.m. we will meet at Calle La Mar to board our speed boat and embark on a tour of the islands of Callao. During the trip, we will explore the South Pacific, admiring rock formations and observing fishing activities. We will visit El Camotal, an island submerged by an earthquake, whose remains can be seen at low tide. We will approach San Lorenzo, the “mysterious island”, famous for its naval base, cemeteries of Chilean soldiers and more than 20 pre-Inca archaeological sites. From the boat, we will also see El Fronton Island, known for the ruins of its prison, which housed Shining Path prisoners in the 1980s. We will continue to the Cavinzas Islands, home to an important colony of Humboldt penguins, and skirt the Palomino Islands, where we will observe its ecosystem of guano birds and more than 8,000 sea lions. Those who wish can swim among these animals. The tour will conclude at 1:00 p.m. at the meeting point in Callao.

      240 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Callao

      Service is subject to variation without prior notice, due to weather conditions (rains, floods, floods, etc.), strikes and/or demonstrations and any other event that does not allow the normal development of the itinerary. Any cancellation of the service for the reasons indicated above, does not apply refund. The itinerary may vary at the discretion of the operator, always to ensure the safety of the traveler and the best development of the service in its entirety. If you do not attend the day of the service, it is considered as "Done" without any claim, postponement or refund.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Lima

    Boarding at the military pier in Plaza Grau, Callao. 10:30 am. (schedule may vary according to the weather, coordinate with your agent.)

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Boarding at the military pier in Plaza Grau, Callao. 10:30 am. (schedule may vary according to the weather, coordinate with your agent.)

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 20 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Machupicchu Holiday

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions in Lima, photo 2Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions in Lima, photo 3Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions in Lima, photo 4Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions in Lima, photo 5Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions in Lima, photo 6Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions in Lima, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    10 verified traveler reviews for Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    7
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    juliaoM6588VN · June 2026

    Really good experience

    It was a great journey. The guide is really helpful and explains many interesting facts during the trip. The sea lions are amazing and they offer all you need to have a good experience without additional charges. 100% recommend

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for recommending us! We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour, our guide’s company, and the experience with the sea lions. We strive to provide a comprehensive and memorable service, so your words motivate us to keep giving our best. We hope to see you again very soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    nanetter2016 · June 2026

    Nice ride unless you are prone to motion illness

    We were told to be there by 10 as we were to leave by 10:30 but the big party of 20 were late and did not join us until after 11 so we got a late start. The tinder brought us to the dive boat. There were only 14 seats in the cabin and viewing loft so most of the group lay on the bow cushions. I stayed on board while the swimmers did their thing but when they all came back on board it got crowded in the small seating area. I wish we had less people. It was a nice cruise but the boat felt crowded. A few of the big party were afflicted with sea sickness. Luckily, not me. It was hard to watch.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We appreciate your understanding regarding the departure time, and we're glad to hear that, despite that, you were able to enjoy the tour. We'll take your comments into account as we continue to improve, and we hope to see you again very soon.

    via Tripadvisor

    Michela_A · June 2026

    Skip This

    .It was a long trip for a brief stay, and I don't think it was worth it. Safety was a concern for me, and the boat ride was terrible due to large swells. Half of the passengers got seasick on the way back, so if you decide to take this excursion, be sure to take Dramamine and skip breakfast.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re sorry the tour didn’t meet your expectations. Sea conditions can vary, and at times the waves may cause some passengers to feel seasick, so we recommend taking the necessary precautions before the trip. We appreciate your feedback, as it helps us continue to improve and provide better information to our future travelers.

    via Viator

    296wiltonc · April 2026

    Thank you to our guide Gabriela for her kindness and excellent service.

    I had a wonderful experience on the tour to the Palomino Islands with my family. We really enjoyed spending this special time together, taking the boat ride and admiring the beautiful ocean views. Without a doubt, the best part of the experience was visiting the sea lions—seeing them so close was exciting and unforgettable. I would like to give special thanks to our guide Gabriela for her kindness, patience, and excellent attention throughout the entire tour. She was always very attentive and made us feel comfortable at all times, making the experience even more enjoyable. It was an amazing trip that I truly enjoyed with my family and will always remember with great happiness. Thank you so much, Gabriela, for making this tour such a special experience!

    Response from the operator: It truly means a lot to us to hear about your family experience. We are delighted that your visit to the Palomino Islands was filled with special moments, beautiful ocean views, and unforgettable encounters with the sea lions. Sharing this kind of adventure with loved ones always makes it even more meaningful.We sincerely thank you for highlighting Gabriela’s work. Her attentiveness, patience, and commitment to providing a comfortable experience are qualities we deeply value, and we are very pleased to know she contributed to making your tour so enjoyable. We appreciate your trust and kind recommendation. It will be a pleasure to welcome you and your family again for more memorable experiences in the future.

    via Tripadvisor

    yersonm632 · March 2026

    my guide Gabriela for making the tour so fun and memorable!

    Visiting the Islas Palomino was an incredible experience! Riding the boats and exploring the islands was so much fun, and swimming with the sea lions was absolutely unforgettable—they were playful, curious, and so amazing to see up close. The scenery around the islands was stunning, and every moment felt full of adventure and excitement. I want to give a big thank you to my guide Gabriela for her attention, kindness, and for making sure we had the best experience possible. I had such an amazing time with friends and would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a fun and memorable adventure!

    Response from the operator: What a pleasure to read about your adventure. We are truly delighted to know that your visit to the Palomino Islands was filled with excitement, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable moments—especially swimming alongside the sea lions. We sincerely appreciate your kind words about Gabriela. Her attentiveness, kindness, and dedication to ensuring a great experience are qualities we highly value, and we are very pleased to know she made your time even more enjoyable. Thank you for your trust and recommendation. We hope to welcome you and your friends again for more memorable adventures in the future.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Machupicchu Holiday, who run 30 experiences we rank across 7 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.9.

    See everything Machupicchu Holiday runs

    Why this scores 53

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)69
    Review evidence (18% weight)36
    Booking momentum (14% weight)29
    Value for money (12% weight)51
    Listing quality (10% weight)64
    Local standing (8% weight)21
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Lima.

    How much does Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions cost?

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    Prices start at $80 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Lima usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions take?

    +

    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Lima is not rushed.

    Is Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Lima, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions?

    +

    Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Lima can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Lima and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Lima within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Lima?

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    On Outty we rank every Lima experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Paracas & Huacachina Day Trip from Lima with Sunset Toast, Discover Lima: Love Park, Historic Center, and its Catacombs., Paracas & Huacachina Premium Experience from Lima. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Lima?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Lima?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions?

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    Included: Conservation and wharf use fees (Entrance fees); Accompanying person during the swim among sea lions; Life jacket; English and Spanish speaking guide; and Speed boat ride through the islands of Callao. Not included: Extra expenses; Bathing suit; Towel; and Water protector for cell phones. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions?

    +

    Boarding at the military pier in Plaza Grau, Callao. 10:30 am. (schedule may vary according to the weather, coordinate with your agent.) Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Palomino Islands Speedboat Tour and Swim with Sea Lions?

    +

    Across 10 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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