Callao Islands & Swim with Sea Lions (Catamaran)
Swimming with wild sea lions aboard a catamaran, a half hour from the port of Callao.
- Duration: 3 - 4 hours (plus transfer from hotel)
- Format: shared, private
A boat trip from the port of Callao out into the bay, passing San Lorenzo Island and the small Cavinzas islets before reaching the Palomino Islands, a rocky outcrop that is home to a colony of nearly 8,000 wild sea lions. The catamaran cruises close to the cliffs, where sea lions blanket the rocks and dive in and out of the surf, and the boat's crew hands out wetsuits and life vests for a swim right in the colony's waters. From the water, sea lions circle curiously at close range while dozens of seabirds wheel overhead around the eroded rock arches and a lone lighthouse tower marking the outer islands. The return trip retraces the bay with views back toward the Callao skyline and San Lorenzo's long, barren silhouette. It is a half-day escape from the usual city circuit, equal parts wildlife encounter and boat ride along Lima's desert coastline.
Why we chose it
- A genuine wildlife encounter with thousands of wild sea lions, not a zoo or a sanctuary -- swimming happens in their own colony.
- The boat ride itself is scenic in its own right, passing San Lorenzo Island, the Cavinzas islets, and rock arches carved by the surf.
- A half-day trip that feels completely different from the museums and colonial streets of central Lima.
Highlights
- Swim with a colony of nearly 8,000 wild sea lions
- Passes San Lorenzo Island and Cavinzas islets
- Wetsuit and life vest provided
Ideal for
- nature and wildlife lovers
- a half-day away from the usual city circuit
Practical information
- Duration
- 3 - 4 hours on the water, plus transfer time from your hotel (the boat departs from the port of Callao)
- What to bring
- A swimsuit to wear under the provided wetsuit, a towel, sunscreen, and motion-sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness -- the open bay can have some swell
- Good to know
- Wetsuits are provided and the water is cold year-round (the Humboldt Current keeps it in the 60s F), so the wetsuit isn't optional comfort, it's necessary. The colony and boat traffic are busiest in the Peruvian summer (December-March); mornings tend to have calmer seas.
- Difficulty
- Easy -- no swimming skill is required, since the wetsuit provides buoyancy and life vests are also worn in the water. Comfort in open water and around animals swimming nearby is helpful.
- Accessibility
- Limited -- boarding the catamaran and later transferring to the water involves boat ladders and a moving deck, which isn't suitable for guests with limited mobility. Not wheelchair accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Is a wetsuit really provided, or do I need my own?
It's provided as part of the tour, along with a life vest -- you just need a swimsuit underneath.
Do I need to know how to swim to get in the water with the sea lions?
Not really -- the wetsuit adds buoyancy and you also wear a life vest, so confidence in the water matters more than swimming ability.
What's the water like -- is it cold?
Yes, noticeably cold year-round because of the Humboldt Current, which is exactly why the wetsuit is provided rather than optional.
Can I bring a camera or GoPro?
Yes -- bring a strap or floating mount if you plan to shoot while in the water, since sea lions often approach at close range.