Plongée à Islas Palomino — Peru

The Palomino Islands off Lima's port of Callao host a colony of 8,000 South American sea lions that are surprisingly playful with snorkellers and divers. The cold Humboldt Current means poor visibility but rich nutrients that support the colony. A unique wildlife encounter just 45 minutes from downtown Lima.

Score
52.6
Visibilité
5–12m
Température
14–22°C
Meilleurs mois
December, January, February
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World Class
Intermediate
Islas Palomino
PeruSouth America
52.6

SCORE

-12.0500°N

-77.2300°E

The Palomino Islands off Lima's port of Callao host a colony of 8,000 South American sea lions that are surprisingly playful with snorkellers and divers. The cold Humboldt Current means poor visibility but rich nutrients that support the colony. A unique wildlife encounter just 45 minutes from downtown Lima.

Swimming with Sea Lions off Lima

Visibility5–12 m
Temperature14–22°C
Max Depth18 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$90
Best MonthsDecember, January, February, March
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML55.0CH15.0VIS35.0SV32.0TMP42.0DA38.0OP62.0TS82.0GT85.0VAL72.0CRD55.0SP58.0

Marine Life

55.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
42
Megafauna Encounters
82
Reef Fish Abundance
35
Macro Life
38
Endemic Species
52
Marine Life Diversity
55.0
Coral & Reef Health
15.0
Visibility & Conditions
35.0
Dive Site Variety
32.0
Water Temperature
42.0
Depth & Access
38.0
Operator Quality
62.0
Topside Experience
82.0
Getting There
85.0
Value & Cost
72.0
Crowding
55.0
Social Proof
58.0

Dive Types

reefwildlife encounter

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

Lima gastronomy tourMiraflores cliff walkMuseo LarcoHuaca Pucllana ruins

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Museo Larco
  • Historic Centre of Lima (UNESCO)

Non-Diver Score

8/10

Excellent for non-divers — they'll love it here.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifevibrant

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber15 km — Hospital Naval, Callao
Nearest Hospital10 km

Chamber at Naval Hospital in Callao; close to Lima medical infrastructure

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Peru Divers

PADI

4.5
180 reviews

Aqua Sport Diving

SSI

4.3
120 reviews