The Palomino Islands or also called Palominos Islets, are a group of small islands located on the coast of Callao. A large number of sea lions and sea birds live there, which has made it an ideal destination for diving.
The island was formerly used as a guano island, this activity ended due to the decrease in birds. This allowed the sea lions to take over the place, currently there are more than 5 thousand that can be found. In addition to this species, there are also birds, in smaller quantities, such as seagulls, pelicans, ducks, among others.
In summer, the Palomino Islands become the first nature tourist destination located near Lima and there are thousands of people who long to travel and get to know this protected natural area that is home to the largest colony of sea lions.
It is located 6 miles from the port of the Constitutional Province of Callao, belonging to the department of Lima.
It is a temperate climate, with a maximum and minimum annual temperature of 23°C and 17°C, respectively.
In recent years, tourism to the Palomino Islands has increased greatly, mainly due to the desire to appreciate the large number of sea lions that inhabit it. In the highest part of the island, there is an old lighthouse, which formerly served as a guide for ships that passed through the beaches and port of Callao. On the island it is also possible to see a water passage, called the Cathedral of the Palomino Islands.
As already mentioned, this place can be visited during any time of the year. The most exciting thing about this tour is being able to swim and in some cases dive, with the sea lions; To do this, you must use the necessary safety equipment, because as is known, the sea water of Callao has low temperatures.
Located just 30 minutes from Lima, the Palomino Islands attract all the attention of travelers who come to the constitutional province of Callao to see one of the largest colonies of sea lions in Peru and a great variety of guano birds on 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 Points Guaneras (RNSIIPG) which from Piura to Moquegua houses 22 islands and 11 guano points along the Peruvian coast.
The National Service of Protected Natural 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 towards the west of San Lorenzo Island.
The place is considered the first nature tourist destination in Callao, this protected natural area has great sensitivity and harmony that is manifested through a varied wildlife, the most representative of which is the sea lion that offers its visitors one of the most wonderful spectacles off the coast of our capital and whose visit allows you to break with the daily routine.
The tour begins at the Dársena Dock (Plaza Grau) or the Marina Club Dock where you board a boat and the adventure begins sailing through the sea. During the first hour you will visit the areas of Chucuito, La Punta, El Camotal, Isla San Lorenzo and El Frontón, until you reach the Cavinzas Islands where there is an important colony of Humboldt penguins and guano birds such as boobies and guanays.
Then the journey continues to the Palomino Islands where you can observe a large colony of sea lions and even enter the sea to see them up close in established spaces and respecting the minimum distances (30 meters with respect to the islands), and then begin the return to the starting point.
The total time of the tour is between 2 and a half to 4 hours (depending on the type of boat and route).
The visit to the Cavinzas islands and Palomino islets takes place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To enter the islands, it is necessary to hire the services of tour operators authorized by Sernanp.
The cost of entry to this protected natural area is 11 soles for adults and 5 soles for children under 16 years of age. The cost of the maritime transportation service will depend on the type of vessel: catamaran, slider or yacht provided by each tour operator.
The use of masks is mandatory, bring water, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a windbreaker. Respect the instructions of the guide and/or park ranger and the signage.
It is mandatory to wear a life jacket, avoid making loud noises, and avoid touching or feeding the sea lions. Do not throw waste into the sea and deposit it in appropriate places once on land.
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