Swimming with Sea Lions: Is Palomino Islands Worth It? (A Review)

So, swimming alongside playful sea lions in their natural habitat, well it’s a travel dream for many, maybe including you! The Palomino Islands, found just off the coast of Peru near Callao and maybe not all that far from Lima, is quite the hotspot to make this kind of dream come true. Yet, planning the experience can be, perhaps, a little bit tricky, and deciding if it’s honestly worth the time and money needs some thinking. That’s why I wanted to create quite a thorough review of my own swim with the sea lions, with all of my, perhaps sometimes too honest, opinions and advice for a great time.

Booking Your Sea Lion Swim: Tour Options

First off, pretty much every sea lion swimming adventure starts with a tour, okay? Now, there’s a pretty solid bunch of different companies that provide these trips from Callao, and their offers might, in some respects, look quite similar, it’s almost a case of ‘same same but different.’ Tours normally clock in at around four hours, or even a little bit longer, and generally include things such as: a boat ride out to the islands, a waterproof jacket and life vest, a briefing, the actual swim time, plus maybe some snacks and drinks on board. The cost, you see, typically swings anywhere from $50 to $80 USD for, like, the standard package.

When you’re looking through the tour companies, you might, for example, pay a bit of attention to the kind of boat they’re using, just a bit! Some tours, you see, run on big boats that fit, like, a large group, potentially making it quite crowded. other boats, by the way, are smaller speedboats – this, of course, means getting to the islands quicker, and it tends to make for a much more individual, closer experience. Also, just because, reading recent reviews and actually comparing what different tour operators offer? Absolutely key to landing a solid choice. By the way, I ended up choosing a smaller outfit with a really good reputation for animal respect, and the personal touch really, you see, made all the difference.

What to Expect on the Boat Trip

Okay, getting out to the Palomino Islands, you know, the boat trip itself, that’s already one of the highlights. As I was saying, Callao’s harbor kind of gives way to the Pacific Ocean, you often get these stunning views of the coastline and see some interesting birdlife flitting about overhead. Depending on what company you choose, they often give you the lowdown on the region’s history, and they share stuff on the marine ecosystem while you head on out. It’s pretty cool, honestly. So, keep your eyes wide open as you are sailing! On my trip, there were families of dolphins following the boat, jumping here and there in the wake. What a moment! That, right there, makes it unforgettable.

Then, a word to the seasickness prone – the Pacific can get a little choppy sometimes. That said, bring some motion sickness medicine to ensure a smooth experience, so to speak. Anyway, you also would like to know that the boat can sometimes take about thirty minutes, sometimes up to an hour, just to get to Palomino, and it really varies by conditions, I’d argue. As soon as you begin approaching the islands you soon hear the noisy barking of a very big colony of South American sea lions – and yes, the smell is quite intense as well!

The Thrill of Swimming with Sea Lions

As I was saying, reaching the sea lion colony is really just an unreal experience! I’d say! Like, the first thing that strikes you, clearly, is the sheer number of them! Honestly, hundreds and hundreds packing every single inch of rock, you see? These animals are actually pretty impressive up close – way bigger, basically, and louder than I’d pictured. Okay, now brace yourself: before you get into the water, the tour guides normally will give a speech about respecting the animals and what is appropriate and safe behavior. Very, very important to listen to that, and follow their instructions always.

Dipping into the ocean, well, it’s going to be cold! That’s for certain. That is why wetsuits are critical, okay? Then, the initial shock soon disappears with what happens next: soon after you enter the water, you find you have got some company! That’s right, sea lions! Honestly, these animals are naturally curious, usually playful, and before you know it they are swirling and swooping all around you, okay? Some of them are likely to come extremely close, like, within touching distance, okay? Just because, you might feel a little intimidated at first? This all tends to evaporate almost straight away, just giving way to excitement and awe.

Remember this bit; Do not reach out and attempt to stroke or grab the sea lions – pretty very important, this. Just let them actually come to you, that will allow for much more rewarding, natural interactions. Also, in the water, what is useful to know is that you have to just relax and keep calm: loud splashing or any kind of fast movement might frighten them, so you won’t have the interactions you’re hoping for. Very important.

Respecting Wildlife and Staying Safe

So, obviously the Palomino Islands tour companies should, ideally, put the animals’ wellbeing at the heart of what they do. This translates to, well, responsible practices, maintaining a safe distance, so the groups of visitors are not too big, plus strictly controlling any physical contact. Check beforehand that you are choosing an outfit that holds these same values really! As the traveler it becomes your job to do so.

Besides, safety really is also essential! Make sure you’re a confident swimmer before ever considering doing such a tour; whilst you keep a life jacket on all through the swim, honestly the open ocean, you see, isn’t where to discover if you are uncomfortable in the water. As I was saying, you need to listen to your tour guides and their safety briefings with your full and entire attention – these guys really are pros, they understand the sea, they also know the animals, they fully appreciate what’s safe conduct close to such an active marine environment.

Because, on another note, the islands are often in pretty exposed areas, getting quite a bit of direct sunlight. Just make sure you have plenty of high factor sun cream to avoid getting burned; very, very important; the sun reflects off the ocean. Because of that, apply more sunscreen than you believe you will need. Finally, bringing a waterproof camera would mean you capture your memories is pretty very key – or if you’re able, purchase a GoPro just before you travel. The shots you’re likely to get close to the sea lions could just be mind blowing!

Is Swimming with Sea Lions Worth The Trip?

In conclusion; absolutely, one hundred percent I’d recommend going for a swim with the sea lions! I would! You see! It stands out so strongly as just one of the very best experiences you could have when you visit Peru, and something you are bound never to ever forget, to tell the truth. I promise you.

As I was saying, of course, it really does demand a degree of planning. Pick the correct tour provider. Bear in mind what time of the year that you actually go. It’s also very useful if you prep yourself for conditions at sea. Okay? That being said? The unforgettable memories, the excitement swimming in close proximity to those playful, curious sea lions? Worth all the hard work!

For pretty much anybody considering something very unusual, wanting to interact with a few of earth’s amazing wildlife, I would definitely encourage you – make that jump; go get wet among the sea lions living around Palomino Island! It’s amazing, in all ways.

Key Takeaways

• Pick your tour carefully, paying more attention to group size and animal respect practices.
• Make certain that you have packed sun protection, motion sickness medicine, potentially waterproof cameras.
• Listen carefully to, fully respect all of the directions given by your guide – safety comes above anything.
• Allow the animals come to you, so you can experience more rewarding interactions.
• Relish that very wonderful, extremely wonderful, feeling that comes as soon as you encounter the playful sea lions so very close to you.

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