Cerro Partido - Lima & Palomino Islands

Gingers Backside, tucked into the north side of Ginger Island, is one of those spots we find ourselves returning to again and again for a chill second dive. The water here is usually flat and calm, making for a super relaxed entry and a nice, easy surface interval if you’re doing multiple dives. We love drifting along the reef, which starts shallow and slopes gently down to a sandy bottom at around 18 metres. It's a really healthy reef; the colours of the massive starlet corals catch the light in such a satisfying way. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff – we’ve had some fantastic encounters with Greenband Gobies tucked into the coral, and the Pearl Blennies are always a treat to watch bobbing in and out of their holes. Look into the sand patches, too; we’ve spotted Saddle Stargazers burying themselves, with just their eyes poking out. You might also spot larger reef sharks cruising the deeper edges, and turtles are often munching on seagrass in the shallows. It’s a site that really suits divers who enjoy taking their time, searching for macro life, and just soaking in the calm reef atmosphere.

Location
Lima & Palomino Islands, Peru, South America
Coordinates
-12.442600, -76.783900
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Sistema de Islas, Islotes y Puntas Guaneras

Best Time to Dive in Lima & Palomino Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Lima & Palomino Islands occur in January, averaging 22.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 22.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 22.5°C (air: 19.9°C)
  • February: 22.5°C (air: 20.7°C)
  • March: 22.5°C (air: 20.8°C)
  • April: 22.5°C (air: 19.6°C)
  • May: 22.5°C (air: 17.7°C)
  • June: 22.5°C (air: 16.8°C)
  • July: 22.5°C (air: 16.1°C)
  • August: 22.5°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • September: 22.5°C (air: 15.4°C)
  • October: 22.5°C (air: 15.6°C)
  • November: 22.5°C (air: 16.8°C)
  • December: 22.5°C (air: 18.0°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Lima & Palomino Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Cerro Partido

Marine Life in Lima & Palomino Islands

Home to 40 recorded species including 28 reef fish, 3 whales & dolphins, 3 other, 3 sharks & rays, 1 clams & mussels, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Cerro Partido

Based on average water temperature of 22.5°C.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 23°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Cerro Partido and what marine life can I expect to see there?
At Cerro Partido, the maximum diving depth is 16m, making it accessible for various dive plans. Divers can expect to encounter a great quantity of shoal, vibrant kelp forests, and different species of fish. You'll also find lots of morays and crabs among the diverse marine life in this area.
How difficult is diving at Cerro Partido, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Cerro Partido is considered ideal for any level of diving, making it suitable for beginner divers to explore. While it is classified with an intermediate difficulty, its accessible terrain and geography ensure a comfortable experience for all. This site offers a welcoming environment for divers of varying experience levels.
What are the best months or seasons to dive at Cerro Partido for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data for Cerro Partido does not specify the best months or seasons for optimal diving conditions or marine encounters. For general information on dive seasons in Peru, you might consult our When to Dive guide. We recommend checking local conditions closer to your planned travel dates for the most current information.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Cerro Partido?
The data provided for Cerro Partido does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required for this site. Given its suitability for "any level of diving" and a maximum depth of 16m, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for similar sites. However, it's always best to confirm with your local dive operator in Lima & Palomino Islands for their specific requirements.
What are the usual water conditions, such as currents and visibility, at the Cerro Partido dive site?
At Cerro Partido, the average visibility is 5m, which allows for good exploration of the reef and its inhabitants. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions at this dive site. Divers should always consult with their local dive center for real-time conditions before planning their dive.
Are there specific types of sharks or large pelagic animals commonly sighted when diving Cerro Partido?
The provided data for Cerro Partido highlights the presence of a great quantity of shoal, kelp forest, different species of fish, morays, and crabs. However, there is no specific mention of sharks or large pelagic animals being commonly sighted at this dive site. For more general information on marine life, you can explore our wildlife database.