El Dado - Lima & Palomino Islands

Jones Bay isn't about dramatic drop-offs or technicolour corals. It’s about getting to know the quieter side of the Hauraki Gulf, perfect for those days when the weather's a bit frisky or you just want an easy, unhurried dip. We love it as a place to really slow down and appreciate the small stuff. The maximum depth of 7 metres makes it incredibly accessible, and the sandy bottom is a treasure hunt for keen eyes. You’ll often spot stingrays gliding past, their shapes barely disturbing the sand, or eagle rays elegantly flapping their wings. Look for octopus tucked into crevices, their skin rippling with camouflage, and nudibranchs, tiny jewels against the rock. The reef structure itself provides a nice bit of shelter, and you’ll find schools of snapper and kingfish hanging around, especially if there's a gentle current. Visibility averages around 5 metres, which, for New Zealand, means you’re often seeing things pretty clearly – a comfortable, gentle blue rather than a murky green. It’s our pick for a relaxed afternoon dive, or for anyone building confidence in the water.

Location
Lima & Palomino Islands, Peru, South America
Coordinates
-12.473600, -76.803100
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 El Dado

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 El Dado

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 maximum depth for scuba diving at El Dado?
The maximum depth for scuba diving at El Dado is 22 meters. This site offers a unique underwater experience for divers.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the El Dado dive site?
Divers at El Dado can explore a diverse underwater landscape featuring both sandy and rocky bottoms, along with a rocky wall. You'll also encounter different types of algae on the bottom. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level for diving at El Dado, and what certifications are recommended?
Diving at El Dado is recommended only for advanced divers. This is due to the area where the sea hits directly, requiring a quick entry and descent from the boat. Therefore, an advanced certification is essential for this site.
What are the typical current conditions at the El Dado dive site?
At the El Dado dive site, divers can expect direct sea exposure, indicating potentially strong currents or surge. This necessitates a quick entry and descent from the boat to manage the conditions effectively.
What diving certifications are required to dive at El Dado?
To dive at El Dado, an advanced diving certification is required. This site is specifically designated for advanced divers due to its challenging conditions, including the need for quick entry and descent.
When is the best time of year to dive El Dado, particularly for spotting nudibranchs?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive El Dado, nor does it mention specific seasons for spotting nudibranchs. For general information on dive seasons, you can visit our When to Dive page.