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)

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

Springer (Mugil cephalus) - Reef Fish
Cabinza Grunt (Isacia conceptionis) - Reef Fish
Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) - Reef Fish
Punctuated snake-eel (Ophichthus remiger) - Reef Fish
Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) - Whales & Dolphins
Jack Mackerel (Trachurus murphyi) - Reef Fish
Pompano (Trachinotus paitensis) - Reef Fish
Allison's Tuna (Thunnus albacares) - Reef Fish
Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) - Reef Fish
Mojarra (Eucinostomus currani) - Reef Fish
American Elephantfish (Callorhinchus callorynchus)
Jack (Selene peruviana) - Reef Fish
Savigny's Brittle Star (Ophiactis savignyi)
Common Snook (Centropomus undecimalis) - Reef Fish
Red Scorpionfish (Pontinus furcirhinus) - Reef Fish
Smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena) - Sharks & Rays
Finescale Triggerfish (Balistes polylepis) - Reef Fish
Short-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) - Whales & Dolphins
Scad (Trachurus picturatus) - Reef Fish
Californian Needlefish (Strongylura exilis) - Reef Fish

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