El Venado - Lima & Palomino Islands

Justin’s Caves is a cracker of a dive, especially if you’re into exploring nooks and crannies. We love how the huge granite boulders stack up, creating a maze of swim-throughs, some tight enough to make you feel like a kid again. Dropping down, you’ll find yourself in a world of kelp, its golden fronds swaying with the surge, and the light filtering through makes for some amazing photography. Keep an eye out for the resident seals zipping past, their playful curiosity often leading to close encounters. Our favourite part has to be the surprising bursts of colour – vivid sea fans clinging to the rock walls, and starfish dotted across the sandy patches. You're never quite sure what’s around the next bend, whether it’s a school of shimmering fusiliers or a grumpy-looking reef fish tucked into a crevice. This site is fantastic for divers who appreciate interesting topography and don’t mind a bit of a current. Visibility can be a bit of a lottery, but even on an average day, the sheer structure of the place makes it a standout.

Location
Lima & Palomino Islands, Peru, South America
Coordinates
-12.489300, -76.798700
Type
cave

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 Venado

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 Venado

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 Punta Venado?
At El Venado, divers can explore a wall starting from 8 meters. The site offers a maximum depth of 19 meters, allowing for exploration of both rocky and sandy bottoms. This depth range is suitable for a variety of recreational diving experiences.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at Punta Venado?
El Venado is known for its abundant marine life. Divers can expect to see a variety of species, with the most outstanding encounters being moray eels, often hidden within the rocky formations, and various starfish. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Punta Venado for recreational divers?
Diving at El Venado is considered to be of intermediate difficulty for recreational divers. This rating is suitable for divers with some experience, given the maximum depth of 19 meters and the diverse bottom topography. Divers should be comfortable with wall diving and navigating varied underwater environments.
What is the best time of year to dive at Punta Venado?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive specifically at El Venado is not available in the current data. However, you can often find general seasonal recommendations for diving in Peru by checking our When to Dive section. Always consult local dive operators for the most current conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Punta Venado?
Specific scuba diving certifications required for El Venado are not explicitly stated in the provided data. However, as it is an intermediate-difficulty site with a maximum depth of 19 meters, a PADI Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is generally recommended. Always confirm with local dive centers in Peru for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Punta Venado?
At El Venado, divers can expect an average visibility of 6 meters. Information regarding typical current conditions for this specific site is not provided in the available data. It's always advisable to check with local dive operators for real-time conditions before your dive.