Muelle Minka Mar - Lima & Palomino Islands
Pufana, tucked inside Rangiroa’s vast lagoon, is one of our go-to spots when we want to slow down and really look. It’s shallow, topping out around 15 metres, which makes it perfect for longer bottom times. We love the bright, white sand flats here, they reflect the sunlight beautifully, creating conditions that are absolute gold for photographers. There’s barely any current to contend with, so you can really settle in and watch the resident Blackstriped Cardinalfish schooling over the sand or try to spot a Camouflage Grouper blending in perfectly. We’ve seen plenty of reef sharks cruising through, even a few young Blackfins, and the macro life keeps us occupied for ages – look for Darkglove Hermit Crabs scuttling about. It's a prime spot for beginners getting comfortable with buoyancy, but frankly, we find ourselves returning just to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and incredible light. This is where you come to unwind and soak in the gentle rhythm of the lagoon, rather than chasing pelagics in the passes.
- Location
- Lima & Palomino Islands, Peru, South America
- Coordinates
- -12.471000, -76.790800
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
- AMORUSO SECONDO - 5m (wreck)
- Baja Huaman (reef)
- Baja Huaman
- Baja Loca (reef)
- Baja Loca
- Carbón (wall)
- Cerro Partido (reef)
- CHILE - 7m (wreck)
- CHIMBOTE (POSSIBLY) - 10m (wreck)
- DONA AMELIA - 15m (wreck)
- El Chuncho (reef)
- El Dado (reef)
- El Venado (cave)
- Gallinazo
- Grano de Oro (reef)
Nearest Dive Centres to Muelle Minka Mar
- Globotierra Azul
- KangaruPeru
- Lufes A Diver's
- Naylamp Diving - ["PADI"]
- Pacific Divers - ["PADI"]
- RESKIU S.A.C. - SSI
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 Muelle Minka Mar
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