Palomino Islands - Lima & Palomino Islands

The Palomino Islands, just a quick boat ride from Lima, are less about pristine coral and more about pure, unadulterated fun. This is where you come to hang out with sea lions, and frankly, we love it. Diving here means finning through shallow, often cool water, around rocky outcrops where hundreds, sometimes thousands, of South American sea lions gather. They are curious, they are playful, and they will absolutely come right up to you, blowing bubbles and doing corkscrews. Our favourite moments are when a pup zips past, so close you can feel the displacement of the water, then stops to eye you before darting off again. The visibility isn't always fantastic – it can be a bit greenish, especially after a good swell – but it rarely matters when you’ve got a dozen whiskered faces checking you out. Depths are shallow, usually around 5-10 metres, making it perfect for beginners or anyone who just wants to enjoy the experience without worrying about complex dive plans. We’d suggest going in the morning; the water tends to be calmer and the sea lions are often at their most active. Just remember to give them space, even if they don't always return the favour.

Location
Lima & Palomino Islands, Peru, South America
Coordinates
-12.060000, -77.230000
Maximum Depth
3-15m
Difficulty
Beginner

Marine Protected Area: Ancón

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 Palomino Islands

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 Palomino Islands

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