Log This Dive

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.