Lima’s sailing excursions pack a punch with three standout options. A yacht trip to the Palomino Islands lets you swim alongside playful sea lions in their natural habitat – it’s a real thrill and my personal favorite.
The full-day Paracas-Ica-Huacachina combo with Ballestas Islands yacht tour delivers the most bang for your buck, combining coastal adventures with desert exploration. For those short on time, the focused Palomino Islands tour with sea lion swimming hits the sweet spot.
I’m especially fond of these tours for their expert guides and well-maintained vessels. Plus, the wildlife encounters are consistently remarkable – you’re practically guaranteed to see sea lions, penguins, and various seabirds.
Check out our top sailing tours below, each tested and approved by our travel team.
Key Points
- Yacht tours from Callao Naval Center to the Palomino Islands, offering a chance to swim with sea lions and observe Humboldt penguins.
- Full-day excursions from Lima to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina, featuring a yacht trip to the Ballestas Islands and thrilling sand buggy rides.
- Palomino Islands yacht tour and swim, with a 45-minute bus ride from Lima, followed by a yacht ride to San Lorenzo Island.
- Tours rated highly, with 4.5-star ratings and strong recommendation rates, providing a quality sailing experience.
- Accessibility varies, with some tours not suitable for wheelchair users or young children, but generally suitable for most travelers.
Yacht Tour to Palomino Islands to Swim With Sea Lions
Embarking on a yacht tour to the Palomino Islands, travelers can look forward to a thrilling encounter with playful sea lions. Offered by Tours MyGLima, the 4.5-star rated tour has a 90% recommendation rate among previous participants. The tour departs from the Callao Naval Center, providing easy access for visitors.
During the tour, travelers will enjoy a 1-hour boat ride to the islands, followed by 30 minutes of swimming with the sea lions or observing them from the comfort of the small boat. The tour includes all fees and taxes, snacks, a bilingual guide, and complimentary photos and videos to capture the memorable experience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals. Infants must sit on laps, and the maximum group size is 25 travelers.
Individuals with specific medical conditions, such as back problems or heart issues, are advised to avoid the tour.
Read our full review: Yacht Tour to Palomino Islands to Swim With Sea Lions Review
Book now: Check availability
Full Day in Paracas, Ica and Huacachina With Yacht Tour
For those seeking a comprehensive day-long adventure from Lima, the “Full Day in Paracas, Ica and Huacachina with Yacht Tour” offers an exhilarating and diverse itinerary.
This tour, which has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews, takes travelers to the stunning coastal region of Paracas, the oasis town of Huacachina, and the vineyards of Ica.
The tour includes private transportation, a yacht excursion to the Ballestas Islands, and thrilling sand buggy rides.
Travelers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including sea lions, birds, and perhaps even the elusive Paracas Candelabra geoglyph.
The tour also includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring a full day of exploration and enjoyment.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers.
Infants and young children are welcome, with specific accommodations available.
Read our full review: Full Day in Paracas, Ica and Huacachina With Yacht Tour Review
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Palomino Islands Yacht Tour and Swim Alongside the Sea Lions
Those seeking a more intimate encounter with Peru’s marine life can consider the Palomino Islands Yacht Tour. Priced from £78.06 per person, this 5-hour excursion whisks guests away to the Palomino Islands, home to a thriving sea lion colony and diverse marine fauna.
After a 45-minute bus ride from Lima, the tour begins with a 45-minute yacht ride to San Lorenzo Island for a guided tour and photo opportunities. Guests can then swim alongside the friendly sea lions and observe Humboldt penguins and guano birds on the Palomino Islands.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, lifejackets, and a specialized guide. However, it’s not suitable for children under 3 or pregnant women. Travelers should bring a passport/ID, sun protection, and prepare for the Humboldt Current‘s chilly waters between 7-19°C.
While the sea lion odor may be initially uncomfortable, the unique opportunity to interact with these charismatic marine mammals makes this yacht tour a standout experience in Lima.
Read our full review: Palomino Islands Yacht Tour and Swim Alongside the Sea Lions Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Sailing in Lima offers a range of exciting experiences. Visitors can take a yacht tour to the Palomino Islands and swim with sea lions, or embark on a full-day excursion to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina that includes a yacht tour. Whether seeking a close encounter with wildlife or a diverse coastal adventure, Lima’s sailing experiences won’t disappoint.