1.- EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PALOMINO ISLAND
Palomino Island is a paradise for diverse natural species, this ecosystem was cataloged as a natural reserve protected by the state, recognized by the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (SERNANP). This group of islets are located 18 kilometers from the Port of Callao, there are mainly 2 that are the largest, the first popularly known as Palomino Island which serves as habitat for many of the main species of the group of Sea Lions Peru, the second is a island used by the Peruvian navy, named San Lorenzo.
Palomino Island is considered as the first natural tourist destination in Callao, due to the great variety of wildlife that you can find in addition to the peculiar harmony in which they are located, being most notorious the presence of countless species of birds and large groups of Sea Lions Peru. During the Palomino Island Peru Tour you can even enjoy an interactive experience where you can swim with them up close.
| “Explore the untamed, embrace the wild.” |
2.- WILDLIFE ON PALOMINO ISLAND
Thanks to several natural factors, Palomino Island is a very pleasant and comfortable ecosystem for many species, some of them unique and others with greater presence. Some of the main species that you will see are:
2.1.- Sea Lions: The Stars of the Show
They are the main attraction inside Palomino Island, the Sea Lions Peru, can be seen in large groups that the view is not enough to count them. This particular species likes cold water so during the morning it is very common to see them fishing and catching their food, while in the afternoon they take advantage of the sun’s rays to sleep comfortably. There is an area of Palomino Island called “The Cemetery” because it is where the older Sea Lions Peru stay to die, it is also a place of concentration of many scavenger birds waiting to feast on their meat.
Something unique about the Palomino Island Peru Tour is that during the tour you can take advantage of some free time to get off the yacht and swim with the Sea Lions Peru, they are friendly and always enjoy the visit of the travelers.
2.2.- Bird Species
During the Palomino Island Peru Tour you can also see a large number of birds that are attracted by the variety of marine life that is the main food for many, combined with the small presence of visitors make the Palomino Island a natural paradise. Mainly you can appreciate species such as gulls, guayas, tendrils, pelicans, vase and many other species. These birds were also highly valued in the past, called the era of guano, the waste of the birds were used as fertilizer for agricultural activities.
2.3.- Humboldt Penguins
Classified as a flightless bird, the Humboldt penguin is one of the most unusual guests for the location. This particular bird enjoys and inhabits the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean off the coasts of Peru and Chile. During the last record of this bird it was estimated that there are about 400 specimens of this peculiar bird.
3.- VISITING PALOMINO ISLAND
3.1- How to get to Palomino Island
In order to visit the Palomino Island it is first necessary to get to Callao, from Grau square you must walk to the seaport where you can board a marine transport, in this case when you choose the option of Palomino Island Peru Tour already includes the tour in a tourist yacht equipped with all the amenities you need to enjoy the adventure. You can also do it at the time of your preference, without following schedules as there are some boats in the port that offer this experience in private service.
3.2.- From Lima to Callao
Many of the tourist hotels are located mainly in the districts of Miraflores or San Isidro, even others in the historic center itself. In order to get to Callao it is necessary to take a transport that can be hired directly with your travel agency or you can do it with a cab through recommended applications such as Uber. The travel time can be up to 1 hour so you should anticipate the time to arrive without problems to the Grau square in Callao, from here begins the journey to the port.
3.3.- Best Time of Year to Visit
The best time of the year to enjoy a visit to Palomino Island is undoubtedly during the summer season (December to March), a time of the year when the sun and weather are more pleasant for sea related experiences. During this time you can delight not only the weather, but also the tide is more comfortable with less swell. At other times of the year it is also possible to do it but there is a risk of fog.
4.- PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITORS
When choosing the Palomino Island Peru Tour you should be prepared for the experience, this includes that you should carry certain things in your luggage that will help you to enjoy the adventure to the maximum, what we recommend you to carry is:
- Water bottle: In order to promote environmental awareness it is recommended do not carry plastic bottles. It is preferable to bring a personal water bottle to carry your water ration that you will use during the trip.
- Snacks: During the tour you will be given sandwiches to alleviate hunger, however if you wish you can also bring cookies or light food (Box Lunch), of course you must carry the waste in your backpack.
- Swimwear: If your intention is to enjoy a moment with the Sea Lions Peru, then you should bring appropriate clothing for this including of course a personal towel to wash yourself. Inside the yacht there are showers that you can use after the experience.
- Protection: With the permanent presence of the sun it is best to be prepared for this by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
- Appropriate clothing: Light clothing is ideal, although there are times when the wind may increase, so bring a windbreaker to keep you warm.
It is normal that during the Palomino Island Peru Tour, some participants feel discomfort of seasickness. This is due to the tide that frequently moves the yacht, to avoid this discomfort it is recommended that you do not eat much breakfast before starting the experience, in addition to always stay hydrated. There are also options of pills that prevent seasickness, however these are the responsibility of each traveler and can be found in any pharmacy.
5.- AREAS PROTECTED BY THE PERUVIAN STATE
“Palomino Island is part of the protected area that belongs to the National Reserve System of Islands, Islets and Guano Points (RNSIIPG), which, from Piura to Moquegua, is home to 22 islands and 11 guano points along the Peruvian coast.”.
6.- NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Although Palomino Island is the main focus of attention, it is not the only one. There are also other islands that are nearby, some of these are:
6.1.- Camotal Island
It is a small islet that was once used for the production of sweet potato, that is why it has this name. According to the stories, about 10 thousand people worked here until the year 1746, because of a tsunami it sank causing the death of almost 80% of these people. Currently it is only possible to see this island during low tide (summer) and the rest of the year it submerges again, due to this phenomenon it is also known as the “Peruvian Atlantis”.
6.2.- San Lorenzo Island
This is the largest island of the Peruvian coast, it contains about 1648 hectares. Historically it was used as a cemetery even before the culture and over the years it was also used by pirates and corsairs who tried to assault the city of Lima and used it as a hideout. Currently it is known as the island that belongs to the Peruvian Navy.
6.3.- El Fronton Island
This island is well known for housing a prison with the same name where very dangerous criminals of the country who belonged to terrorist movements were incarcerated. In 1986 a riot occurred which caused a disaster with the death of many people including police and inmates, this fact is still under investigation to this day and the island is abandoned.
6.4.- Cavinza Island
They are a small group of islands that have also been recognized as a protected area due to the wildlife that inhabits it. Here you can also see several species of birds such as guaya, Peruvian boodby, pelican and others, but of all of them stands out the Humboldt penguin. As it happens in Palomino Island, yachts arrive here to appreciate the marine animal life.
Visiting Palomino Island is among the best things to do during your 2024 trip, Auri Peru organizes these visits in a personalized way to make the trip memorable, contact our experience designers to organize a new adventure.
“If something good happens to you, travel to celebrate. If something bad happens to you, travel to forget. If nothing happens to you, travel to make something happen.”
