Palomino Islands vs. La Punta: Choosing Your Water Adventure
When travelers ask us about water activities near Lima, two options always come up: the famous Palomino Islands and our beloved La Punta. Both offer incredible experiences, but they're very different vibes.
So which one is right for you? Let's break it down.
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The Tale of Two Experiences
Palomino Islands: The Wild Adventure
The Palomino Islands are a group of rocky islands about an hour's boat ride from Callao. They're famous for one thing: swimming with wild sea lions.
La Punta: The Boutique Experience
La Punta is a charming peninsula in Callao Bay, offering calm waters perfect for paddle boarding, kayaking, and relaxed boat tours. It's about peaceful exploration rather than adrenaline.
Both are fantastic. But they serve different travelers.
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Palomino Islands: What to Expect
The Journey
- •Duration: Full day (5-6 hours total)
- •Boat ride: 1-1.5 hours each way on open ocean
- •Waters: Can be rough, especially during swell season
The Main Attraction
The sea lions! Hundreds of them live on the islands. The highlight is jumping into the cold Pacific water and having these curious creatures swim right up to you.
It's truly unforgettable.The Reality Check
However, there are some things to consider:
⚠️ The water is cold — We're talking 15-18°C (59-64°F). Wetsuits are provided, but you'll feel it.
⚠️ It can be rough — The open ocean crossing isn't for those prone to seasickness.
⚠️ It's crowded — Palomino is popular. Expect multiple boats and lots of other tourists.
⚠️ It's quick — You typically only spend 20-30 minutes in the water with the sea lions.
⚠️ Weather dependent — Rough seas can cancel trips, especially in winter.
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La Punta: What to Expect
The Journey
- •Duration: Flexible (1.5 hours to full day)
- •Transfer: 30-40 minutes from Miraflores
- •Waters: Calm bay, protected from ocean swells
The Main Attractions
- •Paddle boarding on glass-calm waters
- •Kayaking past the naval fleet
- •Boat tours to see marine life
- •Historic exploration
- •Fresh ceviche after your adventure
The Reality Check
La Punta offers a different kind of magic:
✅ The water is calmer — Protected bay means gentler conditions
✅ It's more accessible — No experience needed; paddle sitting down if you prefer
✅ It's intimate — Smaller groups, personalized experience
✅ It's flexible — More time on the water, less time traveling
✅ It includes culture — Historic streets, great food, local atmosphere
✅ It's family-friendly — Safe for kids and beginners
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Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Palomino Islands | La Punta |
|--------|------------------|----------|
| Best for | Thrill seekers, bucket-listers | Relaxation seekers, families |
| Experience level | Moderate swimming required | All levels welcome |
| Duration | Full day commitment | Flexible (1.5 hours+) |
| Physical demands | Higher (cold water, swimming) | Lower (calm, controlled) |
| Crowds | Large groups, multiple boats | Small, intimate groups |
| Water temperature | Cold (15-18°C) | Milder in bay |
| Sea conditions | Can be rough | Protected, calm |
| Interaction | Wildlife (sea lions) | Naval fleet, history, birds |
| After activities | Head back to Lima | Explore La Punta, eat ceviche |
| Price range | $$$$ | $$ - $$$ |
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Who Should Choose Palomino Islands?
Palomino is perfect if you:- •Have "swim with sea lions" on your bucket list
- •Are a confident swimmer
- •Don't get seasick easily
- •Have a full day available
- •Want a high-adrenaline experience
- •Are okay with cold water
- •Have young children
- •Get motion sick
- •Prefer calmer, controlled environments
- •Have limited time
- •Want to combine water activities with cultural exploration
Who Should Choose La Punta?
La Punta is perfect if you:- •Want a relaxed, peaceful water experience
- •Are traveling with family (including kids)
- •Are new to water sports
- •Have limited time (even a half-day works)
- •Want to combine activity with cultural exploration
- •Prefer smaller groups and personalized attention
- •Want the flexibility to paddle standing OR sitting
- •Specifically want to swim with sea lions
- •Crave high-adventure experiences
- •Are an experienced water sports enthusiast looking for a challenge
The Best of Both Worlds?
Here's a secret: you can do both.
Many travelers do Palomino one day and La Punta another. The experiences complement each other perfectly:
Day 1 — Palomino: The wild adventure, swimming with sea lions Day 2 — La Punta: The peaceful recovery, paddle boarding and cevicheAfter the intensity of Palomino, La Punta feels like a spa day on the water.
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Why We Love La Punta
We're biased, obviously. But here's why we built Glide around La Punta specifically:
1. Accessibility
Everyone can enjoy it. Grandmother to grandchild, first-timer to expert. You can paddle sitting down, standing up, or even lie down and float. It's your choice.
2. The Complete Experience
La Punta isn't just about water — it's about the historic streets, the fresh ceviche, the local atmosphere. It's a full cultural immersion, not just a boat trip.
3. The Calm
There's something profoundly peaceful about gliding on calm water. No fighting waves, no cold shock, no rushing. Just you, your paddle, and the bay.
4. Flexibility
Have 2 hours before your flight? Perfect for a quick paddle. Have a full day? Explore, eat, rest, then sunset paddle. La Punta adapts to your schedule.
5. Safety
The protected bay, calm conditions, and professional instruction make it ideal for families and beginners. We've taught kids as young as 5 and adults who'd never been on the water.
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Our Recommendation
If you only have time for one:- •Choose Palomino if swimming with sea lions is a must-do dream
- •Choose La Punta if you want a relaxed, complete experience
Do it! Day 1 for adventure, Day 2 for recovery. You'll see two completely different sides of Callao's waters.
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Ready to Experience La Punta?
At Glide, we specialize in creating personalized water experiences in La Punta. Whether you want a sunrise solo paddle, a family afternoon adventure, or a romantic sunset session, we've got you covered.
Book your La Punta adventure and discover why we think the bay beats the islands for most travelers.---
Why choose? Do both. But start with the calm — you might never want to leave. 🌊🦭