Palomino Island Tour, San Lorenzo Islands Peru, Callao Port

PALOMINO ISLANDS TOUR DESCRIPTION:

It is one of the best tours you can take in Lima. We will pick you up at your house/hotel in the morning, and we will drive to port of Callao. We have new air-conditioned minivans, to ensure safe and comfort ride. We will proceed with the embarkation from Grau Square.

ITINERARY:

We initiate our tour in the bay of Callao, going out towards the zone of the Camotal. Camotal is the part of ancient port, destroyed in earthquake and tidal wave in 1746 (tsunami). During the low tide it is possible to observe a part of the sunken buildings. Then we will go around the island of San Lorenzo. San Lorenzo is the biggest island of the country, 8 km long and 2 km wide. It was incorporated into Callao territory by the president Andres Avelino Caceres in 1899. It was used as religious center in the pre-Hispanic period, in the times of colony it served as cemetery of sailors and pirates. The island was also investigated by English scientist Charles Darwin. In actuality the Island of San Lorenzo is turned into military zone. Fronton Island is known by the prison of the same name, where the remains still stay. After bordering Fronton Island, we will see Cavinzas Islands and arrive to Palomino Islands.

Cavinzas Island is the last guano extraction point in the area, the remains of the infrastructure can still be observed. These islands out of Callao shore have a big diversity of marine life, with more than 60 species of migratory and endemic birds, some in big numbers and therefore easily to observe and others that require more attention to be located (pelicans, piqueros, guanay, chuitas, gulls of diverse varieties).
They are also inhabited by the Humboldt Penguin, which can be seen occasionally.

Then we will visit Palomino Islands, where we will find colonies of sea lions, according to experts there are more than 5000 colonies. It is a natural habitat and perfect refuge for them. Sea lions are noble and friendly animals, they usually approache the ship, sometimes they surround it completely.
They are the largest member of the Otariidae (eared seal) family. Adult males weigh 300-500 kg, almost double than females, they live in small colonies (up to 15). Pups are born of black color, measure 60 cm and weigh 15 kg.
They can live up to 50 years, feed of fish and sea birds, eat between 15 and 25 kg of food per day. Orcas (killer whale) are their natural enemy. The man was hunting them to obtain their meat, oil and skin, taking them to the edge of extinction.

TOUR DURATION:

Our tour duration is 3 hours and 15 minutes (approximately), plus transfer from/to your hotel/apartment. We recommend to allow 6 hours with embarkation/disembarkation for this unforgettable adventure at peruvian sea.

OUR BOAT:

We have a 2 deck boat at our disposition for our marine adventure. It is a very safe catamaran with life vests, and all licences and safety equipment requiered by Callao Maritime and Port Authority. There is also an accident insurance.

TOUR DEPARTURE (Thursday through Sunday):

- 9:30 am
- 2:30 pm

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND:

- Tours leave as scheduled (exact time)
- It is necessary to be ready 30 minutes prior the embarkation
- Tour departure is subject to minimum occupancy
- We recommend a light jacket, hat and sun-glasses
- Drink bottled water only

PRICES (based on 4 persons occupancy):

- US $ 65
- MINIMUM OF 4 PEOPLE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TOUR

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

- Transfers from/to your hotel/apartment
- Tour as described
- Embarkation tax
- Guide
- Life vest
- Insurance