Comments on: Islas Palomino: Boat trip in Callao

By: Flagrante Delicto

Flagrante Delicto — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 12:39:21 +0000

I am actually moving to LaPunta later this year as a yacht captain. Can’t wait to cruise the Peruvian coastline.

By: Miami by Martin

Miami by Martin — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:33:20 +0000

Just took this trip last week. Present price is S/. 105.00 (US$ 40) and worth every penny. The firm offering this is called Ecocruceros and you can buy the trip from hotels, Plaza Vea or at their booth in Plaza Grau. It may be a good idea to book in advance at 226-8530 or 242 6655 as the number of passengers is limited. If you have the courage, you can swim with the sea lions. Keep in mind that the water is really cold. Wet suits are provided. It’s very safe as the water is quite calm and the sea lions are merely curious, not beligerent. They seem to go out twice a day, but this may be subject to having enough participants to operate.

By: Janeth

Janeth — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 06:57:46 +0000

Hola, tuve la oportunidad de realizar la excursión hace un par de años y estoy de acuerdo en que el servicio que te brindan es muy bueno y seguro. Ojalá pueda repetir la experiencia muy pronto.

Gracias por los datos.

By: Stuart Starrs

Stuart Starrs — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:26:14 +0000

I’m glad the trip went well!

By: Anuja

Anuja — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:35:58 +0000

Hi,
I am just back from my trip and thanks to your information, i took a cab to Plaza Grau and got the tickets. For foreigners the ticket price is 30$ but it was every bit worth it. The guides were extremely hospitable and we had a great experience.

Thanks again.
Anuja

By: Stuart Starrs

Stuart Starrs — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:26:02 +0000

My understanding is that the airport does has a place to store bags, I´ve never seen it though.

The entrance to the airport is about the same distance away from old Callao as is central Lima. So you are looking at half as much time to get there as from Miraflores.

Would you want to take your stuff to the airport, leave it all there, then go to old Callao, do the trip, head back to the airport around 6ish, and wait until 9pm? I don´t know. Sounds possible.

By: Stuart Starrs

Stuart Starrs — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:14:32 +0000

Almost.

From Avenida Pardo where Saga Falabella is located (now that buses are not going to be allowed to stop on Larco) take the “S” to Plaza San Miguel, a huge shopping area. Very easy reference point to ask to be taken to and to notice because you will see lots of large commercial centres on Avenida La Marina.

When you get off outside say, Ripley, Saga, or Chilis… going in the same direction (you don’t have to cross, or walk along anywhere).. take any bus that goes to either La Punta or says “Saenz Peña” on the side. This will take you either past or to the huge Real Felipe fort. You need to walk to plaza Grau nearby.

This will all be very clear if you look on a map, but if it sounds complicated, think of it like this…
From Larco, ask each bus “Plaza San Miguel?”. If they say yes, get on and expect an hour´s journey.
When at Plaza San Miguel, look for buses that say “La Punta” or “Saenz Peña” on the side. Ask “Real Felipe? Callao?” If they say yes, get on.
Now check the map, and you will see Plaza Grau is a short way away.

By: Anuja

Anuja — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:03:23 +0000

Well it just occured to me that since i will be doing Palominos on the last day, and i have a late flight, will it make more sense for me to not go back to Miraflores from Palominos but hang around in that area? Can i keep bags in the airport and hang around the Callao area? My flight is at midnight and i can check in the airport at 9. Is Callao and airport close by? Suggestions appreciated !!!
Thanks,
Anuja

By: Anuja

Anuja — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:51:22 +0000

Thanks again. Just one last question please.
I have decided to stay in Miraflores on my way back and then go to Palominos. Could you please let me know if there are public buses from Miraflores to Palominos area?

Thanks,
Anuja

By: Stuart Starrs

Stuart Starrs — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:32:18 +0000

Not 100%, but I think it is about 3 times more expensive as it is aimed at foreign tourists and is on a smaller boat. So that’s about $40 US, maybe a bit more if you don’t book it with them directly but via an agency.

By: Anuja

Anuja — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:18:44 +0000

Thanks a lot, Stuart!
Do you know the cost of the trip where we can swim with the sea lions? Is that tour only for the morning or can we do that in the afternoon also?

Appreciate all your help.

Thanks,
Anuja

By: Stuart Starrs

Stuart Starrs — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:26:42 +0000

Hi Anuja,

1) You will see sea-lions regardless as you go right up to them, no less than 10 metres. With you fog, you might not get a good feel for the distance you are going, might not see the islands from La Punta, or La Punta from the islands. I couldn´t go when foggy as I needed those photos for this blog.

2-3) In Plaza Grau, which is a big circle, there is a booth where tickets are sold. Unless you want to go on a national holiday, you should be able to buy tickets up to the last moment. I bought mine 30 minutes in advance. If you want to pay a bit more, and go on a smaller boat, and book in advance, see: http://www.islaspalomino.com/

4) From Central Lima you could take a taxi for a bit cheaper than from Miraflores. If you want to take a bus, go to Av. Alfonso Ugarte, you have two options…
From Plaza Dos de Mayo take a bus that goes all the length of Av. Benavides ex. Colonial.
From Plaza Union, a short distance from Dos de Mayo, take a bus that goes all of Av. Argentina.
Be careful though.

By: Anuja

Anuja — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 02:17:31 +0000

I am planning to visit Palominos on July 4th this year & would appreciate a lot if you can fill me in on the following details –
1) Will it be too foggy or can i expect to see the sea-lions?
2) How do i book the tour? I will reach LIma on July 3rd midnight and then plan to do this tour in the afternoon of the 4th.
3)You have mentioned Plaza Grau – Can i go there directly and get a boat? Or should it be booked ahead?
4) How do we reach that place from central Lima where i will be staying in a hotel.

Thanks a lot in advance –

By: » Islas Palomino: Boat trip in Callao …en Perú - Travel Culture … « Sail Boating

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:47:27 +0000

[…] See the original post here: » Islas Palomino: Boat trip in Callao …en Perú – Travel Culture … […]

By: Stuart

Stuart — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:05:20 +0000

Thanks George!

By: George

George — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:41:29 +0000

Hi Stuart,

Yes I made this trip about a year ago. To say the stench is strong is not the half of it. It is absolutely overwhelming! That is something I will never forget.

In the 19th century, the Guano supply was more in demand than gold. Peru actually went to war with Spain to protect this area and the Guano supply. Interestingly enough, the guano is again in demand for it’s natural properties, and the supply is running out. See this interesting article here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/30/world/americas/30peru.html

George

By: Juancho

Juancho — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:34:43 +0000

Cool. Thanks.

By: Stuart

Stuart — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:42:44 +0000

There´s a stand right there in the Plaza Grau. The afternoon trip leaves at two. I think the morning one is at 10, but I am not sure.

By: Juancho

Juancho — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:00:28 +0000

I’m glad you posted this, as this is a trip I’ve been considering taking this coming August with my kids and their friend, who is coming to Lima with us. Much more accessible than the Ballestas Islands.

Can you give more detail as to where to hire the boats? Thanks!