Our Birding Lima Tours begin very early, with a hotel pick-up in Lima at 4:30 AM. After a short one-hour drive along the coast, we reach the traditional fishing town of Pucusana, the starting point of our exclusive pelagic birdwatching experience.

From here, we board a private, fully equipped boat and navigate toward some of Peru’s richest marine birding areas—up to 30 nautical miles offshore. This is the premier pelagic birding tour in Lima, designed for serious birders, photographers, and anyone wishing to experience the incredible biodiversity of the Humboldt Current.

Coastal Birding in Pucusana – Perfect Start to Your Birding Lima Tour

As we depart Pucusana, we begin spotting iconic coastal and endemic birds of Lima, including:

• Humboldt Penguin

• Red-legged Cormorant

• Peruvian Booby

• Peruvian Pelican

• Guanay Cormorant

• Inca Tern

• Blackish Oystercatcher

• Surf Cinclodes (Peruvian endemic)

Depending on the season, migratory shorebirds such as Surfbirds, Ruddy Turnstones, Whimbrels, Royal Terns, and Elegant Terns can also be observed.

This first section is a highlight of many birding tours in Lima, offering spectacular photographic opportunities and excellent chances to see Peru’s charismatic coastal species up close.

Pelagic Birding Offshore – The Best Marine Birdwatching Tour in Lima

After leaving the coastal zone, we continue one hour into deeper waters, where the true pelagic birding begins. These nutrient-rich cold waters attract an impressive diversity of oceanic birds rarely seen from land:

• Peruvian Diving-Petrel

• Sooty Shearwater

• Pink-footed Shearwater

• Wilson’s Storm-Petrel

• Swallow-tailed Gull

• Sabine’s Gull

• Chilean Skua

• Parasitic Jaeger

• Waved Albatross (seasonal visitor)

Marine mammals are also frequently encountered. Large groups of Dusky Dolphins, Common Dolphins, and Bottlenose Dolphins often feed near the boat. From July to October, Humpback Whales are common, and on rare occasions, we may spot Blue Whales or Sperm Whales.

This pelagic section is what sets this experience apart from any other birding Lima tour—it is a world-class seabirding route.

Chumming Session – Attracting Storm-Petrels and Albatrosses

Once we reach approximately 25 nautical miles offshore, we conduct a controlled “chum” session using fish oil and frozen bait to attract highly sought-after pelagic species:

• Hornby’s Storm-Petrel

• Markham’s Storm-Petrel

• Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel

• Salvin’s Albatross

• Buller’s Albatross

• Waved Albatross

This location regularly produces extraordinary sightings, making it a must-do adventure for anyone searching for rare species while birding in Lima.

Return to Pucusana – Sea-Lions and Final Birding Opportunities

On our journey back to the coast, we visit the Pucusana Islands, home to a thriving colony of South American Sea-Lions and more coastal birdlife. This final stop provides a relaxed ending to one of the most complete birding tours Lima has to offer.

Boat Safety & Equipment – Your Comfort on our Birding Lima Tours

Our vessel meets and exceeds all Peruvian maritime safety requirements for operating 30+ miles offshore. Onboard features include:

• Mandatory life jackets for all passengers

• Two radio systems for communication

• Two GPS navigators

• Twin outboard motors

• Emergency gear: flares, signal mirror, rescue ring, first aid kit, bilge pumps, analog compass

This ensures your pelagic birding experience in Lima is safe, comfortable, and professionally managed.

What to Bring – Clothing & Equipment Tips

Clothing

Wear three layers (t-shirt, fleece, windbreaker) and avoid high-heeled shoes.

Food

A snack (water, crackers, fruit) is included. You may bring additional light and easy-to-digest food.

Seasickness Prevention

Because the tour lasts 7 hours offshore, we recommend:

• Resting well the night before

• Avoiding alcohol the previous day

• Eating a light breakfast

• Staying hydrated

• Fixing your eyes on the horizon when the boat is still

• Taking Dramamine before boarding if you are prone to seasickness

Binoculars

8×42, 8×32, or 7×42 binoculars are ideal for pelagic birding in Lima.

Photography Equipment

Bring protective bags for cameras as seawater spray is common.

Pricing – Pelagic Birding Lima Tour

This offshore experience is one of the most specialized and rewarding birding tours in Lima, ideal for birders seeking rare pelagic species, marine wildlife, and professional guiding.