Isla Foca

Isla Foca lies a couple of kilometres off the Piura coast near the fishing village of La Islilla, and it is small - a rocky island with cliffs, caves and a few beaches - but biologically important. It holds a breeding colony of South American sea lions, a smaller number of South American fur seals, and Humboldt penguins near the northern edge of their range, along with Peruvian boobies, pelicans, cormorants and Inca terns. It falls within the national reserve system protecting guano islands and points. Local fishermen run boat trips out from La Islilla and Yacila, circling the island so visitors can see the colonies from the water, with snorkelling and diving in the clearer bays; landing is restricted to protect the breeding animals. The boats are small open craft, the sea between the mainland and the island can be rough, and there is no formal safety provision - life jackets vary.

What you actually see

• The sea lion colony - South American sea lions breeding on the rocks.
• The Humboldt penguins - near the northern limit of their range.
• The seabirds - boobies, pelicans, cormorants and Inca terns.
• The boat circuit - viewing from the water, with landing restricted.

When to go

April to November for calmer seas. Mornings are usually flattest. Half a day including the boat. Trips are arranged directly with fishermen at La Islilla or Yacila.

Honest expectations

Small open boats with variable safety equipment, on water that can be rough. Landing on the island is restricted. Trips are informal and negotiated. Wildlife is viewed at distance from the water.

Nearby

Paita and Colán are north; the Illescas peninsula is south.