San Andrés Island

An authentic paradise

Nearly forty diving spots, some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, a sea that’s blue but also green and lilac-toned, and warm, friendly people—these are some of the charms of the islands of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, located in the Colombian Caribbean.

The Archipelago, situated about 230 kilometers east of Central America and 750 kilometers north of mainland Colombia, was declared a UNESCO “Seaflower” Biosphere Reserve in 2000. This reserve includes not only the islands and their distant cays but also encompasses 10% of the Caribbean Sea, spanning over 300,000 square kilometers.

Travelers from around the world come to these paradisiacal islands seeking perfect sunsets, white-sand beaches, and tall palm trees swaying in the breeze, which, combined with the carefree smiles of the locals, make this destination one of the best places for a tropical vacation.

In this small paradise, influences from the English, Spanish, pirates, and corsairs blended with Afro-Caribbean culture, resulting in a rich cultural heritage. You’ll likely hear locals speaking Creole, a unique mix of Elizabethan English, Spanish, and African dialects.

But don’t worry! Sanandresanos also speak Spanish and English, so communication is straightforward.

This cultural fusion has left its mark on the music, featuring rhythms like reggae, reggaeton, soca, calypso, merengue, vallenato, and salsa.

What to do in San Andrés?

From the plane, the best introduction to San Andrés is its sea of seven colors. In fact, the Archipelago was chosen as the best Sun and Beach destination at the World Travel Awards in 2014, 2015, and 2019.

This means that if you visit Colombia, you cannot miss, under any circumstances, the natural beauty of San Andrés Island and its paradisiacal beaches.

Among the island’s best beaches is Spratt Bright, located in the commercial area of San Andrés. It’s bordered by a boardwalk full of restaurants, hotels, bars, and shops. Its over 2 kilometers of coastline offer activities ranging from sunbathing to water sports like kitesurfing and jet skiing.

There’s also Sound Bay, a beach far from the urban bustle, located in the area where the island’s native inhabitants live.

Another notable beach is Cocoplum, protected by a coral reef with calm, crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day with young children. The shallow waters also allow you to walk to Rocky Cay, a rocky cay surrounded by marine life, about 200 meters from the shore.

Don’t miss the Aquarium, a group of cays including Haynes Cay and Rose Cay. The former, of coral origin, features restaurants serving typical cuisine and displays of Caribbean fauna. The latter is a sandbank that expands or shrinks with the tides.

Its crystal-clear waters are recognized as a natural aquarium, where you can snorkel from the shore without prior experience.

In the afternoon, the Stingray Tour takes place in a shallow area near the cay, where visitors can feed dozens of free-swimming stingrays.

It’s also fascinating to visit the Botanical Garden, an 8-hectare space in the island’s center with fresh, pure air. There, you can observe vegetation dating back to the dinosaur era and other native plants.

On the western side of the island, you’ll find Westview Park, opposite the La Piscinita area, a great spot for diving. It’s home to the Mermaid Cave and famous cabins made from aromatic coconut wood. You can swim and explore an ecological park where fruits like mango, tamarind, pineapple, and plum are grown, along with the breadfruit tree. These fruits are used to make sweets and desserts available for purchase.

Lastly, make sure to enjoy the island’s attractions, such as the Pirate Morgan’s Cave, where, according to legend, the pirate hid treasures stolen from the Spanish.

Unique experiences

A unique experience is visiting Johnny Cay. You can reach this spot after a 15-minute boat ride over the calm waters of San Andrés.

The island of Johnny Cay is famous for its beaches, like Bahía Sardina, with white sand embracing the greenery of palm trees and cool shade where you can savor delicious fried mojarra with plantain and traditional cocktails like cocoloco. The beaches are perfect for walking around the island; in some areas, exotic corals create beautiful natural pools.

The soundtrack of the place is reggae, and the colors that adorn it are those of the Rastafari flag. Stepping onto Johnny Cay is about letting yourself be carried by the rhythm of the music and enjoying the company of islanders who serve travelers with smiles and jokes.

Another great experience is visiting the islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina, affectionately called “The hidden treasure of the western Caribbean” for their natural beauty and marine richness.

To reach Providencia, you can take a 20-minute flight from San Andrés or board a catamaran that completes the journey in about three hours.

Once there, you can easily reach Santa Catalina by crossing the Lovers’ Bridge, a 150-meter floating structure that, according to legend, ensures eternal love for couples who cross it together.

In Providencia and Santa Catalina, you can enjoy incredible landscapes, beautiful beaches, and exciting diving adventures.

Lastly, indulge in the Archipelago’s typical flavors, like seafood, fish, plantain cake, and crab empanadas.

Activities you can’t miss

In San Andrés, you can enjoy great activities like swimming among approximately 300 stingrays, exploring the Aquarium, an open-sea fishbowl showcasing the diversity of local marine species, and marveling at the seven-colored sea of the Archipelago and its paradisiacal beaches protected by a stunning coral reef.

Adventurous travelers have plenty to do in San Andrés, including snorkeling, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and jet skiing, as well as diving in coral reefs with visibility exceeding thirty meters.

Another great option is renting a car to tour the island while enjoying its scenery. In San Andrés, you’ll find many car rental options.

At night, you can enjoy the San Andrés nightlife, full of joy and tropical rhythms in world-class nightclubs.

Recommendations

• Due to its location in the Caribbean Sea, the weather in San Andrés is paradisiacal. Temperatures range between 26 and 29°C year-round, so whether it’s winter or summer, the average climate is 27°C.

• Keep in mind that the dry season runs from December to May, while the rainy season is from June to November. The dry season is ideal for your trip, but don’t worry, as the rains are neither heavy nor constant and won’t ruin your stay.

• Remember that tourists traveling to San Andrés Island must purchase a tourism card at the service desk in the airport’s waiting area on the day of the flight. Verify the cost in advance. Note that this card must be paid in cash.

• Lastly, finding accommodation in San Andrés is easy, as the island offers a wide range of options, including resort hotels, boutique hotels, and native inns, which are patrimonial or Raizal-owned homes serving as traditional tourist accommodations.

With these tips, you’ll have a wonderful stay in San Andrés, an authentic Caribbean paradise that warmly welcomes you to the world’s most welcoming country. Start feeling it now!