San Andres Island, Colombia: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know San Andres Island is surrounded by a coral reef so vibrant and extensive it’s nicknamed “The Sea of Seven Colors”? This Colombian Caribbean paradise, though geographically closer to Nicaragua than mainland Colombia, offers travelers a unique blend of Latin and Caribbean cultures that you won’t find anywhere else. With crystal-clear waters, duty-free shopping, and a laid-back island vibe, San Andres has become Colombia’s best-kept secret among international travelers – though Colombians have treasured it for decades!

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

The only way to reach San Andres Island is by air. Direct flights are available from major Colombian cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, with the latter offering some of the most affordable options (often under $100 USD round-trip). International flights also operate from Panama City and a few other Central American destinations.

Important: All visitors to San Andres must pay a tourist entry tax (around 127,000 COP or $32 USD as of 2024) before boarding their flight. This fee is collected at the airport of departure, so have Colombian pesos ready. The tax helps preserve the island’s delicate ecosystem.

Pro tip: If you’re already traveling in Colombia, consider leaving your large luggage at your hotel on the mainland and packing light for San Andres. This helps avoid checked baggage fees, which can sometimes cost as much as the flight itself!

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Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

San Andres enjoys a tropical climate with average temperatures hovering around 27°C (81°F) year-round. The island experiences two main seasons:

Getting Around Locally

San Andres is a small island (just 26 km² or 10 square miles), making it easy to explore in its entirety. You can drive around the whole island in under an hour! Here are your best transportation options:

Rent a Golf Cart or Scooter

By far the most popular and convenient way to explore San Andres is by renting a golf cart or scooter. This gives you the freedom to visit all the beaches and attractions at your own pace. Prices vary by season, but expect to pay around:

• Golf cart: 120,000-160,000 COP ($30-40 USD) per day
• Scooter/moped: 70,000-100,000 COP ($18-25 USD) per day

Important note: Golf carts are not permitted on the roads after 6 PM due to safety regulations (inadequate lighting). If you plan evening activities, consider a scooter instead.

Public Transportation

The local bus is an affordable option that runs from the town center along both coasts. The fare is a flat 3,600 COP (less than $1 USD) regardless of distance. Buses run approximately every 20-30 minutes during daylight hours.

Taxis and Moto-taxis

Regular taxis are available but relatively expensive compared to other options. Moto-taxis (motorcycle taxis) are more affordable, with a maximum fare of 9,000 COP (about $2.25 USD) anywhere on the island.

Where to Stay

San Andres offers accommodation options for every budget, from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts. The island has several distinct areas to consider when booking your stay:

Best Areas to Stay

Accommodation Options by Budget

Dining & Local Cuisine

The cuisine of San Andres reflects its unique cultural blend of Colombian, Caribbean, and Raizal influences. Seafood naturally dominates the menu, but you’ll also find plenty of coconut-infused dishes and tropical fruits.

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Rondón – The island’s signature dish, a hearty seafood stew made with fish, conch, crab, plantains, and root vegetables, all simmered in coconut milk
• Crab Empanadas – Local empanadas filled with fresh crab meat
• Coconut Rice – A staple side dish cooked in coconut milk
• Coco Loco – The famous island cocktail made with rum, vodka, tequila, coconut cream, and coconut water, often served in a fresh coconut

Best Restaurants on San Andres

Top Attractions & Activities on San Andres Island

1. Johnny Cay Natural Regional Park

This small, uninhabited island just off the coast of San Andres is the most popular day trip destination. With pristine white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear waters, it’s the quintessential Caribbean paradise. The island is also home to iguanas and native vegetation. To reach Johnny Cay, you’ll need to take a boat from Spratt Bight Beach (about 10 minutes).

2. El Acuario & Haynes Cay

These two small islands on the eastern side of San Andres offer some of the best snorkeling opportunities. El Acuario is actually a sandbar with shallow, crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Haynes Cay, just a short wade away, has beach bars and seafood restaurants. The unique feature here is that visitors can actually walk between the two islands through chest-deep water along a natural sandbar.

3. West View & La Piscinita

On the western coast of San Andres, these natural swimming areas offer some of the clearest waters for snorkeling. West View (entrance fee: 4,000 COP) features diving boards, a water slide, and excellent visibility for spotting marine life. La Piscinita (“little pool”) is a natural rock pool with incredibly clear water, though facilities here have been reduced in recent years.

4. Hoyo Soplador (Blowhole)

Located on the southern tip of the island, this natural phenomenon occurs when waves force water through an underwater cave, creating a geyser-like spray that can reach several meters high. The effect is most impressive during high tide and when there’s a decent swell. There are several small bars and restaurants in the area where you can wait for the perfect blowhole moment.

5. Rocky Cay & Cocoplum Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Cocoplum Beach features white sand and crystal-clear waters. Just offshore is Rocky Cay, a tiny island with a shipwreck nearby (Barco Encallado) that’s perfect for snorkeling. In the past, visitors could walk to Rocky Cay along a sandbar at low tide, though erosion has made this increasingly difficult.

Water Activities & Adventures

1. Scuba Diving

San Andres is a world-class diving destination with exceptional visibility (often 30+ meters) and healthy coral reefs. The island is surrounded by the third-largest barrier reef in the world, offering dive sites suitable for all experience levels. Even if you’ve never dived before, you can try a “Discover Scuba” experience with a certified instructor.

2. Snorkeling

With crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life close to shore, San Andres offers excellent snorkeling opportunities for all ages. The best spots include El Acuario, Rocky Cay (near the shipwreck), and West View. You can rent snorkeling gear at most beaches for around 10,000 COP, though bringing your own is more economical if you plan to snorkel frequently.

3. Parasailing

For a thrilling perspective of the “Sea of Seven Colors,” try parasailing over the eastern coast of San Andres. This adventure activity lifts you up to 100 meters above the water, offering spectacular views of the varying blue hues that give the sea its nickname. Tours typically last about 2 hours and cost around $65 USD per person.

4. Helmet Diving

If you’re curious about underwater exploration but not ready for scuba diving, helmet diving is a unique alternative. This activity allows you to walk on the ocean floor while wearing a special helmet that supplies air, with no swimming skills required. Available at West View, this experience costs approximately 80,000 COP.

Island Hopping & Boat Tours

One of the absolute best things to do on San Andres is to take a boat tour to explore the surrounding cays, sandbars, and the famous “Sea of Seven Colors.” Several options are available:

Single Island Visits

If you prefer to focus on one destination, you can book direct boat transfers to specific islands:

• Johnny Cay: 30,000-35,000 COP round-trip (plus 15,000 COP conservation fee)
• Haynes Cay/El Acuario: 30,000-50,000 COP depending on duration (2, 4, or 6 hours)

Providencia Island

For the ultimate island-hopping experience, consider a trip to Providencia Island. This smaller, less developed island about 90 km north of San Andres offers even more pristine beaches and world-class diving at the UNESCO Seaflower Biosphere Reserve. You can reach Providencia via a 20-minute flight (approximately $45-66 USD each way) or a 3.5-hour catamaran ferry (around $47 USD each way).

Cultural Spots & Local Experiences

1. First Baptist Church (Primera Iglesia Bautista)

Built in 1847, this historic white wooden church sits on one of the highest points of the island in the La Loma neighborhood. It represents the strong Baptist influence on the island’s culture and offers panoramic views from its tower. A small donation is requested to enter, and climbing the tower requires an additional fee.

2. House of Culture

Located in North End, this small museum showcases the island’s history, from its indigenous roots through colonization to the present day. Exhibits highlight the unique Raizal culture, a blend of African, British, and Caribbean influences that differs significantly from mainland Colombian culture.

3. San Luis Village

For a glimpse of authentic island life away from the tourist centers, visit the village of San Luis on the eastern coast. Here you’ll find colorful wooden houses, local restaurants serving traditional food, and a more relaxed atmosphere that reflects the island’s Caribbean character.

4. Botanical Gardens (Jardín Botánico)

Located on the road to La Loma, these gardens showcase the island’s native plant species. The entrance fee is 10,000 COP for foreigners and includes a guided tour explaining the medicinal and cultural uses of various plants. The gardens also offer a good viewpoint over the island.

5. Big Pond Lagoon

This man-made pond is home to over 100 caimans (a type of alligator). For 5,000 COP, you can take a guided tour to learn about these reptiles and the various plants grown around the lagoon. It’s an interesting stop while exploring the island’s interior.

Shopping & Souvenirs

San Andres is a duty-free zone, making it a popular shopping destination for Colombians. While the savings aren’t as significant for international visitors, there are still good deals to be found and unique souvenirs to bring home.

Duty-Free Shopping

The main shopping area is concentrated along Avenida Costa Rica and Avenida Colombia in the town center. Here you’ll find stores selling:

• Perfumes and cosmetics
• Liquor and tobacco
• Electronics
• Designer clothing and accessories

The savings are most significant on items that are heavily taxed in Colombia, such as alcohol and electronics. International visitors should be aware of their home country’s customs allowances before making large purchases.

Local Crafts & Souvenirs

For more authentic souvenirs, look for:

• Coconut-based products (oils, candies, handicrafts)
• Handmade jewelry featuring local shells and coral
• Colorful woven bags and hammocks
• Raizal music CDs featuring local rhythms
• Island-made hot sauces and spices

The best places to find authentic crafts are the small shops in San Luis and the artisan market near Spratt Bight Beach.

Practical Travel Tips

Language

The official language is Spanish, but English and San Andrés–Providencia Creole are widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and by the Raizal population. You’ll be able to get by with English in most situations, though knowing basic Spanish phrases is always appreciated.

Currency & Payments

The Colombian Peso (COP) is the official currency. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but smaller establishments and vendors may only accept cash. ATMs are available in the town center, though it’s advisable to bring some cash with you.

Internet & Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and restaurants, though connection speeds can be slower than on the mainland. For reliable connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card (Claro offers the best coverage on the island thanks to a dedicated undersea cable).

Safety

San Andres is generally very safe, with lower crime rates than mainland Colombia. The usual travel precautions apply: don’t display valuable items, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t leave belongings unattended on beaches. The island is small and tight-knit, making serious crime rare.

Health & Medical

There is a hospital on the island (Hospital Departamental de San Andrés), but medical facilities are limited. Bring any necessary medications with you, along with basic first aid supplies. Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential – the Caribbean sun is intense, and mosquitoes can be present, especially during the rainy season.

Ready for Your San Andres Adventure?

San Andres Island offers a unique blend of Colombian hospitality, Caribbean culture, and natural beauty that’s hard to find elsewhere. From the moment you spot the incredible “Sea of Seven Colors” from your airplane window, you’ll understand why this island has become such a beloved destination.

Whether you’re snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, island-hopping to pristine beaches, exploring the island’s cultural heritage, or simply relaxing with a Coco Loco in hand, San Andres delivers an authentic Caribbean experience with a distinctly Colombian flavor.

The island’s small size makes it easy to explore thoroughly in just a few days, but its diverse attractions and laid-back charm might tempt you to extend your stay. And if you fall in love with San Andres, remember that its sister island Providencia awaits just a short flight away, offering an even more secluded paradise.

Ready to swap screensavers for palm trees? With its kaleidoscope of blues and laid-back island vibes, San Andres isn’t just a destination—it’s a Caribbean daydream waiting to happen.