Located about 230 kilometres east of Central America and about 750 kilometres north of the Colombian mainland, San Andres boasts some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, an enviable blue backdrop and breathtaking scenery. The island of San Andres is one of those destinations that you have to see once in your life, which between islands and cays makes up 10% of the Caribbean Sea. Discover all there is to do in San Andres Colombia, and let yourself fall in love with this idyllic spot in the middle of the Caribbean.
Things to do in San Andres Colombia
1. La Piscinita
La Piscinita is one of the best known places in San Andres, as it is one of the best spots for snorkelling on the whole island. It is a natural deep pool with an abundance of corals and marine species. Thanks to its transparent water, snorkelling in the pool is one of the best things to do in San Andres. It also has a waterfall from a platform 5 metres above the water, as well as access to the water by stairs. It is without a doubt a unique space to go for a good swim.
2. Rocky Cay
Rocky Cay is one of the most interesting and beautiful islets or cays to visit in San Andres. This is a small cay with just a little vegetation that can be reached on foot from Cocoplum beach. On this cay you will enjoy the incredible clear Caribbean water, which is also very shallow and doesn’t go more than waist deep.
3. Cocoplum bay
Cocoplum beach is one of the most popular destinations for tourists who decide to visit San Andres, and it’s easy to understand why. This beautiful beach is able to meet the demands of the majority. There is no such thing as “hustle and bustle” on this beach, so you can enjoy the gentle sound of the wind caressing the palm trees and coconuts while you relax on the soft white sand.
Cocoplum is also the place for you if you’re looking to do some water sports. If you’re a fan of exploration you’ll have an amazing time discovering the underwater wonders here.
4. San Luis
San Luis is a hamlet inhabited by natives of San Andres Island, Colombia, where wooden dwellings preserve the colourful architecture typical of the West Indies. These southeastern beaches are less crowded than others on the rest of the island, such as Sound Bay, where the waves are strong, and Cocoplum Bay, whose white beaches are home to restaurants serving typical island food.
5. Morgan’s Cave
This is where the great fortune that the pirate Morgan took from the Spaniards after defeating them with the help of 1,200 men is said to be hidden.
the natives say that the riches of this pirate are located 8km down the island’s ring road, in the middle of a 120 metre deep cave covered with fresh water.
6. Ecoparque West View
Fantastic place located in the west of the island, where you can enjoy a very enriching experience. The park integrates the landscape, biodiversity and culture of the region. It is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the grandeur of the marine world as it has trampolines, a slide and a ladder.
In addition to the eco-park you can discover a small cave with a sculpted mermaid and huts made of aromatic coconut wood. Here visitors can swim and walk through an ecological park where fruits such as mango, tamarind, pineapple and plum are grown, as well as the ‘bread fruit’ tree. Sweets are also produced here from the fruits.
7. Laguna Big Pond
Located in Barrio La Loma, the Big Pond is a body of fresh water that is 400 x 150 metres long and more than 30 metres deep. Around it you can find lush vegetation such as palms, mango and other fruit trees, as well as numerous species such as babillas, iguanas, turtles and birds, among other animals. This is an ideal place to get in touch with nature and go hiking, have picnics, bird watch, do ecological horseback riding and mountain biking.
8. Hoyo Soplador
Traditionally known as “El Hoyo Soplador” (The Blow Hole), this is an interesting natural phenomenon where a several metre high jet of water shoots out of a series of underground tunnels in the coral reefs.
This phenomenon occurs on days with strong waves and is located at the southern tip of the island. It is one of the obligatory stops for tourists visiting San Andres Island.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What excursions to do in San Andres Colombia?
1. Johnny Cay Regional Park
The Johnny Cay Regional Park is 44.2 hectares and has paradisiacal white sand beaches, high waves and radiant sunshine. This islet is located approximately two kilometres north of San Andres Island, around 5 minutes away from Spratt Bight beach by boat. It can be reached by boats that leave from different points of the island.
In the Natural Park you can observe different ecological features such as the terrestrial and marine landscapes, the coral areas, the macroalgae and sea grasses, and the lagoon terrace.
2. Acuario cay & Haynes cay
This is the name of another smaller islet, attached to a sand bank where there is no shortage of hundreds of colourful fish, which obviously come to see if they catch some of the food that the tourists bring. This is the best area for snorkelling and swimming. It follows the island of Haynes Cay (where the boat drops you off) and another small sandy island to the north, which you can walk between.
What to do in San Andres Colombia in two days?
Day 1:
- La Piscinita
- Rocky Cay
- San Luis
- Morgan’s Cave
Day 2:
- Cocoplum bay
- Ecoparque West View
- Laguna Big Pond
- Hoyo Soplador
What to do in San Andres Colombia in three days?
If you have three days in the San Andres archipelago, don’t miss the opportunity to visit some of the nearby natural areas. On your third day we recommend visiting:
- Johnny Cay Regional Park
- Acuario cay & Haynes cay
Travel map to San Andres
Where to eat in San Andres Colombia?
Besides the paradisiacal landscapes on San Andres, the island’s gastronomy will round off your travel experience perfectly. Like the rest of Colombia, the food in San Andres is based on fresh produce and seafood. Try the best Caribbean recipes in some of the best restaurants on the island. Check out the top 4 restaurants in San Andres and choose your favourite!
- The Grog Rocky Cay San Andres is a Caribbean restaurant serving mainly seafood. Here you will find typical Colombian and Caribbean recipes with vegetarian options. The price range is around €20-€40.
- Casablanca Restaurant is a seafood, Caribbean and Latin restaurant, which also has vegetarian and gluten-free options. This restaurant serves recipes based on fresh and natural products, with unique flavours and great value for money. The price range is from €20 – €40.
- La Cocina de Star. Also a seafood and local Caribbean cuisine restaurant which stands out for its fresh and good quality products. It has vegetarian and gluten-free options, with a price range of €8 – €17.
- Capitan Mandy is a seafood restaurant with traditional Caribbean recipes. This is a cosy, family-run place that also has gluten-free options, all of which are delicious. The price range is €20 – €40.
Tips for your trip to San Andres Colombia
- Because of its location on the Caribbean Sea, the weather in San Andres is heavenly. Temperatures range between 26°C and 29°C all year round, so whether it’s winter or summer, the average temperature is 27°C.
- Note that the dry season runs from December to May, while the rainy season is from June to November.
- It’s important to take out travel insurance when travelling to San Andres.
- Try to promote local produce when buying food and handicrafts.
- Remember to exercise caution and keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times.
- If you take a taxi, it’s best to use the phone numbers and mobile apps of reputable companies such as Easy Taxi or Taxis Libres.
- Listen to the recommendations of tour guides and staff at your accommodation.
How to organise what to do in San Andres Colombia?
Sign up or download the app and discover all of its useful features.
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
- Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
- Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited to the app so you can inspire other users.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to San Andres Colombia
The island of San Andres is about 800 km off the north coast of Colombia, in fact it is much closer to Nicaragua, only 220 km away, so the only way to get to San Andres is by plane.
In San Andres there are several local rental shops offering motorbikes, scooters, golf carts, jeeps and cars to explore all parts of the island. Taxi services are also available in San Andres.
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