San Andrés

Written by Marcus Kayode, Marika Maslanka, Santiago Rodriguez
03/08/2025
A lone fisherman casts his line in the clear blue waters at San Andrés, Colombia.
Jorge Alberto Ferro, Pexels

San Andrés offers a vibrant Caribbean island experience with stunning white-sand beaches and waters known for their seven shades of blue. It attracts visitors seeking world-class opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling, alongside a rich Afro-Caribbean culture.

The main area for socializing is around Spratt Bight Beach, which is bustling with restaurants, bars, and a lively atmosphere extending into the evening. For nightlife, establishments like Coco Loco Disco offer music and dancing, attracting both locals and tourists. Hostels also provide a space for connecting with other travelers.

Top 6 Things to do in San Andrés

San Andrés offers a diverse range of activities, primarily centered around its vibrant marine environment and exploring the island's unique natural and cultural sites.

1. Boat Tour to Johnny Cay and El Acuario (Rose Cay/Haynes Cay)

Embark on a boat tour to Johnny Cay, a small island renowned for its white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and lively atmosphere. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim, and enjoy reggae music. Afterward, the tour typically continues to El Acuario (also known as Rose Cay or Haynes Cay), a natural aquarium perfect for snorkeling due to its shallow, crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. It is advisable to wear water shoes as the area can be rocky. It is worth noting that Johnny Cay can be crowded, especially during peak seasons.

Cost: A boat tour combining Johnny Cay and El Acuario generally costs around $38.50 USD per person. Alternatively, a direct boat transfer to El Acuario and Haynes Cay can cost between 30,000 COP for two hours and 50,000 COP for six hours. An additional departmental tax of 15,000 COP per passenger is required for entry to Johnny Cay, payable in cash. Food and drinks are usually not included in tour prices, and bringing your own to Johnny Cay is prohibited.

Transport: These islands are only accessible by boat. Tours and boat transfers typically depart from the main town, often from Muelle Portofino or near Spratt Bight Beach.

2. Scuba Diving or Snorkeling Experience

San Andrés is recognized globally for its exceptional scuba diving, offering crystal-clear waters and well-preserved coral reefs. For those new to diving, discovery dives provide an opportunity to experience the underwater world after a brief training. Snorkeling is also a highly recommended activity, with many vibrant reefs and diverse marine life easily accessible from various spots around the island. The 'Sea of Seven Colors' surrounding the island offers incredible visibility for underwater exploration. Consider bringing your own snorkeling gear or renting it on-site.

Cost: A discovery dive for beginners can cost approximately 150,000 COP (around $37 USD), sometimes including pictures. Snorkeling equipment can be rented at various locations, including West View and La Piscinita.

Transport: Many dive centers are located in the main town, offering hotel pickups for diving excursions. Snorkeling can be done directly from various coastal points and tour destinations like El Acuario, West View, and La Piscinita.

3. Island Tour by Golf Cart or Motorbike

Renting a golf cart or motorbike is an excellent way to explore San Andrés at your own pace. The island is small enough to drive around completely in under an hour, allowing for flexible stops at various attractions. This method provides the freedom to discover hidden gems and enjoy the scenic coastal road. It is important to note that driving outside the downtown area is generally restricted after 6:00 PM.

Cost: Golf cart rentals typically range from 100,000 COP to 120,000 COP per day. Motorbike rentals are usually cheaper, around 70,000 COP per day. Gas is not included and typically costs around 20,000 COP for a full tank, which is usually sufficient for a day of exploring.

Transport: Golf carts and motorbikes can be rented from various vendors, especially in the North End (downtown area). Some rentals offer pickup and drop-off services within 2 km of the downtown area.

4. Visit West View

West View is a popular spot on the western coast of San Andrés, offering a unique swimming and snorkeling experience. Unlike a traditional beach, it features natural rocky platforms with direct access to the clear Caribbean waters via wooden decks and ladders. Highlights include a diving board for adventurous jumps, a water slide, and underwater statues. The area is rich in marine life, making it ideal for snorkeling. Water shoes are recommended for comfort on the rocky surfaces.

Cost: The entrance fee for West View is typically between 4,000 COP and 10,000 COP. Cash payment is usually required.

Transport: West View is about a 15-minute drive from the main town. It can be reached by taxi, rented scooter, or golf cart. Many island tours include a stop at West View.

5. Relax at La Piscinita

La Piscinita is a natural swimming pool located on the western coast, known for its calm, clear waters protected by rocky barriers. It is an ideal spot for a relaxing swim and snorkeling, offering close-up views of tropical fish and colorful corals. The area provides a serene escape with picturesque surroundings. There are often floats available to relax on and local vendors selling refreshments.

Cost: The entrance fee for La Piscinita varies, with reports of 5,000 COP to 30,000 COP per person, with some options being consumable towards food and drinks. Bringing your own snorkeling gear is an option, or it can be rented on-site.

Transport: La Piscinita is approximately 7 kilometers from San Andrés Town. It is easily accessible by taxi, rented scooter, or public bus. The bus fare is typically around 2,000 COP, and the ride takes about 15-20 minutes.

6. Explore Morgan's Cave (Cueva de Morgan)

Morgan's Cave is a site steeped in pirate history and local legends, believed to be where the Welsh pirate Henry Morgan hid his treasures. While the actual cave entrance is partially submerged and not fully explorable, the site includes a museum with pirate-themed exhibits and a replica of Morgan's ship. It offers a glimpse into the island's historical narratives and folklore. The visit typically includes a brief tour where guides share stories about the cave.

Cost: The entrance fee to Morgan's Cave is approximately 20,000 COP.

Transport: Morgan's Cave is located on the island's interior, along the Circunvalar Road. It is easily reached by taxi, rented golf cart, or as part of an organized island tour.

Check out our other pages on San Andrés

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