A Caribbean island known for its clear turquoise waters and coral reefs. Seven-colored sea views, duty-free shopping, and local Raizal culture shape this Colombian territory.
San Andrés is a Caribbean coral island 750 kilometers from mainland Colombia. You can swim in waters that shift between turquoise and deep blue throughout the day, walk across a sandbar to Rocky Cay island, or snorkel among tropical fish at La Piscinita's natural pool. From the top of First Baptist Church, you'll see the entire island spread out below you. Local beach bars play reggae music all day, and small restaurants serve fresh-caught red snapper and lobster with coconut rice.
Getting to San Andrés
Direct flights connect San Andrés with major Colombian cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, with flight times under 2.5 hours. Buy your tourist card (130,000 COP/$33 USD) at your departure airport. You'll need this card both when arriving and departing the island.
Moving Around the 26-Square-Kilometer Island
One main road circles the island. Rent a scooter from shops near Centro for 100,000 COP ($30 USD) per day. Four-person golf carts cost 200,000 COP ($50 USD) per day. Public buses run every 30 minutes along the main road (5,000 COP per ride). You can also rent bicycles for 40,000 COP ($10 USD) per day, but prepare for steep hills in the central area.
Best Swimming and Snorkeling Spots
La Piscinita, on the western coast, is a natural swimming pool surrounded by coral formations. The water reaches depths of 3 to 30 meters with visibility up to 30 meters. West View Eco Park has three diving boards and a 5-meter waterslide going straight into the ocean. At Rocky Cay Beach, walk the 100-meter sandbar to reach a small coral island. Bring water shoes - the coral pieces can be sharp.
Local Food and Drinks
Beachfront restaurants serve fresh-caught fish and seafood cooked in coconut milk with plantains. Try coco loco, a rum cocktail mixed with coconut water and fruit juices, served in a fresh coconut for 25,000 COP ($6 USD). Beach vendors sell these drinks for 20,000 COP. Coffee Break in the town center serves Colombian-grown coffee from a traditional espresso machine, unlike most places that use instant coffee.
Weather and Seasons
Temperatures stay between 24°C and 30°C (75-86°F) year-round. The dry season runs December to April with sunny days and minimal rain. From June to November, expect brief but heavy afternoon showers. March and April have the calmest sea conditions, with water visibility reaching 30 meters - ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Languages and Daily Life
Most locals speak Spanish, English, and San Andrés-Providencia Creole. The island's population has grown from 20,000 in 1973 to about 75,000 today. Many residents work in tourism or continue their families' fishing traditions, heading out early morning in small boats to catch snapper, grouper, and lobster.
