Closer to Panama than Colombia, San Andres feels more like a trip to the Dominican Republic instead of its native country. With only 45,000 residents, the island feels like a small village, but there are many things to do in San Andres for a getaway. I would suggest 3 or 4 days on the island to truly enjoy everything on San Andres.
Where is San Andres?
Situated in the Caribbean Sea, San Andres offers a tropical escape with beautiful turquoise waters and white sand beaches. The island is a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers with dozens of dive sites around the coastline. Due to its location, it has a vibrant mix of indigenous peoples, Caribbeans and South Americans. With few American tourists, you will hear more Spanish, Creole or Portuguese than English.
Getting to San Andres
San Andres Island has a small airport (ADZ) that services large cities in Colombia, for example, Medellin, Bogota, Cali or Cartagena. There are some international flights from Panama City (Panama), Cancun and Miami during peak season. However, it’s generally much cheaper to fly from Colombia. Please note that getting on the island requires a tourist tax: a fee paid at your departing location in cash only. In Bogota, I paid this fee at the check in counter prior to boarding. As of May 2024, it was 137,000 COP. You must also fill out a boarding card and keep copies with you for arrival AND departure in San Andres.
Things to Do in San Andres
Bike Around the Island
You can rent a bike from Konan Paradise for the day for only 40,000 COP (as of May 2024). They can provide you with a lock, making it easy to stop along the way. My favorite spots are the San Luis beach and the gorgeous viewpoints at the south of the island. But a hidden gem may be Miss Elien’s Restaurant on the water. She offers fresh, made-to-order dishes. I felt at once that I was home.
Scuba Dive
One of the main things people come to the island for is to get under the sea. Dive with Divers Team Dive Shop at Hotel Aquarium. The team is very professional and speak both Spanish and English. Most of the dive sites are on the Western side of the island, where the surf is less, but I enjoyed the Blue Wall near the southeastern tip. If you are a beginner, you can sign up for this private diving excursion designed for those without experience who want to test the waters so to speak. The instructors will provide a full briefing and guide you underwater for a shallow dive. While I highly recommend divers receive full certification and training, this company helps give a taste of SCUBA diving.
Relax on Johnny Cay
Spend the day on a smaller island. Located just 20 minutes north of San Andres, this smaller island is a bit touristy, but worth a few hours lounging around. Boat tickets are generally 45,000-60,000 COP, but don’t include the 17,000 COP island entry fee. Groups generally leave every 10 minutes from 8:30 am to 11:30 am, with returns starting at 1:30 pm to 4 pm. Most trips combine a tour of Johnny Cay with the “aquarium” which is a shallow sandbar/reef where you can snorkel or lounge around. Before departure, most boat companies offer stalls selling water shoes, snorkel gear, sunglasses, etc. If you want the VIP treatment with snorkel gear, alcoholic beverages and a drone picture, book this trip instead!
Sunbathe on Playa de Spratt Bight
The Island is known as the “seven-colored sea” with its vibrant shades of blue and green waters, changing around the island. The best time for sunbathing is during the dry season from December to April. I traveled the end of April – beginning of May and had wonderful weather, albeit with a few short afternoon showers. January and February are peak tourist season and can be quite crowded, so book activities and your accommodations early. You can also visit other beaches around the island, such as Hoyo Soplador (a natural blow spout with entry fee) or Morgan’s Cave with a guided tour about the infamous pirate Henry Morgan and the history of the cave’s formations.
Shop Duty-Free
San Andres is a duty-free zone, making it a great spot to do a little shopping. Streets are lined with perfume stores, cosmetics, luggage and accessories. Toward the wet season, store hours are more limited, with many shops closed in the morning, so be sure to take advantage after sundown. There are also local artisans and markets along the boardwalk by Playa de Spratt Bight and across from the marina near Muelle Casa de la Cultura.
Getting Around San Andres
There are many ways to get around the island, although no Uber. You can grab a taxi at the airport or near the main area in the northeast. They offer a network of local buses that make their way around the island loop. You can also rent a bicycle (see above) or a car, though the most popular option is a golf cart rental. These smaller vehicles can hold up to 6 people depending on the model and are a great, efficient way to navigate the island. If you are 3-4 people, a rental like this is certainly the most economical too! I didn’t need to rent one, as most days I chose to stay along Playa de Spratt Bight and the surrounding areas. Most of the northern part of the island is walkable in 20 minutes, so you may only want to rent a golf cart for a day or two.
A getaway to San Andres offers a unique blend of Caribbean charm and Colombian culture. The beautiful beaches, vibrant marine life and relaxing atmosphere make for an enjoyable vacation. I will caveat that the food wasn’t spectacular, but certainly edible with lots of fried seafood and hamburgers on offer. So be sure to manage your dining expectations. 😊 Enjoy!
If you are planning further adventures in Colombia, be sure to check out my top tips of things to know before visiting Colombia!
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