Beaches that are located around the island; You have to pay an entrance fee of $ 3,000 COP, they are perfect beaches for snorkeling, they also have a trampoline and slide. Please ask in the comments below! Obviously in your visit to San Andres you will be able to dive, do face painting and different nautical activities. There is far less tourism in San Luis than in the main town of San Andres El Centro. Its basically a fee for entering the national park of San Andres & Providencia. the experience of snorkeling is on another level, there are marine species of all types (sharks, starfish, different types of fish, among others) and you can cross from one island to another walking. It's Primera Iglesia Bautista - https://goo.gl/maps/XMM44ppt6spkixxP8. Need more travel tips? However, generally speaking, motorbikes (moped/scooters) are much cheaper. Caipirinhas, mojitos, Cuba Libres, and coconut water with rum are a few more standard options. Prices vary depending on the season and the quality of the vehicle. Another perk of the beach is that there is and giant old shipwreck rusting away on the reef. Thanks. Here, a handful of locals put on a little show. This lodging is located in Via Tom Hooker, Interior 1 A 24. The island is located near the equator and has only two seasons; a wet and dry one. San Andres is a great place to chill for a few days and experience a different side of the Caribbean. This club is named after the popular cocktail "Coco Loco" which is a mix of rum, tequila, vodka, lime, and coconut and is claimed to have been invented on San Andres. The San Andres botanical gardens, known as Jardn Botnico de San Andrs is located just north of San Luis on a steep road leading to La Loma. There are 4 domestic direct flights to and from San Andrs Island: Bogot, Cartagena, Medelln, and Cali. Update November 2021 | Providencia was devastated by a Category 5 hurricane in November 2020, with many residents homes and businesses destroyed alongside infrastructure. It's just to provide a bit of balance and personal perspective as the only accounts we read in advance were that this was going to be an absolutely traumatic experience! There's also a small school which runs in the church. Those travellers who make it as far as Viajero San Andrs will be rewarded with a cool island vibe, sea views, rooftop bar and the chance to meet fellow travellers at one of their many event evenings. To make things easy for you, I've included a small San Andres Island map below with all of the best spots, tourist attractions, and worthwhile things to do pinned. If youve really enjoyed our guides, you can buy us a virtual coffee here. For dessert, I went with a decadent coconut pie. Website: www.villaverdehostalsanandres.com. The center is full of Dutyfree, perfumes, liquors and technological products have very low prices. How to get from Cartagena to San Andrs by bus, taxi or car - Rome2rio This island is slightly smaller but has a world-renowned dive site on its attached Santa Catalina island. All in all, a great budget choice! One thing to know is that this can be a very popular spot! By then, it only made sense to spend two nights in Providencia, so I splurged on the island's only boutique hotel to compensate. Seats are not reserved, so if you need or want an aisle or window seat, try to board towards the beginning. Other significant islands in the department include Providencia and Santa Catalina. Otherwise, here's some more travel inspiration below. For one thing, you need to pay an entry fee as the island is considered a national park. Youll need to dress up and spend more than elsewhere, but the food and views are worth it. That's because the tiny Caribbean Island of San Andres covers an area of just 26 km (10 sq mi). Are Airlines Responsible for Damaged Strollers: Dealing with Broken Stroller, Chefchaouen Morocco: What to Know Before Your Visit. This island is one of the most touristic places in the country, so finding a place to stay in San Andres is very easy, there are different options and prices. While San Andres does experience a rainy season, this is usually pretty tame with just a nice shower in the afternoons. In Jhonny Cay you can go around walking. Travelling to San Andrs Colombia. ", Traveled to Colombia as a group in June, 2023, "Overall we were very pleased with our trip to Colombia. You'll find this iconic road between the El Hoyo Soplador (the blowhole) and El Mateo Beach. you find flights starting at $ 100,000 COP for flight path, if you buy them with certain months in advance. The full-day rental cost me $50, which was well worth it. Taxis are available but not necessary given the small size of the island. We have one of the best groups of local guides to offer the best adventure in archaeological, ethnic and botanical information. If you check it out on Google Maps, you'll see that the island of San Andres (Isla San Andrs in Spanish) is actually quite far from the Colombian mainland and geographically much closer to Nicaragua! The cost of this card is $ 116,000 COP for the year 2020, approximately $ 46USD. However, Morgan's Cave is more of a small amusement park, with characters dressed up in pirate outfits and housing a replica ship. Glad you asked! In saying that, if you're looking for some downtime or to simply relax, I'd say 4-7 days is more than adequate. That's why I recommend leaving your larger baggage with your accommodation and just taking a small day bag (we left ours with our accommodation in Cartagena). About | Archive | Travel Resources | Submissions | Work With Us | Contact | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy Copyright 2021 Go Backpacking | All Rights Reserved, San Andres Island, Colombia: A Travel Guide, Developed infrastructure and tourism services, Watersports (including snorkeling and scuba diving around coral reefs), Easily accessible by air from within Colombia, Relatively inexpensive (by Caribbean standards). Spend a day or a few in Bogota, go to Santa Marta, experience the vibrant city of Medellin, or head to Tayrona National Park near Cartagena. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger. When I was planning my trip, it was difficult to find a reliable source on where to actually buy this. It's traditionally served with coconut rice, fried plantains, a side salad, and a lime wedge. San Luis Beach or Sound Bay although it is not so big is a favorite for wave lovers who expect to surf or body ride. Tap Water Is Not Drinkable Is tap water drinkable? This isn't very clear, but your airline is responsible for selling this tourist card to you. The cost of gasoline is $30,000 COP, which is enough for the whole day. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. The entrance fee to the Laguna Big Pond is 5,000, which includes a local guide. The most authentic town on the island is definitely La Loma. What? The extra cost versus the ferry was well worth the time and energy saved. One-way flights can be extremely cheap, as in $30, plus fees. We are very interested in the church you can scale. He hid them in his cave Morgans Cave, which you can visit on a day trip! The north end of San Andres is the department's capital, known as San Andres Town. To enter you must pay $ 5,000 COP or buy a Coco Loco (cocktail) for $ 20,000 COP. If you're short on time or want to see as many of the coastal attractions in a single epic day trip, then I highly recommend the VIP boat tour (island hopping). One of the absolute best things to do on San Andres Island of Colombia is to take a boat tour to some of the amazing cays, sand bars, and coastal attractions. How to Get to San Andres Island from Mainland Colombia, About the San Andres Tourist Entry Tax (Tourist Card), 25 Fun Things to do on San Andres Island, Colombia, 1. The island of San Andres is located 775 kilometers off the Colombian coast to the northwest. I splurged on one nice meal, a lunch at La Regatta in the main town, during my five-day stay in San Andres. This direct flight takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. There is a large hospital, consulates of various countries, multiple police offices and enough ATMs so that you dont need to worry about taking cash with you. It was nice to get out of the north end for a day. However, don't miss this up-to-date guide to where to stay on San Andres Island, Colombia for more picks and a rundown of the best neighborhoods to book. Getting to Providencia and Santa Catalina. Clearly you should delight in the fresh sea water of the beaches of San Andres, beaches like Spratt Bay which is the busiest beach, with more trade and the largest, being so commercial it will be very easy to find hotels, bars or restaurants nearby without the need for long walks. The only way to get there from Colombia is by flight since it is just too far away for any ferry to sail it. Henry Morgan was a notorious pirate who roamed the seas around San Andrs Island during the early 17th century. Just opposite Cocoplum Beach is the smaller island of Rocky Cay. If youre looking for something a bit different, San Andres offers a lot of boat cruises. Stay here! Alternatively, for more organized tours check Viator here. The native people are called Raizal people and are descendants from the Afro-Caribbean people. El Hoyo Soplador fits the bill. San Andrs is surrounded by small islets with crystalline waters of different colors, each one has its magic and something to see. As a result, you can actually drive around the whole island in under an hour! San Andrs, A true paradise | Colombia Travel The Ultimate Travel Guide To San Andres, Colombia - Something of Freedom Summer Breeze A lovely, bright, clean and comfortable posada with friendly owner, Estella. The cave itself was filled with murky blue water. If you fancy a luxury dining experience book a table at La Regatta. Below is a quick packing list to San Andres. The shallow coral waters surrounding San Andres Island is nicknamed the Mar de 7 Colores, translating to the Sea of 7 Colors. Spratt Bight Beach, or Playa Spratt Bight, is the main beach on San Andres Island. I spent 5 days here and, as you can see, I got to explore quite a bit! This sense of dread was only increased when we were each given a sea-sickness pill at the ferry check-in desk and advised to swallow it promptly - a practice that is actually standard for the crossing! I visited several of the best beaches, including Playa San Luis (above), the First Baptist Church (below), West View (swimming spot and restaurant), a blowhole, and a pirate cave. Have you already visited the island? Your email address will not be published. Dont expect to have a good internet connection; This is your chance to disconnect for a few days. It includes: Another great part about this tour is that you can book online in advance. I had to pay an entrance fee of 2,000 Colombian pesos to enter which was well worth it! These artisanal pops are known in Spanish as paletas and go for a few bucks. There is also public bus in San Andres which runs the ring-road around the island, but we don't know if it passes the airport. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We're sorry to use advertising on our website. Each passenger is allowed to take on one bag (158 cm maximum height + length + width) with a maximum weight of 18kg, and one small piece of hand luggage. My San Andres island travel guide follows, including frequently asked questions, what to expect once you arrive, the best things to do, onward travel to Providencia Island, and more. I was impressed by the variety of flavors at the ice cream shop above. Goods there are cheaper than at any airport Ive ever been to. Due to the fact that its a Colombian territory in Costa Rican and Nicaraguan waters, San Andres is a duty-free zone. Travelling to San Andrs | SanAndres-Colombia.com San Andres is so small, and the locals are so used to English-speaking tourists that it's unnecessary to speak Spanish to enjoy your time here. I forget the backstory. After a peaceful lunch at West View restaurant, I paid $6 to tour an old pirate cave called Cueva de Morgan (Morgan's Cave). Money 6. Most Colombians will never travel internationally, so an opportunity to see such pretty waters in their country is a legit cause for excitement. Getting to San Andres Colombia - Airlines, Transportation, find the best activities, adventure travel, Tours, restaurants and things to do in San Andres Islands, Colombia. Our group included two seniors, 2 adults and 2 kids (7,8 y/o). For a dollar, you can climb up the steeple for scenic views. In fact, the main reason why many travelers venture to this spot is to explore the underwater world or to get their scuba diving license. This was the second stop of my boat tour and much more enjoyable than El Acuario (if you want to choose between the two). Your email address will not be published. This is known as the Parque National Manglares de Old Point and you'll find it just south of the main town in San Andres. Soak in everything that San Andrs & Providencia has to offer on this 6-day itinerary, offering a perfect mix combination of hiking, diving, and relaxing activities paced for a slow island way of life. Christopher Colombus is believed to have first visited the island during his fourth voyage to Latin America somewhere between 1492 and 1500. The tour that includes these two places is priced at $ 25,000 COP and includes taxes. San Andrs is located approximately 230 km east of the Nicaraguan coast and about 750 km north of the Colombian mainland. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My wife and I are going there in April. It has private rooms and family apartments. To enter, there's a donation required. As tourism has grown, so has the number of foreigners adding this part of Colombia to their travel plans. Join my mailing list today & get 3X FREE custom travel Lightroom presets + receive top travel tips, destination guides, & travel photography content directly to your inbox. We had a blast photographing the caymans and having a chat with our awesome guide. As their website interface is so dated, we were sceptical about whether it would actually be possible to buy tickets on it - but the website definitely tells us that it's possible! Most people recommend to stay at least one night, but make sure to book your hotel on Providencia in advance. San Andres has a warm climate, so it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing for this climate, lightweight clothing in light colors. The Johnny Cay Regional Park is one of the biggest attractions of San Andres, there you can enjoy natural pools, a beautiful aquarium that shows the variety of marine life that the island has and sunbathing in a quiet environment. In case you dont have one yet, you might consider buying World Nomads covers Colombia its the best out there. The entrance fee to this spot is 3,000 pesos and we had the entire place to ourselves from afternoon to sunset. However, I can confirm that you do need to purchase this card at your airport of departure. Flying is the fastest and cheapest option to get there, but can only be done from the mainland Colombia, Panama or Costa Rica. Being a popular travel destination, many of the best beaches in San Andres are unfortunately a little crowded. That said, while San Andres may seem off the path to foreign tourists, Colombians tend to treat it as their well-known holiday spot with many youngsters partying. Perhaps one of the funnest and most exciting adventure activities on San Andres Island is to go parasailing! The island of San Andres has a paved road encircling it, and it's just 19 miles to go around the little island. 25 Things to do on San Andres Island, Colombia - 2023 Guide Book: VIP Boat tour (all the coastal San Andres highlights). This hotel has WiFi and a beautiful garden for guests. Thank you so much for your nice comments about San Andreas. Uncommon, but unmissable, plans for your visit to San Andres Islands: Can you imagine yourself knowing the whole island but from the sky? Unfortunately, I hadn't planned everything out ahead of time. and the first thing you want to see when you wake up is the sea, Spratt Bay (in the center of the island) and the San Luis area (It is far from the tourist area of the island), are the ideal accommodations for you. The closest distance to the mainland from San Andres Island is 445 miles (716 km), and ironically, it is way closer to Nicaragua at just 125 miles (200 km). San Andres, Colombia 2023 Travel Guide (Read before Travel) - Layer Culture Medellin: Feeling in need of the buzz of the city after all that lying on the beach? Hope to hear more about the feasibility of this option through this site. Travelling to San Andrs is not one of the easiest trips in the world. Many people are debating whether they should visit San Andres or Providencia island. The golf cart was user-friendly and zero-stress. Many people ask me for nice place to go in Colombia and this post helps alot. In February 2015, while still living in Medellin, I finally went to San Andres for myself and thought it similar to Cancun, Mexico, for many reasons: But please, don't let this comparison scare you off. It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. We unfortunately found this out when we decided to add Providencia to our itinerary only a week or so before our visit, and spent hours looking for flights only to discover that all seats were sold out for our limited February window. Hi, Im Olly. Haynes Cay and Rose Cay, off the east side of San Andres, make up Cayo El Acuario (The Aquarium). This blowhole sprays water up in the air to the delight of all around it. If you ask a foodie what to do on San Andres Island, they'll tell you to reserve a table at La Regatta Restaurant. special activity to tour the area of mangroves and small beaches where the most common tours do not arrive. Did you know that there are two main islands in this remote Caribbean group? They serve mostly seafood with a steep price tag. To work out whether you should do that or not, read 13 Things To Know Before You Visit San Andres. Flight time is 1h 48 mins from Medellin, 2h 20 mins from Bogota, 2h from Cali, and only 1h 29 mins from Cartagena. For Providencia Airport, the best advice is to ask your hostel or guesthouse in advance to get an idea of expected fare to / from the airport - and whether they will arrange a pick-up. San Andres over time has received different cultures such as English and French, so it should not be strange to hear the San Andrs speaking in English or French, in fact, the language that many speak is Creole, which is a mixture of Elizabethan English, Spanish and African expressions. Be careful with the neighborhoods you choose, in this area some lodges are close to suburbs and can be dangerous; in my case I stayed in the Gaviotas neighborhood, and in terms of security it was fine. And you will not only love its particular blue of the sea water but you will find reptiles and colored crabs on the small island. The apartments have a kitchen, private bathroom, television and air conditioning. Avianca is seen as a budget airline . At the moment there are only two options for travelling to San Andrs Colombia; Are you in the possession of a sailboat and sailing the Caribbean? You could stay a few more nights, and the average daily price would decrease. If you get a bit tired of the beach, you can easily rent a quad or bike to discover the island on your own. This is a natural pool with schools of fish passing through to take a rest from the stronger sea currents. Dont worry about the weather in San Andrs it is sunny and beautiful almost 365 days a year. You can also enjoy a fresh open-air swimming pool, electricity service and tent and mattress rental. Just note that, in our experience, the website crashes a lot. Your email address will not be published. Click to reveal Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Given the location of our accommodation, and that it was already light by 6 a.m., we just walked the 10-15 minutes to it. While San Andrs is part of Colombia the mainland is far away at almost 500 miles! San Andres Island, Colombia: A Travel Guide - Go Backpacking Since the island of San Andrs is remote from the Colombian mainland it is semi self-sufficient in terms of government services. The longest flight to San Andres Islands ADZ airport is a non-stop route from Bogots El Dorado International Airport (BOG). I hope you've enjoyed this comprehensive travel guide featuring the 25 best things to do in San Andres, Colombia! All foreigners are required to buy a tourist card before boarding the plane. Hes been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Modern clean apartments with everything you need (fridge, TV, kitchen, WIFI, comfortable bed, balcony) are perfect for families or couples. The best cruise is a trip to Johnny Cay Isle and El Acuario, a great spot to hang out with exotic fish. HeyMondo offers peace of mind travel insurance for Colombia at super affordable rates and has an excellent, easy-to-use app to manage claims. San Andrs is located approximately 230 km east of the Nicaraguan coast and about 750 km north of the Colombian mainland. This has the most vibrant nightlife scene on the island and is located right near the northern tip. Check availability: Scuba Diving (Discover Scuba). San Andrs is also part of an archipelago, which consists of two other Caribbean pearls named Providencia and Santa Catalina. 2017 Magic Tour Colombia. I chose La Regatta in the north end as it's set on the water with views of boats all around. We are Magic Tour Colombia, a local company with more than 16 years of experience. Yet, many travellers skip the place because of its hard-to-get-to location, far off the standard map of Colombia. San Andres Island | 13 Things To Know Before You Visit - ALONG DUSTY ROADS Im really glad I went to San Andres as its a destination off the beaten path and its gorgeous! For many, it feels like being in Jamaica or one of the other islands in the West Indies. Note: Non-Colombian visitors to San Andres must buy a tourist card before boarding their flight to the island. From the beach, you can go swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. Where is that located? In Viva Air and Wingo you find flights starting at $ 100,000 COP for flight path, if you buy them with certain months in advance. The language spoken by the islanders is Creol (Sanadresano Creole), a mixture of English with terms from African roots. Right on the beach, this hotel has high standards for an affordable price. You are going to receive a touch of adrenaline during your visit! It wasn't until I arrived in San Andres that I got a handle on the ferry and flight schedules. Visiting San Andres Island, Colombia - All You Need To Know The colors are most visible on the north and east sides of the island, where the ocean hues range from a deep green to a light aqua blue. My lunch, including tax and tip, was $50, which I considered a good value given the setting and quality of food. Since the 16th century, the colourful history of this tiny island is been rich with tales of pirates, invasion and gold treasure! The owners are super friendly and the rooms are clean and comfortable. Much has not been rebuilt yet, and tourism remains uncertain. Here are some recommendations below Find more accommodation in San Andrs here. Johnny Cay is a little larger than Haynes Cay and has an epic white-sand beach with deep, clear waters. It costs about $10 to $20 depending on the provider. The fun part about this trip is that visitors can actually walk between the islands by wading through waist-deep water! Since it was just Haylea and me, we rented a 115 cc moped, which we paid 100,000 COP per day for. It's a smaller island with less development, fewer tourists, and a more laidback vibe. This is very useful as you will not have to barter or risk the chance of being ripped off by tour operators. The small town not only gives you a stunning view over the Caribbean Sea and the island but it is also a traditional village where the most native people live. Yes, San Andres even has its own blowhole! They brought African slaves to the island to work on the land, most of whom had been lumbering in Jamaica beforehand. Beach bars are there to serve visitors tropical drinks while they watch. Most travelers to San Andres stop there due to budget, lack of time, or lack of awareness. If you're looking for white-sand beaches, crystal clear water, abundant sea life, and healthy coral reefs, then you'll want to check out this small island duo. This reality has led to a long-time dispute between the two nations. Again, a visit to this beautiful tropical island is included in the VIP tour but you can also get here with a boat transfer. Cartagena: An unmissable colonial walled city three hours drive from Santa Marta this is the tourist jewel of the Caribbean coast and for good reason. In fact, I hadnt even heard of it before I stumbled upon it while looking for an alternative destination in Colombia. Therefore, this is probably one of the best spots to hang out and still enjoy some facilities like restaurants and local supermarkets. If you're already a licensed diver, there are many shops in the town and along the west coast. Surprisingly, San Andres was one of the cheapest diving destinations I've visited in Central and South America! South End Villas If you want to splash out on your own apartment right by the beach, complete with swimming pool, terrace and sea views, then check out these lovely villas. Snorkelling can be done all year round in various places, though wed recommend a trip to La Piscinita as a top priority! This is the boat trip that I took. Flights to San Andres Airport (officially known as Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International - ADZ) depart daily from every major Colombian city, with prices typically ranging from 100,000 COP (23 GBP / $30 USD) - 200,000 COP (45 - $59) and a flight time under 2 hours.