Paradise Island of San Andres, Colombia: Everything You Need to Know

Located in the western Caribbean, San Andrés, Colombia is a true Caribbean paradise with great beaches and a surprisingly lot to do for a tiny island. San Andrés Island is a great addition to any Colombia itinerary or even to visit on its own. Read on to learn everything you need to know to plan your trip to San Andrés, Colombia.

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San Andrés, Colombia Travel Guide – Contents

• Is San Andrés, Colombia Worth Visiting?
• Where are the San Andrés Islands in Colombia?
• What to Do on the Colombian Island of San Andrés
• Where to Stay on San Andrés Island, Colombia
• Packing List for the Isla de San Andrés
• How to Get to San Andrés, Colombia
• Getting Around on the Island
• Where to Eat in San Andrés
• Practical Tips for Planning Your Trip
• FAQs for San Andrés, Colombia

Why Visit San Andrés Island?

Susana and I have been to San Andrés twice.

We went once all the way back during Easter Week of 2015 after attending the wedding of a friend in Cuba. That time we only stayed for a few days and saw the very basic highlights of the Isla San Andrés.

However, during the Christmas and New Years holidays of 2020-21, we returned. I found a great deal on flights when things starting opening up and figured a beach trip was well deserved after nearly a year of quarantine and online teaching.

We actually had planned to also include the nearby island of Providencia on this trip too, but the devastation of Hurricane Iota left it unvisitable.

So we ended up with nearly 2 weeks on San Andrés itself. That means we got to see basically everything, even the lesser known things to do on San Andres Island.

So you can be sure this is probably the most comprehensive guide to San Andres, Colombia on the net.

Honestly, the first time we went to San Andrés, I liked it, but wasn’t blown away. I left this second trip more impressed.

There’s a surprisingly lot of things to see in San Andres, especially for being such a tiny island. At just 10 square miles, t’s barely a twentieth of the size of Cozumel and only about half the size of Saona Island in the DR.

The main reason to go to San Andrés is well, enjoying some R&R at the beach, but there are other things to do as well.

The beach in the downtown area is surprisingly good and there are several other nice beaches you can enjoy. The natural scenery of the Islas San Andrés is also just gorgeous.

Covered in palm trees, the water around the Islas de San Andrés is known as the “Mar de 7 colores” (literally the Sea of 7 colors) as the combination of sun, sea, reefs, and horizon gives the sea off the island a variety of different shades of blue and turquoise.

It’s really super pretty to see (try to get a window seat on the plane if you can!).

The pretty waters also make it great place for snorkeling or to get your feet wet with some scuba diving. There is a neat creole culture somewhat like Jamaica’s as well.

Lots of things are considerably cheaper than on the Colombian mainland since it is a duty free zone. People coming from the mainland often stock up on liquor, perfume, and chocolate here.

You can also get much better deals on electronics than in mainland Colombia.

In short, I really encourage those coming to Colombia’s Caribbean or just beach bums looking for a slightly lesser known Caribbean island destination compared to places like the Bahamas or Cancún, to consider including a visit to San Andres, Colombia in their travels.

If you’re convinced to go visit the island of San Andrés, Colombia yourself, read on for a complete and practical travel guide to San Andrés Island, with everything you need to know to properly plan your trip, including what to do in San Andres, where to stay in San Andres, and tips for best enjoying San Andres.

Where are the San Andres Islands in Colombia?

San Andrés Island is is truthfully the San Andrés Islands and includes the nearby islands of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, (although a lot of the time you’ll hear it referred to as simply San Andrés y Providencia) with the two smaller islands being located to the north east of San Andrés.

There are several other tiny islands, known as cays, right around San Andrés as well.

They are coral islands, and they are actually much closer to central America and Nicaragua than to Colombia. In the 1600s, they were settled by English Puritans while pirates also reportedly frequented the island, notably Henry Morgan.

The islands came under official Spanish control after 1787, and colonial authority was passed from the Central American colonial entity of Guatemala to the colony of New Granada (present day Colombia) in 1802.

They became part of the the independent republic of Colombia, and they rejected US control in favor of remaining part of Colombia around the time that Teddy Roosevelt instigated Panamanian independence and the building of the Panama Canal.

In 1928, Nicaragua recognized Colombian ownership of the San Andrés Islas, although it was later disputed with Colombia’s control reaffirmed by the international court of the Hague in 2021.

On another interesting historical note, Colombia actually entered World War II after a German submarine sank a boat transporting British troops to San Andrés Island in 1943.

The San Andrés Islands and the surrounding area was declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2000, and the third largest barrier reef in the world lies off the coast of San Andrés.

Things to Do in San Andrés, Colombia

For such a small island, there’s actually a remarkable amount of fun things to do in San Andrés, Colombia.

Obviously, it’s not surprising the beaches of San Andrés, Colombia are great, but there are also several neat other things to see in San Andrés, and, of course, lots of water activities, like snorkeling and scuba diving that can be done easily and relatively cheaply.

So, given we ended up spending so much time on the Isla de San Andrés, this post got quite long winded (like almost 10,000 words long winded).

For that reason, I decided to split it out into a few more. Here I will do a brief rundown of some of the top activities in San Andres, but you can find more detail on them in the other articles linked below.

Enjoy the Beaches

Well duh! Any list of what to do in San Andrés Island has to start with the beautiful beaches!

You are on a Caribbean island after all.

The beaches are excellent and there are a number of them, each with their charms. Below, I’ll give you a quick run down of the beaches of San Andrés, but if you would like more details, check out my larger post with a complete guide Guide to the Best Beaches in San Andrés.

Here’s a quick summary of the beaches:

Spratt Bight is the downtown beach on the northern shore, aka the North End. It is pretty darn good for a downtown beach, and much nicer than the downtown beaches of Cartagena.

Vendors aren’t too bad (also unlike the beaches of Cartagena), it’s a long stretch of beach (fewer crowds the farther you get from the central area), and you can easily get drinks from the shops along the waterfront.

Johnny Cay is a tiney palm tree covered island located nor too far off the North End of the island, just a short boat ride away. It’s a very popular half day trip.

You can easily get a half day tour on the island or do it as part of larger all day tours like this one that also includes the aquarium (see more on it below). Covered in palm trees, it’s very pretty, and all but one of the obligatory things to include in your plans for what to do in San Andres, Colombia.

It can get crowded though and sometimes high winds or waves stop boats, so I recommend not saving it until your last day in the San Andrés Islas, and trying to go on a weekday if possible.

See a complete guide to Johnny Cay here.

Rocky Cay Beach is the second best beach on the island itself in my opinion, located about half way down the eastern coast of San Andrés Isla. It gets its name from the tiny island about 100 yards off the beach known as Rocky Cay.

It’s a great spot to hang out and have lunch.

You can also head out to the tiny island itself, where you can do some snorkeling and enjoy what we thoguht was the best Piña Colada in all of San Andres, Colombia!

See a complete guide to Rocky Cay here.

San Luis Beach is located a bit further to the south of Rocky Cay, and it’s got a bit more of a local vibe. Not as many tourists hang out here and it’s the favorite beach of the island’s residents.

Waves are a bit higher here, there’s more open beach, and it can be a good place to chill out.

What to Do in San Andrés Besides the Beach?

There are a number of other things to do in the San Andrés Islas, including some other water activities that aren’t exactly beaches, as well as some neat things to see on the main San Andrés Isla on dry land.

Here are some of the other things to do in San Andrés we did that I recommend as must do activities in San Andres:

Rent a Golf Cart and Tour the Island

This has to be at the top of the list of things to do in San Andrés, Colombia!

Given the small size of the island, it is easy to see the main sites and beaches in a day.

By far the most enjoyable way to do that is by renting a golf cart and driving around yourself. It will also allow you to see some of the harder to reach things to see in San Andres in the interior part of the island.

You can find lots of places renting the golf carts (most are the newer Mule type) all over the downtown area of on the North End of the Isla de San Andrés. There are usually salesmen on the street as well.

There are 2 seaters and larger ones that can seat 4-6. Rates should be similar everywhere but you can always compare and try to negotiate.

We paid $120,000 pesos for a two seater to rent from about 8:30 am to 6 pm. While you will get a better price on the island most likely, you can book ahead here.

It is worth getting your cart early in the day to take full advantage of the day and the rental time, and so you make sure you get a good one.

When driving, traffic on the Isla de San Andrés is only heavy around the north end and around San Luis. Do watch out for motorcycles as they will pass you on both sides.

There are also scooter moped rentals. We were quoted $70,000 a day for those, although we didn’t end up doing it.

Here’s my list of stops on a golf cart or scooter circuit of the island:

First Baptist Church in La Loma – atop the hill in the north central part of the island, the church steeple is the highest point in San Andrés, Colombia and has great views. The first Baptist Church in Latin America and built in 1896, it has an interesting history as well.

Big Pond aka La Laguna – A pond in the interior of the island, it once was an important fresh water source. Today, you can see the semi-domesticated caimans that were placed there after the Colombian navy confiscated them from animal traffickers. The little tour is also cheap ($5,000 pesos) and is run by locals and gives some insight into the history of the island.

Morgan’s Cave – Supposedly where Henry Morgan hid treasures, there is a little cave here and some kind of neat exhibits on pirates. I felt it was a bit pricey ($20,000 pesos) for what it was but it is kind of neat, and some of the old pirate pistols and artifacts are neat. This isn’t an obligatory stop in my opinion, but if it interests you including it on your golf cart tour is the best way to do it.

Casa Museo Isleño – This is an old house on the West Side of the island that has been turned into a museum. Stopping here gives some more insight into the history of the island and there’s a mini-dance lesson as part of the tour. Like Morgan’s Cave, I wouldn’t consider this a must see activity in San Andres, but it’s interesting and best included during a golf cart circuit of the island.

La Piscinita – On the West Side of the island, this is a little natural swimming pool carved into the rocky coast. On our last visit, all the walkways and buildings had been destroyed by Iota, but hopefully it will all be rebuilt, and it is definitely easiest to reach while doing a circle of the island.

Hoyo Soplador – This is a blowhole located on the very southern tip of the island. It is one of the definite can’t miss activities in San Andrés. Given its location far away from town, it is best included as part of a golf cart tour of the island (more on it below or at this complete guide).

San Luis and Rocky Cay Beach – Both of these I discussed above, and they both make for great stops while circling the island of San Andrés. In fact, being able to see all the beaches while circling the island and then coming back to your favorite is the best way to make sure you see them all.

The San Andres Botanical Gardens – These are located between Rocky Cay and San Luis. They are ok. Not one of the obligatory things to do in San Andres, but if you have the time and want to see them, you can include them. We saw some crabs, iguanas, and pretty flowers. There is also a nice view from a 5 story observation tower.

Mangroves at Old Point – Located just north of Rocky Cay, there is a long boardwalk through the mangrove forest here with some lookout points over the water. I would again say it’s not obligatory but for nature or bird lovers, it can be a nice stop. There is a tour company just across the street that does see through kayak tours in the mangroves that look interesting (this is one of the few things to do in San Andrés we did not do).

Learn more about all of these things at my complete guide to doing a golf court tour of San Andrés.

Get Sprayed by the Geyser of Hoyo Soplador

I know I included this on the list of things to see in San Andrés during a golf cart tour of the island, but if you don’t do it that way, definitely make sure you do it!

Located on the very southern tip of the island, the Hoyo Soplador is definitely one of the must do activities in San Andrés, Colombia.

Waves crash into a cave below the rocky shore, and when they come in hard enough, water comes spraying up through a hole in the rocks. Stand over that hole and get ready to get blasted.

It’s hilarious!

After being sprayed and getting the funny picture, you can hang out for a bit and people watch other visitors getting spayed.

It is generally expected you buy something or give a small tip to the person who took your picture. We enjoyed a couple Coco Locos and had a good time watching some other people get spayed.

See a complete guide to the Hoyo Soplador here.

Go Snorkeling at the San Andres Aquarium

Ok, here’s an all but obligatory inclusion on the list of best things to do in San Andrés that you can’t include on a golf cart tour.

The San Andrés Aquarium is located on a sand bar just off the island.

On the far side, a combination of rocks and coral create a natural aquarium that is a popular fish hangout and a great snorkeling spot.

We didn’t do this the first time we went to San Andrés, but I’m glad we did on the second, because it’s definitely worth it.

You can see lots of fish in the shallow water off the aquarium.

You’ll definitely want to have a good pair of goggles and snorkel, and I’d also recommend some water shoes as it will keep you from having to worry about stepping on any rough corals.

We saw the most fish by heading out past the first 2 little ridges of stone in the water and farther up to the right if you’re facing the water with the buildings behind you.

We saw quite a few fish, and you can see some of the photos we got with our Eken action camera, a much cheaper GoPro knock off we picked up in town. We were pretty pleased with it.

See a complete guide to the aquarium here.

In addition to the snorkeling, there is a long narrow sand bar in front of the aquarium you can walk out on and enjoy as a little beach and snap some neat photos with the mainland of San Andrés or the aquarium and nearby Haynes Cay in the background.

Speaking of Haynes Cay it is yet another little island about 200 yards away from the sand bar where the aquarium is.

You can easily wade across.

We actually ran across a couple who had spotted a manta ray under the water and marveled at it through our goggles and snapped a few neat photos and a short video of it.

On Haynes Cay itself, you can hang out and enjoy a drink or just take in the views.

We went to the aquarium as part of a tour that included a stop there for about 90 minutes as well as a tour of the bay.

On the way, we went out to just inside the barrier reef, where you can see a ship that ran aground and remains in the water today.

After our stop at the aquarium, we then got a stop not far away where we could hold and see a Manta Ray up close before hopping back on the boat and heading up into the mangroves. We even stopped at one point and got to see a star fish in the water.

We booked this tour through EcoDivers and it was called Acuario+Mantaraya+Tour Bahía.

I definitely thought it was worth it, and while I think we got a good captain that was not only knowledgeable but enthusiastic and funny, I would definitely recommend doing this tour rather than just the aquarium alone, and I’d imagine you can book it in most agencies.

You can also book this tour that looks similar ahead of time or an all day tour that also includes Johnny Cay.

Go Diving

Scuba diving is one of those things that had always sort of intrigued me but seemed kind of intimidating and also very expensive.

San Andrés is a very good place to do it, however as it’s easy to do just off the island and relatively inexpensive. While not quite as well known a diving destination as other famous diving spots in the Caribbean like diving in Cozumel, San Andrés is a good place for those like me that are intrigued and want a simple introduction.

We booked a mini-course through EcoDivers.

On these mini-courses, you get a crash course in equipment and safety and then get to go on a 30-45 minute dive just off the coast, accompanied with instructors. It was only $100,000 pesos a person to do this.

The truth is Susana was a bit uncomfortable, so we ended up not doing the complete dive.

I was really impressed with the instructors though. They were very encouraging, and one stayed behind with the two of us to help make her more comfortable.

So, this definitely isn’t for everybody, but it is considerably cheaper than I’ve heard of doing it elsewhere including near Cartagena, and the people who did do the complete dive said they saw lots of fish.

If you’re a bit nervous as well, you won’t be disparaged by the instructors. For those looking for more, you can also do PADI certification on the island (again a lot cheaper than elsewhere by my understanding).

You can book ahead of time here.

If you are looking for something a bit less intensive, these underwater breathing helmet tours might also be an option. We didn’t do this, but it looks popular and a good bit easier than diving.

Go on the Portofino Party Cruise

The Portofino is a hotel that also runs a tour boat.

That boat does offer day tours around the island as well I believe, but more fun is to go on their White Party (Noche Blanca) boat in the evening.

We actually did this for New Years Eve, and while pricey, it was a lot of fun.

It sails out off the coast, and there is an open bar and dinner (at least I’m pretty sure there is dinner regularly, or that may have just been a New Years thing, open bar I’m sure is normal).

It’s one of those things, you know the liquor being served is bottom shelf, and it’s probably overpriced a bit, but it’s fun.

Do make sure you pack a good white dress for the ladies and for the guys, a guayabera and linen pants.

Relax Some More on the Beach

Seriously, you are in a Caribbean paradise after all!

If you’ve done everything else on your list of things to do in San Andres, then don’t feel bad about repeating the beaches.

We enjoyed a second day on Spratt Bight with a bottle of rum and also went back to Rocky Cay another afternoon for those piña coladas!

Go Parasailing or Kite Surfing

We talked about going Parasailing but ultimately didn’t do it. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but does look like fun.

You can likely get it cheaper on the island itself and just about any tour agency or hotel should be able to set it up, but you can book ahead online here.

Likewise, you’ll also assuredly see people kitesurfing off the coast of San Andres. The waves are good for it around the North End.

Rent a Boat

If you are in a group or have the money to swing it, you can also do a private pontoon boat rental in San Andres.

This can be another good way to see the islands like Johnny Cay and the Aquarium. Outside the Aquarium, pontoon boats gather for boat parties somewhat similar to the popular boat party spot of Cholón outside of Cartagena.

You can also hire boats for deep sea fishing or diving farther off the island in open water.

Go to Providencia

The smaller islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina are part of the islands that make up the San Andres Islands.

There you’ll find very little development and mostly unspoiled beaches, including the gorgeous Cayo Cangrejo.

Like I mentioned above, we had planned to go to Providencia for several nights, but the islands were devastated by a hurricane a few months before our trip.

Most structures on the island were destroyed and we saw a photo of the previously vegetation and palm tree covered Cayo Cangrejo that was now totally black and stripped by the storm surge.

It’s hard to say when the island of Providencia will be open again for tourism. Hopefully by 2023. We had planned to stay Posada Lkjay. The islands can be reached by plane on the airline Satena or by a ferry run by Conocemos Navegando.

I hope we are able to return and go see them sometime!

In the meantime, you can check out a great guide to Isla Providencia, Colombia here.

Where to Stay in San Andres

Since we ended up spending so much time in San Andres, we moved around a bit.

Below I will run down the places to stay in San Andres that we stayed at and my thoughts as well as give a few more recommendations for the best places to stay in San Andres.

Apartamentos Sweet Island:
Great Value and Favorite Place We Stayed

Located a bit to the south of the North End, we thought Sweet Island was a great value. While not as convenient as being in town proper, there are buses that pass right by here and taxis aren’t insanely expensive in and out of town as compared to other places farther down the island. The little studio apartment had a nice bed, a little table, cable TV, and a little kitchenette. There is a little supermarket around the corner, meaning you can easily make breakfast and even dinner here and save some pesos.

Check Prices and Reserve Here at Booking.com

Other Places We Stayed in San Andrés

• Hotel Las Lunas – Good budget hotel downtown
• República Hostel – Hostel with a nice pool
• Zippy’s Seaview Apartments – Good apartments on the beach in San Luis

More Recommendations for Where to Stay in San Andrés

Here are some other ideas for places to stay in San Andrés, Colombia, including both some of the other place we stayed that we liked and more ideas at different price points.

All Inclusive Resorts in San Andrés

There are handful of al inclusive resorts in San Andrés. I’m usually not crazy about all inclusives, but for a beach destination without all that many restaurants like San Andrés, it can be a good choice.

Decameron Marazul – Best Decameron on San Andrés Island

There are like 6 Decameron properties on San Andres. One of the things that I think is neat is if you stay at one, you can access the facilities at all of them. I considered booking a couple nights at one, and the Marazul was the one that looked the nicest. If you’re looking for a more luxury all inclusive hotel in San Andres, I’d put this at the top of the list.

Check Prices and Reserve Here at Booking.com

Sol Caribe Campo – Another San Andres All Inclusive

The Sol Caribe Campo is the sister property to a hotel downtown. It is located a bit out of town and has a gorgeous beach front area on the eastern side of the island. Like with the Decamerons if you are exploring downtown, you can also eat the restaurants in the hotel downtown, and the beachfront here makes it worth choosing over the main Sol Caribe.

Check Prices and Book Here at Booking.com

Other High End Hotels in San Andres

There aren’t any true 5 star hotels in San Andrés, Colombia. However, here are a few more luxury places to stay.

Hotel Casablanca – Nice and Centrally Located

The Hotel Casablanca has a great location, just along the main strip of beach but far enough down so it’s not too crowded out front. There is also a great pool and nice rooms. There are several restaurants at the hotel and it does have an all inclusive option or options to include some but not all meals. That makes it not only one of the nicer San Andres hotels, but also convenient (we ate at the little cafe here several times and thought it was good).

Check Prices and Book Here at Booking.com

GHL Sunrise – Newest Luxury Hotel in San Andres

The GHL Sunrise is a mixed condo and hotel building and is one of the newest hotels in San Andres. It is located on the edge of the downtown area, and has a gorgeous pool area along the water with swimming areas in the sea as well. The rooms are modernly and elegantly furnished and offer terrific views.

Check Prices and Book Here at Booking.com

Midrange San Andres Hotels

Here are a few midrange hotel options that offer a good bang for your peso in San Andrés.

Reina del Mar – Nice Beachfront Value

The Hotel Reina del Mar is in a great spot down the eastern coast of San Andrés. It has nice looking rooms and a pretty beach front area. This would be a great place for rest and relaxation at a more comfortable price than the Decamerons or the Sol Caribe.

Check Prices and Book Here at Booking.com

Portobelo Boulevard – Nice Value on the Beachfront Strip

The Portobelo Boulevard is one of several sister hotels. It is located just past the Casablanca along the beachfront on the North End, close to lots of restaurants and shops. The rooms here are nothing special, but it’s a great combination of value and location, and makes for a good option for those looking to be on the beach and in the heart of the North End without breaking the bank.

Check Prices and Reserve Here at Booking.com

Budget San Andres, Colombia Hotels

Here are a few cheaper options for where to stay in San Andrés Island.

Hotel Las Lunas – Nice Basic Option Close to the Beach

As I mentioned above, we spent a couple nights at Las Lunas. We had actually just planned to stay here to catch the ferry to Providencia. As you can see in the photo, the rooms are pretty basically furnished and small, but the location is great, just a short walk from the beaches of the North End as well as the marina to go to Johnny Cay or elsewhere. The manager was also very nice, and there are triple and family rooms available. If you’re looking for a cheap hotel in San Andres, this deserves to be at the top of the list.

Check Prices and Reserve Here at Booking.com

Miraflores Boutique Hotel – Great Value Option Outside of Town

Miraflores Boutique is located down the western coast of San Andrés, near La Piscina. There is a nice little pool here and the rooms are better furnished than many of the more expensive options on the North End. It is worth noting that there is not a beach on the western, rocky side of the island, but if you can live without it, this is a terrific value for where to stay in San Andrés.

Check Prices and Reserve Here at Booking.com

Apartments in San Andres

Besides the aforementioned Sweet Island, here are some more options for apartment style accommodations in San Andrés.

Apartamento Sunrise – Luxury Condo

As mentioned above, the Sunrise is a combination condo and hotel building. That means staying in this 2 bedroom apartment, you’ll have access to the terrific grounds while enjoying apartment accommodations and a full kitchen. This would especially be a great choice for families. You can also book a 1 bedroom, 3 bedroom, or this alternative 2 bedroom apartment here.

Check Prices and Reserve Here at Booking.com

Haynes Cay View – Lovely Looking Spot on the East Side

I actually wanted to book a few nights at Haynes Cay View for our stay, but it was all booked up. That view from the little dock just looks so nice. The apartments here are nicely furnished and there are several 1 bedrooms as well as a 2 bedroom. The location is also very close to Rocky Cay and not very far from downtown. It would make a great choice for couples, groups, or families and larger groups could even rent out several or all the units.

Check Prices and Reserve Here at Booking.com

Hostels in San Andrés

There are only a few hostel choices for the Isla de San Andrés.

República Hostel – Nice with Some Flaws San Andres Hostel

Located on the West Side of the island, República has a pretty property and a very nice pool. However, it is a decent ways from the North End. There are fewer buses that go down the West Side than the East Side, and a taxi here was very pricey. The private room’s bed was hard as a rock. Also, there’s not a communal kitchen or even fridge, although the food was very good and reasonably priced. República is part of the newer boutique style hostel trend, and the common areas and pool were nice, and the dorms also looked very nice. So it does make for a good choice if you’re solo traveling and want to meet people hanging out around a sweet pool, but I wouldn’t recommend it for the private of if you have limited time.

Check Prices at Booking.com

Check Prices at HostelWorld.com

Viajero Hostel – San Andres Hostel Located Downtown

El Viajero Hostel is the only hostel in San Andrés I know of that is located downtown. It is located somewhat centrally and a few blocks from the beach, but the prices here are fairly reasonable and there are some nice common areas to hang out and meet fellow travelers. This makes for a good choice for those looking for a hostel in San Andrés that offers easy access to the North End.

Check Prices at Booking.com

Check Prices at HostelWorld.com

See More Places to Stay in San Andres on Booking.com

Packing List for San Andres

Beach clothes, beach gear, and casual warm weather clothes is basically what you need for San Andres.

A light jacket or windbreaker isn’t the worse idea to bring along if you sometimes get chilly on windy evenings, but most will get by with summer clothes and a pair of jeans or two as well as 1 or 2 nicer outfits for eating out at La Regatta or doing the White Party on Portofino.

General Items to Pack for San Andres

• Susana and I both have Osprey Porter 46L bags. We like that you can carry it like a suitcase/duffel or a backpack and it has the right blend of capacity while it can be carried on as well. If you’re looking for something a tad more compact but more comfortable as a backpack, check out the Farpoint 40L (or Fairview 40L for the ladies). For something bigger consider the Farpoint 70L.
• I also love my Roam daypack. It packs up into a little rectangle and is perfect for using as a daypack or going to the beach. See my review of it here.
• If you’re coming from Europe, you will want a plug adapter as San Andres uses the standard 2 pronged outlets you see in the rest of Colombia and the USA.
• It’s never a bad idea to have some basic first aid stuff with you just in case you cut your foot on a rock or a piece of coral at the beach or have a scrape climbing in and out of a boat, this mini first aid kit is easy to pack and will come in handy if you do need it.
• Having a good water bottle comes in so handy. You can buy the big bags or jugs of water and just refill as needed. It will save you pesos and it’s better for the environment. I love my Takeya bottle, and it keeps stuff cold all day. For something even easier to pack, consider this collapsible bottle.
• You never want limited time somewhere to be ruined by an upset stomach, so it’s always a good idea to have some PeptoBismol with you just in case.
• You’ll want some bug spray too as the mosquitos can come out when it’s not windy.

Beach Gear

• A good beach towel is a must. These microfibers from Dock and Bay have a funky retro design and are quick drying, perfect for travel.
• You’ll need some good shades as well. I love my bamboo RawWood sunglasses (see my review) and the green lenses fit in perfect with the reggae vibes of San Andres.
• You will also definitely need sunscreen!
• A good snorkel set is also well worth it for the trip to San Andres. You will get so much more out of a visit to the aquarium and swimming around Rocky Cay with them. While I’ve never tried one of these, my Dad swears by these full face snorkels.
• Water shoes also are all but necessary for San Andres. I know they look goofy and get full of sand, but you will appreciate having them walking on the rocks at Rocky Cay and Johnny Cay. Those look decent enough like normal tennis shoes.
• You’ll be taking lots of boats around to different spots around San Andres, so a good set of dry bags is a handy thing to have to protect things like phones and cameras.
• A good action camera like a GoPro is also nice for snorkeling. We picked up a cheaper Eken H9R on the island but it’s still cheaper if you get it online before going.
• Finally, some good tunes goes perfect with the beach. The JBL clip speaker is waterproof and easy to pack and take along.

Clothes to Pack for San Andres for Her

• This crochet pocket top is comfortable and is great for daily wear around San Andres.
• This sleeveless button up blouse works well for around town, the beach, or even dinner in San Andres.
• Same for this cute flower print top.
• Floral print sundresses like this one also are great for San Andres.
• A pretty white sundress like this one also works well for casual or more formal wear and going on the Portofino White Party. It also comes in a number of other colorful prints.
• A good sunhat is a must. This floppy sun hat is perfect for the beach and rolls up for easy packing. You might also want a cute baseball cap for a more sporty look.
• This bikini fits right in on San Andres Island, as does this one piece.
• Finally, a good beach coverup is good to have. Susana has this white dress coverup and loves it, perfect for wearing around town while being ready for the beach. A good sarong can also come in handy for tying up like a dress to go from the beach to enter stores and the like.

Clothes to Pack for San Andres for Him

• Colombia’s polos are comfortable in warm weather and work for both casual and beach wear or going out on the town in the evening. Their button ups also are good in the sun for a slightly more mature look.
• A good linen casual shirt is also perfect for any occasion with the beach vibes of San Andres.
• For a more formal version, see this Cubavera linen shirt. A long sleeve version is also a classy look.
• A good pair of linen pants to go with those is also an easy and comfortable way to get a more formal look.
• Of course, you’ll also want some comfortable shorts for walking around town.
• And of course, you’ll want some swimming trunks, and these palm tree print trunks are perfect for the Caribbean vibes of San Andres Isla.
• A good Panama hat also pairs well with the Caribbean vibes, and will keep the sun out of your eyes. This one is packable and foldable. For something cheaper, pick up a generic ball cap.
• While you will of course want a good pair of flip flops for the beach, a pair of pair of Birkenstocks also works well for beach, around town, and can be used with more formal wear.

How to Get to San Andres?

Well, it’s a small island in the middle of the Caribbean, so no cheap bus to San Andres, Colombia!

Can you sail to San Andres?

It may be possible to sail to San Andres from Colombia although it would surely be a multi-day trip and I am unaware of any cruises or frequent sailing trips.

Perhaps from the much closer Nicaragua it’s a shorter trip, but I am unaware of any commercial sailing trips.

Are there cruises to San Andres?

There are some cruises that stopped at San Andres before the pandemic, but I’m not sure if any are currently running. You can double check at Cruise Critic or Cruise Direct.

I’d still recommend flying anyways.

Cruises never stop long enough to really let you see all there is somewhere. You can get direct flights to San Andres from Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Cartagena in Colombia as well as from Panama and Costa Rica.

Getting Around on the Island

Taxis in San Andrés are quite pricey.

Particularly if you are not staying downtown and taking taxis to and from places to stay in San Andrés, they can add up quick.

However, they are the easiest and most convenient way to get around San Andrés.

However, the buses are also pretty good, particularly from the North End down to around San Luis, they are pretty plentiful and quick.

Buses that go to the West Side or the southern end of the island pass a little less frequently but are still doable.

I lost my notes on the bus fare price, but I am sure it was no more than $3,000 pesos a person. Look for the start and end of the route in the bottom left of the front window.

If in doubt, ask, most people are friendly about helping tourists get around.

Of course, there is also the golf cart rental mentioned above, which is great for seeing the main sites during a day but may not be quite worth it if you are planning to hang out somewhere for a while.

What and Where to Eat in San Andres

For what to eat, well, it’s a Caribbean island, so there is great seafood.

Of course the fried fish plate is the most common lunch at the beaches or at restaurants. It is usually served along with coconut rice, breadfruit (technically a fruit, but usually served in fried wedges kind of like a mix between yucca and french fries), and a small salad.

In addition to the fresh fish, you have to try the crab empanadas. Oh man, they were bomb!

You can also get shrimp and lobster empanadas, but the crab empanadas, seasoned to be a bit spicy were my favorite by far.

There is also a traditional crab soup (sopa de cangrejo) that I tried and liked. There is another traditional stew known as Rundown or Rondón that we didn’t get a chance to try.

Some Recommended Places to Eat in San Andrés

Here are few places we ate that we recommend to try in San Andrés.

La Regatta

Located near the Marina in town, this place has a neat vibe and nice waterfront deck seating.

This is certainly the place to go for a romantic dinner, but it makes a good spot for any occasion, even something more casual.

We got the lobster plate that came with 3 lobster tails in sauces of your choice. It was the perfect thing to share along with an appetizer. There is plenty of other great seafood on the menu as well.

Do make sure you make a reservation as it is a popular spot.

Homestyle Food Stand in Front of Hotel Casablanca

Along the beach front downtown on the corner in front of the Hotel Casablanca, you’ll see a table serving up homemade food (it was the second one when we were there if you are walking from where the Beer Station and Corral is along the beach).

The man and his mother have been setting up there for over 40 years!

They had fried fish, fish albondigas (fish meatballs? fish balls?), tuna, and chicken served up with sides like white rice, coconut rice, yuca, and salad.

It’s basically San Andres comfort food.

I tried the albondigas and thought they were really good and they come in a tasty sauce, and of course the fried fish is great.

Next to them, at the same table, there is also a lady who sells great shrimp cocktails and some of the best crab empanadas I found (seriously, you have to try those crab empanadas).

Lydia’s Restaurant

This spot near the beach in San Luis serves up traditional San Andres comfort food.

I tried the crab soup here, and they also serve up fried fish plates as well as beans and oxtail and other seafood dishes. It is really popular so make sure you get here early as they do run out of things from the menu.

Kingston Jerk Spot

Ever since we spent our honeymoon in Jamaica, Jamaican Jerk has to be one of my favorite foods.

Jamaica is awesome, by the way, and well worth a visit. Check out this Jamaica itinerary for some great ideas and includes a lot of what we did plus a whole lot more.

The local culture in San Andres feels very Jamaicanesque, and fortunately for me there is a jerk spot.

It is located in San Luis and is just a little place offering takeout with a couple tables. They serve up more of a barbecue sauce jerk that doesn’t have quite the spicy kick of what you get in Jamaica, but it was good and decently priced with big portions.

At the Beach

The beach in front of Rocky Cay is an especially good spot to enjoy a beach front lunch. You’ll mostly find barracuda, pargo (red snapper), and sometimes mojarra (tilapia, although I’ve seen different translations) served at the beaches in San Andres.

We paid $30,000 and $35,000 pesos for a portion of barracuda and a full pargo, respectively.

Sea Watch Cafe

Located in front of the Hotel Casablanca, we ate here several times. They had terrific milkshakes and pretty decent burgers and pizzas.

It has a great, convenient location by the beach, and was good. So we stopped here several times.

El Rincón de la Langosta

A good seafood spot in town. We shared a picada and some wine here for lunch one day.

Cafe Cafe

Besides having an awesome name, this place serves up pizza and usually has a crowd. I stopped in and tried the pizza one night and though it was pretty solid.

Beer Station

It’s a bit touristy trappy here, but they have a good waterfront spot and deck, good beer, and bar food.

Travel Tips for San Andres

• You do have to purchase a tourist card (or tarjeta de turisumo) while visiting San Andres, even if you’re arriving from the Colombian mainland (only natives to the islands do not need to purchase it). It’s common for airlines to sell them before boarding but you can also get it upon landing if yours does not, and you will be asked to show it when arriving to the island, and when departing. Be sure to keep it on you just in case you are asked to show it as well. The cost of the tourist card is $116,800 pesos and due to the decline in tourism from Covid, the cost has been frozen until after 2025, after that it will likely increase a bit year to year.
• It’s easy to find ATMs in town on the North End but not elsewhere on the island. So if you’re staying away from downtown, make sure you have plenty of cash. You’ll also want to make sure you have cash for going to Johnny Cay, the Aquarium, Rocky Cay, and Hoyo Soplador.
• You should not drink the tap water on the island. It is relatively cheap to buy bottled water, including big jugs and refilling a smaller bottle.
• Most natives of the islands speak both Spanish as well as a creole English, although downtown you should expect most people to communicate in Spanish and some workers from the mainland may not speak English.

San Andrés, Colombia FAQs

Here are some common questions related to travel to the San Andrés Islands.

Is San Andrés Island Safe?

Yes, San Andrés is very safe.

I never felt unsafe at all during either of our two visits. As I said above about people being helpful asking questions about getting around, people are mostly very friendly.

In the little town just outside the North End and San Luis, you may see a lot of traffic or people out riding motorcycles, so watch out for them.

However, as long as you use and follow common safety advice, San Andrés Island will be very safe to visit.

When is the Best Time to Visit the San Andrés Islands?

There isn’t really a bad time, so most anytime is the best time to visit the San Andrés Islas.

San Andrés is a popular destination for Colombians as well as people from other Latin American countries, so normal peak travel seasons around Christmas, New Years, and Easter will see the island more crowded, so if you can avoid them as well as the school vacation period from mid-June to mid-July that’s better, but you can still have a good time then.

It is very uncommon for hurricanes to pass this far west in the Caribbean, but Iota showed that it can happen, so if you want to be extra safe, you may want to avoid planning a trip to the Islas San Andrés during hurricane season.

Do they speak English in San Andrés, Colombia?

Lots of the native islanders do speak a sort of creole English not unlike Jamaican patois. However, lots of Colombian transplants that run hotels and shops may not speak much English.

So, while there is a decent chance you’ll encounter lots of English speakers, it’s good to know at least basic Spanish.

Ready to plan your trip to San Andres Island?

In conclusion, San Andres is well worth the visit!

It’s gorgeous and there’s a surprisingly lot to see for a small island. If you have the time to include it on a trip to Colombia, you won’t be disappointed with the beautiful beaches and relaxed vibes.

If you do decide to visit yourself, I hope you found it useful and, even more importantly, you have a terrific time!

Cheers and Happy Exploring!

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