San Andrés, Colombia: travel guide
A Caribbean coral island of seven-colour seas and Creole culture
Caribbean coral island (770 km from mainland), Seaflower Biosphere Reserve. "Sea of Seven Colors" diving, English-Creole culture, duty-free port.
About San Andrés
San Andres is a small coral island in the western Caribbean, much closer to Nicaragua than to the Colombian mainland, and it is part of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve. The sea is famous for its many shades of blue, often described as seven colours, and the island's culture blends Colombian and English-speaking Creole traditions.
Things to do on San Andres include snorkelling and diving, taking a boat to Johnny Cay with its white sand and palms, swimming at West View, and watching the blowhole at Hoyo Soplador send spray into the air. Many visitors simply circle the island by scooter or golf cart and stop wherever the water looks inviting.
The island suits beach holidays, divers and couples. It is warm all year, and the drier months from December to April are the most popular.
- Country
- Colombia
- Currency
- COP
- Time zone
- America/Bogota
- Nearest airport
- ADZ
Last updated
Top places to visit in San Andrés
Johnny Cay Natural Regional Park
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 6 h · entry $12,000 (≈ ₹360)
Small coral islet 1.5 km off North End. White sand, palm trees, and turquoise water of the "Sea of Seven Colors." Reached by boat in 15 min. Iconic shot of San Andrés.
West View Piscinita
Nature · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · entry $8,000 (≈ ₹240)
Snorkelling spot on the west coast with a wooden jumping pier and crystal-clear water — ideal for kids. Coves with reef fish, sea turtles seasonally.
Hoyo Soplador
Nature · 4.0 rating · about 0.5 h · entry $5,000 (≈ ₹150)
Natural blowhole on the south end of the island — sea water shoots up to 20m through a coastal hole at high tide. Combined with Morgan's Cave on the round-island tour.
Things to do
- Johnny Cay Snorkel Day Trip Beach · 6 h · from COP 65,000 per person
- San Andrés Round-Island Tour Nature · 6 h · from COP 95,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- San Andrés Round-Island + Johnny Cay 8 h · from 220,000
Where to stay in San Andrés
- North End (Centro) about COP 380,000 per night
Main town with shops, restaurants, tourist info. Walking distance to main beach.
- San Luis about COP 280,000 per night
Quieter, more authentic beachside area on the east coast.
Hotels
- Coral Reef Boutique Apartments 3-star · COP 280,000 to COP 520,000 per night
- Decameron Aquarium 4-star · COP 580,000 to COP 1,200,000 per night
Where to eat
- La Regatta Caribbean, Seafood · about COP 180,000 per person
- Donde Francesca Caribbean, Raizal · about COP 95,000 per person
Getting to San Andrés
Airport: San Andres Island (ADZ)
Getting around
- Boat
- Bus
- Scooter Rental
- Taxi
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Untaxed Hotel/Taxi Overcharge
San Andrés Island arrivals
Foreigners arriving at ADZ airport are sometimes quoted prices in COP+USD with hidden surcharges. Some hotels add "service" fees or "ocean access" fees not advertised.
How to avoid it: Pre-book hotels online with all-inclusive transparent pricing. Use the airport taxi rank (official rates posted). Carry the printed booking confirmation.
Tarjeta de Turismo Surprise
San Andrés airport check-in (any departure)
Foreign tourists must pay 130,000 COP "tarjeta de turismo" environmental fee at check-in to fly TO San Andrés. Some travelers are shocked at the surprise charge.
How to avoid it: Pay the tarjeta when you book the flight online OR at the airport BEFORE check-in. Cash COP needed if paying at airport.
More in Colombia
Frequently asked questions about San Andrés
- What are the top-rated places to visit in San Andrés?
- The highest-rated places in our San Andrés guide are Johnny Cay Natural Regional Park, West View Piscinita, Hoyo Soplador.
- Where should I stay in San Andrés?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in San Andrés: North End (Centro), San Luis.
- How do I get around San Andrés?
- Ways to get around San Andrés covered in our guide: Boat, City bus, Scooter rental, Taxi.
- What scams should I watch out for in San Andrés?
- Scams reported to us for San Andrés include Untaxed Hotel/Taxi Overcharge; Tarjeta de Turismo Surprise. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to San Andrés?
- The nearest airport to San Andrés has the code ADZ.