San Andrés, Colombia is a small Caribbean island renowned for its crystalline waters and vibrant coral reefs. It draws travelers with its striking seven-colored sea, fringed by white sandy beaches and palm trees. The island’s relaxed pace of life and distinctly Creole culture create a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes it a popular getaway for both Colombian and international visitors.
Main attractions include the protected waters of Johnny Cay, a tiny offshore island ideal for swimming and sunbathing, and La Piscinita, a natural pool teeming with tropical fish where snorkeling is unforgettable. Adventurers flock to West View for cliff-jumping into startlingly clear water or to explore the coral atolls by scuba or glass-bottom kayak. San Andrés’s town is lively and compact, with colorful shops, beachfront restaurants, and reggae music drifting through the air.
The influences of English, Spanish, African, and Caribbean cultures are felt everywhere, from the food—fresh seafood, coconut rice, and plantains—to the lilting sound of Creole English spoken by many locals. Visitors will find the island community friendly but protective of their unique heritage. Days are typically spent on the water, while evenings might include sipping a coconut cocktail by the beach or mingling with locals at a music bar.
Getting around San Andrés is straightforward—most visitors rent golf carts or scooters, or use affordable taxis. A range of accommodations is available, from all-inclusive resorts to cozy guesthouses near the beach. Dining options offer plenty of fresh fish, lobster, and tropical fruit juices. Don't miss the nightly street food stalls for a taste of local arepas and empanadas.
The best time to visit is from December to April when the weather is dry and sunny, though the island is lively year-round. Avoid the September-November rainy season for maximum sun. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and cash, as ATMs and credit card facilities can be unreliable outside the main town. Consider booking popular excursions ahead of time, especially in peak season.
Main attractions include the protected waters of Johnny Cay, a tiny offshore island ideal for swimming and sunbathing, and La Piscinita, a natural pool teeming with tropical fish where snorkeling is unforgettable. Adventurers flock to West View for cliff-jumping into startlingly clear water or to explore the coral atolls by scuba or glass-bottom kayak. San Andrés’s town is lively and compact, with colorful shops, beachfront restaurants, and reggae music drifting through the air.
The influences of English, Spanish, African, and Caribbean cultures are felt everywhere, from the food—fresh seafood, coconut rice, and plantains—to the lilting sound of Creole English spoken by many locals. Visitors will find the island community friendly but protective of their unique heritage. Days are typically spent on the water, while evenings might include sipping a coconut cocktail by the beach or mingling with locals at a music bar.
Getting around San Andrés is straightforward—most visitors rent golf carts or scooters, or use affordable taxis. A range of accommodations is available, from all-inclusive resorts to cozy guesthouses near the beach. Dining options offer plenty of fresh fish, lobster, and tropical fruit juices. Don't miss the nightly street food stalls for a taste of local arepas and empanadas.
The best time to visit is from December to April when the weather is dry and sunny, though the island is lively year-round. Avoid the September-November rainy season for maximum sun. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and cash, as ATMs and credit card facilities can be unreliable outside the main town. Consider booking popular excursions ahead of time, especially in peak season.
Expected Weekly Budget
$800–$1200 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Snorkel in La Piscinita and West View
- Take a boat trip to Johnny Cay
- Explore the island by golf cart or scooter
- Swim in the natural pools at Hoyo Soplador
- Sample island cuisine along Spratt Bight
- Enjoy live reggae and Caribbean music at local bars
- Visit the Morgan’s Cave museum
- Shop for local crafts and souvenirs in North End
Notable Sites
- Johnny Cay
- La Piscinita
- West View
- Hoyo Soplador
- Morgan’s Cave
- Spratt Bight Beach
- San Luis Village
- Blowing Geyser
General Advice
San Andrés is an ideal destination for travelers looking for stunning beaches, vibrant local culture, and the chance to explore the Caribbean's underwater world. It's easy to spend your days snorkeling, relaxing by the sea, or joining a boat tour to nearby islands. While the island is compact and easy to navigate, it's best to plan some activities or tours in advance during weekends and holidays, as it can get busy with Colombian vacationers. English is commonly spoken, but learning a few Spanish or Creole phrases will be appreciated by locals.
Security & Safety
San Andrés is generally considered safe, but like any tourist destination, keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuables in public. Stick to well-trafficked areas, especially at night, and use official taxis when venturing further from the main town. Swimming and water activities are usually safe but always check local conditions and flags for currents or jellyfish warnings. Follow local regulations for the preservation of the island's delicate ecosystems, and avoid traveling with illicit substances, as drug laws are strictly enforced.
Travel Tips
- Pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Carry cash, as many island businesses do not accept cards.
- Rent a golf cart or scooter for easy and fun island transport.
- Respect marine life and never touch or remove coral.
- Book tours to Johnny Cay and Acuario in advance.
- Try local seafood dishes like fried pargo and coconut rice.
- Bring your own snorkeling gear for the best experience.
- Travel light—casual clothing and beachwear are the norm.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in March 2024
San Andrés was a dream for beach lovers like me! I rented a golf cart and explored every corner of the island. The highlight was snorkeling with so many colorful fish at La Piscinita. Food was delicious but a little pricier than I expected.
Stayed in July 2023
We traveled as a family with two kids and everyone had fun. Johnny Cay was a bit crowded but so beautiful. Our favorite meal was a coconut fish stew on the beach. Wish we’d brought more cash—ATMs were sometimes empty.
Traveled here in February 2024
I loved the laid-back vibe and reggae everywhere! The sea really does have seven colors. Spent hours swimming at West View and enjoyed chatting with friendly locals. I'd definitely come back, maybe in a quieter month.
Visited in December 2023
The fresh seafood here blew me away. Each day was a new adventure, from scooter rides to tasting local empanadas. Acuario and Morgan’s Cave are must-sees for first-timers. The town can get busy during Colombian vacation season.
Visited in May 2023
San Andrés is definitely relaxing, but I wish there were more ‘off the beaten path’ places. That said, I loved swimming in the natural pools and trying street food. The nightlife is fun but not too wild.
Traveled here in August 2023
We spent most of our time snorkeling and sunbathing. Renting a golf cart was the best decision! Johnny Cay was stunning and the locals were super helpful with tips. Would love to come back for more scuba diving.
Visited in October 2023
Nice island with great beaches, but it rained a lot during our trip and some tours got canceled. I enjoyed the food and music scene, especially the reggae bars. Maybe I'd pick a drier month next time.
Visited in January 2024
Loved the blend of cultures here! Walking in San Luis village was a treat and the local markets were full of energy. The beaches can get busy during the day, but evenings were peaceful and romantic.
Visited in November 2023
I came as a solo traveler and always felt safe. La Piscinita was my favorite spot—spent hours snorkeling there. The shopping area could use a bit of a facelift but the island’s charm more than made up for it.
Stayed in April 2024
Coconut cocktails and island sunsets—what more can you want? San Andrés is really something special. Highly recommend a boat tour to Acuario and Johnny Cay. Bring cash, a few places wouldn’t take cards.
Visited in June 2024
Great spot for a quiet getaway with my partner. We loved relaxing on Spratt Bight and eating fresh lobster at a beach hut. It can get a little noisy downtown at night, but overall very chill.
Traveled here in December 2023
Island culture is vibrant—everyone was so welcoming. We tried local dancing at a bar and explored Morgan’s Cave. The traffic can get a little hectic with all the golf carts, but it adds to the fun.
Stayed in October 2023
San Andrés had just what we needed: sun, sea, and great seafood. Sometimes service at restaurants was a bit slow, but the food was always worth the wait. The underwater scenery blew me away while snorkeling.
Visited in February 2024
Took a dive course here and it was just fantastic—a world of fish and coral. The local neighborhoods have a lot of character. Be prepared for humid weather and sudden showers.
Visited in May 2023
Really enjoyed how easygoing everyone was. We rented a scooter and found some cute quiet beaches on the south side. Shopping was okay, mostly souvenirs, but the nature made up for it.
Traveled here in January 2024
Our family had a fantastic time on Johnny Cay and Acuario. Swimming with rays was a highlight for my kids. The food is amazing and people are friendly. Don’t miss the sunset at West View!
Visited in March 2024
The beaches are postcard-perfect, and the nightlife is surprisingly lively. We enjoyed trying all the different fruit juices and reggae dancing. A few places were under renovation, but it didn't impact our enjoyment.
Visited in September 2023
Got unlucky with the weather—it was rainy most days so we didn’t get to do as much snorkeling as planned. Still, the food and friendly vibe made up for it. Travel here during the dry season if you can.
Traveled here in August 2023
Our highlight was cliff diving at West View, followed by a long walk along the white sandy beach. The only challenge was finding reliable Wi-Fi in some areas, but it actually made unplugging easier.
Stayed in May 2024
Fun island for couples and groups. We liked the chill pace and ended most nights with live music by the water. Be patient with island time—things move a bit slower but that's part of the charm.
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