Hey there, tropical explorers! Get ready to soak up the awesome vibes of San Andres, the ultimate Caribbean paradise and one of Colombia’s coolest hotspots. This place isn’t just a destination; it’s a magical mix of sun-soaked beaches, vibrant culture, and all-around good times.
In this blog, we’re sharing our ultimate 3-day guide to help you make the most out of your San Andres experience. We’ve got the inside scoop on the best beaches, cultural hotspots, and adventures that’ll make your trip unforgettable.
And for a front-row seat to the action, don’t forget to check out our YouTube video! We’ve captured the essence of San Andres in all its glory, so you can practically feel the sand between your toes and the sun on your face. Get ready for a virtual vacay like no other! 🌴😎
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, San Andrés pops up as a captivating coral island, charming visitors with its friendly Colombian vibes and a touch of British charm from its historical ties to the United Kingdom. Forming the dynamic trio with Providencia and Santa Catalina, these islands collectively shape the vibrant state of the Colombian Caribbean. Situated in the southern group of islands, San Andrés proudly claims the title of Colombia’s largest, a true gem in the Caribbean archipelago. Just 50 km south of Providence and a breezy 750 km north of the Colombian mainland, San Andrés is the cool neighbor in the Caribbean islands. Due to its proximity to Nicaragua’s mainland, San Andrés has been in a territorial dispute in the past, despite this the island remains a vibrant paradise.
Language is interesting here, with Spanish, English, and the lively San Andrés–Providencia Creole weaving through the island’s traditional Caribbean culture.
Your 3-Day Island Itinerary
Day 1: Pontoon Boat Day Tour - A Watery Wonderland Adventure
We kicked off our island adventure with an awesome Pontoon Boat Day Tour, promising sunshine, ocean vibes, and tons of aquatic wonders. We booked a boat tour from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., giving us a whole day to explore paradise. The cost was around $15 USD (that’s 60,000 Colombian pesos) per person, and trust us, it was well worth the price for the incredible experience.
Our chartered pontoon boat, complete with full shade, offered a comfortable ride as we set out to explore the main attractions near San Andrés. The tour took us to iconic spots like the Manglares de Old Point National Park, Cayo Acuario Island, Rocky Cay Beach, El Palito, and the serene White Wata Beach. The highlight was the area known as “the aquarium,” where we immersed ourselves in snorkeling to witness the mesmerizing seven different colors of the sea.
This tour wasn’t just about the views; it was a deep dive into San Andrés’ magic—an absolute must for experiencing coastal charm and enjoying vibrant marine life that makes San Andrés a true Caribbean gem.
Quick Tip: We highly recommend negotiating with the tour companies to get the best price.
Day 2: Island Overview by a Scooter
On Day 2, we rented a scooter for about $16 and explored the entire island. The rental included a drop-off service at our hotel, making it convenient. The entire island is roughly 32 km, and we could circle it in about an hour. Despite its small size, there are numerous fantastic stops, and we made a full day out of it. We particularly enjoyed exploring different beaches, swimming areas, and even came across a pond full of alligators on top of a hill.
One of our favorite stops was near the West View area, where we found a swimming destination. The entrance fee was 8,000 pesos (about $2 USD). This spot had Caribbean water, along with man-made attractions like a water slide and diving boards. We spent about an hour there, and while it can get busy at certain times due to tour buses, the crowd eventually thins out, allowing for a more enjoyable experience.
We continued our scooter journey, exploring various beaches, stopping at restaurants, and enjoying the coastal scenery. One notable natural attraction was the Big Blow Hole, a place where erosion has created a large hole near the coast. Despite some locals trying to charge for entry, it was actually free. We did, however, buy some drinks and took in the surroundings.
Our exploration led us to San Luis, known for its surf camps. Although we didn’t catch any waves, it was a great beach spot where we relaxed.
Driving to the central part of the island, we discovered Big Pond, an area with alligators. For a small fee of $2.50 USD, we entered and met a local resident who fed the alligators. It was a unique experience, seeing alligators up close in someone’s backyard. This marked the end of our adventurous day, and we concluded it by dining at a local restaurant in the town center.
Day 3: Providencia and Santa Catalina Adventure
On day 3, we’re set for an exciting day of exploration in Providencia, ready to dive into a variety of experiences. Here’s our suggested itinerary to make the most of our time on this enchanting Caribbean island. Let’s kickstart our day by grabbing water and snacks at a local store by Santa Isabel to keep ourselves energized throughout our journey.
Practical Tips
- Touristic Card
- Negotiate your tours. It is cheaper to get the tours once in San Andres than online.
What to Bring:
- Snorkeling Gear
- Water shoes
- Cellphone Waterproof Case
- Essentials for a tropical climate.
- Any specific items needed for activities.
Transportation:
- Getting around the island.
- Any recommended modes of transportation.
Weather and Seasons:
- Best times to visit.
- Seasonal considerations.
Cultural Etiquette:
- Respectful behavior and local customs.
Excited for an amazing island adventure? Well, get ready because San Andrés, Colombia, is calling! Imagine sunny beaches, clear-blue seas, and a lively culture waiting for you. Share your thoughts or any questions in the comments below. We’re super curious to hear about your upcoming island escapade! 🌴☀️
