Visiting San Andres Island, Colombia – All You Need To Know

When people mention Colombia, places like Medellin, Cartagena and Santa Marta come into mind, not an island called San Andres which is 3 times closer to Nicaragua than Colombia.

Heck, nobody even knows that Colombia had such an island, not me at least.

The sceneries look totally different and definitely beautiful, which makes it a place that you have to come to visit if you come to this country since it’s pretty easy and cheap to fly there from many parts of Colombia.

Where Is San Andres?

San Andres is a beautiful island located in the Caribbean, very far from Colombia. 719 km from Cartagena de Indias to be precise, and for you to get an idea, it’s just 215 km from Nicaragua. For this reason, most travelers usually get to San Andres by taking a flight because it’s not accessible by boat.

And yes, taking a flight back and forth for at least a few days is totally worth it, if you’re looking for an amazing place with some of the best beaches and waters as well as an abundance of corals and marine life waiting to be explored. This is a great place to have a picnic, go for a walk, or just lie down and relax.

On the beach, you’ll see many different types of boats offering their services or others are just taking anchor after they’ve been fishing all day long. Before we start, we must go through a couple of important things in order for you not to get caught off guard upon arrival to San Andres Island.

8 Things To Know Before Going To San Andres

San Andres is a must-visit Caribbean island. It has everything you’re looking for in an island destination: palm trees, white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, great weather, and little islands surrounding it. On this island, you can find yourself amongst beautiful nature unlike anywhere else!

There are a few things that you may not expect from this island but we’re here to share our experience about all of it from our trip there in 2021.

1. Entry fee

Is there an entry fee to enter San Andres?

There’s an entry fee for non-Colombian visitors to San Andres that you have to pay at the airport before boarding the flight. It’s a tax of around 120,000 COP/ USD30 because San Andres is considered a national park, so the government asks for this entrance fee for every visitor. Make sure you save your receipt and tourist card. These will be checked when you leave the island, so make sure you don’t lose them.

Also, accommodations not only cost more than most places near big cities in Colombia (though plenty offer discounts).

2. Tap Water Is Not Drinkable

Is tap water drinkable?

The Caribbean Sea is a tropical place that allows for plenty of life beneath its surface, and it’s also full of salt and is such a little island, so drinkable water for everyone is quite a challenge. Even the locals don’t dare to drink tap water; it can make you sick if your body isn’t used to it.

So you must buy water at the supermarket. The water comes from desalinization stations or well reservoirs.

3. “Creole” Native Dialect In San Andres

What language do the locals speak?

One thing about San Andres is that the locals speak their own dialect, called Creole. The San Andres dialect is a mix of English, and Spanish and has some distinct differences that are most likely African.

San Andres is one of those islands where locals are generally not interested in having any form of communication with foreigners whatsoever unless they’re trying to get you to go on their tours (at least that’s from what we’ve personally felt).

As tourism becomes a bigger part of the economy in San Andres, more and more locals are fluent in Spanish and even English.

4. Transportation

Taking the public bus is the most affordable way, and also the simplest way to get around. There’s only one main road that circles the island from North to South, so you won’t get lost. The only issue is the long wait times between each bus.

It’ll be expensive to take taxis everywhere as they are expensive on this small island. You can also consider renting as another means of transportation. Below we have a section that explains how to get around in greater detail.

5. Money

We recommend bringing as much COP currency with you as possible. There are also ATMs around but it’s not reliable. This might’ve changed with time. As it’s regarded as a vacation island, it’s good to keep in mind that the prices of renting and eating are higher than in other parts of Colombia.

6. Put Lots Of Sunscreen

The sun is very strong in San Andres, especially on the beaches as the water tends to also reflect light and there’s not much shade. Make sure to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours to avoid being burnt or having a painful tan.

7. The Internet Connection Is Not Reliable

San Andres might be a pretty small town and the internet across here on the island isn’t always great. To tell you the truth, it’d not be a good island for digital nomads to work in. We asked around town searching for some cafes with good internet, but I cannot recommend a single place with a reliable connection.

If you depend on WiFi for your livelihood and have to work while you’re in San Andres, make sure to have a data plan on your phone to share the internet with your other devices or try harder to find a place with good WiFi.

8. The Best Time To Visit San Andres

The best time to visit San Andres is any season. San Andres tends toward great weather all year round with an average temperature of 26-30ºC (79ºF). The actual temperature feel is higher than the average.

When we arrived in San Andres, as it was the dry season from December to May, it had perfect weather throughout! The rainy season will start in June and finish in November. Whether you’re visiting in June or December, it’s important to know that the rainy season only lasts for a few hours each day.

9. San Andres Hospitality

We weren’t expecting the kind of hospitality we were met with as people told us they were nice and helpful. We thought hospitality would be as friendly as what we were when in mainland Colombia. What we found was the culture here is unique on its own.

We didn’t find them all that friendly, to be honest. Our accommodation host expected us to have our own dishwashing detergent because “all travelers are expected to bring their own”, she said. That was definitely the first I’ve heard, coming from someone who travels full-time.

The other instance was when we were dining at a beachfront restaurant at ​​Playa Spratt Bight and we brought a street snack into the restaurant. We weren’t allowed to eat “outside food” within the restaurant premises and had to resort to eating in front of the restaurant before going back to continue dining at the restaurant.

And that’s not all, after that, we had to ask 3 different waiters for parmesan cheese for our pizza as no one would bring it to us, by the time they brought it we were already finishing, so we asked them to put it to take, and they left it on the counter for more than 15 minutes, I had to go get it myself… For an expensive place, we had a horrible time.

How To Get To San Andres, Colombia

If you’re looking for some tips on how to get to San Andres Colombia, you’ve come to the right place. This post will give you all the information you need so that your trip can be as smooth as possible.

So sit back, relax, and let me shed some light about visiting San Andres Island! The only way you can go to San Andres is by plane, as boats do not take people usually from Colombia. It’s 715 km (445 miles) from the Colombian mainland.

Getting To San Andres By Plane

There are daily flights from Bogota, Medellin, Cali, and of course, Cartagena, to Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport (ADZ) on the island. The flights were pretty cheap for us, as Colombia was promoting tourism on the island, hope it stays that way.

How much does it cost to fly to San Andres?

The price for a ticket from Colombia is usually pretty cheap, but it can vary a lot depending on which season you’re going to the island. When we took the one-way flight from Medellin, it was COP 110,000 COP/ USD 28 and the flight was around 2 hours.

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So there you have it, all the information you need to know in order to get to San Andres, Colombia. Just remember that the only way to get there is by plane, and make sure you book your flight well in advance if you want to get a good deal.

Getting Around San Andres The Proper Way

There are a few ways to get around the island in a proper manner, but for this article, we’ll be focusing on a couple of them that allow you to see some of the best attractions San Andres has to offer. One of the best ways to explore San Andres is by renting a golf cart or a buggy.

The island’s single-ring road goes around it, so you can easily hit any destination on your own without relying too much on unreliable public transportation. Renting a car or scooter is also affordable and fun for up-close exploration!

You’ll find companies offering them at different locations throughout town (with prices starting around COP 100,000. USD 27 per day, depending on what you’re renting.

Rent A Buggy

What’s more rewarding than exploring the island on a buggy? This mode gives you comfort while covering greater distances without having any difficulties. We recommend renting it for at least 24 hours because it gives you enough freedom without feeling too rushed while hopping from one location to another during one trip.

If you want to explore the whole island with style, we recommend renting out a buggy for the whole stay. Renting a buggy is the most expensive of the other 2. You can expect to pay up to COP 150,000/ USD 40 for this per day.

You can find buggy rentals everywhere throughout the island. However, we recommend that you get ahold of a qualified one from the tourist information office just to avoid any problems.

Rent A Golf Cart

Another option to explore the beauty of the island is by renting a golf cart. Anyone can drive them and they’re so much fun!

This other mode of transport is cheaper and awesome for both the young and older ones. Besides, it’s very useful when visiting the beaches because you can just park them anywhere and go for a swim.

Rent A Scooter

Renting a scooter will give you fast and great transportation to close places but also between major areas such as town centres and beaches. With the wind in your face, this could be a great way of exploring San Andres while fighting the hot temperatures.

The price for a scooter is also lower than renting a buggy or golf cart, so if you’re on a budget, this might be the right choice for you. You can find scooters to rent almost everywhere throughout the island.

Just ask for a couple of recommendations and you’ll be fine. All of the above-mentioned means of transportation are widely used by locals and tourists. Just be aware of the traffic rules and don’t forget to drive on the right side!

By Taxi

If you don’t want to rent, then give taxis a try! They are everywhere and they all know each other (and more importantly, they know their way around the island). So if you are in a rush, just grab one and go! They are quite expensive on the island but cheaper and easier compared to renting a buggy.

The prices for taxi rides start at 9K COP, but when I was there most taxis tried to overcharge me because I clearly looked like a tourist. You can always negotiate with them, so try your skills.

By Bus

The public bus system is known as an efficient and affordable way of exploring the island. While it might not be as fun as driving a buggy, you will definitely save some money instead of taking taxis or renting. The only downside is that they tend to be crowded with locals and there are no fixed schedules for buses so you just have to keep your eyes open for them.

Bus routes are marked with the number of the bus, so you’ll see lots of locals hanging around bus stops, waiting for the bus number they want to get on to show up. This bus service is also widely used by locals so you might feel like a local too!

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San Andres is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and now you know how to get around on them! Whether you choose to rent a buggy, golf cart, scooter or take taxis, we’re sure you will enjoy your time exploring everything this island has to offer.

Remember to drive on the right side of the road and be aware of the traffic rules as San Andres is home to locals and tourists alike so please be courteous while driving. Have fun!

10 Best Things To Do In San Andres Island, Colombia

In order to make sure you have an unforgettable trip on this stunning island, we’ve put together our top 10 things every traveler must do when visiting San Andres Island:

1. Visit the Reefs And Snorkel

A reef is a great place to snorkel and see colorful fish and beautiful corals. They’re surrounded by clean, clear water that’ll allow you to have an unforgettable experience! We recommend going at least once with a guide, as they can show you the best places to go snorkeling.

If you don’t want a guide, try asking around the locals where you can go, and they’ll recommend you a few places. There’s a part of the island that’s usually protected from the wind and waves; these places are the ones you’re looking for.

2. Go Diving

The best place to go scuba diving is in San Andres, not only because of how clear the water is all year long, or because of the giant corals and reefs around the island, it’s because of how many spots there are around the island, you can go to shipwrecks, Poseidon statues, and many different places with different depths.

Not called a world-class destination for divers all over the world for nothing, it’s also pretty cheap compared to other places I went diving. I paid around USD 70 for 1 dive trip with 2 dives. They took me to very nice places around the island where corals flourish everywhere. I saw sharks, lobsters, and many fish banks, and it was my first time seeing many Caribean fishes like the Lion Fish, which I loved!

3. Get A Boat To The Island Of Johnny Cay

Johnny Cay is the most popular tourist spot in town on this little island. Its great beach, snorkeling areas, as well as green areas under a coconut tree, make it an attraction point in San Andres. You’ll be impressed by how many people go there. It’s an island about 10 minutes by boat from San Andres.

It’s not necessary to spend an entire day here, as there are other islands with cool things to see too. If you’re lucky, you can even find iguanas lounging beside you.

There are many boat trips there and back with different packages that go to different islands, so be sure to get information and choose the best one for you. Given how competitive tours are on the island, don’t be afraid to negotiate the tour prices too.

4. Visit Haynes Cay And El Acuario

These are the other 2 islands that you can visit by boat. Haynes Cay is less visited than Johnny because it’s much smaller (and frankly with fewer things to do) but the advantage is that it has shaded trees under which you can relax or take shelter.

There are some snacks and drinks available on the island, however, it’d be helpful to bring your own if you’re on a budget, because the prices tend to be a little higher.

El Aquarium is another island where you can go snorkeling to see fish and coral under your fins. It also has a great beach where you can relax or take shelter under the shade of coconut trees if you don’t want to go snorkeling.

5. Duty-free Shopping

Duty-free shopping is the best type of luxury and a great pastime after a full day of beach activities. I mean who doesn’t get attracted to cheap alcohol and perfume?

When it comes down to actually purchasing something or just looking around, there’s no better place than the center of San Andres Island for finding deals on international brands that you might like. There are also a few travel essentials that might interest you like luggage.

6. Go Horse Riding

If you want to explore the island and enjoy a sweet ride at the same time, then horse riding is your thing! You can find a horseback riding tour with a guide and hotel pickup on the island, where you can expect to pay around COP 152.780/ USD 40 for a 2-hour-long tour.

7. Go to Providencia

Where is Providencia?

Providencia is a very little island next to San Andres and a popular day trip for visitors to San Andres. If you’re looking for a smaller, less crowded island with spectacular beaches and friendly people who speak English as their first language, then you’re looking for Providencia.

This island is close to San Andres’ main island, but the ferry ride from San Andres may be rough and take a few hours.

Should I visit Providencia?

If you get tired of San Andres as fast as we did, going here it’s worth every second when you arrive at your destination!

Providencia’s tourist center is just one street with a few cafes, bars, and restaurants. There are a few beaches to go around because the island is surrounded by cliffs and it’s pretty hard to access the island without a boat, so don’t expect much.

You can also stay here if you would like a more private and less crowded paradise. If you find yourself on a tough budget, beware of Providencia. Prices aren’t always reasonable when visiting Providencia Island. The price for a one-way ticket could vary from USD 63, and a return ticket can be USD 116.

It’s a good place if you want to get away from it all, and I heard it may be even prettier than San Andres, but with no easy internet connection and no taxi services except the ones assigned by hotels, getting around is difficult. If you’re worried about safety, safety is not a problem as Providencia has low crime rates.

I would suggest this place for those with some extra money and time and enjoy discovering new places because granted, Providencia is such a hidden gem.

8. Enjoy The Seafood In San Andres

If you’re looking for some fresh seafood, San Andres is the place to indulge. There are plenty of options available all over the island and prices will vary depending on where your favorite restaurant is located on this Caribbean paradise!

A full fish meal can be had for less than COP 30,000/ USD 8, so don’t miss out when it’s time to enjoy the seafood in San Andres.

9. Chill at the beach

The best thing about San Andres is that it has such beautiful beaches. The sand really stands out and you can even spot fish swimming around in clear water, which makes for an amazing vacation destination!

I recommend exploring around all the islands and finding your favorite beach. San Andres is filled with different beaches – rocky, white sand, deserted, with palms, and many more. The hammocks and beach chairs are plentiful across most beaches, so just chill out.

10. Rent a Buggy

Public transportation in San Andres can be quite inconvenient as it’s so hot and you will sweat in the bus full of people, it consumes a lot of time and effort. Therefore, renting a buggy is the best way to explore San Andres if you have the budget.

With a buggy, you can go anywhere on this island with your own two feet without worrying about anything. Exploring the totality of this island is something worth doing since it isn’t such a big island. You can also hit lookout points that aren’t as accessible from the main road, which gives you a true glimpse of what the island has to offer.

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In the end, San Andres is a paradise for those who love the beach and the sun. With its crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches, and stunning coral reefs, it’s easy to see why this island attracts visitors from all over the world, whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-filled getaway.

In addition to its natural beauty, San Andres also offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. From duty-free shopping to horseback riding to snorkeling in El Aquarium, there’s something for everyone on this island. So if you’re planning a trip to San Andres, be sure to add these 10 things to do to your list!

Safety on San Andres Island, Colombia

Is San Andres Island safe?

Hundreds of tourists visit the beautiful San Andres Island every year, and while the vast majority have a wonderful time, it’s important to be aware of some safety concerns that can affect your stay. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your trip while staying safe.

Crime against tourists is generally rare, but pickpocketing can be an issue in some parts of San Andres. If possible, avoid walking alone at night (after sundown), and take a taxi back to your hotel if you’re out alone after dark.

It could be that because in such a small place, everyone knows everyone so it’s pretty safe, but there can always be someone waiting for an opportunity, so always be careful. Transportation is fairly easy on the island but the public bus system was a little unreliable when we took it.

They are often very crowded. It’s advisable to take local taxis, only if you have the budget as they are quite expensive, or rent a means of transportation around the island, especially if you’re staying in one of the more far-flung hotels.

Best Places To Stay In San Andres Island, Colombia

San Andres Island is a wonderful place to visit for many reasons and it’s no wonder why so many people want to stay there for a while even do they get kind of bored after exploring it. The island has incredible beaches and waters, as well as an abundance of corals and marine life.

Currently, there aren’t many international hotel chains on the island, which means you can get a true taste of local hospitality. You can choose to stay anywhere from smaller cheap accommodations to big beautiful resorts with all-inclusive deals.

Luxury Hotels In San Andres, Colombia

Le Castel Blanc Hotel Boutique

The Hotel Boutique Le Castel Blanc is an elegant Mediterranean-inspired mansion, with white interiors and designer wicker furniture. Of course, the rooms have air-conditioned rooms with Wi-Fi and private parking.

If you want your own private balcony, you have that option too! You can choose between lounging at the outdoor swimming pool or staying in and enjoying the minibar and flat-screen TV in your hotel room.

Oh yeah, and they serve a great tropical fruit breakfast accompanied by Colombian coffee.

Apartamento 607

Once you see the pictures of this beautiful apartment, you’ll fall in love with this place. It offers a private pool and free WiFi access to guests. The location of this air-conditioned home makes it easy for you to explore all that San Andres has to offer.

Mid-Range Hotels In San Andres, Colombia

Be Happy Hotel

Be Happy Hotel is a great place for travelers who just want to relax after exploring all day this beautiful Island. The hotel offers an outdoor pool, garden, and terrace as well as free private parking so you can enjoy your stay without worrying about your transport when it’s time to go home!

With many amenities to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, every room comes equipped with air conditioning and a private bathroom featuring bathrobes and towels for whenever you feel like getting wet or dry!

You’ll also find TVs in each bedroom that have free WiFi access so you don’t miss out on any important news while traveling abroad.

South End Villas

If you’re thinking of staying on the Southside of the island where it’s nicer and has fewer people, this is the perfect place for you. The apartment features a fully-fitted kitchen with everything you need to cook up your favorite meal.

In addition, the building offers air conditioning and free WiFi in all units, plus a shared terrace with great views.

Budget Hotels In San Andres, Colombia

La Posada de Bina

La Posada de Betina is a beautiful place to stay during your time in San Andres, as it offers great accommodation near beautiful beaches like Parceras Beach and Spratt Bight beaches.

The family rooms are perfect for those who want some privacy while still being able to enjoy cooking together in the shared kitchen to save some cash.

The family also rooms provide guests with a terrace, while others have private bathrooms or shared ones on site. They also organize tours, so go ask!

Casa Hostel San Andres

Casa Hostel is located in the heart of San Andrés. It’s 500 meters from Spratt Bight, where you can find restaurants and bars that serve fresh seafood, not to mention how beautiful this bay looks at sunset!

You’ll love the place because they offer both air-conditioned rooms with bathrooms and also rooms that are equipped with fans; a free private parking lot right next door, access to kitchens shared among guests, and an incredible living area complete with TV, perfect for making new friends while enjoying some quality time together.

How Long Should I Stay In San Andres?

This is a very little Island so getting to explore it all is not so hard. San Andrés is an excellent long weekend getaway from Colombia’s mainland.

Most people choose to stay for one week; weeklong all-inclusive plans are very popular with visitors who want a fuss-free vacation. We stayed there for 4 days and managed to explore most of it.

Going To San Andres On A Budget?

The island of San Andres is a Caribbean gem that can get expensive if you’re not careful during your vacation. To help all of you who’re traveling on a budget, I’ve made a list of 6 tips to save money on your next trip to San Andres.

1. Pack light

The airlines (budget airlines especially) charge a lot for checked bags, so bring only the essentials. Also, Caribbean weather can get warm and humid at times, so you don’t need heavy clothes that contribute to excess baggage fees.

2. Eat at local restaurants or markets

This option is so much cheaper than eating at restaurants, which are generally catered to tourists. The island has markets with reasonable prices, so go for this option when you can. The only time I wouldn’t recommend it is if you have a sensitive stomach.

3. Say no to some tours

If you want to explore the island on your own, don’t pay money for expensive tours that can cover the same areas you can see yourself. They may be worth the money, but if you’re on a budget, opt to do it DIY.

4. Take a walk and then bus or rent a scooter to get around

If you stay near the beach, walking is a perfect option for getting around and if you want to go to the other side of the island, wait for the bus which goes all around. If not, rent a scooter to travel to other parts of the island. They’re easy to drive around and it can be a beautiful way to see San Andres.

3. Take the bus

You see, taxis can be expensive. The buses are straightforward. They stop at the most popular spots on the island and charge a flat fee, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. Our suggestion is to ask your host for details about getting around by bus or taxi depending on where your destination is. It’s always better to get information on the spot from the locals.

4. Don’t buy alcohol at the resort

That’s right, think before you drink! The liquor in the resorts and clubs is generally more expensive than the liquor available on the island. For example, a bottle of rum is around USD 8 at your hotel but only USD 3 in the market.

5. Bring your own toiletries

Don’t forget to bring your own shampoo, soap, and everything you need for personal hygiene. Depending on your class of lodging, some places will only provide you with a bar of soap and nothing else.

6. Shop at local markets

The last tip, buy your souvenirs at local markets. There are beautiful handmade items there that won’t break the bank. Additionally, you’ll be supporting the local economy!

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I hope you get to travel to San Andres one day; it has some of the most beautiful beaches you can find in the Caribbean! Hopefully, this guide will help you enjoy your time here and make some great memories!

San Andres Island is a beautiful place with plenty to do and see. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the town, or go out on an adventure, you can do it on this island paradise.

Whatever you do, be sure to have a fantastic time! Thanks for reading! In the end, I hope you enjoyed this blog post and of course, found it helpful. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!