San Andrés, Colombia: travel guide
Caribbean coral island (770 km from mainland), Seaflower Biosphere Reserve. "Sea of Seven Colors" diving, English-Creole culture, duty-free port.
- Country
- Colombia
- Currency
- COP
- Time zone
- America/Bogota
- Nearest airport
- ADZ
Top places to visit in San Andrés
Johnny Cay Natural Regional Park
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 6 h · entry COP 12,000
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 COP 8,000
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 COP 5,000
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 around
- Boat main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Bus main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Scooter Rental main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Taxi main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
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.