Things To Do
in San Andrés
San Andrés is a small Caribbean island nation of Colombia known for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. The island's reefs and clear seas make it a magnet for snorkelers and divers seeking vibrant marine life. Its town blends Afro-Caribbean culture with a laid-back tourist vibe, colorful houses, and lively cuisine.
With year-round warmth and a relaxed pace, San Andrés is built for sun, sea, and unforgettable sunsets.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Gustavo Rojas Pinilla Airport and feel the warm Caribbean breeze greet you as you collect your luggage. Transfer to your beachfront hotel and sip a refreshing coconut water while overlooking the turquoise sea. Unpack and stroll along the powdery white sands of Spratt Bight Beach to shake off your travels.
Settle into a shaded hammock and sample fresh ceviche and patacones at a local beachside shack. Swim in the calm shallows and watch local fishermen sail by in traditional pangas. Capture postcard-perfect photos of the sugar-white sand against the deep blue horizon.
Enjoy a chilled coconut mojito at a sunset lounge while reggae rhythms drift on the breeze. Dine on grilled lobster at a seaside restaurant, pairing it with a crisp Colombian beer. End the night with moonlit beachcombing under a sky full of stars.
Board a speedboat to Johnny Cay and feel the spray of the Caribbean Sea on your face. Explore the tiny island’s palm-fringed shores and lounge under coconut trees. Immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters while snorkeling over vibrant coral gardens.
Head to the natural aquarium on the sandbar and marvel at colorful angelfish and friendly starfish. Feast on coconut rice, fresh fish and fried yuca at a rustic beach palapa. Lounge on a sunbed as the tide laps gently around your toes.
Return to San Andrés Island and wander the boardwalk at sunset. Sample street-side raspao, a shaved ice treat flavored with tropical fruit syrups. Cap off the night with live local music at a cozy beachfront bar.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two | $25-50 |
| 🚕One-way taxi ride | $2-6 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🏖️Snorkel gear rental | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Pristine beaches and clear water ideal for snorkeling and photography
- Relaxed island vibe with friendly locals and reasonably affordable prices compared to other Caribbean destinations
- Seasonal seaweed (sargassum) can affect beach aesthetics
- Limited urban depth and infrastructure compared to mainland cities; some services can be tourist-centric and more expensive for travelers without local knowledge
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much is this?
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Me gustaría…" - I would like…
Places to Visit in San Andrés
Visit one of these nice places.
A tiny white-sand cay off the coast with clear water and vibrant marine life for colorful underwater photos.
Shallow reef pools and turquoise water ideal for dramatic close-ups of fish and reflections.
Long crescent beach with palm-lined backdrop and sunset silhouettes.
Historic cave by the sea, perfect for moody coastal shots and rock textures.
A hillside vantage point offering sweeping views of the coastline and town lights at night.
Food in San Andrés
San Andrés Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A seafood stew cooked in coconut milk with cassava and plantains; a regional specialty best enjoyed at seaside restaurants.
Must-Try!
Coconut rice often served with fried fish or seafood for a fragrant, tropical side.
Fresh snapper ceviche with lime, onion, cilantro, and peppers.
Fried green plantains topped with melted cheese; a common side or snack.
Whole fried fish with lime and garlic, typically served with rice and plantains.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market stalls offering fresh fruit, coconuts, arepas, and prepared seafood bites.
Try fried fish, patacones, arepas, fresh fruit juices, and coconut water from roadside vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings like Buenos días or buenas tardes go a long way.
Dress modestly when not on the beach; swimwear is appropriate only on beaches and resort areas.
Ask permission before photographing people; be respectful at religious sites or homes.
Avoid touching coral; dispose of trash properly; avoid loud behavior near residential areas.
Safety
Tipping in San Andrés
Ensure a smooth experience
In more tourist-heavy restaurants, a 10-15% tip is appreciated if not already included. In casual spots, rounding up is common.
Cash in COP is widely accepted; US dollars are often accepted in tourist areas. Cards are accepted at many hotels, larger restaurants, and shops; ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season with abundant sun, calmer seas, and excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving.
Higher humidity and more frequent rain showers; seas can be a bit rough, but warm temperatures keep beaches inviting; sargassum seaweed can appear seasonally.
San Andrés at Night
Hiking in San Andrés
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short hillside trail offering panoramic sea views and cliffside photo opportunities.
Airports
How to reach San Andrés by plane.
San Andrés’ main airport with domestic and limited international flights; connected to major Colombian cities and some international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Afro-Caribbean Creole community with a mix of Indigenous and mixed heritage.
Visitors from Colombia, the United States, Canada, and Europe seeking sun and water sports.
People who live or work on the island temporarily in hospitality and service roles.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
World-class reefs, walls, and wrecks attract diver enthusiasts.
Easy access spots near the coast reveal tropical fish and coral gardens.
Sport fishing charters offer reef and big-game opportunities.
Popular among locals and visitors; informal matches occur on community fields.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Andrés.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for sides, coconuts, fruits, salads, rice dishes, and veggie-friendly curries. Many places can adapt fish sauces or offer veggie options, but confirm no fish stock.