San Andrés

San Andrés is one of the main islands of the archipelago that also includes Providencia and Santa Catalina. Although the archipelago belongs to Colombia, it is geographically much closer to Nicaragua than to the Colombian mainland. San Andrés is a tourist destination but not as slick and modern as others in the Caribbean. The island specializes in all-inclusive budget vacations that cater towards Colombian tourists. Outside of the downtown area there is a rural feeling, with small houses close to the main circle road, small sidewalks with some areas without any sidewalks at all, and many people hanging out on the streets, even at night. The people are extremely friendly and generally speaking the island is safe. The sea surrounding the area is known by Colombians as the "Mar de siete colores" (seven-coloured sea), due to the variations of depth. To fully appreciate this, it is needed to go to the highest place in the island, around 70 meters high. Any locals will give directions to that precise spot, which is a normal stop for the island tours. == Get in == === By plane === 1 Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport (ADZ IATA). There are non-stop flights from Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Cartagena, Panama City, and Miami, as well as charter flights from Canada (via Air Transat). By far, the best air fares are the ones you get from and to the Colombian mainland, starting at COP$137,400 (about USD$37, as of February 2026) one-way. Colombian customs must be cleared upon arrival to the island. Check with your local travel agency to see what documents you need to travel to Colombia. For many non-native passengers, including Colombian citizens, a tourist card has to be presented on arrival. Airlines flying to San Andrés sell them at the counter for the official price of COP$153,000 (about USD$41, as of February 2026). If you are arriving from outside Colombia, you can exchange your currency at the airport. Exchange rates are usually similar to, if not better than, those downtown. Foreign currency exchange in Colombia is very formal: You will need to present your passport, and you will receive an official receipt with your passport details before being given local currency. == Get around == Rent a golf buggy or a scooter. Golf buggies can cost around COP$100,000 a full day. The police do not let golf buggies pass towards the south side of the island (away from downtown) after a certain time, usually 4PM. Use public transportation. It is very convenient, safe and cheap (bus COP$1700). Ask about the times though, busses may not go around the island (or outside downtown) after a certain hour of the evening. Take taxis. They will take you anywhere. You can also talk a taxi driver to pick you up other days and move you around. They are very friendly. Prices: COP$11,000 from/to airport; COP$6000 Downtown/Sarie Bay. Prices double after midnight (April/2014). Be careful with the motorcycles! Most of the locals move around in them, and besides the noise they make, they appear everywhere at relatively high speeds. == See == Rocky Cay. Wonderful beach near a little island. You can reach the little island walking! San Luis. Beach good for kids. Protected by a little coral reef with small "ponds" great for children or relaxing. West View. Not a beach, but a snorkeling point. Entrance: COP$3000 (April 2014). La Piscinita. Not a beach, but a snorkeling point. Entrance: COP$2000 (April 2014). == Do == The beaches are very nice. All are open to the public, but the hotels outside of the downtown area have direct access to a number of them. == Buy == San Andres is a tax free zone - so prices are often cheaper than on the Colombian mainland. There are lots of shops in the town centre, many of which specialize in perfumes. You can purchase alcoholic beverages at very competitive prices; bargain as much as possible, you may cross the street and find the same object cheaper. Check the bottles for rust around the cap, some bottles may have come by ship and may have spent many days in humid containers or warehouses. Clothing is very cheap too and you can find famous brands as well as good quality local clothing. Beware of counterfeit merchandise, shop only in reputable stores and boutiques. Ask for a warranty (in writing). Do not purchase marine souvenirs (artifacts and handcrafts made of coral). Commercialization of these products contribute to the deforestation of the marine ecosystem. == Eat == Many travellers to San Andrés have meal plans included in their hotel packages. Food variety and quality depend on the hotel, but are generally acceptable. In downtown San Andrés, there are plenty of restaurants offering almuerzo ejecutivo (“executive lunch”) or corrientazo (the local term for an inexpensive set lunch). These meals typically include soup, meat or fish, rice, vegetables, and more. You’ll also find many street vendors selling smaller snacks, such as arepas (thick corn tortillas), and other local fast foods. Local cuisine can be found downtown, though many visitors enjoy traditional island dishes in the areas around El Cove and San Luis. The island’s signature dish is rondón, a hearty soup made with crab, fish, pig tail, plantain, potato, breadfruit and other ingredients. Outside of downtown, you’ll find small neighbourhood shops selling everything from fresh produce to beer and liquor. Ask at your hotel’s front desk for the nearest one. Tap water in San Andrés is not safe for drinking. It comes from wells and desalination plants. == Drink == Don’t drink tap water on the island; it comes from wells or desalination plants. Alcoholic beverages are sold to adults (18+) and can be found throughout the island. They are often very inexpensive, so it’s worth asking around and comparing prices at different shops. Check the caps carefully; some bottles may have been stored for long periods in humid conditions and could have rust. To avoid counterfeit liquor, always buy from a reputable store. Try coconut water or local drinks served in coconut shells, such as coco fresa and coco loco. == Sleep == Various large, all-inclusive chain hotels can be found. The largest chain on the island is Decameron, which has six hotels and a beach club: Marazul, Maryland, San Luis, Aquarium, Los Delfines and El Isleño. Other hotels on the island include Sol Caribe Centro and Sol Caribe Campo, Lord Pierre, Bahía Sardina, Casa Dorada, Casa Blanca, Cocoplum, El Dorado, Tiuna, Toné, Sunrise, Sunset, and Calypso. There are also hostels with dorms on the island, which are a great option for those looking for more affordable accommodation. Another accommodation option is staying in guesthouses, called Posadas Nativas or Native Inns, run by the local Raizal community. These are bed-and-breakfast style, offering a homemade, traditional island breakfast. Many hosts speak English and Creole, making them ideal for international travellers who don’t speak Spanish. For more information, visit your local travel agency to see what packages are available. You can also rent apartments for as cheap as COP$130,000 a night. Search for them online; there are plenty. Nearby Providencia Island, also has a variety of accommodation options. == Connect == == Go next == Travel onwards, by plane or boat, to neighbouring Providencia.