San Andres is a beautiful Colombian island located in the Caribbean. It is famous for its’ warm, beautiful and crystal clear water as well as the relaxed island lifestyle. The island attracts people from all around the world each year and it is a great place to spend a week or two. Here is everything you need to know before traveling to San Andres, Colombia.
HOW TO GET THERE
To get to San Andres the easiest option is to fly. Flying from Cartagena, Bogota or Medellin is fairly cheap just remember to book at least a week in advance as ticket prices go up the closer you get to your departure date. In order to enter the island you have to have a return ticket. This is to make sure you won’t stay on the island. In addition there is an entry tax of 112.000 pesos for everyone entering the island.
I recommend flying with Viva Air for the cheapest prices but buy your baggage ahead of time if you need to check your bags because at the airport prices are inflated. You can look for flights by CLICKING HERE
WHERE TO STAY
As a budget traveler I mostly stay in Hostels. Just like other cities in Colombia, San Andres has plenty of options for affordable accommodation.
If you are looking for a Hostel I recommend staying at Republica Hostel San Andres. Republica is a Colombian Hostel Brand that has hostels in Bogota, Santa Marta, Cartagena and now San Andres. Normally I wouldn’t recommend a chain but this Republica is worth eh stay. It is newly opened so everything is very clean. There is a pool and it is less than five minutes from the ocean. You can get to it by bus from the airport as well.
To reserve your stay at Republica Hostel CLICK HERE
WHAT TO DO
Go Scuba Diving
San Andres is famous for scuba diving. There is a plethora of beautiful dive sites just off the island. Ask your accommodation which dive center they recommend and book with them. sometimes you can get a discount or promotion with a company that works with your Hostel.
REMEMBER: If you are going diving be conscious of the environment you are exploring. Don’t touch any of the marine life, try not to disturb any of the habitations and be sure to use coral friendly sunscreen and products. BUY REEF FRIENDLY SUNSCREEN HERE
Have a Beach Day
There are beautiful beaches with crystal clear and warm water all over San Andres, it is an island after all. You can rent a golf cart if you have four or more people and use it to explore the beaches of the island. Or you can take a taxi moto and spend the day on one beach soaking in the sun.
City Tour
The city tour is short and sweet and only for those who are looking to switch up diving, island hopping and beach days. Talk to your accommodation for special promotions or go into town and find the first tourism shop to ask about the tour.
Island Safari
The Island Safari lasts about four hours and focuses on the inland parts of San Andres. During the tour you will go on a short walk and learn about the different animals, plants and species living on the island. In addition you will see the canopy forest that is on the island.
This is another activity that is nice to do if you have a lot of time not he island and want to do something different than beach and diving.
Johnny Clay and Acuario Special Island Tour
Johnny Clay and Acuario are two islands you can see on an island hopping tour. Johnny Clay is beautiful but can be very crowded with tourists. Acuario has crystal clear water but there aren’t many fish unlike the name suggests.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling off of San Andres is as easy as renting a snorkel and mask and finding the nearest rock to jump off of. Everywhere has places to snorkel and the water is calm and clear.
INSIDER TIP: If you stay at Repulica Hostel you can walk across the street and go snorkeling in the ocean right in front of the hostel.
Cayo Bolivar
Another tour you can take while visiting San Andres. Ask you accommodation for the prices and promotions. This tour is all day and goes to Cayo Bolivar an island off of San Andres. During the tour you will be able to relax on white sanded beaches, take in some sun and of course go snorkeling.
Go Fishing
Just another option of what you can do on the island. If this is something you want to do be sure to talk with your accommodation about the rules of the island for fishing.
Or my favorite activity: Do NOTHING!
WHAT TO BRING
San Andres is a tropical island, which means that the weather can sometimes be unpredictable. Be sure to pack all the obvious choices like shorts, tank tops and a bathing suite. In addition bring a rain jacket and strong bug spray. I also recommend bringing reef-friendly sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun and avoid damaging the coral reefs. You can buy sunscreen here:
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Overall, San Andres is a beautiful island to explore and relax on. But the best things to do on the island are scuba diving and relaxing on the beach. The other activities are worth seeing if you have a long visit but otherwise just take it slow and relax. When visiting Colombia it is a must see and don’t be surprised if you leave wanting more.
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