The 8 Best Things to Do in San Andrés, Colombia

The Colombian island of San Andrés is a bona fide hidden gem in the Caribbean Sea. Home to stunning white beaches, spectacular coral reefs for snorkeling and diving, friendly locals, and much more, San Andrés is a paradise waiting to be discovered.

A long way from the Colombian mainland, around 435 miles (700 km), San Andrés is geographically closer to Nicaragua, in Central America. However, the island retains the distinct Colombian attitude and charm that makes the country so special. What’s more, San Andrés is home to some of the best seafood in the world, but more on that later!

Today at Civitatis, we’re checking out the best things to do in San Andrés, Colombia, so that you can make your visit to the island unforgettable! ¡Vamos!

1. Relax on the Beaches and Cays of San Andrés

If you’re heading to this Caribbean paradise, you’d best bet you’ve got lots of beach (and cay) options to choose from—around 40 in total. Check out some of our favorite beaches on the island, from which you can enjoy the famous San Andrés ‘Sea of Seven Colors’.

Spratt Bight Beach

Spratt Bight is San Andrés’ main beach, located in the city center, near hotels, restaurants, cafés, and shops. Easy to reach on foot, Spratt Bight is a hit with tourists and locals alike, with calm, crystal-clear waters and white sand. During the high season, this beach can get really busy, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe, this probably isn’t the one for you. That said, the view of Johnny Cay just off the coast helps

San Luis Beach

Looking for a quieter spot? San Luis Beach is a solid, more local option. About 20 minutes from the city center, this more ‘rustic’, cozy beach offers a tranquil escape surrounded by nature. The local village of San Luis offers an authentic Caribbean vibe, featuring lots of traditional wooden architecture and local restaurants serving traditional dishes.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, you might also consider this horseback riding experience on San Luis Beach!

West View

West View is not a traditional sandy beach (in fact, it has no sand at all), but it is one of the best spots on the island for snorkeling and diving. Featuring a natural pool of crystal-clear water, a diving platform and a waterslide that drops you straight into the sea… West View is buckets of fun for all ages! You’ll also find a small bar and restaurant, bathrooms, and lockers to store your belongings.

Cayo Acuario

One of the most popular day trips from San Andrés is to Cayo Acuario, a tiny cay with shallow, crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling amongst the island’s rich, local marine life. You can even walk from Cayo Acuario to Cayo Haynes, as the water only reaches waist height.

Visit for yourself on this Cayo Acuario day trip from San Andrés, which includes transport by boat. You can also see the cay as part of this private speedboat tour!

Johnny Cay

One thing you can’t miss in San Andrés is a visit to Johnny Cay, a small island just 10 minutes away from the main island by boat. Surrounded by crystal clear waters, and featuring bright white sand and coconut trees. This cay is perfect for spending the day relaxing in the sun, or swimming/snorkeling alongside the local marine life.

Check it out for yourself on this Johnny Cay tour with Civitatis!

2. Enjoy a Cruise around San Andrés

A must when visiting San Andrés is enjoying a cruise around the island or to a nearby cay. There’s nothing quite like sailing the Sea of Seven Colors and feeling the wind through your hair as you take in the magical views.

• Boat trip around San Andrés Island
• Glass-bottom boat tour in San Andrés
• San Andrés party boat
• San Andrés sunrise cruise
• San Andrés bay catamaran cruise
• Private boat rental with skipper

3. Party it up at the Booby Rock Beach Club in San Andrés

For those looking to kick back a little bit and party in San Andrés, Booby Rock Beach Club is a fantastic plan. Here, you’ll find chairs and sun loungers, hammocks and tents, plus exclusive access to the island’s wonderful beaches. Many of San Andrés’ beach clubs also have bars and restaurants serving delicious local dishes and drinks, offering a true seaside dining experience.

By purchasing this ticket to the Booby Rock Beach Club, you’ll enjoy round-trip transportation from your hotel, a welcome cocktail, and a delicious lunch, along with full access to all the club’s facilities. What more could you ask for?

4. Discover the History of San Andrés on a Chiva Tour

While San Andrés is a great place to chill, there is a lot to learn about the island’s history and culture as well. Frequently visited by the Miskitu people before the 16th century, it was later colonized by the Dutch, English, and Spanish, ultimately giving this island a fascinating mix of influences.

A great way to get a taste of the island’s history and overall vibe, we recommend checking out this San Andrés bus tour. As part of this tour, you’ll explore the island on a chiva (a traditional Colombian bus), bringing you to some of the islands finest museums, such as the Persistence Museum and the Casa Museo Isleña, the latter of which is dedicated to the culture and practices of the island’s native people.

5. Do a Wakeboarding Class in San Andrés

If you’re an active person in search of a bit of a thrill, there are plenty of options for you in San Andrés, especially for water sports! A fantastic thing to do on the island is a private wakeboarding lesson. As part of this lesson (which is suited to beginners or more intermediate–level wakeboarders), you’ll feel the rush as you ride behind the boat on a wakeboard and enjoy the views of the sea!

6. Delve into the Caribbean Sea

San Andrés is one of the best spots from which to enjoy the Caribbean Sea, and diving into these crystal clear, bright blue waters and discovering its rich biodiversity is one of our favorite things to do in San Andrés. Diving in, you’ll get to catch a glimpse of beautiful coral reefs, turtles, and lots of different fish, making for an unforgettable experience.

You can choose to go snorkeling or snuba diving in San Andrés. ‘Snuba’ is a fantastic mix of scuba diving and snorkeling, allowing you to go up to 20 feet (6 meters) underwater with compressed air, and minimal gear… sort of giving you the best of both worlds!

That said, some treasures lie a bit deeper and are well worth exploring, too! On this San Andrés scuba diving activity, for example, you’ll see similar coral reefs as well as shipwrecks. Check out how marine life has turned the wrecks into a home!

7. Savor the Cuisine of San Andrés

One thing that should definitely be on your San Andrés to-do list is tasting its delicious cuisine, shaped by Colombian, Caribbean, African, and Creole influences. The island’s star dish is undoubtedly rondón, a hearty soup prepared with fish, conch, coconut milk, plantains, yams, and spices.

Other popular dishes include crab soup and bolitas de pescado—crispy, seasoned fish fritters. Coconut rice, often served as a side, is also a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

You’ll also find the famous patacones (fried plantain slices), fresh ceviches, and grilled lobster. To wash it all down, try coconut water, Caribbean rum, coconut lemonade, or the famous Coco Loco de San Andrés, the island’s cocktail consisting of coconut cream, lemon juice, rum, vodka, and tequila. Absolutely delicious!

Are you a bit of a budding chef yourself? Take part in this Colombian cooking class near West Point!

8. Enjoy a Handicrafts Workshop in San Andrés

The last activity on our list is something a little bit unique, but it is certain to be a highlight of your trip. See, the island of San Andrés is home to many expert artisans, who have spent their lives mastering techniques that allow them to produce beautiful art.

At this San Andrés craft workshop, you’ll spend time with some expert artisans who will teach you a traditional island weaving technique. At the end of the workshop, you’ll have some personal souvenirs to bring home with you!

Tips & Tricks When Travelling to San Andrés

How many days should you spend in San Andrés?

The ideal number of days to stay in San Andrés depends on what you’re into, both in terms of activities and how fast you want to see the sights. It’s usually recommended to stay at least 4 to 5 days to check out the island’s main attractions. But if you’ve got less time, you can plan a well-organized itinerary to complete the ‘essentials’ of San Andrés.

What currency is used in San Andrés?

The official currency of San Andrés is the Colombian peso (COP). While various establishments accept US dollars (USD), we recommend paying attention to the exchange rate, which will not always be favorable. International credit and debit cards are also accepted in tourist areas, but it is worth remembering that small establishments may not accept them. Therefore, we recommend that you carry some Colombian pesos with you.

Getting around San Andrés

Getting around San Andrés can be tricky. Ride-sharing apps like as Uber and Lyft do not operate in San Andrés. Taxis operate on the island; just be sure you always use registered white taxis, and ideally don’t hail them off the street, but rather call up the taxi company. You can also opt for public buses, though the network is fairly limited.

A handy option that will also give you more independence for a few hours or a day is this motorbike or buggy hire, which will allow you to explore the island at your own speed.

Alternatively, check out our private transfers in San Andrés and make life even easier for yourself!

Now that you’ve discovered the best plans and tips for your trip to this Colombian island in the Caribbean, you can start planning your trip to this paradise. And if you want to make your experience even more complete, explore more tours & experiences in San Andrés with Civitatis!