San Andrés Island, Colombia

Description — St. Andrews Island, Colombia

San Andrés Island - is part of the eponymous municipality in Colombia. San Andrés is the southern part of the archipelago; the island has an original shape of a seahorse and is surrounded by small coral islands. The island is located in the southwestern part of the Caribbean Sea near the coast of Nicaragua, at a distance of approximately 1203 kilometers northwest of the country’s capital, Bogotá. Absolute elevation - 0 meters above sea level. Its length is 12.5 kilometers, width - 3 kilometers. A road runs around the entire island with a length of 30 kilometers.

The capital of the island is the city and port of San Andrés, the administrative center of the department of San Andrés y Providencia. Here they call it El Centro. This is where all life is concentrated - small shops, hotels, and restaurants. Huge “Chevrolets” and “Cadillacs” from the late sixties are still driving around; they’re younger than Cuban ones and in better condition - life on the island is not hectic. Everywhere, Spanish signs are duplicated in English: the native language of the residents of San Andrés is the so-called Afro-English (sometimes this language is called “Jamaican English”), but they also speak Spanish.

In 2000, UNESCO declared San Andrés a biosphere reserve; worldwide it is known as “Seaflower - Biosphere Reserve.” It includes not only the islands, but also about ten percent of the Caribbean Sea. The capital of the department, which shares the archipelago’s name, is located on the northern tip of the island; it is here that many picturesque beaches, coral reefs, geysers, and bays are found.

San Andrés is one of the best resort areas in the Caribbean, and the island’s natural beauty and charm are to a large extent untouched. Turquoise waters, extensive coral reefs, and rich marine life are a paradise for diving enthusiasts. And the calm atmosphere of island life, a friendly local population, an adequate (though not cheap) tourist service, duty-free shopping, and overall safety make the archipelago an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Climate

The island has a tropical climate with a dry winter and a rainy summer, which borders on the tropical monsoon climate. The northeasterly trade winds begin to blow at the end of October and last throughout November and December until mid-January; in addition, an easterly wind from the Caribbean Sea may also blow. The average air temperature throughout the year is +28°C. The rainy season lasts from September to December, and also from May to June; naturally, even if there is no precipitation during this time, humidity is quite high. The wettest months are October and November.

Overall, the climate on San Andrés Island is very pleasant; you can spend time here wonderfully by swimming and sunbathing at the beach.

San Andrés Island, Colombia
San Andres Island
San Andres Island
The island’s beaches are among the best in the world
The island’s beaches are among the best in the world
On the island, there are perfect conditions for snorkeling.
Iglesia Bautista-Emmanuel
Museum house of the island of San Andrés
Morgan’s Cave
San Andrés Island - duty-free shopping zone
Mangrove forests
Coral Island Johnny Cay
Coral Island Aquarium

Sights

Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel

A little south of the city of San Andrés, on the island’s highest hill, stands the village of La Loma. From here you can enjoy wonderful views of the Caribbean Sea, whose green-blue waters are called the “seven-colored” waters. In La Loma there is the oldest church in the archipelago-Iglesia Bautista-Emmanuel (16th-17th centuries). This majestic landmark, known throughout much of the world, has, over the years of its existence, gathered an enormous number of mystical facts around it. For example, it is believed that the icon preserved inside it can reveal the near future.

What to see

Morgan’s Cave

The cave is named after the legendary pirate Henry Morgan, who, according to legend, hid his plundered treasures right here. And beautiful romantic stories and legends work better than any advertising. They’re like a magnet that draws tourists in. Inside the cave there is an underground lake connected to the sea. Professional divers who investigated it found a small dry platform where, perhaps, the famous Morgan kept his riches. A small museum has been opened in the cave, and nearby there are small souvenir shops and a Coconut Shell Museum.

Best beaches on the island

The best beaches of San Andrés are located in the outskirts of the capital city, on the Johnny Cay islet, which is a few kilometers from San Andrés, on the eastern coast in San Luis, Sound Bay and Rocky Cay, as well as in Cocoplám and Acuario. The main city beach is Bahía Sardina-a beach with white sand, palm trees, and views of the Johnny Cay islet. If you’re in the mood for a quieter, more secluded setting, go relax at San Luis beach, just 10 minutes from the city center. South American tourists almost unanimously named the Hotel Casablanca beach as the best seaside spot.

Mangrove forests

San Andrés is extremely attractive in terms of nature and climate. It features a very rich flora and fauna. Plant diversity is represented in extensive mangrove swamps and the largest mangrove forests, which are part of the national reserve. It turns out that mangrove forests can be different: on the island there are twelve species, including black, white, and red forests with their unique ecosystems. Coconut palms and breadfruit trees also grow on San Andrés. The island’s fauna is equally remarkable-especially interesting for ornithologists, since it is home to a huge number of birds.

Johnny Cay Island

This beach is ideal for unhurried walks-you can go around the entire island where it’s located. You can also find exotic coral formations with pools that reflect, and sometimes merge with, the deep blue color of the sky. It’s not uncommon to hear reggae on Johnny Cay, since rastafarians from San Andrés come here. You can also buy souvenirs here-right in front of your eyes, local residents will make hats and baskets. All in all, the island is great for a family vacation or for a large group of friends. And you can swim here in both a sunny day and under moonlight-the water is always perfectly warm.

Shopping malls

Shopping, of course, is the favorite pastime of all lovely ladies. Shopping centers worth your attention include San Andres, West Point, New Point, and La Riviera. For buying electronics, they recommend Jacobo. The most popular items (apart from souvenirs) are liqueurs, perfumes, and clothing from well-known brands. The shopping centers on the island of San Andres are small, but you can find everything there at affordable prices.

House Museum of the Island of San Andrés

The house-museum is located in a typical two-story wooden house on the island painted white. Inside the museum, you can see a recreated setting that reflects the way local residents lived in the first half of the 20th century. On the mannequins, you will see festive clothing from that period. Here, you will be welcomed by very friendly staff, who will tell you how the islanders lived for a long time. The admission fee is unusually small, and there is convenient parking near the house. The museum also has a small shop where you can buy local jewels and handmade souvenirs.

Recommended excursions

A trip to the coral islands

To the many tiny and incredibly picturesque coral islands located around San Andrés Island, sightseeing boats are regularly sent right from the main city. El Acuario, Haynes Cay, and Johnny Cay-these little islands are literally just 45 minutes from San Andrés. The surrounding coral reefs filter the coastal waters, so underwater visibility in some places reaches up to 60 meters, creating excellent conditions to enjoy the beauty of the incredibly rich underwater world of these regions.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can learn more after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account.”