San Andres is a great vacation spot. You can go for an adventuresome time, for one of those experiences that leave you more tired and fulfilled than ever. Or you can go relax, sunbathe and drink coconut water all day long. And why not both? I think adventurers are the best at relaxing. If you want to read the adventure edition, click here, but this is what to do in San Andres, Tourism Edition.
If you like adventure, you can read what to do in San Andres, Adventure Edition here! There, you will also find out how to get to San Andres and some things to know.
Note: you can see the locations of all these places in the map at the end of this post!
What to do in San Andres, Tourism Edition
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Scuba Dive or Snorkel.
This activity is also on the list of adventures because, no matter who you are and what you like, you have to scuba dive or snorkel in San Andres. The best thing about San Andres is its sea – they call it the sea of seven colors for a reason. And what better way to enjoy that sea than getting to know it underwater? Scuba diving changes lives. It opens your mind to a new and different world that, once you experience it, is not that frightening.
For scuba diving, I recommend you do it with Sharky Dive Shop, a scuba shop I know and love. If you have the time, I also recommend taking the full course because it certifies you to scuba dive alone anywhere in the world without paying the course again, only the service. On the other hand, if you take a mini-course, you’ll have to take it again the next time you want to scuba dive.
If scuba diving just doesn’t sound like it’s your thing, you can always go snorkeling. Snorkeling is using a mask, snorkel and fins to float on the water looking down. You breathe through the snorkel, which is a tube that sticks out of the water. That way, especially with San Andres’ crystal-clear water, you’ll experience the underwater world from the surface. For guided snorkeling in San Andres, you can contact our friend and guide specialist, Konan. His telephone number is (317) 518-0579 and his e-mail is konanparadise@gmail.com
Just some of what you’ll do!
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A Tour of Johnny Cay and the Aquarium.
A very touristy trip that’s worth going on is the full day at Johnny Cay and the Aquarium. Ask your hotel or someone you know about the tour, and they may be able to get you a better deal than if you book the tour directly at the dock. The tour begins at 9:30 a.m. with a boat-ride to Johnny Cay, which is close to San Andres. It has beautiful beaches, good food, good vibes and lots of iguanas. You’ll want to eat there, since the boat heads out to the Aquarium at 2 p.m. At the Aquarium, which is another Cay that’s known for its crystal-clear water and white sand, you can snorkel or just sunbathe. You’ll have to take your equipment to snorkel; the guides only rent out masks for $10,000 Colombian pesos (about $3.5 USD). There is also an activity in which you can feed Sting Rays! Then, all that’s left is the boat ride back to San Andres.
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Go Shopping Downtown.
This is probably the most touristy thing you can do in San Andres. Even I do it, and I don’t like shopping. The thing is, everything is cheaper here because there is no import tax or value-added tax. So it’s worth buying things. The most inexpensive deals you can find in San Andres are on perfume, but it’s also worth it to buy candy, alcohol and clothes.
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San Andres’ Big Pond.
San Andres has a hill in the middle of the island, where you can go visit a lagoon called the ‘Big Pond.’ The Pond is not a natural spring, it is naturally collected rain water and is surrounded by coconut trees. When you get there, you’ll be assigned a guide. Each guide offers a slightly different tour experience: with Gustavo, we got to know his spectacular house, drink fresh coconut water and feed the caimans. With Ferdinand, we fed the caimans (and touched them!), saw the hermaphrodite tree, ate mangoes and got lizards to bite our ears and hang like earrings. It’s a beautiful natural area, and worth a trip.
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Beaches
If you’re wondering what the best beaches in San Andres are, I can help! I recommend you visit Rocky Cay and the San Luis beaches, which are all on the east side of the island. Another popular and beautiful beach is the Spratt Bight beach, which you’ll run into as you enter downtown from the east. There’s a Juan Valdez and el Corral, two classic Colombian restaurants, right by the beach for you to try them out. It’s a great spot!
Finally, I have the best contact for you: a driver who has a big car to transport lots of bags, lots of people or both! His name is Julio Machado and he’s an awesome guy. His contact: (316) 622 8720 or (311) 874 6749.
I hope this blog post helped you learn what to do in San Andres, tourism edition!
If you’re interested in getting to know another amazing spot on the Colombian coast, you can read about Taganga!
