Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger. Flight times and availability are on Satenas website, where you can also book and pay for tickets. 3. Medelln has two airports, so thats important to keep in mind when searching for flights to the island. We were able to see all the way out to Johnny Cay and Acuarius, as well as the mangrove forest and beaches running from the north to the south. You need to make sure you know which cruise youre booking because I thought I was booked to go on a pirate ship, but somehow I ended up on a small boat. Henry Morgan was a notorious pirate who roamed the seas around San Andrs Island during the early 17th century. I could eat them with chipotle every day! One thing to know is that this can be a very popular spot! Medellns Aeropuerto Internacional Jos Mara Crdova (MDE) offers direct flights to ADZ. Hope to hear more about the feasibility of this option through this site. Other significant islands in the department include Providencia and Santa Catalina. Getting to San Andres Colombia - Airlines, Transportation, find the best activities, adventure travel, Tours, restaurants and things to do in San Andres Islands, Colombia. The current cost is 112,500 pesos ($30). CORONAVIRUS IN COLOMBIA PREVENTION MEASURES, Santa Marta office: Street 17 No. Travel time to Providencia is 3.5 hours, but it's worth knowing in advance that the ferry is actually not much cheaper than the flights. Of course, that isn't to say that there will never ever be bad crossing to Providencia or sea-sick moments if you take the ferry, especially if you're a pussy. Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana (First Baptist Church), 20. Tip: You can also find direct flights to San Andres from Panama city. This is how we got to the church, off the path beaches, and beautiful viewpoints. Looking for the perfect place to just chill out and do nothing at all? If you take the VIP boat tour (above), you'll visit this spot. In saying that, if you're looking for some downtime or to simply relax, I'd say 4-7 days is more than adequate. San Andrs, A true paradise | Colombia Travel The rainy season runs from September to December and from May to June. Another annoying grievance I have with this tax is that after speaking with several Raizal people on San Andres Island, they told me that the majority of the money goes straight to Bogat, and the people see very little of the funds. This is everything you need to know about travelling from San Andres to Providencia (and back again!). This quick trip would cost you about $295, or about $100 per day. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7e24d0967d519cfb The native people are called Raizal people and are descendants from the Afro-Caribbean people. Margoth made every effort to understand what we were looking for and did an amazing job planning out the itinerary in deta", Traveled to Colombia as a family in May, 2023, "We had such a wonderful trip to Colombia thanks to David and his team. It is located in the center of the island and the boats leave for tours of the nearby islands and keys. Click to reveal Our main concern with the ferry from San Andres to Providencia was that we had read and heard some truly awful experiences about the crossing from other travellers. The tiny island is a diverse mix of African descendants who actually prefer to speak English, due to the islands early history. Ive never felt unsafe on the island, but as anywhere you need to take precautions. Given all the variables, putting a specific price on a trip is hard, but I'll give it a shot. The San Andres to Providencia boat lets passengers take on quite a bit more weight than the plane, which is one potential advantage if you plan on staying on Providencia for more than just a few days. This is known as the Parque National Manglares de Old Point and you'll find it just south of the main town in San Andres. Your email address will not be published. One of the absolute best things to do on San Andres Island of Colombia is to take a boat tour to some of the amazing cays, sand bars, and coastal attractions. In fact, the main reason why many travelers venture to this spot is to explore the underwater world or to get their scuba diving license. And finally, Johnny Cay beach is one of the best beaches in San Andrs, it is a key that is in front of the downtown beach, to get there you must use the boat services offered by the island. #TipsDeDaya Viajera colombiana con una alcanca de aventuras donde podrs descubrir rincones de Colombia y el mundo. Owned and operated by Conocemos Navegando, it only has departures at 08.00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays during low season. He used to attack ships and hide his treasure in a small cave which is known as Morgans Cave. That church!!! On my second full day in San Andres, I paid $5 for a boat tour to visit El Acuario, followed by Johnny Cay. On San Andres Island, you'll notice that the East Coast is full of white sand beaches while the west side of the island is mostly rocky. We", Traveled to Colombia as a family in June, 2023, "What a great trip. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Perhaps due to those experiences, or because the weather conditions made for a relatively smooth crossing, or because we slept for most of the three-and-a-half hours, we really didn't have any issues part from a few bumpy bits. What? I had to pay an entrance fee of 2,000 Colombian pesos to enter which was well worth it! It's worth noting right at the beginning however that, due to limited capacity and high season demand, both the ferries and flights can and do sell out. The best way to get around comfortably and inexpensively is to rent a golf cart. The owners are super friendly and the rooms are clean and comfortable. Although it seems that this tax has been around for quite some time, the policies are still very chaotic. Ask for everything! An important fact is that the person who drives must have a driving pass and return the vehicle with a full tank of gasoline, just as you receive it. Feel lucky to have the opportunity to swim with manta rays. Need more travel tips? The Rock House Hostel The hostel gets its name from the building which is literally built into the rock. San Andres over time has received different cultures such as English and French, so it should not be strange to hear the San Andrs speaking in English or French, in fact, the language that many speak is Creole, which is a mixture of Elizabethan English, Spanish and African expressions. This is another tiny island directly out from the main beach in town (Spratt Bight). Book: VIP Boat tour (all the coastal San Andres highlights). San Andrs, Colombia - Travel Guide - South America Backpacker Lobster fans will delight in the plentiful supply. How to get to San Andres Island - Colombia Tourist Attractions The small town not only gives you a stunning view over the Caribbean Sea and the island but it is also a traditional village where the most native people live. Why will be temporarily closed the Lost City in September? Yes, that's right, you can go helmet diving on this little island! San Luis Beach or Sound Bay although it is not so big is a favorite for wave lovers who expect to surf or body ride. Its also inhabited by Colombian immigrants who have come here to work in the tourism industry and a very small group of indigenous people. After speaking with a local who was there at the time of the incident, he claims that this was very out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, there is a tourist entry tax that is called the Tourist Card. Contact us now for the listing of your sailboat service. Since the size of the island is only 26 square km it is easy to get around by bus, car or mountain bike. There are also resorts and small beach eateries all the way along. My San Andres island travel guide follows, including frequently asked questions, what to expect once you arrive, the best things to do, onward travel to Providencia Island, and more. Medellin: Feeling in need of the buzz of the city after all that lying on the beach? Our partners help us by providing accommodation for visitors of our website. How To Get To San Andres Cheap and direct flights to San Andres depart daily from every major Colombian city, and for most travellers, are the only means of accessing the island. Prices vary depending on the season and the quality of the vehicle. This is due to the many sand spits, deep sections, and patches of coral reefs. Make sure you bring a hoody and trousers on board - seriously. This unofficial photo spot is known as the "Calle de las Palmeras", or Palm Tree Road. My lunch, including tax and tip, was $50, which I considered a good value given the setting and quality of food. Otherwise, here's some more travel inspiration below. Carriers with regular flights include Avianca, Copa, LATAM, Viva Air, and Wingo. It is a very quiet and private place, with a bar and shared kitchen for guests, WiFi, bathrooms and laundry. We are very interested in the church you can scale. At the moment there are only two options for travelling to San Andrs Colombia; Are you in the possession of a sailboat and sailing the Caribbean? I've had some great experiences in Cancun, such as snorkeling with whale sharks, and I also had fun in San Andres. This hotel has WiFi and a beautiful garden for guests. On top of raising kids and a cat. If you're a bit worried about scuba, then this is a unique and fun new way to try underwater immersion. Its my mission to teach YOU how can you turn YOUR dreams of travel and career, into reality. Thanks. The team in Cartagena was excellent and made our", "David was responsive and helped us craft a tour that was personalized for our interests. To enter, there's a donation required. The island is small and would take only around an hour to circle if you werent to make any stops when renting a buggy on San Andres. Copyright 2019 - Colombiatouristattractions.com - Bogot, Colombia, Uramba Bahia Malaga National Natural Park. Each passenger is allowed to take on one bag (158 cm maximum height + length + width) with a maximum weight of 18kg, and one small piece of hand luggage. Colombia's San Andres island offers visitors turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and boatloads of beach bars. The spectacle reminded me of Cancun, but I get the appeal. It's best to visit during high tide and when there is a bit of swell coming in. And you will not only love its particular blue of the sea water but you will find reptiles and colored crabs on the small island. But this is currently to dangerous because of pirates controlling the seas around Nicaragua. Money 6. Fresh lobster was also available. It costs 112,500 COP (32 USD) and can be only purchased at the airport and in cash only. Last updated: March 15, 2023 Colombia 23 shares A complete and up-to-date travel guide to visiting the unique destination of San Andres Island Colombia. We have one of the best groups of local guides to offer the best adventure in archaeological, ethnic and botanical information. The colors are most visible on the north and east sides of the island, where the ocean hues range from a deep green to a light aqua blue. 25 Things to do on San Andres Island, Colombia - 2023 Guide The only way to access the island of Providencia is via the island of San Andres via two options: the ferry or the flight. In Jhonny Cay you can go around walking. Big V Raizal Home This is the place to go if you want to experience the real San Andrs says one reviewer on Booking.com! Safeguard yourself from unforeseen travel mishaps like accidents, cancellations, delays, and loss of your personal items. you find flights starting at $ 100,000 COP for flight path, if you buy them with certain months in advance. Dont forget to explore other great destinations in Colombia as the country has a lot to offer. GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE IN SAN ANDRES Look north, and you'll see Johnny Cay, a small island accessible by boat taxi throughout the day or as part of a multi-stop tour. I spent my first full day on San Andres cruising around the island in a rented golf cart. Okay, with the basic logistics out of the way, let's dive into this awesome list of the best things to do in San Andres Colombia! The cost of this card is $ 116,000 COP for the year 2020, approximately $ 46USD. A complete and up-to-date travel guide to visiting the unique destination of San Andres Island Colombia. . Tap Water Is Not Drinkable Is tap water drinkable? South End Villas If you want to splash out on your own apartment right by the beach, complete with swimming pool, terrace and sea views, then check out these lovely villas. Approximate cost of flight? This city of eternal spring is not to be missed. While I was sitting on the roof I had the chance to see a beautiful panoramic view of the whole island. They serve mostly seafood with a steep price tag. Rondon is a typical island meal made with coconut milk, seasonings, yucca, and fish or conch. None of the beaches are overcrowded, despite the whole island being no larger than 26 km2. Perhaps the biggest attraction and the most popular thing to do in San Andres, Colombia is to take a day trip to Johnny Cay. If you've got yourself a scooter or golf cart, head down to the southern tip of the island. My first meal in San Andres was a fish filet and mojito at The Islander restaurant across the boardwalk from Spratt Bright Beach. The easiest way is to walk to the port and jump on a cruise straight away, rather than booking with your hotel. While you're here, make sure to check out some of my other travel blogs and articles to Latin America. Read more about the history of San Andrs below. Website: clisplaceposadanativa.com-sandres.com. The quickest way between the two islands is to hop on a tiny plane, with a one-way flight taking only 15-20 minutes. If you're driving up to town from San Luis or Cocoplum Beach, you'll see the entrance on your right. When I took my solo trip in 2015, I stayed in a dorm room at Viajero San Andres Hostel because of its convenient location at the island's north end and low cost. However, I must say that people who dislike seafood and cheese may experience some difficulties in San Andres. In high season however, there are usually additional ferry departures during the week. La Loma on the other hand is located on the "mountain" as the locals call it. Im really glad I went to San Andres as its a destination off the beaten path and its gorgeous! I want to show that you dont have to be ultra rich or have a travel partner to do it! Rooms come complete with a flatscreen TV, fridge and balcony. Viajero San Andrs Hostel Viajero is a popular backpacker hostel chain across Colombia with branches in Cartagena and Cali. If not, then a travel agent on mainland Colombia or in San Andres is one option - or you could go straight to their office by San Andres Airport to book directly. However, our fears subsided a little when we saw that the boat was pretty modern and the whole operation seemed quite slick - a stark contrast to a number of other boat crossings and journeys we've taken in Latin America (i.e. Beaches that are located around the island; You have to pay an entrance fee of $ 3,000 COP, they are perfect beaches for snorkeling, they also have a trampoline and slide. The Ultimate 10 Day Egypt Itinerary For 2023, Rosario Islands Colombia Plan an Epic Cartagena Day Trip in 2023. I splurged on one nice meal, a lunch at La Regatta in the main town, during my five-day stay in San Andres. It's just to provide a bit of balance and personal perspective as the only accounts we read in advance were that this was going to be an absolutely traumatic experience! The island is known for its many beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters that offer excellent snorkelling and scuba diving conditions and a lively night scene. I forget the backstory. The itinerary that Dean helped me create was a perfect way to visit Colombia. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Let's say you want to take a 3-day, 2-night trip from Medellin. I am hoping to return to visit San Andres when the pandemic is over. Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. Spratt Bay is one of the most popular beaches and with more tourist influx. If you ask a foodie what to do on San Andres Island, they'll tell you to reserve a table at La Regatta Restaurant. absolutely everything. However, while there was once a bit of infrastructure here, everything was pulled down due to a 2022 Shark attack that tragically occurred here. In our experience, the luggage was not weighed. Hi, Im Olly. Thank you so much for your nice comments about San Andreas. Required fields are marked *. We had great guides in Bogota (Alexa", Traveled to Colombia as a couple in April, 2023, "Michael from Chaska tours proposed an excellent itinerary and was attentive to our wishes and needs during the planning phase, and was very patient with our ", Traveled to Colombia as a group in March, 2023, How to Get from Cartagena to Tayrona Park. These artisanal pops are known in Spanish as paletas and go for a few bucks. This was the first church built way back in 1847. The tour that includes these two places is priced at $ 25,000 COP and includes taxes. Excess luggage is charged 1,500 COP - 3,000 COP (less than a 1 and $1) per kilo extra, which is cheap. As you'll notice on the map below, this is quite a remote island, at least 190 kilometers (118 miles) from the closest land in Nicaragua. Thankfully flights from San Andres to Providencia have resumed, meaning travelers can take a day trip or an overnight trip from San Andres via a short, 20-minute flight.