Colombia's Caribbean Paradise. Explore 19 attractions across the island.
San Andrés and Providencia feel like two entirely different trips packed into one archipelago. On San Andrés, the famous Sea of Seven Colors is best appreciated from a boat tour to the surrounding cays, where shallow sandbars and reef formations create shifting gradients of turquoise, cobalt, and aquamarine that have to be seen to be believed. Start at Spratt Bight, the long public beach in the center of town, where Raizal families picnic on weekends and the water is calm enough for small children.
Rent a golf cart or scooter (around 80,000 to 120,000 COP per day) and circle the island in under two hours, stopping at La Piscinita on the west side, a natural rock pool where you snorkel directly from a wooden platform over parrotfish and sea fans for a 15,000 COP entry fee. Continue south to El Hoyo Soplador, a blowhole that shoots seawater skyward when the wind and tide cooperate - it is more dramatic than it sounds.
Johnny Cay, a tiny islet ten minutes by boat from Spratt Bight, is the quintessential day trip: white sand, reggae music, fried fish vendors, and coconut water served straight from the shell. The boat ride costs around 30,000 COP round trip. Morgan’s Cave, allegedly connected to the pirate Henry Morgan, is a modest but atmospheric stop on the south end of San Andrés with a small museum and coconut-shell carvings sold by local artisans.
Providencia is the real prize for travelers willing to go further. A 20-minute flight or three-hour catamaran ride from San Andrés brings you to an island that feels decades removed from modern tourism. Crab Cay, connected to the main island by a pedestrian bridge, has a snorkeling reef just off the rocks that rivals anything in the ABC islands. Hike to the Peak, the island's highest point at 360 meters, for panoramic views of the barrier reef - the third-largest in the world - stretching in a pale arc around the island's western shore. The trail starts near Casabaja and takes about 90 minutes up. Southwest Bay and Manzanillo Beach are Providencia’s finest stretches of sand, and you will likely have them largely to yourself outside Colombian holiday weeks.
A half-day boat excursion from San Andrés takes you over the shallow waters between Haynes Cay and Aquarium Cay, where the shifting reef and sand create an extraordinary palette of blues and greens. Most tours include snorkeling stops and cost between 80,000 and 120,000 COP per person.
A natural rock formation on San Andrés's west coast creates a sheltered pool teeming with tropical fish. Wooden platforms let you enter the water easily, and the clarity is exceptional. Entry costs around 15,000 COP and basic snorkel gear is available for rent on site.
This small islet a ten-minute boat ride from Spratt Bight is a natural regional park with white sand, coconut palms, and reggae speakers on the beach. Local vendors grill fish and serve coconut rice, and the snorkeling off the western edge is surprisingly good. Round-trip boats cost around 30,000 COP.
The highest point on Providencia at 360 meters offers sweeping views of the barrier reef and the entire island. The trail starts near Casabaja, passes through tropical forest, and takes roughly 90 minutes to the summit. Bring water and sturdy shoes - the path gets steep near the top.
The third-largest barrier reef in the world wraps around Providencia's western shore. Felipe's Place, a dive site near Crab Cay, features walls covered in gorgonians and frequent turtle sightings. Two-tank dives cost around 250,000 to 300,000 COP through operators in Aguadulce.
Connected to Providencia by a colorful pedestrian bridge, Crab Cay is a rocky outcrop surrounded by clear water and healthy reef. Snorkel from the rocks on the southern side to see brain coral, angelfish, and occasional nurse sharks in the shallows. No entrance fee.
Renting a golf cart is the best way to see San Andrés in a day. The island road loops roughly 30 kilometers, passing West View, La Piscinita, the Blowhole, and the quieter southern beaches. Carts rent for 80,000 to 120,000 COP per day and are available near Spratt Bight.
Natural phenomenon where a hole in the beach shoots out ocean water when there are strong waves.
Rocky Cay is a nature attraction on San Andrés. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that San Andrés is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Letrero I love San Andrés is a nature attraction on San Andrés. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that San Andrés is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Popular snorkeling site set among cliffs & known for clear, calm waters filled with tropical fish.
Jumping-off spot with clear seas for snorkeling & fish-feeding, plus a water slides & sunset views.
Palm Road (calle de las palmas) is a nature attraction on San Andrés. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that San Andrés is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Playa Principal is a nature attraction on San Andrés. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that San Andrés is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Tourist attraction consisting of an underground cave with a pirate theme, including a replica ship.
Playa Charquitos is a nature attraction on San Andrés. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that San Andrés is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
La Barracuda is a nature attraction on San Andrés. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that San Andrés is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Muelle Portofino is a marine attraction on San Andrés. The surrounding waters of San Andrés offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and observing diverse marine life in crystal-clear Caribbean seas.
Parque Nacional Manglares de Old Point is a nature attraction on San Andrés. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that San Andrés is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
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