With its white-sand seashores, vivid turquoise waters, and a wealth of marine biodiversity, San Andrés, Colombia, provides vacationers a quintessential Caribbean trip expertise.
Along with its stunning nature, San Andrés additionally has a wealthy and fascinating historical past – Marked by piracy, cultural variety, and colonial affect.
San Andrés Island, a part of the San Andrés Archipelago, is a Caribbean island owned by Colombia. The San Andrés Archipelago includes three essential islands: San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina. Out of the three, San Andrés is the biggest and most developed.
In recent times, San Andrés has develop into one of many high tourist spots in Colombia.
The Historical past of San Andrés, Colombia
Earlier than the arrival of European explorers, the San Andrés Archipelago was inhabited by indigenous peoples, together with the Raizal, who had a novel tradition and language.
Within the early sixteenth century, Spanish conquistadors, like Alonso de Ojeda, claimed the island for Spain. All through the colonial interval, San Andrés turned a haven for pirates, together with the notorious Henry Morgan.
Later, the British established a presence on the island, lasting over a century.
In 1822, San Andrés was formally ceded to Colombia. Nonetheless, its historical past of shifting colonial powers left an enduring affect on its tradition and the Creole language spoken by the Raizal folks.
At this time, this charming island is a vibrant mix of African, Indigenous, and European heritage, providing a novel cultural expertise to its guests.
On the island, they not solely communicate Colombian Spanish but in addition Creole. San Andrés is likely one of the final areas on this planet that also has Creole listed as an official language exterior of Haiti.
Greatest Time to Go to San Andrés, Colombia
San Andrés provides year-round attraction, however it’s necessary to know the totally different seasons on the island earlier than planning your trip.
December to April, the dry season, when daytime temperatures vary from 83 to 86 °F. This time is great for water actions and sunbathing.
Might to November is the wet season in San Andrés, which most vacationers keep away from. Nevertheless, should you go to through the low season, you possibly can expertise a far much less crowded island.
Seashores of San Andrés, Colombia
San Andrés is legendary for its pristine seashores. Spend your days sunbathing and swimming at locations like Playa San Luis, Playa Spratt Bight, and Playa de San Andrés.
Playa Spratt Bight is the largest seashore on San Andrés and is taken into account one of the best the island provides on the mainland.
Check out varied water sports activities, comparable to windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding, that are available on the island. Soar above the crystal-clear waters and luxuriate in panoramic views of San Andrés on a parasailing tour.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The island provides glorious alternatives for snorkeling and scuba diving. San Andrés is a unbelievable place to study scuba diving. You’ll be able to join a newbie’s course or discovery dive from most of the diving operators on the island.
Discover the colourful coral reefs and the varied marine life. Standard dive websites embody La Rocosa and Trampa de Tortugas. San Andrés is understood for having notably good visibility for scuba divers, and lots of dive faculties on the island make it straightforward to plan a visit.
Take a ship tour to El Acuario and Haynes Caye. El Acuario is known as as such as a result of it’s like a pure aquarium. Right here, you possibly can swim with stingrays and colourful fish in shallow waters.
For a one-of-a-kind underwater expertise, attempt Aquanautas Helmet Diving. Stroll on the ocean ground with a helmet that gives air, permitting you to watch marine life up shut with out conventional scuba tools or coaching.
Distinctive Actions in San Andrés, Colombia
Johnny Cay: Take a brief boat tour to Johnny Cay, a small, picturesque island with white sandy seashores and crystal-clear waters, good for swimming and snorkeling.
Morgan’s Cave: Go to Morgan’s Cave, a pure sea cave named after the pirate Henry Morgan. You’ll be able to take guided excursions to find out about its historical past and see the stalactites and underground swimming pools.
El Hoyo Soplador: El Hoyo Soplador is a pure phenomenon on San Andrés the place a gap within the seashore rock shoots out water when a wave is available in – making a pure blowhole!
Take the ‘Vacationer Practice’: Should you don’t wish to drive your self, you all the time have the choice to hop on the ‘vacationer prepare’ for a trip across the island’s perimeter. The San Andrés Vacationer Practice operates like a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, however way more scenic.
Native Delicacies and Markets
Whereas in San Andrés, remember to attempt the native meals! Attempt conventional dishes like coconut rice, fried fish, and seafood platters. Fish is freshly caught on the island, and are available night, it’s widespread to see fish frying on the seashore.
San Andrés has a thriving Rastafarian Tradition, and you’ll get pleasure from many Rasta bars serving “Coco Loco” (a contemporary coconut and rum drink) whereas taking part in Bob Marley music.
Go to the native markets and retailers to purchase souvenirs comparable to Colombian espresso, handcrafted gadgets, and jewellery.
San Andrés, Colombia Trip Ideas
You’ll be able to simply entry San Andrés Island through direct flights from Colombian cities like Bogota, Medellin, or Cartagena. Airways like Avianca, LATAM Airways, and Viva Air function flights to Gustavo Rojas Pinilla Worldwide Airport a number of occasions day by day. Flights are often lower than one hour in size.
Whereas Uber is widely used in Colombia, ride-hailing companies aren’t accessible in San Andrés. It’s greatest to rearrange your transport forward of time or drive your self.
Contemplate renting a golf cart to discover the island. Many vacationers additionally lease motorbikes and scooters to get round San Andrés, a wonderful possibility for individuals who already know how to drive a scooter.
One essential ring street in San Andrés loops across the total island and connects to the principle city space, known as El Cento. You’ll be able to circumnavigate the island of San Andrés in lower than one hour on a motorcycle and two should you’re utilizing a golf cart for transport.
San Andrés is primarily a cash-first location. There are quite a few ATMs on the island the place you possibly can withdraw Colombian Pesos or you possibly can alternate cash earlier than you depart for the island.
Your San Andrés, Colombia Trip
San Andrés is an excellent Caribbean Island in Colombia that’s simply accessed from any essential metropolis through a brief flight. Resulting from its distinctive tradition, white-sand seashores, plentiful actions, and vibrant tradition, San Andrés is a good vacationer spot in Colombia.
If you need so as to add a seashore vacation spot to your Colombian journey itinerary, you possibly can’t go incorrect with selecting San Andrés. Additionally, contemplate stopping by the neighboring Providencia and Santa Catalina islands for a worthwhile journey!
This text initially appeared on Wander With Alex.
Katie Caf is a full-time touring blogger who has lived overseas for over three years. A former New Yorker, Katie now lives in Bali and is keen about empowering vacationers, particularly different ladies, to discover the world.
