San Andrés is a Colombian Caribbean gem famous for the Sea of Seven Colors—turquoise, jade, and sapphire ripples woven over coral beds. Once a corsair hideout, the island blends Raizal heritage with Spanish and English influences; you’ll see it in the island’s wooden churches, hear it in Creole, and taste it in coconut-rich cuisine.

Days here orbit the water: boat rides to Johnny Cay, snorkeling in El Acuario, dock-jumps at West View, and lazy swims off Spratt Bight. Inland, the breeze brings stories—Henry Morgan’s Cave, the blowhole at Hoyo Soplador, and the quiet mangroves of Old Point where herons and rays patrol the roots.

Practical notes: visitors pay a required tourist card (Tarjeta de Turismo) on arrival; carry cash in COP for beach kiosks and carts. Protect the reef—use mineral, reef-safe sunscreen and never stand on coral. Island flavors to seek out: rondón (coconut seafood stew), crab patties, fried fish with patacones, and fresh maracuyá juice.

San Andrés

Base yourself in North End for easy beach access to Spratt Bight, the lively waterfront (malecón), duty-free shopping, and boat docks. For quieter days, wander south toward San Luis, where wooden houses and calm, pale-blue water set a slower tempo.

• Top sights: Johnny Cay, El Acuario (Haynes Cay), Rocky Cay & Cocoplum Beach, West View natural pool, La Piscinita, Hoyo Soplador blowhole, Morgan’s Cave, Old Point Mangrove Park, First Baptist Church viewpoint at La Loma.
• Where to stay: Browse beachfront hotels and apartments on VRBO San Andrés and Hotels.com San Andrés. Look along Spratt Bight for easy swimming and sunset views; opt for San Luis if you prefer quiet, local vibes.
• Getting there: Direct flights from Bogotá (~2h 10m), Medellín (~2h), and Cartagena (~1h 30m). Expect ~$90–$220 one way depending on season. Search fares on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com.
• Getting around: Taxis cover short hops (airport–North End ~10 minutes). For island loops, rent a golf cart or “mule” buggy (approx. COP 180,000–260,000 per day); always confirm insurance and return time.

Day 1: Arrival, First Swim, and Sunset on the Malecón

Morning: Travel day. Aim for a midday/early-afternoon landing to settle in. On arrival, keep your tourist card handy; taxis from ADZ to Spratt Bight hotels take ~10 minutes.

Afternoon: Check in, then stroll onto Spratt Bight Beach for a decompressing swim—the seabed is sandy with gentle entry. Grab a light bite nearby: empanadas and fresh fruit from beach stands, or a quick plate of fried fish and coconut rice.

Evening: Walk the malecón as the sky turns mango and violet. Dinner at Capitán Mandy (hearty seafood platters, generous portions; locals love the fried snapper) or Café Café (pastas, seafood, and good wine list). Nightcap with maracuyá mojitos at Beer Station overlooking the water.

Day 2: Johnny Cay and El Acuario—Postcard Blues

Morning: Early breakfast at Juan Valdez Café (arepas, pastries, strong Colombian coffee). Walk to the pier for today’s island-hop: Johnny Cay’s sugar-white sands and swaying palms, then over shallow turquoise to El Acuario (Haynes Cay) for effortless snorkeling with sergeant majors.

Afternoon: Join this well-loved combo tour for smooth logistics and timed stops:

Boat Tour to Johnny Cay & Aquarium in San Andres Island (Viator) — typical total 4–6 hours; budget around COP 70,000–130,000.

Pro tip: bring cash for islet snacks—try crab patties, coconut bread, and icy limonada de coco.

Evening: Rinse off and dine over the water at La Regatta—book ahead for a deck table. Order the coconut shrimp or catch of the day with coconut rice; watch boats flicker across the bay.

Day 3: Loop the Island—West View, La Piscinita, Hoyo Soplador, Morgan’s Cave

Morning: Pick up a golf cart/buggy after breakfast. First stop: West View, a natural pool with a diving platform and friendly fish—excellent visibility for snorkeling. Continue to La Piscinita for cliff jumps into gin-clear water.

Afternoon: Drive south to the Hoyo Soplador blowhole—on windy days it whooshes sea spray several meters high. Swing inland to Morgan’s Cave for pirate lore, then to La Loma for a short climb to the First Baptist Church viewpoint over the island’s blues.

Evening: Dinner in San Luis at Donde Francesca (beachfront, grilled fish and coconut rice; go for sunset) or head back to North End for La Pizzería (reliable pies, cold beers). Gelato stroll along the malecón to end the day.

Day 4: San Luis Beaches, Rocky Cay, and Parasailing Thrills

Morning: Coffee and arepas to-go, then settle at Cocoplum/San Luis Beach—calm, shallow water perfect for long swims. Walk at low tide to Rocky Cay (mind currents; wear reef shoes for rocks).

Afternoon: Take to the sky with a panoramic tow above the Sea of Seven Colors:

Full Parasailing Tour in San Andres Island (Viator) — 10–15 minutes of flight time; plan ~1 hour total with briefing; approx. COP 130,000–200,000.

Evening: Casual dinner at Miss Celia for Raizal specialties—try the rondón (seafood, root veggies, and coconut broth) or crab backs. Craft cocktails afterward at Coco Loco on the beach.

Day 5: First Bubbles—Intro Dive and a Night on the Bay

Morning: Warm up with a beach walk, then suit up for a beginner-friendly dive among statues and corals. Calm, shallow sites make San Andrés ideal for a first descent.

Diving for Beginners among Corals and Statues in San Andres (Viator) — expect ~2.5–3 hours door-to-door; around COP 250,000–380,000 including gear and instructor.

Afternoon: Siesta time by the pool or a slow float at Spratt Bight. Refuel with coconut rice bowls and fresh-catch ceviche from beach stalls.

Evening: Trade sandals for deck shoes and board a festive bay cruise with music and open bar:

San Andres Bay Yacht Rumba Tour with Bar Libre (Viator) — ~3 hours; budget COP 120,000–180,000. Great for groups and celebratory nights.

Day 6: Quiet Nature—Old Point Mangroves and Local Flavors

Morning: Head to Old Point Mangrove Park for a guided kayak or SUP through mangrove tunnels—watch for herons, crabs, and the occasional ray ghosting along the roots. It’s a serene counterpoint to the open sea.

Afternoon: Lunch near North End at Mahi Mahi (grilled fish, salads, fast service) or a laid-back meal at Café Café. Beach time round two at West View if you want more snorkeling and platform jumps.

Evening: Sunset from the malecón or a quiet perch in San Luis. Dinner splurge back at La Regatta or try a second island classic: Miss Celia’s crab soup and coconut-based sides. Nightcap with a cold Club Colombia or a passionfruit caipirinha.

Day 7: Last Swim, Souvenir Hunt, and Departure

Morning: Early dip at Spratt Bight, then a leisurely breakfast (arepa de huevo and espresso). Pick up duty-free goodies—Colombian coffee beans, cacao, and island hot sauces—along Avenida Providencia.

Afternoon: Check out and transfer to ADZ. If you haven’t booked flights yet, compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Airport lines can be busy—arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights.

Evening: In the air, already plotting a return to the Sea of Seven Colors.

Optional Add-On: Private Boat Day

If your group craves a customizable day at sea, consider a private charter to snorkel sandbars and pause where the water glows brightest:

Marmows Full Day Private Boat Tour in San Andreas Islands (Viator)

Best for groups of friends or families wanting a flexible route with snorkeling at multiple spots.

Where to Book Your Stay (again, for easy reference): VRBO San Andrés | Hotels.com San Andrés

Seven days on San Andrés give you the island’s full spectrum: boat days to Johnny Cay and El Acuario, reef time at West View, quiet hours in the mangroves, and nights under lantern-lit docks. Between plates of coconut-scented seafood and swims over radiant coral, you’ll understand why locals call it a sea painted with seven colors.