A Columbian island with a tropical Caribbean ambience, San Andres is known as the “Sea of Seven Colours” for its multi-hued waters. The fertile island boasts white-sand beaches, coconut groves and wildlife preserves, along with deep-sea diving, treasure caves, water sports and reggae music.

Things to do

Beaches in San Andres offer everything from kite-boarding to windsurfing, jet-skiing, banana boats and fishing. Join the parade of people on the promenade at Spratt Bight Beach or opt for more secluded spots, such as Bahia Sardina on the northern end. You can also take a short boat ride over to Johnny Cat Park for snorkelling in the coral reef.

Explore Old Point Regional Mangrove Park, a wildlife sanctuary on the eastern side of the island. You can spot iguanas, lizards and tropical birds in Hooker and Haynes Bays. Take an eco-tour for wildlife watching throughout the San Andres Archipelago, which holds a UNESCO World Biosphere Preserve designation.

Scuba diving guides can take you to at least 35 dive sites where you’ll explore caves, walls, undersea gardens and shipwrecks. Back on solid ground, roam about in Morgan’s Cave, reportedly used by the pirate Henry Morgan to bury his treasure.

San Andres Town features a pedestrian district where you’ll find everything from emerald and gold jewellery to leather goods, native art, coconut-shell handicrafts and hand-woven palm baskets. For dinner, head over to Avenida la Playa to try crab soup and local seafood dishes.

Getting around

Buses, taxis, tourist trains, golf buggies and scooters are available for getting around the island. You can also pick up a rental car from the Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport, about a 10-minute walk from the town centre.