11 things you have to do in San Andres, Colombia

March 17, 2026March 17, 2026 Anjali Wadhwa

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One of my major travel goals has always been to visit more warm-weather destinations and truly embrace the spirit of exploration. While I’ve enjoyed discovering beautiful winter getaways and exploring many stunning places in the United States, I can honestly say that this trip feels like a dream come true—almost as if I manifested it into reality.

This adventure checks every box on my wish list for the year: sunshine, pristine beaches, sparkling open water, and a lineup of new experiences waiting to be discovered. I’m excited to take you with me as I embark on unforgettable adventures in the tropical San Andres, Colombia. Let’s go explore together!

A piece of land in the middle of the Caribbean Sea can offer you all kinds of adventures and wonders that you can think of. San Andres is the perfect island if you are looking for a similar fantasy in Colombia. It is known for its coral reefs, tropical climate, rich pirate history, and long beach promenade.

As it is an adventurer’s paradise, there is so much to do here that it becomes difficult to follow. To your dilemma’s rescue, below are some of the best things to do in San Andres, Colombia. I have mentioned every single place I have been to.

11 things you have to do in San Andres, Colombia

1. Parasailing

As San Andres is surrounded by water, parasailing is a great sport in this region. Open skies and water, as far as you can see, will make you lust for the thrill of parasailing. Your sail would be tied to a high-speed boat and be gradually lifted into the air to a height of over 300 feet.

You might start your journey with the bubbly water surface. However, within a few minutes, you will be in the air, enjoying the breeze and the scenery. The duration for your parasailing activity lasts for 20 minutes, but during this time you will love your experience.

2. See the wonderful marine life by scuba diving

From soaring above the island to plunging into crystal-clear waters, San Andres is an adventurer’s paradise. This destination truly offers everything on the thrill-seeker’s list. Among the many activities, the two most popular water sports are scuba diving and snorkeling.

Scuba diving, in particular, draws visitors from around the world to experience the vibrant marine life and breathtaking underwater landscapes. Thanks to the tropical climate, the sea stays warm even in its deeper regions, making it perfect for exploring the ocean’s wonders year-round.

Even if you’re someone who feels anxious about deep or dark waters or has experienced claustrophobia while diving, the serene and inviting waters of San Andres offer a gentle introduction to underwater exploration.

The calm sea, incredible rock formations, glowing bioluminescent plankton, vibrant coral reefs, and a dazzling array of colorful fish create an underwater world that feels both magical and welcoming. These natural wonders ensure that your scuba diving adventure in San Andres will be truly unforgettable.

For those ready to take the plunge, you can conveniently prebook your scuba diving experience in San Andres and ensure your spot for this one-of-a-kind adventure.

3. Go on a trip to Providencia

Providencia should definitely be on your list of things to do in San Andres. If you are a private person and avoid going on vacations as the destinations are generally surrounded by tourists and visitors, then San Andres offers a little island at a distance of 90 kilometres to the north, called Providencia.

You can call Providencia, heaven for introverts. The island is filled with natural adventures and little organic stays where you can warm up in the sun and take open showers. People visit Providencia as an offbeat travel tour. The place is perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, and hiking. You can also visit Crab Cay, McBean Lagoon National Park, and Peak Forestry Reserve here.

The best and quickest way to reach Providencia from San Andres is through flights. Your journey will last for just 45 minutes.

4. Explore the neighbourhood of La Loma

San Luis de La Loma is a charming village nestled in the region’s heart. This area stands as the oldest part of San Andres and is cherished for its rich history and laid-back atmosphere.

San Luis de La Loma invites you to slow down, wander its quiet streets, and discover the stories and traditions that shaped the island. Here, you can experience a different side of San Andres—one that connects you to its roots and the warmth of its community.

Among its most notable landmarks is the old Baptist church, originally established in 1847 and lovingly rebuilt using Alabama Pine. Regional cafés, vibrant seafood eateries, quaint shops, and lively drinking spots bring the streets to life, offering visitors a taste of the island’s authentic flavors and warm hospitality.

Exploring these villages is a chance to experience the heart and heritage of San Andres in a way that’s both enriching and unforgettable.

5. Explore the flowers of San Andres at Jardin Botanico

San Andres has a hot and humid climate, but that doesn’t restrict the floral beauty of this place from flourishing. You can’t help but wonder how many flowers and the types of plants you can find in this place.

A hot spot for your floral vacation at San Andres is Jardin Botanico. It is a botanical garden where you will find a variety of plants and a trip to a heavenly place surrounded by shrubs, trees and, colourful flowers. All the information about the same is mentioned in a hall that is a part of the garden.

A water body in between the park would be just the surprise needed during your stroll through it. On a bright day, the scenery offers an old countryside aesthetic in the land of San Andres. The word magical would be perfect to define it.

6. Kayaking through the Marshes

If you love staying active on the water, kayaking in San Andres is an absolute must. The island’s tropical climate and lush natural vegetation set the perfect scene for an immersive trip into the surrounding mangroves. One of the best places to experience this is at Old Point Regional Mangrove, renowned for its thriving ecosystem and tranquil beauty.

Tours are often organized by local companies that guide you through the winding mangrove channels, allowing you to glide over still waters and observe the vibrant aquatic life all around you. During your kayaking adventure, you can spot a variety of fish and witness hatcheries, making it a unique opportunity to connect with the island’s incredible biodiversity firsthand.

7. Go Fishing

Adding a fishing trip to your San Andres itinerary is a fantastic way to embrace local adventure and culture. The waters surrounding the island are home to a wide variety of fish, making every excursion an exciting and unpredictable experience. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, you’ll find plenty of spots where you can hire a boat or join a guided fishing tour.

The local guides are experts who know the best fishing areas and are always eager to share their knowledge. They’ll take you to prime spots and offer tips to help ensure a rewarding fishing session. A day spent fishing in San Andres isn’t just about the catch—it’s about connecting with the island’s maritime heritage and savoring the thrill of the open sea.

8. Spend relaxing time at the Beach

If you are a working professional and just want to get away from the urban life and spend some time under the open skies while meditating on the sounds of waves while sand grains rub between your toes, in that case, you can have an entire day reserved to relax at a beach in San Andres.

The soothing climate, warm air, water, serenity, and solitude are all you would require to rejuvenate yourself and bring your mind, body, and soul into alignment. The evenings are the best as you walk around gazing at the sunset, as the lavender skies slowly bring out the stars and moon to light the golden sand.

9. Go swimming at La Piscinita

Another place to have fun in San Andres is La Piscinita. The crystal-clear water, where you can witness the fish without even getting into the water, is what attracts the tourists here. You can buy bread here and feed it to the fish, who are familiar with the people and would love to have it directly from your hand. You can rent some swimming gear and go swimming in the turquoise waters.

There are coconut huts available on the shore for your relaxation. The coconut drinks, beer, fresh juices, and small snacks are other things to give you a fulfilling experience here. Though it becomes a bit crowded at times, that simply adds to the fun.

10. Escape to the enchanting Cayo Bolivar

Another off-beat island to visit around San Andres is Cayo Bolivar. This is a place that is less known to many tourists. Hence, it is the perfect place for that peaceful basking in the sun, lunches, and some drinks. The clear water, marine species, baby sharks, and turtles are a regular sight here.

If your visit to San Andres is during the summer months and the weather is clear, then this makes a perfect occasion to spend a day at Cayo Bolivar, as it is then, when its beauty is at its full bloom.

Before setting your sights on Cayo Bolivar, it’s important to check whether the island is open to visitors. The government occasionally restricts access to help preserve the pristine beauty and delicate ecosystem of this paradise. Located about 25 kilometers from San Andres, Cayo Bolivar is truly a road less traveled.

If you’re lucky enough to visit when it’s open, plan to reserve an entire day for the excursion. The journey itself can be a bit bumpy, but the reward is a breathtaking, unspoiled island experience that will be well worth the adventure.

How to get to San Andres, Colombia

The only way to reach San Andres is by air, with direct flights available from major Colombian cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Cartagena. The quickest route is from Cartagena, with a flight time of just around an hour and a half.

If you’re traveling through Colombia, it’s easy to add San Andres to your itinerary—simply catch a flight from any of these cities. For the best deals, check platforms like Expedia and make sure to book your flights as early as possible, especially during peak travel seasons.

Where To Stay In San Andres, Colombia

For a dreamy vacation in San Andres amidst the gorgeous surroundings of San Andres you should book your stay at Casa Las Palmas Hotel. With amazing spa services, a wide range of comfortable rooms, a swimming pool with lounge chairs and close proximity to the beach, this boutique hotel offers a comfortable, luxurious and relaxing stay to its guests.

Airport shuttle, soundproof rooms, rental cars, breakfast in room, onsite entertainment, coffee house, gaming rooms, babysitting services, strollers and a fitness center are some great facilities provided by the hotel.

Best time to visit San Andres, Colombia

San Andres enjoys a tropical climate, making it a year-round destination for travelers seeking sunshine and warmth. While you can visit at any time of the year, the ideal months are from December to May.

During this dry season, rainfall is minimal, offering more sunny days and perfect conditions for exploring the island’s beaches, outdoor adventures, and vibrant culture.

Now that you know about the best things to do in San Andres, you will certainly be able to plan better. Have any other questions about what to do in San Andres, Colombia? Let me know in the comments section below.

Cheerful Trails

11 things you have to do in San Andres, Colombia