7 Best Sights in San Andrés, Colombia

Background Illustration for Sights

We've compiled the best of the best in San Andrés - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Johnny Cay

As if lifted from a soft-drink commercial, Johnny Cay is a small, palm-fringed island surrounded by transparent aquamarine waters some 20 minutes by boat from San Andrés. (Any tour operator can fix you up with transport.) It's essential to escape to this deserted Caribbean island on an out-of-season weekday—on weekends the hordes descend upon the island's white sandy beaches and lather themselves in coconut oil. Meals and drinks are available at any one of the shacks set up along the beach, or they can be arranged by your operator. Be sure to bring extra cash to rent shade and loungers. Basic transport with a tour operator will cost around 25,000 pesos, and you can often combine this trip with visits to nearby Acuario and Haynes Key.

San Andrés, 880001, Colombia
Sight Details
Rate Includes: Daily

Morgan's Cave

Leading to the ocean, Morgan's Cave is yet another spot where famed privateer Henry Morgan was supposed to have buried some treasure—a possibility that present-day islanders have seized upon in order to tap into the vibrant tourism market. (Don't count on getting rich here.) It's an obligatory stop on most island tours, but unfortunately, demands much of the imagination to see the beyond the rather lackluster presentation. It can be great for kids, but don't go out of your way to visit.

San Andrés, 880001, Colombia
Sight Details
Rate Includes: 15,000 pesos

Museo de la Casa Isleña

Housed in a traditional island dwelling, this little museum goes some way toward detailing the checkered history of San André and Providencia. Tales of pirates, slaves, and missionaries abound, creating the blend of cultures found here today. The stories make this quick visit worthwhile if you're passing by.

Av. Circunvalar, Km 5, San Andrés, 880001, Colombia
No phone
Sight Details
Rate Includes: 8,000 pesos, Daily 9–noon and 2–4

Recommended Fodor's Video

Playa San Luis

On the east side of the island, the little seaside village of San Luis has a long white beach that's a balm for the rather chaotic San Andrés city. The beach is usually much quieter than those in the north and there is some pleasant snorkeling to be done when the waters are calm. Options for food and drink are plentiful and cheap and there are a handful of beautiful traditional wooden houses to check out if you need a break from the surf and sun. Amenities: food and drink; parking; water sports. Best for: solitude; swimming; snorkeling; walking.

Shingle Hill

Just outside the charmingly ramshackle village of La Loma, this lookout offers amazing views of San Andrés and the Caribbean from its vantage point at over 300 feet. Here, visitors will also find a wooden Baptist church, the oldest on the island, originally built in 1846, and the aptly named Big Pond.

Spratt Bight Beach

The main beach on San Andrés island, and the easiest stop for all those staying in town, Spratt Bight Beach has white sand, scattered palms, and clear, calm water, but it can get crowded. The beach is well maintained, and there are plenty of food and drink options just across the road that runs along the length of the beach. Vendors offering island tours or massages are a common hassle, but nice large shades and sun loungers are easily available. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunrise; swimming.

West View and La Piscinita

La Piscinita is a small cove filled with myriad tropical fish that are a treat to swim with; it's the perfect stop to break the heat of the day as you explore San Andrés. The 4,000 pesos entry fee to the rocky outcrop of West View gets you a couple of pieces of bread which you can feed to the fish as you swim below. Unfortunately, like much on the island, its charm succumbs to the number of visitors in high season. Bring your own snorkel gear if possible, but rentals are available, as well as refreshments. If you're brave, try leaping off the rocky outcrop into the clear turquoise waters.
San Andrés, 880008, Colombia
Sight Details
Rate Includes: 4,000 pesos

Not finding what you're looking for?

We've got a few suggestions for nearby spots.
Providencia

Lighthouse Providencia56.1 miles away

Archipiélago de San Andrés, 880027, Colombia
We recommend 3 Sights in Providencia
Providencia

Almond Bay (Bahía Almendra)58.1 miles away

Archipiélago de San Andrés, 880020, Colombia
We recommend 3 Sights in Providencia
Providencia Fodor's Choice

McBean Lagoon National Natural Park58.7 miles away

Archipiélago de San Andrés, 880020, Colombia
We recommend 3 Sights in Providencia
Medellín

Santa Fe de Antioquia577.2 miles away

, Antioquia, Colombia
We recommend 14 Sights in Medellín
Medellín Fodor's Choice

Jardín Botánico de Medellín603.9 miles away

Calle 73N #51D–14, Medellín, Antioquia, 050010, Colombia
We recommend 14 Sights in Medellín