San Andrés

San Andrés is a coral island of about 26 km² in the Caribbean Sea, more than 700 km from the Colombian mainland and closer to Central America than to Bogotá. Together with Providencia and Santa Catalina to the north, it forms the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, whose sea and reefs are part of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO in 2000.

The first thing that catches the eye is the color of the water. Over a bottom of white sand and reefs, the sea changes from light green to dark blue within a few meters, and that is why Colombians speak of the sea of seven colors. Around the island are small sand cayos with coconut palms, such as Johnny Cay and Acuario, reachable by speedboat in a few minutes, and natural pools along the coral coast, like West View and La Piscinita.

The island also has its own culture. The raizales, the native population, descend from Africans and British settlers and speak the San Andrés Creole, English-based, alongside Spanish; many families are Protestant, and the La Loma Baptist church, on the high part of the island, is one of its symbols. The painted wooden houses, the music and the cuisine with fish, coconut and breadfruit feel more like Jamaica than the Andes.

Arrival is by plane from Colombian cities and some international routes, and the island is small: a road of about 30 km circles it. The town center in the north concentrates hotels, shops and Spratt Bight beach; the rest of the island is quieter. Entry into the archipelago usually requires a tourist card purchased before boarding; check the rules.

This destination brings together 1 city: San Andrés.