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Island · San Andrés, San Andrés e Providencia
El Acuario y Haynes Cay
Two neighboring cayos on the east coast of San Andrés, connected by shallow, crystal-clear water: you can walk from one to the other and see fish, starfish and rays with a mask.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About El Acuario y Haynes Cay
The Acuario is the name given to Rose Cay, a small sandy cayo on the east coast of San Andrés, and to the shallow water around it, known for its clarity and abundance of fish. Right next to it is Haynes Cay, slightly larger, with stalls and a small lighthouse. Between the two, the water usually reaches waist height and many people walk from one cayo to the other.
With a mask and snorkel, a few meters from the shore you can often see schools of colorful fish, starfish and sometimes rays over a seabed of white sand and seagrass. The water’s color, between turquoise and blue, is one of the most recognizable images of the sea of seven colors.
The Acuario is commonly included in the same boat tour as Johnny Cay on the return to town, or in separate departures from the east coast. The area is part of the Seaflower biosphere reserve: do not step on the corals or take shells or starfish from the water.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours.
Best time
Late morning and early afternoon, with the sun high, the color of the water becomes more vivid. From January to April the sea is usually calmer. With strong winds, tours may change; check before you go.
How to get there
By boat from the downtown pier as part of the combined tour with Johnny Cay, or from the island's east coast near San Luis, where the crossing is short.
Tip
Use water shoes to walk between the cayos and a snorkel mask; rentals are available on site. Do not feed or touch the animals. Arrange the return time with the boat.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about El Acuario y Haynes Cay
Can you walk from Acuario to Haynes Cay?
Yes, most of the time. The water between the two cays is usually waist-deep; follow the guides' instructions, because the level changes with the sea.
What can you see at the Acuario?
Colorful fish, starfish and sometimes rays, in shallow, clear water. With a mask and snorkel you can see a lot just a few meters from the sand.
Is the Acuario on the same tour as Johnny Cay?
Generally, yes: many boat tours go by Johnny Cay and stop at the Acuario and Haynes Cay on the return. There are also departures from the east coast.