This is an amazingly beautiful Caribbean Island which is cheap respect to other Caribbean Islands but expensive according to the Colombian standards.
It is not a big island to discover, it will take two hours to visit all the island if you rent a scooter or a buggy car. Taxi is expensive, buses are not frequent and they change schedule.
You can either stay on the beach all day long, or get an excursion by boat or discover the island on your own.
The center of the island full of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops is on the North of the island just nearby the airport. It is very touristy but not in an elegant way.
At the northern center, there is the authentic little native village “La Loma” and a viewpoint terrace.
The East Coast is dominated by San Luis Village where on the northern side there is Rock Cay Beach and some hotels, Airbnb’s and fast food options.
The Western part of the island is very isolated and rocky, with a fantastic sea color, great for the divers.
The South is a spectacle with its road full of coconut palms and white sand beaches.
The things to see on the island are few and not as attractive as the beaches or excursion.
Before you go
There is an entrance fee for San Andres 124.000 pesos (Around 30 USD) per person (on 2024 January) that is purchased only at the gate prior to the departure flight from the airline company and it can be paid credit card as well. The airline company checks also your the return ticket.
Do not consider your Booking and Airbnb reservations are confirmed even they appear to be unless you receive a confirmation from the property.
When you arrive at the Island, the airport police may ask for your hotel reservation and return ticket. If you fail to satisfy them, they may contact the property directly.
ACCOMMODATION
During the high season, it is very crowded so it will be hard to find a place.
You must confirm with the property by email text or telephone once you get an online booking confirmation.
The most convenient part of the Island to choose your accommodation is to be close to the Playa Spratt Bight. There you can reach many activities and a great variety of restaurants. This is one of the best beaches of the island, yet the most crowded The the North of San Luis can also be convenient as the accommodations are cheaper, you are close to great beaches.
Most of the mid-budget accommodations do not offer hot showers nor hairdryers.
If you love diving then the right area for you is the less crowded west side of the Island.
HOW TO MOVE
On the island, they rent scooters or buggy cars.
From 9 to 18 it costs around 80.000 COP for a scooter and 170.000 COP for a buggy car.
The time is enough to explore the island since the road is very easy and in 2 hours you can tour the island without stopping.
The island is safe till the sunset, after 18 o`clock (sunset time all year around) it is not recommendable to go on exploring the island.
City Center and the North of San Luis Area is safe to drive also by night.
The taxi is not that cheap if you consider the short distance and you have to bargain. From the Airport to the center it will cost you not less than 20.000 COP around 5 USD for just 1.3 km.
Assure the bus schedule with a local to be sure. Unfortunately the buses are not as frequent as it is stated in the guide books, and they are really slow!
EXCURSIONS
You must take some tours to the little atoll islands around San Andres.
Recommendable to go to the Playa Spratt Bight and choose a tour and suitable time for you. The Coonative Brothers are one of the recommendable tour operators, a nice yellow bungalow in the middle of Spratt Bay beach.
The first trips start at around 9.30.
The recommendable ones are Jonny Cay and Acquiario. Even if you will see it crowded, you will be able to find an isolated nice place for you on the atolls.
WHERE TO EAT
There are many restaurants and caffe/bars in the centre, quite expensive for Colombia.
Do not miss local food at the native women's food stalls situated behind the Playa Spratt Bight on the main road. There are two of them.
Do not expect to dine on the beach because after 18.00 the police come and shut down the beaches. If there is no police it is still illegal to stay on the beach after this hour.
Restaurants close early (around 18) outside the city centre but you can find the takeaway or fast food options on the main street.
On the south and western part of the island there are also some panoramic restaurants/bars on the beach, on the rocks not to miss for lunch.
Do not lean on Google maps for restaurants because they are never precise.
The best of the island is called Ristorante Elien, on the San Luis Beach, run by 2 young ladies. The food is amazing, including the lobster and has an excellent quality/price ratio.