A tear-shaped Caribbean gem off Colombia's coast, San Andrés dazzles with its famous Sea of Seven Colors — turquoise shallows shifting through seven distinct hues over living coral reefs. Duty-free El Centro, golf-cart circuits, and lazy snorkel stops complete an effortlessly fun shore day.
San Andrés is a tender port — all ships anchor offshore and run tender boats to The Cove Embarcadero on the island's southwest coast.
💡 Pro move: Cruise passengers are exempt from Colombia's tourist entry tax (PIMSA card) as long as they depart the same day. Keep your ship ID handy.
San Andrés has no pier capable of docking large cruise ships; all vessels anchor offshore and tender passengers to The Cove Embarcadero.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (MSC Explora, Seabourn, Windstar, Scenic) | The Cove Embarcadero, SW San Andrés📍 | Tendered |
| Expedition / small ships | The Cove Embarcadero or Tonino's Marina area📍 | Tendered |
From coral reefs and natural swimming holes to pirate caves and golf-cart island loops, San Andrés packs a surprisingly full shore day into a tiny island.
Boat out to Johnny Cay — a palm-fringed coral islet with white sand and iguanas — then drift over the Acuario sandbar where stingrays and tropical fish swarm in waist-deep turquoise water. The classic San Andrés excursion.
Find snorkel boat tours →Rent a 2- or 4-seater golf cart and drive the full perimeter road in 45-60 minutes, stopping at El Hoyo Soplador blowhole, San Luis village, Cocoplum Bay, and Rocky Cay shipwreck. Best way to see the whole island independently.
Rent a golf cart on island →Rocky-coast eco-park on the island's west side featuring massive natural swimming pools carved into coral rock, an underwater Neptune statue, a water slide, and hand-fed fish. Bring water shoes — the rock is sharp.
Book a West View excursion →Explore the cave where pirate Henry Morgan allegedly stashed treasure, paired with a small museum covering pirate history and the indigenous Raizal culture of San Andrés.
Find island history tours →Taste Raizal cuisine — the traditional rondon stew (fish, conch, coconut milk, yam, and dumplings), crab patties, coconut rice, and the island's famous Coco Loco cocktail served in a fresh coconut. Best found at San Luis beach restaurants.
Find food & culture tours →San Andrés is small and flat — the pier-to-town walk is easy, and a waterfront stroll along Spratt Bight is the highlight of any self-guided visit.
After taxiing into town from the pier, stroll the duty-free streets of El Centro, then walk the Malecón promenade along Spratt Bight beach. The 'I Love San Andrés' sign at the beach makes for the quintessential photo stop.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Take a taxi or golf cart to Cocoplum Bay on the east coast, then wade chest-deep across the channel to Rocky Cay, a small rocky islet with a shallow shipwreck ideal for snorkeling. Bring water shoes and an underwater phone case.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for San Andrés Island, Caribbean, Colombia (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 81°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 15 | 6:52 AM | 6:20 PM |
| Feb | 80°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 11 | 6:48 AM | 6:33 PM |
| Mar | 80°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 7 | 6:34 AM | 6:37 PM |
| Apr | 81°F / 27°C | 79°F / 26°C | 7 | 6:14 AM | 6:39 PM |
| May | 82°F / 28°C | 80°F / 27°C | 18 | 6:02 AM | 6:44 PM |
| Jun | 83°F / 28°C | 80°F / 27°C | 25 | 6:01 AM | 6:53 PM |
| Jul | 83°F / 28°C | 80°F / 27°C | 24 | 6:09 AM | 6:56 PM |
| Aug | 83°F / 28°C | 80°F / 27°C | 23 | 6:15 AM | 6:46 PM |
| Sep | 84°F / 29°C | 80°F / 27°C | 24 | 6:16 AM | 6:27 PM |
| Oct | 83°F / 28°C | 80°F / 27°C | 26 | 6:17 AM | 6:07 PM |
| Nov | 83°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 25 | 6:25 AM | 5:57 PM |
| Dec | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 22 | 6:40 AM | 6:03 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Cruise ships anchor offshore and tender passengers directly to the main pier near the town center. No additional transfer needed to reach shops and the beach.
Taxis are widely available near the tender pier. Fares are not metered — always negotiate the price before getting in.
Golf carts are a popular and fun way to circle the island at your own pace. Rental shops are near the pier and main beach area.
Scooters are an economical alternative to golf carts for solo travelers wanting to explore the island independently.
Local minibuses run the main road loop around the island. Schedules are loose and coverage is limited, but fares are very cheap.
Upcoming cruises that call at San Andrés Island, Caribbean, Colombia. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.