Almost forty scuba diving sites, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, a blue sea that's also green and even purple, people brimming with friendliness... to name but a few of the charms of the islands of San Andrés, Providence and Santa Catalina, located in the Colombian Caribbean.
This group of islands, located about 230 kilometres east of mainland Central America and 750 kilometres north of mainland Colombia, was declared a UNESCO world biosphere site in the year 2000, the "Sea flower Biosphere Reserve". The reserve site is not just the islands and its outlying cays; it also takes in 10% of the Caribbean Sea, covering an expanse of over 300 thousand square kilometres.
What to do in San Andrés?
San Andrés' most spectacular feature will reveal itself to you as you're flying in... Behold the sea of seven colours! No wonder the Archipelago was chosen as the worlds top Sun and Beach destination at the 2014, 2015 and 2019 World Travel Awards.
Nestled between the most gorgeous beaches on the island you'll find Spratt Bright, located in the shopping district of San Andrés. Flanked by a promenade full of restaurants, hotels, bars and shops. This 2-kilometer-plus stretch invites you to relax and catch some rays or sign yourself up for a spot of water sports, such as kite surfing or jet skiing.
Unique experiences
A visit to Johnny Cay guarantees a unique visitor experience. You can get there in just 15 minutes by speedboat across the tranquil waters of the sea of San Andrés.
Johnny Cay Island is famous for its beaches, such as Bahía Sardina, with its white sands set against the deep green of its palm trees, a perfect place to sit in the cool shade and taste the exquisite fried sea bream with plantain and sip a yummy cocktail, like the traditional cocoloco. The beaches are perfect for a blissful stroll around the entire circumference of the island; in some areas, exotic coral formations jut out to create delightful waterholes.
The local soundtrack brings the gentle lilt of reggae music and the colours of the Rastafarian flag cheerfully adorn the place. To set foot on Johnny Cay is to let go and wind down to the sway of the music and kick back with the islanders who always cater for their visitors with a smile and a friendly joke or two.
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