Tourism in San Andrés and Providencia

The archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina is the most visited Caribbean destination in Colombia and one of the most emblematic in the western Caribbean. The Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, which surrounds the archipelago, is home to the third longest coral barrier in the world. The Sea of Seven Colors of San Andrés —with shades of turquoise, emerald green, indigo blue and white— is one of the most photographed in the Caribbean. Providencia, the sister island 90 km to the north, is wilder, more mountainous and authentic, with a unique English-speaking Raizal culture in Colombia.

MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF SAN ANDRÉS AND PROVIDENCIA

The most visited and unmissable destinations and experiences in San Andrés and Providencia:

Attraction	Type	Description
The Aquarium and Johnny Cay	Beach / Snorkel	Sandbank with crystal clear waters 15 min by boat. Snorkeling with colorful fish, coral and turtles.
Sea of Seven Colors	Beach / Photography	San Andrés' most iconic photo: gradations of blue and green from the pier or boat.
Coral Reef Diving	Diving	Over 40 dive sites with corals, nurse sharks, rays, lobsters and shipwrecks.
Providencia — Southwest Beach	Virgin beach	The archipelago's most beautiful beach: pink sand, no hotels, turquoise waters and mountain backdrop.
Old Providence — Raizal Tourism	Culture	Unique English-speaking Afro-Caribbean culture. Wooden houses, Creole cuisine, reggae, punta.

ECOTOURISM AND NATURE IN SAN ANDRÉS AND PROVIDENCIA

The Seaflower Biosphere Reserve has 10% of the Caribbean's coral reefs and 40% of Colombia's. Old Providence island has cloud forest on Cristóbal Colón peak (360 m). Hawksbill and green turtles nest on the archipelago's beaches between May and October.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE OF SAN ANDRÉS AND PROVIDENCIA

The Raizal community of San Andrés and Providencia is English-speaking Afro-Caribbean, with Baptist tradition and a culture distinct from the mainland. Creole cuisine, reggae and Creole English are expressions of this unique identity in Colombia. 'Rondón' (snail soup with coconut milk) is the most representative Raizal dish.

TYPICAL GASTRONOMY OF SAN ANDRÉS AND PROVIDENCIA

Rondón (snail, fish and tuber soup in coconut milk), crab in all preparations, grilled lobster, octopus ceviche, coconut bread, plantain tart. Miss Celia restaurant and El Paraíso de Lyons are references of Raizal cuisine.

HOW TO GET THERE

Direct flights from Bogotá (1.5 h), Medellín and Cali. Mandatory tourist card tax for entry. To Providencia: flight from San Andrés (20 min) or catamaran (3.5 h, certain days only).

Also check the climate of San Andrés and Providencia and the list of municipalities of San Andrés and Providencia to plan your visit.