Holiday in San Andrés

About San Andrés

San Andrés is Colombia's Caribbean crown jewel – a tropical island in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, famous for its legendary sea of seven colors. In fact, the water around San Andrés shimmers in shades of turquoise, emerald green, and sapphire blue, depending on the depth, sandy bottom, and coral reef. This stunning gradient, best admired from a boat or small plane, has made San Andrés one of the most photogenic islands in the Caribbean. The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that protects its rich coral reefs and mangroves. Johnny Cay, a tiny island just ten minutes by boat, is the quintessential postcard image: white sand, palm trees, crystal-clear water, and reggaeton from the beach bar's speakers. The main island itself is only twelve kilometers long and can be easily circled by golf cart or scooter. The west coast offers the best beaches, with Spratt Bight in the center and San Luis in the south as the highlights. La Piscinita, a natural rock pool on the west coast, is the perfect snorkeling spot with colorful tropical fish just below the water's surface. There are no direct flights from Germany to San Andrés. The journey is via Bogotá with a short domestic flight (1.5 hours), making the total travel time 14 to 17 hours. German citizens do not need a visa for Colombia for stays up to 90 days but must purchase a tourist card for San Andrés (about 50 USD). The time difference is minus 6 to 7 hours. San Andrés is surprisingly affordable compared to other Caribbean islands and offers a unique cultural heritage: The Raizal population, descendants of English settlers and African slaves, speaks English Creole and maintains a distinct culture with reggae, calypso, and excellent seafood cuisine. As a duty-free zone, San Andrés is also a paradise for cheap electronics and spirits.