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Thinking about San Andrés, Colombia? You’re on the right track!
We love San Andrés for how easy it is to fall into island mode with just enough adventure to keep things interesting. One moment you’re floating in impossibly clear water, the next you’re cruising along the coast, discovering quiet beaches, or sitting down to a meal with the sea practically at your feet. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down without ever feeling bored.
To help you make the most of it, we’ve put together a 3-day itinerary that balances beach time, unforgettable water experiences, and relaxed evenings—so you can see the highlights without feeling rushed. Let’s get into planning your perfect San Andrés trip!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in San Andrés is this private boat tour! This allows you to sail along the Sea of Seven colors in luxury, stopping to swim, snorkel, and ease into island life.
Itinerary Overview
San Andrés is compact enough to loop in a single day, so rather than bouncing between far-flung stops or dealing with long transfers, this plan focuses on a few standout experiences each day. Basing yourself in El Centro (the North End) keeps everything simple—restaurants, beaches, shops, and the waterfront promenade are all close together, which means less time commuting and more time enjoying the island.
Most visitors arrive by air, as San Andrés has multiple nonstop domestic flights into ADZ. One important admin note is that travelers generally need a Tarjeta de Turismo (tourist card) to enter the archipelago. The cost can change, so it’s best to check the latest official information in advance and be prepared with the required payment method when you arrive.
Once you’re on the island, the North End is very walkable, making it easy to get around on foot. For exploring beyond El Centro, you have a few good options: renting a beach cart or scooter for a full island loop (the most flexible and fun choice), using taxis for short hops when you don’t feel like driving, or taking the public bus, which is the cheapest option but can involve some waiting. Once you’ve got the basics down, the rest is simple—follow the coastline, chase the bluest water, and let the island set the pace.
Here’s how we’d recommend breaking up your three days:
Day 1: Ease into island life with breakfast in the North End, then rent a beach cart and loop San Andrés at your own pace, stopping at beaches like Spratt Bight, Rocky Cay, and Playa San Luis before dinner and an evening stroll.
Day 2: Start the day with a water adventure—either a beginner-friendly scuba diving experience or an Aquanautas helmet dive—followed by a relaxed beach afternoon at Spratt Bight and an easy, casual night in town.
Day 3: Spend the day on a full-day boat tour sailing the Sea of Seven Colors, packed with snorkeling and swim stops, then wrap up your trip with a sunset dinner on the water at La Regatta.
Day 1
Breakfast – Sea Watch Caffe
Start day one with an easy, no-stress breakfast at Sea Watch Caffe, a popular spot right in the North End that’s ideal if you’re craving something familiar before a big day of exploring. It opens at 7 am daily, which gives you plenty of flexibility to roll in around 8 or 9 am and enjoy a relaxed breakfast without watching the clock—especially since beach cart pickup isn’t until 10 am.
The menu is broad enough to suit just about everyone, making it a safe bet if you’re traveling with picky eaters or just want a solid, comforting start to the morning. The crepes are a standout, especially if you have a sweet tooth, and the pancakes are another popular choice that won’t disappoint. Thanks to its central location, there’s a good chance it’ll be just a short walk from your hotel, setting the tone for a smooth and easy first morning in San Andrés.
Morning – Chase the Sea of Seven Colors in your own beach cart
This is where day one really kicks into island mode. Renting a beach cart—known locally as a mulita—is hands-down one of the most fun and flexible ways to explore San Andrés. Pickup is from 10 am, and you can choose between a 2-person or 6-person buggy, depending on your group.
We strongly recommend booking the 8-hour rental today so you can loop the island without rushing and stop wherever the water looks too good to pass up. Just make sure you bring a valid driver’s license!
Once you’re behind the wheel, you’ll have the freedom to go wherever you like, but this is the route we recommend. Start close to town at Spratt Bight, where bright turquoise water and a central location make it an easy first stop. Take a quick stroll along the beachfront promenade, snap a few photos, and soak up that first proper Sea of Seven Colors moment before heading farther around the island.
Continue to Rocky Cay, one of the best snorkeling spots on San Andrés. This is worth a longer stop (90 minutes or so should do), as the water is often crystal clear, fish swim right around you, and there’s a small cay just offshore that you can reach by swimming or even walking through shallow water when conditions allow.
Next, slow things down at Cocoplum Bay, a calmer stretch that’s perfect for a short breather, before wrapping up the morning at Playa San Luis. This long beach on the south side of the island feels more local and laid-back than the North End, making it a natural transition into lunch and a relaxed island afternoon.
Get to know San Andrés and reserve your beach cart rental here!
Lunch – Donde Francesca
By the time you reach San Luis, lunch usually calls for something relaxed and right by the water, and Donde Francesca fits the bill perfectly. This stretch of beach is lined with casual restaurants and beach bars, but this spot stood out for its consistently good food and easygoing atmosphere—exactly what you want after a busy morning of exploring.
Donde Francesca specializes in fresh seafood, with dishes like calamari and shrimp that pair perfectly with the laid-back beach setting. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back, cool off, and take your time without feeling rushed. They open from 11 am, which works well with the beach cart route and makes it a natural stop after finishing up at Playa San Luis.
Afternoon – Enjoying a south-coast detour with more iconic spots
After lunch, it’s time to hop back into your beach cart and continue the self-guided loop with a few of San Andrés’ most well-known natural sights. First up is Hoyo Soplador, a dramatic coastal blowhole where waves rush through cracks in the rock and shoot water and air straight up into the sky. When the timing is right, the “soplador” effect is impressive—and a fun, quick stop that’s easy to fit into the afternoon.
From there, head toward the west coast for a swim at La Piscinita, one of the island’s classic natural pools. The water here is usually calm and clear, with plenty of fish swimming close to shore. If you didn’t bring snorkeling gear, rentals are available on-site, making this a low-effort, high-reward stop.
Wrap up the afternoon at nearby West View, which has a more lively vibe with platforms, ladders, and even a slide into the sea. Seating is typically included in the entrance price, so it’s an easy place to sit, relax, and enjoy the water. Just keep an eye on the time—the buggy return is at 6 pm, and it’s best to leave West View around 5 pm to allow plenty of time to get back.
Dinner – La Pizzetta Florio
After returning the beach cart and freshening up at your hotel, ease into your first evening in San Andrés with dinner at La Pizzetta Florio. This cozy Italian spot is a little tucked away from the main street, which gives it a calmer, more intimate feel—perfect after a full day out on the island. The focus here is on authentic Italian pizza and pasta, with homemade sauces, and comforting classics that hit the spot.
La Pizzetta Florio is open from 5 pm to 10:30 pm, making it an easy dinner option no matter how quickly you’re ready after the afternoon. We recommend arranging a taxi from your hotel and calling ahead to make a reservation, as it’s popular and seating can fill up quickly. It’s a great choice for a relaxed but satisfying meal before heading out for a low-key evening.
Evening – Take a slow walk in the North End
After dinner, keep the night easy with a gentle wander back toward Avenida Colombia, the pedestrian heart of the North End. This is a great time for window shopping, people watching, and soaking up the evening buzz without committing to anything too busy.
If you’re craving a bit of sea air, loop down to Spratt Bight’s promenade, where the breeze picks up, and the atmosphere feels lively but relaxed. It’s a simple, unplanned way to end your first day.
Day 2
Option 1: Morning – Go scuba diving
If you’ve ever been curious about scuba diving but don’t have a certification, this diving experience is an incredible way to try it—especially in San Andrés, where conditions are about as friendly as it gets. With warm water, excellent visibility (often up to 30 meters/ 98 feet), and a typically calm sea, it’s an ideal place for first-timers to take the plunge.
The tour lasts around three hours and is designed specifically for beginners, so no prior diving experience is needed. After an early pickup around 8 or 8:30 am, you’ll head to the dive center where a PADI-certified instructor walks you through the basics. The session starts with a short theory lesson and pool practice to get comfortable breathing and moving underwater before heading out for the real thing.
The open-water dive itself lasts about 35–40 minutes, reaching a maximum depth of 10 meters (33 feet), with your instructor right by your side the entire time. All scuba equipment and private transportation are included, and group sizes are kept small, which makes the experience feel personal and well-paced.
One important planning note: you shouldn’t fly for 12–18 hours after diving, which is why this experience fits perfectly on day two, leaving a buffer day afterward. If you’re on the fence about this one, it’s worth checking out all the five-star reviews—many travelers say this was the highlight of their trip and their first step into a whole new underwater world!
Book this tour now and get FREE cancellation before you go!
Option 2: Morning – Walk on the sea floor with an Aquanautas helmet
If scuba diving feels a little intimidating—or you simply want something even more relaxed—this Aquanautas helmet diving experience is a fantastic alternative. It lets you walk along the ocean floor while breathing normally, no swimming skills or prior experience required. Thanks to San Andrés’ calm, clear water, it’s an easy and surprisingly peaceful way to explore below the surface.
The experience typically starts around 9 or 10 am and lasts about 1.5 hours, making it a great morning option that still leaves the rest of the day open. After a short briefing, you’ll slip on a watertight Aquanautas helmet that supplies a constant flow of air, allowing you to stay underwater for up to 25 minutes at a time.
Once you’re down on the sea floor, you’ll follow your instructor along a guided route, passing tropical fish, coral, underwater plants, and even a striking Poseidon statue. It’s surprisingly peaceful, with just enough novelty to make you forget you’re walking on the ocean floor. Plus, you can even feed the fish that swarm around you!
Group sizes are kept small so the experience feels calm and well-paced. An instructor stays with you the entire time and even takes photos along the way, so you can focus on enjoying the moment. It’s an especially great choice for non-swimmers or anyone who wants a stress-free underwater adventure without the commitment of scuba diving.
Experience the ocean floor with Aquanautas—book this tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Lunch – Cafe Cafe Since 1992
After a morning under the water, Cafe Cafe Since 1992 is an easy and reliable lunch stop back in the North End. It works especially well if you’re looping back toward town, as you can aim for Avenida Colombia, park nearby, and walk the last minute or two to the restaurant.
The menu leans café-style, with breakfast and brunch favorites, plus sandwiches, burgers, pastas, and lighter plates that feel just right after a saltwater start to the day. Whether you’re in the mood for something filling or just want a quick, casual bite, there’s enough variety here to keep everyone happy without overthinking it.
Cafe Cafe opens at midday, which lines up perfectly with both morning activity options and makes this a smooth, no-rush transition into a relaxed afternoon.
Afternoon – Soak up the sun at Spratt Bight
After lunch, slow things down and spend the afternoon at Playa Spratt Bight, the North End’s main beach and one of the easiest places to relax in San Andrés. This is the perfect time to stretch out on the sand, cool off with a swim, or even do a bit of snorkeling if you’re still in the mood to stay in the water.
When you’re ready to move around, take an easy walk along the beachfront promenade, where the views stay colorful, and the atmosphere feels lively without being overwhelming. There are plenty of beach bars along the front if you want a cold drink or a shaded break from the sun.
If you feel like mixing things up, it’s also easy to drift back toward Avenida Colombia for a bit of shopping before dinner. Whether you spend the afternoon fully horizontal on the beach or bouncing between sand, shops, and sea breezes, this part of the day is all about keeping things relaxed and unplanned.
Dinner – Mr Foodie
For your final meal of the day, keep things easy with Mr Foodie, a casual favorite right in the heart of the North End. Located on Av. 20 de Julio, the main pedestrian strip, it’s a super convenient option if you’re staying nearby and don’t feel like overplanning dinner after a full day out.
The burgers are the clear standout, made with fresh ingredients and served with crispy fries that hit the spot. It’s relaxed, quick, and dependable—exactly what you want on a night when you’d rather focus on enjoying the evening than committing to a long sit-down meal. There’s no need for reservations, and it also works well for takeaway if you’d prefer to eat closer to the beach.
Evening – Grab a sweet treat and stroll the boardwalk
After dinner, lean into a low-key evening with a sweet stop at Artigiani Gelato, just a two-minute walk from Mr Foodie. With plenty of flavors to choose from, it’s the perfect way to cap off the day without going overboard.
From there, take a slow stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy the sunset, and do a bit of people watching as the North End winds down for the night. If the mood strikes, you might even be tempted to dip your feet in the sea!
Day 3
Morning/Afternoon – Sail the Sea of Seven Colors
Today is all about getting out on the water, and this full-day boat tour is the perfect way to experience San Andrés from a completely different perspective. You’ll meet at Cotton Cay Pier at 10 am, and it’s a good idea to bring a little cash for the pier entry fee (5,000 COP, about $1.50 USD per person). From the moment you step on board, the day unfolds at an easy, flexible pace—focused on swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the Sea of Seven Colors.
One of the biggest perks of this tour is the freedom to linger at the clearest spots and move on quickly if an area feels busy. The route includes several standout stops, starting with the Manglares de Old Point National Park, where you’ll glide past mangroves and spot local birdlife.
From there, you’ll stop at Chamey’s Náutica, a relaxed sandbar-style area that’s ideal for swimming, floating, or simply enjoying the view. Another highlight is Cayo Acuario, also known as the Aquarium, where shallow, crystal-clear water makes it perfect for snorkeling among colorful fish.
The tour runs for about six hours, wrapping up around 4 pm, and lunch is included, though tossing a few extra snacks in your bag isn’t a bad idea if you’re the type to get hungry between swim stops. By the end of the day, it’s easy to see why this experience racks up so many five-star reviews—it’s laid-back, flexible, and filled with those “this is why we came here” moments!
Sail the Sea of Seven Colors and book this boat tour here!
Dinner/Evening – La Regatta
Once you’re back on land, head to your hotel to freshen up, relax for a bit, and ease into the evening. When you’re ready, La Regatta is a fantastic choice for your final night in San Andrés—and a fitting way to end the itinerary on a high note.
Set right on the water, it’s very much a “big night” kind of spot, with ocean views that pair perfectly with a proper sit-down meal. It’s especially known for its Caribbean seafood, but there are plenty of non-seafood options as well, making it a safe pick for mixed groups. After a day of snorkeling and swimming, this feels like a well-earned upgrade from casual beach bites.
Making a reservation online is a smart idea, particularly around peak dinner times to avoid long waits. Once you’ve eaten, there’s no need to rush—linger over a drink and enjoy the views, or wander over to one of the nearby beach bars, where live music often spills into the night. It’s a relaxed, memorable way to wrap up your time on the island.
Where to Stay in San Andrés
Now that you’ve got your San Andrés itinerary mapped out, the next step is picking the right base. For this trip, we recommend staying in El Centro (the North End), where you’ll be close to restaurants, beaches, shopping, and many tour pick-up points. Staying here keeps things walkable and easy, especially after full days on the water.
Below are our favorite San Andrés hotel picks at every budget level. Just keep in mind that availability in the North End can go fast, so if you find a room that works for your dates, it’s worth locking it in sooner rather than later.
Luxury – $$$
If you’re looking for a modern, upscale stay in the heart of San Andrés, Nattivo Collection Hotel is a great choice. This stylish property features sleek, contemporary rooms with air-conditioning, comfortable beds, and a polished boutique feel. Its North End location makes it easy to walk to nearby beaches, restaurants, and the waterfront promenade, and the refined-but-relaxed atmosphere is perfect for unwinding after full days out exploring the island.
Rates typically range from $430–$1,000 USD per night, depending on the season. Check availability and book your stay at Nattivo Collection Hotel here.
Mid-range – $$
Aquamare Hotel is a reliable mid-range option that balances comfort, location, and value. Located in the North End, it’s within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the beach, which makes it a convenient base for following this itinerary without relying heavily on taxis. Rooms are modern and comfortable, with air-conditioning, free WiFi, and everything you need for a relaxed stay. Plus, there’s a pool—a welcome bonus for cooling off between beach outings.
Nightly rates usually fall between $230–$500 USD. See room options and reserve this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
If you’re traveling on a tighter budget but still want a solid location, WH HOTEL is a great pick. It’s centrally located in the North End, making it easy to walk to restaurants, shops, and nearby beaches without spending extra on transportation. The setup here is simple, clean, and air-conditioned, with private bathrooms and free WiFi—perfect if you plan to spend most of your time out exploring rather than hanging around the hotel.
Rooms typically start around $110–$140 USD per night. Browse prices and secure your room at WH Hotel here.
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Thanks for reading!
If you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway, look no further than San Andrés! We loved how unique this island is, combining Colombian heritage and island lifestyle that makes it hard not to relax. These three days serve as a guide for your trip, but there’s even more to explore, so enjoy your time and discover some hidden gems of your own, too!
Check out the rest of our South America blogs, or our Central America blogs, as you continue planning your next trip. We have traveled through these regions extensively and love sharing our best travel tips with fellow adventurers. Here are a few related blogs you might be interested in. Cheers!
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