Daytrip to Aquario and Johny Cay
3. February 2025
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Round trip around San Andres: beaches
If you are searching for Colombia’s most beautiful beaches, you need to fly north toward the coast of Nicaragua. Just off its shores lies the San Andres archipelago, which belongs to Colombia and offers the true Caribbean experience.
Surrounded by a sea glowing in turquoise shades, San Andres greets you with soft white sand and a relaxed vibe along its shores. It may be small enough to cross in one day, yet the experiences you gather here won’t fit into just one.
If you are deciding whether to go to Cartagena or San Andrés for the beaches, San Andrés is the clear choice. The beaches in Cartagena are crowded, dirty, and full of scammers.
Best beaches and activities in San Andres
- Beaches of San Andres: how to explore them?
- First stop: Playa Zarpada
- The perfect Playa San Luis
- Playa Charquitos – a quiet little beach
- El Hoyo Soplador – natural geyser
- Waiting for burst at natural geyser
- West Point (La Piscinita) - Snorkeling point
- Cueva de Morgan
- Playa Spratt Bight
- We return the car and head into the city
- Where to stay in San Andres?
Beaches of San Andres: how to explore them?
After demanding weeks in the Andes of Colombia, we were looking forward to 4 final days of doing nothing but resting on the beach. We had already visited the beaches near Cartagena and the most beautiful ones in Tayrona National Park, yet from San Andrés we expected only pure relaxation on the sand with a book and a coconut in hand.
The original plan was to rent a scooter, as most tourists do, since one costs about 15€ while golf carts start at around 80€. Unfortunately, I had never sat on a scooter before and only realized on the spot that it was too much for me. Plan B was to find a golf cart at 9:30. Luckily we managed, but we took one of the last available. If you don’t feel confident on a scooter, I recommend renting a golf cart the day before or waking up early.
We began our route in the capital, where we stayed in a rented apartment, and first headed south. If you want to see more than one beach, we definitely recommend staying in the capital, since it is the only place that offers rentals, ATMs, and other services.
First stop: Playa Zarpada
Our first stop on San Andrés was Zarpada Beach. We had read many enthusiastic reviews and praises saying it belongs among the hidden treasures of the island, so we simply had to see it with our own eyes. We left the car at a paid parking lot just a few steps from the beach. Then we walked through a small bar with wooden tables and a roof made of palm leaves, where the salty sea air mixed with the smell of grilled fish.
We spread our things directly onto the soft white sand. Buying sunbeds was not in our plan, since we did not expect to spend more than 2 hours here. In the end, we left the beach after only half an hour. Maybe it was the seaweed and broken wood, or maybe we subconsciously felt that something better was waiting for us ahead.
The beach felt very peaceful, with no noisy bars or crowded promenades. All you see is clean sand, rows of palm trees, and you listen to the gentle sound of the waves.
Its water is crystal clear and very shallow, so children can swim here without any problem. And waves are minimal, which means you can safely enjoy swimming or simply stand in the sea and watch the little fish.
Although we liked it here, it was not the dream beach where we would want to spend the whole morning. We saw it more as a pleasant stop on the way to other places that San Andrés has to offer.
The perfect Playa San Luis
From Playa Zarpada we continued along the coast, and after a few minutes of driving we arrived at San Luis Beach. We found parking right in front of a beach restaurant, so it was only a few steps to reach the sand.
From afar we were welcomed by a long stretch of white sand lined with tall palm trees that cast a pleasant shade.
Playa San Luis has a completely different atmosphere than Playa Zarpada. There are more people, more music, and more options for food and drinks. In wooden stalls and small restaurants you can buy freshly prepared fish, ceviche, or coconut water straight from the shell. The beach is beautifully clean, the water turquoise, and the sand soft.
For the kids this was the best beach in all of Colombia, and we have to agree. The fun came from the big waves that more than once completely washed over them. Because of that we couldn’t get them out of the water, and what was meant to be a short stop turned into almost 3 hours of sunbathing for me and splashing around for the children.
Playa Charquitos – a quiet little beach
From San Luis Beach we continued further south. The coastline grew rougher, with the sandy shore giving way to wild cliffs and big waves. Around every bend a new view awaited us, and we never knew what to expect.
After a few minutes of driving another beach appeared in front of us. Along the road there were several small shops scattered around, and everything suggested we had found another spot to cool off. As soon as we saw a bar offering fresh coconuts, we parked by the roadside, grabbed our towels, and headed to the beach.
Beautiful in its own right, the beach greeted us with soft white sand that gradually turned into pebbles as we stepped into the water. The sea, as always, showed every shade of blue.
We bought coconuts, sent the kids to explore the sea, and enjoyed the warm day. Unfortunately, we quickly understood why nobody was in the water. On most of the beach there are larger rocks right at the shore, so you cannot just walk in anywhere. The middle section of the beach is designated for entry, and you only need to follow the color of the water.
Thanks to the rocks at Playa Charquitos you won’t find waves as big as at Playa San Luis. The rocks form a barrier, and the waves break further out in deeper water. Our kids wanted to dive and play in the water, which this beach did not allow.
After a short while we moved on. We had a feeling that more beautiful places were waiting ahead, and we were not mistaken.
El Hoyo Soplador – natural geyser
In the south of the island we noticed a lot of cars parked in one spot. That sparked our curiosity, since we did not expect it to be a coincidence. And it wasn’t. As soon as we stopped, we saw a line of people waiting to take a photo with a rock. At that moment we still had no idea what it was about. When we got closer, we immediately joined the line ourselves.
Only then did we realize that it was the famous natural geyser El Hoyo Soplador, formed as the ocean pushes water through a narrow opening in the coral rock. People were waiting for the wave to hit the cliff and send a huge jet of water shooting into the air. We felt a bit of respect for the force of nature, but the desire for the experience won out.
When our turn finally came, Chiara stepped forward without a trace of fear. The ocean surged and a column of water several meters high shot out of the opening, soaking her from head to toe. Bursts happen roughly every 30 seconds, so she ended up enjoying the “shower” twice.
Right after her was our turn to try, but the water just refused to shoot up. Several times we thought it was about to happen, but still nothing. As soon as we gave up, thinking the ocean might have calmed down, that was the moment it finally came.
Waiting for burst at natural geyser
At first it was only about a 1.5‑meter burst, immediately followed by another one, stronger and higher. It was an incredible sight, and if there had not been so many people around we would have enjoyed several more “showers.”
The area around El Hoyo Soplador is surrounded by small stalls selling souvenirs, rum, and coconuts. Vendors try to catch the attention of everyone, but when you still have drops from the geyser on your skin it is hard to resist an ice‑cold coconut or a quick snack.
For us this experience was one of the most entertaining moments on San Andrés. Even though it lasts only a few seconds, the energy, the laughter, and the feeling of being completely drenched by the power of the ocean stay etched in your memory for a long time.
West Point (La Piscinita) - Snorkeling point
From El Hoyo Soplador we continued along the coastal road heading west. Even from a distance we saw more cars parked by the rocks and knew another stop was waiting for us here. West Point, better known as La Piscinita, is one of the most popular attractions on San Andrés Island.
Don’t expect soft sand or a wide shoreline here, but steep rocks and crystal‑blue water that instantly pulls you into its world. The moment you step in, you find yourself surrounded by dozens of little fish swimming right next to you.
We expected a lot from West Point, especially when it came to snorkeling. Yet there were more people than fish. Not literally, but the fish were hiding while numerous groups of visitors stayed close to the shore.
Don’t stay in this part. If you are a good swimmer, go about 150 meters farther to the distant buoys. There you will find a submerged statue of Poseidon and perfect tranquility. Apart from us, nobody else went that far, even though there was nothing to fear. There are no currents here.
After about an hour and a half of snorkeling it was time to continue our circuit around the island.
Cueva de Morgan
Just a short distance from West Point lies another well known stop on the circular road around San Andrés, Cueva de Morgan, a cave closely tied to pirate legends. It is named after the famous privateer Henry Morgan, who operated in the Caribbean in the 17th century and, according to stories, hid part of his treasures here. Although no gold has ever been found, the tale has attracted many visitors and become part of the local identity.
The area is designed as a theme park. At the entrance you come across pirate statues, decorations, and small exhibits that bring the history of Caribbean pirates closer. Inside the cave there is a small pond and short passages you can walk through.
Unfortunately we arrived here at 16:20, thinking we would still make it since the cave was supposed to close at 17:00. That was not the case and there was nobody left. Later we learned that the last entry is allowed at 16:00, so if you want to see the cave you need to come earlier.
Playa Spratt Bight
Playa Spratt Bight is one of the most popular beaches on San Andrés Island. It is located right in the city center, making it easily accessible on foot or by taxi. Soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and the view of Johnny Cay create ideal conditions for relaxation. The beach is suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a mix of rest and activity.
Despite being close to the city, the beach also offers quiet corners where you can enjoy privacy. Just walk a few hundred meters away from the main stretch and you will find peaceful spots away from the bustle of hotels and restaurants.
On the first day we stayed by the promenade, where everything was lively with music, plenty of bars, and sunbeds creating a vibrant atmosphere. The next day we headed to the edge of the beach, to a bar shaped like a coconut. It was a coincidence, but a very pleasant one. Here time seemed to stand still and there were fewer people around.
Calm sea makes it a perfect beach for swimming, though snorkeling here is not very diverse. Our children preferred the waves at Playa San Luis, but they still found plenty of fun here. What we enjoyed most were the views and the simple relaxation in the sand.
We return the car and head into the city
We had to return the car by 18:00, so whether we wanted to or not, we slowly made our way back. We already knew how we would spend the next 3 days. One extra day at Playa San Luis, one at Johnny Cay and Aquario, and the departure day reserved for Playa Spratt Bight.
After returning the car we quickly changed clothes and went to get something to eat, since we hadn’t had much time for food during the day 
. Strengthened by the meal we decided to walk along the promenade, eventually reaching the airport gates. A little farther on we found the San Andrés sign waiting for us.
The promenade was busier during the day than in the evening, which surprised us a little. Since we are three women, the plan was to peek into a few shops to see if we could find some nice and original pieces, but in the evening everything except the restaurants was closed. Our walk ended up being short, yet fun. With our children, how could it be otherwise.
Where to stay in San Andres?
San Andres island is smaller, but there are relatively large distances between individual places, and no taxi apps work here. We didn’t see any buses either. Maybe some run, but they are definitely not a common mode of transport. The typical form of transport is renting a scooter or an ATV.
The best thing to do is to stay directly in the center or near the main beach. From there, you can easily take a taxi and arrange a pickup, or rent a scooter. Outside San Andrés city, you won’t find a single ATM, so it’s good to have enough cash with you.
Where to stay if you’re looking for budget-friendly options:
- Hotel Tropical dreams is located on the outskirts of the city towards the airport, within a kilometer of the main beach.
- If you’re looking for something right in the center and by the beach, check out Apartahotel Caribe Diez. It’s a bit more expensive than the previous one, but still offers a very friendly price.
- If you’re a solo traveler and just looking for a bed, Viajero San Andres Hostel has great reviews and is located right in the center by the beach.
Check out other affordable accommodations here: Budget‑friendly
If you’re looking for quality at a reasonable price, consider:
- The best choice is Caribbean Island Hotel Piso 2, which is located directly on the beach, and from the rooms, you can wake up to the beautiful color of the Caribbean Sea.
- If you prefer apart-hotels, a great option is Apartahotel Bahia Tropical III or Apartahotel Plaza. Both offer double and quadruple rooms and a great location.
Here you will find a selection of mid-range hotels: Mid-range accommodation
If you’re looking for something exceptional, don’t want to be in the city, and would like to relax for a few days on a private beach, consider Hotel Hotel Reina del Mar By Dorado.
Another alternative for luxury accommodation is Miraflores Boutique Hotel, which is Adults only. The hotel looks like it’s straight out of a catalog, and if we hadn’t come with children, we would definitely have stayed there for at least one night.
