San Andrés

February-May and November have calmer winds and better underwater visibility; June-November is rainy/hurricane season, though impact here is lighter than the northern Caribbean.

• The Sea of Seven Colors and its turquoise beaches
• The neighboring Johnny Cay islet
• Diving around the coral reefs
• Duty-free shopping downtown
• The English-Creole-speaking Raizal culture

The north coast (Spratt Bight) for hotels and the closest beach; downtown for the duty-free shopping.

Pay the mandatory environmental fee in cash directly at the airport arrival checkpoint to avoid any delay in the entry queue.

Getting around: The island is small and easily crossed by rented bicycle, scooter or taxi. Direct domestic flights from Bogotá and Cartagena (~1.5-2h) — there's no regular commercial sea access from the mainland.

Halal & prayer places: Nearly nonexistent — a small tourist island; rely on fresh seafood and tropical fruit.

Local safety: Among Colombia's calmer destinations security-wise — a tourism and duty-free-shopping economy makes the island relatively more monitored and safer than the main mainland circuit.

Cost figures: 2026 prices: a diving/snorkeling tour ~$30-50, a mandatory island environmental fee ~$15 on arrival, a seafood meal $10-20, hotels $40-120/night.

2-3 days

Suggested plan:

1. The Sea of Seven Colors + a boat tour
2. Diving around the reefs
3. Duty-free shopping