The tropical island of San Andres might just be Colombia’s best-kept Caribbean secret. It’s just a short flight away, but is worlds apart from the bustling cities on the mainland, and it’s completely off the radar for a lot of travelers visiting the country.
This small (but stunning) island actually sits closer to Nicaragua than Colombia, and its unique location gives it an interesting mix of Creole, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. It’s long been a popular destination for Colombian travelers, but international travelers are finally catching on – and for good reason.
San Andres offers the perfect island experience; incredible snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear waters, a vibrant culture and reggae music scene, and picture-perfect white sand beaches – all for a fraction of the price that you might usually pay for a Caribbean escape.
There’s a catch though. Getting to San Andres can be a bit confusing, especially for first time visitors. Flights run frequently, but entry fees and transport logistics aren’t always clear when you’re planning your trip.
That’s why I’ve put together this complete guide on how to get to San Andres, Colombia, in 2025 – based on my experience to take the stress out of planning your trip to this tiny slice of paradise.
Quick Things to Know About Getting to San Andreas
- Flying is the only way to get to San Andres in 2025. Direct flights are available from Colombian cities, including Cartagena and Bogota, as well as some seasonal flights which are available from Panama City.
- You’ll need to purchase a Tourist Card in order to enter San Andres. Currently, this costs 130,000 COP, and it’s mandatory for all visitors.
- Once you arrive, onward travel to your San Andres accomodation is very straightforward as there are local taxis waiting outside the airport, and it’s a tiny island, so no area is too far of a journey away.
Flight Options
Since San Andres is an island, flying is the only way to get there. Fortunately, domestic flights within Colombia are easy and affordable.
How to Find Cheap Flights to San Andres from Cartagena
If you're already traveling the Caribbean coast, flying from Cartagena is hands-down the most cost-effective and efficient way to get to San Andres. Several low-cost carriers offer direct flights that take just over an hour.
There are four airlines servicing the route from Cartagena's Rafael Núñez International Airport to Gustavo Rojas Pinilla Airport in San Andres.
These are Wingo, LATAM, Jetsmart, and Avianca. The flight time is 1 hour and 20 minutes, and flights operate daily.
The average cost of a return flight is $60–$100 USD. It’s worth booking early to bag the best deals, and be aware that these prices jump significantly around local holidays, as San Andres is a very popular holiday destination for Colombian tourists.
I really recommend travelling to San Andres from Cartagena for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s the cheapest and quickest flight route. As well as this, visiting San Andres is a great add on to a few days in Cartagena; after spending time exploring the vibrant city, what better way to relax than with a blissful island escape.
Another tip is to book a cheap return ticket to San Andres from Cartagena, and leave your large suitcase at your Cartagena hotel of choice. This means you can fly with a carry on only and when you return you'll have many more transport route choices as onward travel from San Andres is limited.
Flying to San Andres from Other Major Cities
Colombia’s major hubs—Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Barranquilla—also offer direct flights to San Andres. If you're flying internationally into Bogotá, you can easily connect to San Andres the same day.
- Bogotá (BOG) → San Andres has a flight time of 2.5 hours, and flights are operated by Latam, Wingo and Avianca. The average cost to fly one-way is between $70-$120 USD.
- Medellín (MDE) → San Andres has a flight time of 2 hours, with airlines Jetsmart, Avianca and Latam all servicing this route. The average cost for a one-way ticket is $60-$100 USD.
- Cali (CLO) → San Andres has a flight time of 2.5 hours. Airlines Avianca and Latam run a few direct flights on this route, but there’s usually only one or two a day to choose from. Flying from Cali is more expensive than other cities, with the average cost to fly one-way ranging between $90-$150.
International Flights to San Andres
The only country that currently has a direct flight to San Andres from outside Colombia is Panama.
Copa Airlines runs around 10 flights a week from Panama City to San Andres, and a one-way ticket usually costs between $120-$160 USD.
For flexibility and price, check multiple airlines (Avianca, LATAM, Wingo) and use incognito mode when searching flights. I traveled with only a carry-on during my time in Colombia and really recommend doing this if you’re trying to save money - South American budget airlines are notoriously ruthless when it comes to baggage fees, and sometimes the cost to add a bag is double the price of the ticket!
Travelling Without Flying
It used to be possible to travel to San Andres by boat, but this is no longer an option, and there are no public boats or ferries offering a way to get to San Andres.
What to Expect on Arrival & Latest Fees
Tourist Card / Entry Fee
San Andres has a pretty unique entry fee system. Travelers flying to San Andres are required to purchase a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) before boarding their flight from the mainland.
You don’t need to arrange this before your trip - in fact, there doesn’t really seem to be a way of doing this, even if you wanted to! Instead, the card can be purchased before you board your flight, either at the check-in counter or at the departure gate desk.
My experience of purchasing the tourist card in Cartagena Airport was pretty chaotic - an announcement was made at the gate in Spanish, and everyone was asked to queue at a desk next to the boarding desk to buy the card. The queue was very slow-moving, and once boarding started, people who hadn’t heard the announcement kept being turned away from the boarding desk - and jumping to the front of the queue at the tourist card desk!
It looks like the procedure is different at every airport, and different airlines seem to have different procedures - some airlines won’t allow you to check in without the card, so it’s purchased from a desk near the check-in counter instead. My advice would be to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare to avoid any stress.
As of 2025, the cost for the Tourist Card is 130,000 COP ($35 USD). I was only able to pay this in cash - but this might be different at other airports. Make sure to keep your card somewhere safe, as you’ll have to show it on your departing flight as well as upon your arrival into San Andres.
My Airport Experience
We landed at Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport (ADZ), the only airport on the island. It’s a small airport just 10 minutes from the town center, so the arrival experience is pretty low stress.
There’s an ATM available just outside of the arrival hall, and taxis are in plentiful supply outside the exit.
Transfers & Local Transport
As the airport is located centrally, getting from the airport to your accommodation is very straightforward, whether you’re staying in El Centro or slightly further afield.
- Taxis: COP 15,000–20,000 to most central hotels. You’ll find a queue of taxis waiting outside of the airport. The taxis on San Andres aren’t metered, so it’s best to agree a price with the driver in advance.
- Walking: If you’re staying near Spratt Bight Beach, you can walk from the airport to your accommodation - it’s around 10-15 minutes on foot.
- Shuttles: Some hotels offer free airport pickup - it’s worth checking this with your accommodation in advance.
Where to Stay & Activities
For such a small island, there’s a great selection of places to stay in San Andres. El Centro is the heart of the island and one of the most popular places to stay, and you’ll find a great selection of restaurants, bars, and things to do here. Playa Sprat Bight Beach runs alongside the town, and there’s a lovely boardwalk area here.
Rocky Cay is another area popular with tourists, and is known for its beautiful beaches and great snorkelling spots. There’s a tiny palm-lined coral island a few hundred metres off the shore which you can access by boat, and this area has a good range of accommodation options, with everything from private villas to resort hotels.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back and authentic area to stay, the inland La Loma area and the beachfront village San Luis are both much less touristy, so offer a great glimpse into local life.
Here are my favorite hotels for all budgets:
1. In Di House of Reggae Boutique
Reggae-styled hotel with a large outdoor pool and seating area. An on-site restaurant and colorful rooms with sea views. 1 km from Parceras Beach.
2. Aquamare Hotel Luxury
Located only 200 m from Spratt Bight Beach, this 4-star hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar. Perfect for families or couples looking for a relaxing stay.
3. Villa San Miguel Villa
Awesome apartments conveniently located in central near the airport and just a 2-minute walk from Spratt Bight Beach.
Activities in San Andres
I was definitely surprised by just how much there is to do on San Andres - it’s definitely not one of those islands where the only activity is lounging on the beach. Some of my top recommendations are:
Cayo Haynes and Cayo Acuario - This is probably one of the most popular day trips on the island. A must do activity is to travel by boat to this duo of idyllic white sand islands, which are located just off the coast of San Andres.
You can walk between the two islands and explore what they have to offer; Cayo Acuario is a tiny sand bar island surrounded by insanely blue water that stretches as far as the eye can see. Haynes Cay on the other hand is covered in palm trees and tropical vegetation, which can be explored on foot.
Both islands are great spots for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful Caribbean scenery, and they’re a great place to spend a day during your trip to San Andres. You’ll find tons of options for this trip once you arrive on the island, but as you’ll likely only be staying for a few days, it’s really worth booking in advance.
Snorkelling and Diving - San Andres is a world-renowned scuba diving destination, and its tropical waters are teeming with marine life and coral reefs. It’s also one of the cheapest dive spots in South America - so it’s a great place to try diving if you haven’t already, or get back in the water if you have. If you aren’t a diver and don’t fancy taking the plunge (literally!), there are heaps of great snorkel spots dotting around the island where you can experience the beauty of the underwater world. Popular places for snorkelling include La Piscinita (located in West View) and Johnny Cay (an island just off the shore of El Centor).
Johnny Cay - A day trip to Johnny Cay is easily one of the highlights of visiting San Andres. Just a short boat ride from El Centro, this tiny island has some of the softest white sand I've ever walked on, and the water is an unreal shade of turquoise.
Beyond relaxing on the beach, there's plenty to explore—wander around the island, sip on a fresh coconut cocktail, or grab lunch from one of the casual beachside eateries. I loved snorkelling here; the clear, shallow waters are home to colourful fish, rays, and vibrant coral patches. Johnny Cay does get busy during peak hours, so I recommend heading out early to enjoy a quieter experience.
Parasailing A big part of San Andres’ beauty lies in the view from above. Viewing the Island from above on a parasail ride enables you to enjoy a panoramic view of the island's vibrant turquoise waters, coral reefs, and lush greenery. The sea around the island is made up of varying shades of blue, earning its nickname “the sea of seven colors’ - and the best way to appreciate this natural phenomenon is by heading up into the sky.
If you’ve ever parasailed before, you’ll know what a unique perspective it gives you, as well as the incredibly serene atmosphere you experience when floating through the sky - it’s an experience not to be missed in San Andres. Prices for Parasailing in San Andres are incredibly competitive, and there are a decent amount of tour operators offering this excursion.
With activities like this, I always prefer to book online so I can read reviews and make ensure there are good safety standards in place.
Book: San Andres Parasailing (Best Price)
Practical Tips & FAQs
When is the Best Time to Visit?
San Andres has tropical weather year-round, but the dry season (January–April) is ideal for sunny days and clear water. Avoid the rainy season (October–November) if you're after perfect beach days.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit San Andres?
Most travelers from places like the U.S, Canada, EU, and various other countries don’t need a visa to enter Colombia; instead, they are granted the 90-day visa waiver. However, always check Colombia’s official immigration website for current requirements for your specific nationality.
What’s the Best Way to Get Around San Andres?
San Andres is a great island to explore by scooter, so it’s really worth hiring one for a day or two during your trip! Most of the roads are pretty flat and in good condition, and traffic isn’t too heavy or chaotic. There are a lot of hidden gems worth exploring on San Andres that are best reached with a scooter, and it’s a lot of fun having the flexibility to head wherever you want.
Taxis are very easy to find if you aren’t hiring a scooter and need to get from A to B, and if you choose to take a taxi from the airport, drivers are usually happy to give you their whatsapp number so you can contact them any time you need to take a ride during your stay.
What Language is Spoken on San Andres?
The main language spoken on San Andres is Spanish, with lots of the island's residents also speaking Creole (a language influenced by African, Spanish, and English Languages). English is spoken in tourist areas but not by everyone - so it’s a good idea to learn basic Spanish phrases before your trip.
What Currency is Used in San Andres?
Like mainland Colombia, San Andres uses Colombian Pesos (COP). Some places will accept US Dollars, but the main currency is COP.
How Can I Visit San Andres on a Budget?
Booking in advance is key when it comes to saving money on your trip to San Andres. As it’s such a small island, there isn’t an infinite amount of accommodation options, and prices start to creep up when places are booking out. This applies to flights to - the earlier you book your flight, the cheaper it’ll be. Another way to save money when booking your trip is to keep your dates as flexible as possible, as this ensures you can bag the best deal.
Planning your trip to San Andres is easier than it seems once you know the steps. Book a direct flight from Cartagena, grab your tourist card, and get ready to land on one of Colombia’s most beautiful hidden gems.