Coconut Museum
Located next to the famous Morgan’s Cave, coconut museum is a collection of old artefacts and tools from the days of the coconut boom. Plenty of coconut-related souvenirs range from carved shells to bizarre painted fronds can be purchased here.
El Hoyo Soplador
Located at the southern tip of San Andres island, El Hoyo Soplador is a small blowhole geyser where sea water spouts into the air through a natural hole in the coral rock. This natural phenomenon occurs only at certain times, when the winds and tides collude, reaching heights of up to 20m drenching onlookers in spray. Several enterprising locals have set up souvenir stalls and a restaurant to cater for the many tourists that visit. An international surf competition is held nearby in January.
El Reserva Natural El Pico
At 360 metres above the sea level, El Pico is the highest point of Providencia island offering some breathtaking views over the whole island and spectacular panoramic views across a stunning seascape. This popular one and half hour steady hike begins in Casabaja. Making an early start is worth the effort to avoid the heat of the day. Ask local islanders for direction or hire a guide as several paths criss-cross upwards. Some locals will take you up for a small charge. Most guides charge around 20,000 – 30,000 COP and can be booked through a tour operator or the tourist office. Take plenty of water for the trip as there are no shops or facilities along the way.
Haynes Cay
Located next to Isla Acuario, this pretty palm-covered isle is often part of a standard boat tour around San Andres. Dense thickets of coconut trees provide plenty of shade to relax. Due to its shallow warm waters Haynes Cay is a great spot for snorkelling. However, sharp exposed coral make water shoes essential for swimmers and divers.
Isla Acuario
Located off the east coast of San Andres, Acuario is another islet popular with tourist. The Acuario Islet sits in chest-high water next to Haynes Cay and is often packaged with a boat trip to Johnny Cay. The surrounding crystal-clear waters are shallow and calm and therefore very popular spot for snorkelling. Snorkelling gear can be haired from dive shack. Glass-bottom boats offer tours and jet skis are also available for hire. As a popular spot with holidaying families, Aquarium Island is packed to capacity at weekends so visit in midweek is preferable if you are looking for more chilled-out vibe.
Johnny Cay Natural Regional Park
Located just 1.5km north of the coast of San Andres this protected 4-hectare coral islet is no larger than football field. Covered with coconut palms and edged by a beautiful white-sand beach Johnny Cay islet, also called ‘Islote Sucre’, is the most beautiful islet in Archipelago. Most people visit to hang out and picnic on the sand and it can get crowded far beyond its capacity during peak season. However, in its quieter guise, the island is a fun place to spend the day although you should be careful while swimming here as the currents are strong and can be dangerous. Boat to Johnny Cay leave from Playa Sprat Bight, main beach in San Andres Town.
La Loma
The small town of La Loma in the inner hilly part of island also known as The Hill is one of the most traditional places in San Andres Archipelago. Most visitors head to visit its pretty Baptist church, the first to be built on San Andres, in 1847. This red-roofed whitewashed building stands on the top of the hill and its spire once served as landmark for sailors guiding ships into San Andres. Despite being partially rebuilt in 1896 the building still provides a fine example of the traditional architecture of the island. La Loma is one of the places where you can still appreciate picturesque English-Caribbean architecture with traditional wooden houses with wooden shutters. Islanders wear their best outfits on Sunday to attend church services.
La Piscinita
Located just a little further along the coast from El Cover, La Piscinita is described by the locals as a sea-bath due to its calm warmth. Bright blue and translucent crystal-clear waters with plenty of fish are perfect place for snorkelling. A nearby restaurant serves as a changing room and snorkel rental joint. It also serves a small but decent menu of seafood and rice dishes and variety of local cocktails. Unfortunately, there is no beach in La Piscinita and you can either jump from the rocks or use staircase that lead to the water. When the sea is rough, you can only feed the fish from the land.
Morgan’s Cave (Cueva de Morgan)
This water-filled 120 meters long rocky cavern is steeped in legend and is where the locals believe Captain Henry Morgan buried his treasure. Unfortunately, you cannot enter this cave as the cave is waterlogged, yet the magic of alleged riches draws plenty of tourists. Every island tour and bus will make a stop here and guides will take you through a historic narrative as you peer into the depths.
Morgan’s Head
A short walk after crossing the Lover’s Bridge leads to Morgan’s Head and the ruins of Fort Warwick complete with canons. History has ensured that Santa Catalina remains inextricably linked with Welsh buccaneer Henry Morgan. A volcanic rocky cliff in the shape of a human face, best seen from the water, called Morgan’s Head s the main island attraction. An underwater cave at the base of the cliff is home to large barracudas. Many thrill-seeking travellers jump from the rock straight into the depths.
Parque Nacional McBean Lagoon
Located at the north-eastern end of Providencia island this 2,450 acre conservation zone was declared a national park in 1995. These shallow lagoon waters accounts for more than 2,299 acres of underwater gardens, volcanic terrain shaped by ancient streams with flat expanses of mangrove swamps and 500ft volcanic peak called Iron Wooden Hill. The vegetation of Iron Wooden Hill is dry forest with Pactá palms and several species of cactus and scrub. The McBean Lagoon National Park also include two small islets – Crab Cay (Cayo Cangrejo) and Three Brothers Cay (Cayo Tres Hermanos) protected by sand bars and coral reef. Crab Cay is covered mainly with coconut palms while on Three Brothers Cay the picus tree provides an important nesting place for frigate. Numerous multi-coloured lizards and bird species can be spotted around this area including 56 migrant bird species from western Caribbean.
Playa Sprat Bight
Located on the North End, this 450 metres white-sand stretch is the main beach on the island of San Andres. Due to its close proximity to the town Playa Sprat Bight also known as the ‘town beach’ or simply referred to as ‘la playa’ can get crowded. Despite this, those in the mood to let off steam will find it a fun place to hang out. Expect hair-braiding, volleyball, Frisbee-throwing and picnicking families. Those looking for sand to relax on in tranquillity should head to the island’s eastern shore.
San Andres Town
Surrounded by beaches a congested San Andres town centre (El Centro) lies on the northern tip of the island. It is the commercial hub and main town in the Archipelago packed with hotels, restaurants and shops lining the waterfront. Due to its duty-free zone status, San Andres town often gets crowded with mainland Colombian shoppers coming here looking for foreign-made goods at duty-free prices. Streets packed with tooting taxis, scooters and golf buggies spill down to the charming brick promenade lining the waterfront, hugging the floury sands and pristine waters of the coast and making for a lovely spot to enjoy a drink or take an evening stroll. The endlessly idyllic Johnny Cay sits off in the distance, just 1.5km from shore.
San Luis
Located on the east coast of San Andres island this former coconut-shipment port is notable for its traditional wooden architecture. In fact this so-called town is in fact just a small village, a simple string of houses along the coast. Some fine white-sand beaches like Cocoplum Bay, Jenny Bay and Sound Bay can be found in San Luis with warm crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling (though the sea can be sometimes rough).
Despite having no real town centre, San Luis has scattering of shops, restaurants, dive shops and hotels. Frequent buses connect San Luis with San Andres and the journey is no longer than 15 minutes.
Santa Catalina
The volcanic island of Santa Catalina is separated from Providencia by a narrow channel. A brightly coloured 100m ‘floating’ bridge (Lover’s Bridge) links this small islet to neighbouring Providencia. The island of Santa Catalina has no roads and exploring this beautiful place on foot is ideal relaxation of body and mind. Tiny soft-sand beaches can be found around the island changing considerably with the tides as some beaches get very narrow during high tides and some totally disappear. On the southern side of the island a small settlement contains a handful of fish-and-rice restaurants.