San Andres Island Overview

By Christopher Minster

San Andres and Providencia

San Andres and Providencia are two small islands in the Caribbean, less than 100 miles off the coast of Central America. They are part of Colombia, although in actuality the nearest country is Nicaragua.

The islands have an interesting history, which includes pirates and legends of lost treasure. The shopping on San Andres is particularly good, as the town itself is considered a duty-free zone, so you don’t have to pay taxes on anything you buy. There are good beaches and good scuba diving on San Andres.

San Andres, the larger of the two islands, is a growing resort spot, particularly popular with South American tourists, although for the most part North Americans have yet to discover it. San Andres is a small island, only about 17 square miles (44 sq. km). There is a town at the north end, which is where all of the lower-budget accommodations are. Larger resorts, which is how most people visit the island, are scattered around the island. There are several hotels and restaurants on the island.

There are some interesting activities for those wishing to something besides lounge around on the beach all day. A San Andres island tour will take you to the Big Pond, to see some traditional architecture, to visit a restored home, snorkeling at West View and to see a natural cave and some cheesy pirates at Morgan’s Cave. Also part of the tour is a stop at the Blowing Hole, a natural phenomenon that draws many visitors.

Providencia Island is much smaller and more exclusive than San Andres. Several small flights go daily from San Andres, about a 25 minute trip.