Islas de San Bernardo

Location:
Tolú, Colombia

Beach

By Richard McColl

In its drive to attract affluent clientele and diversify the income of foreign tourist revenue, the Colombian Tourism industry has recently begun actively promoting the tiny ten-island archipelago of San Bernardo.

Known seemingly only to Colombian holidaymakers (though sure to become an integral part of the "second wave" of backpacker destinations in Colombia), the islands are located a boat ride of roughly over an hour from the town of Tolu. Trips here are usually offered by tour companies that affiliate themselves with hotels in both Tolu and the neighboring town of Covenas (30 minutes along the coast by bus). These tour companies hike their prices sky high during public holidays, long weekends and the high season.

If you are here during high season you are advised to book your space in advance. The tour is primarily aimed at Colombians and takes in a glance of the exclusive Decameron resort on Isla Palma before heading to the reverse side of the island to take in the Aquarium (animal lovers and those with any sort of conscience should avoid this park at all costs, since more than a dozen hulking marine turtles are piled into an ill-fitting pool nowhere near large enough to contain this quantity of endangered species.)

Tourists are given a guided tour of the exhibits for roughly an hour before being hurried back to the waiting boats and other islands of interest. Perhaps the most striking island is that of El Islote, the world's most populated island for its size. On the island, perhaps only 600m in diameter, there are estimated to be 1000 people living there at any one time.

The beach section of the tour is available on Isla Mucura, where a mafia of locals run makeshift lunchtime eateries and charge exorbitant amounts for the lease of a beach chair or parasol. Be warned: the sun is merciless here.

Tour companies – For the Islas San Bernardo you can organize the tour through your hotel or deal directly with Marina Tolunautica, Avenida Primera No 9-48, Tolu, 575-288-5775.

Getting There
Check hotels in Tolú or Covénas