San Andres Island Colombia

San Andres Island (Colombia) is a coral island in Caribbean Sea, with total area approx 26 km2 (10 mi2) and population around 70,000. San Andrés and the neighboring Providencia Island and Santa Catalina Island form the department "San Andres y Providencia". The group is located approx 775 km (482 mi) northwest of mainland Colombia (South America).

San Andres is approx 50 km (31 mi) south of Providencia. The archipelago has total area approx 57 km2 (22 mi2), including 12 km2 cays, atolls and reefs. In 2000, San Andres Island was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which includes the 3 islands plus around 10% of the Caribbean Sea (water area approx 300,000 km2 / 120,000 mi2).

Department's capital (San Andres) is on the island's northern coast and is its main town. A 30 km (19 mi) long road circles the island and connects beautiful beaches, cays, coves, geysers. Also popular among tourists are the pond Seaquarium and the freshwater lake located amidst mangrove forests. Island's scenery also features lush pastures and coconut palm plantations.

Other tourist attractions are Hoyo Soplador's geyser, La Piscinita (snorkeling site), beaches, Acuaro (diving center), San Andres Bay (diving and kite surfing destination).

San Andres is served by the international airport Gustavo Rojas Pinilla, and also with regularly scheduled domestic flights from mainland Colombia. By sea, the island can be accessed only via cargo and cruise vessels (3-4 days travel time from mainland Colombia).

San Andres Island Colombia cruise terminal