We get a lot of email of tourist asking simple questions about San Andres. Most of these questions are easy to answer and some are more difficult. We do our best to answer all of the email that are send to us. But due to limited manpower we have decided to post some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about San Andres on our website.
FAQ’s about San Andres
How much should my daily budget be for San Andres?
A minimum of 25-30 US$ is required to find accommodation, food and a little tour.
Is it possible to travel the island within a day?
Yes the island is really small and taking a buss all the way around will only take you up to two hours.
What is the most beautiful place to snorkel on San Andres?
Definitely La Piscinita, this place has fish, coral and calm clear blue water.
What is the cheapest transportation around the island?
The local busses or a scooter. Not the tourist train/tractor.
When is the best time to visit San Andres?
The best time to visit San Andres is right after the wet season or just before. April, May and November, December.
Is it dangerous on San Andres since it is part of Colombia?
Always be careful with your expensive gear like camera’s and phones. But don’t worry the island is pretty safe.
What is the best way to travel to Providencia?
Fly on San Andres and take a boat from there.
Where can I find the best beach on San Andres?
There is not one best beach, all the beaches are nice but some are more rocky then others. It is just a matter of taste.
Is it possible to pay with US dollars?
Since San Andres is part of Colombia it uses Colombia Pesos (COPA) to pay the bills. But it is not uncommon to pay with US dollars, just always carry some COPA’s.
Where can I find a bank?
You can find multiply banks in El Centro near the shopping area. Just ask around as everybody speaks English.
What are the best daytrips in San Andres?
Depending on your budget and preference you can visit the beach and on the way back go through the small towns of San Luis and La Loma for sightseeing.
Hello, I would like to confirm if it is necessary take Yellow fever vaccine to go to San Andres?
thanks!
Hey Aline!
No it is not necessary to take a yellow fever vaccine for your visit to San Andres. Recommended vaccinations are; measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot if necessary. For frequent travellers we can also recommend hepatitis A and Typhoid. When you’re traveling to certain parts of Colombia such as the Darien Gap you should consider taking Malaria tablets and anti Rabies vaccine. Hope this helps 🙂
Enjoy your stay!
¡Hola!
I heard from a friend that it is required to have booked a flight back to the mainland in advance in order tobe allowed to get in to San Andrés. Is that true?
I just wanted to fly to San Andres, stay how ever I want (considering my colombian visa..) and take the boat back to the mainland..
Thanks for your help!
Tim
Hi Tim,
Both colombians and foreigners who do not live in the island need to show a return ticket when arriving to the island and paying for the entry tax. Only locals who are from San Andres are entitled to fly one way! Better buy a cheap one with vivacolombia (like ryanair or easyjet) and then change it!
Best of luck,
Steph
Hello there! I am a girl, 28 years old, travelling alone from europe. I am booking my flight to san andres, and I can choose to land there at 1.30 AM (in the night), or 10 am, the day after.
I would like to arrive in the night, do you tjink ot is going to be dangerous to take a taxi at that time at the airport?
Thank you! 🙂
Hi Diana! Cool that you’re visiting San Andres all alone! Better fly at 10 a.m. since you only miss one morning! The Island is pretty safe but its always better to be sure 🙂 Have fun!
Hi there,
Me and my girlfriend would like to visit your island from february 13 for 5 or 6 days. We would like to stay in a silent place (we love a local bar but do not want a lot of tourists around us). We like the beach (sunbathing), the sea (snorkeling and diving) and the forest (hiking). I would also like to go scuba diving.
I read that the island can get very busy and would like to skip on the “mass” tourism. Do you think for what we want we should go to San Andres?
Thanks!
HI,
I have a question about dengue fever risk on San Andres. I am travelling with my 8 month old baby and wanted to know how likely it is to contract dengue fever on SA?
I used to live on the island when I was a child of eight it was in the late sixties I can see that it has completely changed do you think I’ll have trouble finding the old landmarks I Used to Know? How safe is it for a woman to travel alone?
Hi there,
I will be probably visiting the islands from the 21st to the 24th of September. Is the month of September ideal for diving in Providencia?
It is terrible to find alot of debris like bottles, tray, cans on the beach in front of the hotels like san luis village. I paid $30 US dollars for taxes to ensure that it would help the island with social, economic and maintain cleanliness. It is your responsibility to maintain cleaninless on the beach. Maybe it was the weather however it is the hotel’s responsibility to clean up the mess after the storm. I find San Andres very disappointing considering my taxes to go the island.
My wife and I are headed to San Andres to get married and have reserved the Coral House for almost 30 people. Should we be concerned about the safety of the area around The Coral House on the Southwest end of the island?
Also do you have any recommendations for where we can possible rent a wedding set up?
Hi! I’m from Argentina and i want to know if I need a passport to get to San Andres, or since it’s a part of Colombia all I need is my documento nacional de identidad
Hello there
Did I read correctly – that diving in the end of november is quite alright in san andres?
I am in columbia 10. november – 1. december – and wanted to go diving in san andres but it seems like it is the wet season in november and therefore no good diving?
Please inform me 🙂
Best, Dorte
Hello, I would like to confirm if it is necessary taking Yellow fever vaccine to go to San Andres?
I am Brazilian but I live in USA (green card holder).
Thank you!