Colombia (Lonely Planet, 5th Edition) - Jens Porup [158]
LA PISCINITA
Also known as West View, just south of El Cove, La Piscinita (Map; admission COP$1000) is a good site for snorkeling, usually with calm water, plenty of fish (which will eat out of your hand) and some facilities, including a restaurant with traditional local food and snorkel rental. When the sea is rough, you can only feed the fish from land.
HOYO SOPLADOR
At the southern tip of the island, the Hoyo Soplador (Map) is a small geyser where sea water spouts into the air (up to 20m at times) through a natural hole in the coral rock. This phenomenon occurs only at certain times, when the winds and tide are right. An international surf contest is held nearby in January.
LA LOMA
This small town (Map) in the inner part of the island, also known as The Hill, is one of the most traditional places here. It is noted for its Baptist church, the first established on the island (in 1847). In 1896 the church was largely rebuilt in pine brought from Alabama. Definitely take a stroll through here – it’s the least Colombian-influenced part of the island.
SAN LUIS
Located on the island’s east coast, San Luis (Map) still boasts white-sand beaches and some fine traditional wooden houses. The sea here is good for snorkeling, though conditions can be a little rough. San Luis has no center as such, and is really just a 3km string of mostly ramshackle houses along the coast, but it’s a tranquil alternative to San Andrés Town.
JOHNNY CAY NATURAL REGIONAL PARK
This protected 4-hectare coral islet (Map) sits about 1.5km north of San Andrés Town. It’s covered with coconut groves and surrounded by a lovely, white-sand beach. The sunbathing is good, but be careful swimming here as there are dangerous currents. The cay can fill up far beyond capacity, as tourists fight for space with an estimated 500 iguanas that call it home. Food is available. Boats to Johnny Cay leave from the main San Andrés Town beach (return trip COP$10,000). The last boat back is at 5pm.
ACUARIO
Next to Haynes Cay, off the east coast of San Andrés, Acuario (Map) is another place frequently visited by tourists by boat (return trip COP$10,000). The surrounding sea is shallow and calm and good for snorkeling. If you forget to bring your snorkeling gear you can rent some on the beach in Acuario.
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Activities
Due to the beautiful coral reefs all around, San Andrés has become an important diving center, with more than 35 dive spots.
Banda Dive Shop (Map; 512 2507; www.bandadiveshop.com; Hotel Lord Pierre, Av Colombia, San Andrés Town; 8am-noon & 2-6pm Mon-Sat) Extra-friendly dive shop offering two-tank dives for COP$150,000 and PADI open-water certification for COP$730,000.
Buzos del Caribe (Map; 512 8931; www.buzosdelcaribe.com; Av Colombia No 1-212, San Andrés Town; 8am-7:30pm Mon-Sat, 8am-2pm Sat) The oldest and largest facility. It has good equipment and a fine reputation. Two-tank dives cost COP$130,000.
Chamay’s Nautica (Map; 513 2077; Via San Luis Km4, San Luis) The go-to shop for watersports. DIY rental possibilities per hour here include kayaks (COP$25,000), windsurfing (COP$70,000) and kitesurfing (COP$100,000).
Karibik Diver (Map; 512 0101; www.karibikdiver.com; Av Newball No 1-248, San Andrés Town; 8am-4pm) This small school provides quality equipment, personalized service and long dives.
San Andrés Divers (Map; 512 0347; www.sanandresdivers.com; Av Circunvalar Km8.5, West Coast) Though not as centrally located as the others, this large shop and school has a great reputation and offers PADI certification for a little less (COP$680,000).
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Tours
Coonative Brothers (Map; 512 1923) On the town’s beach, this boating co-op provides trips to Johnny Cay (COP$10,000) and Acuario (COP$10,000), plus