Information
Landmark: Cayos de San AndrésCity: San Andres
Country: Colombia
Continent: South America
Cayos de San Andrés, San Andres, Colombia, South America
Overview
Just off the main island of San Andrés, Colombia, the Cayos de San Andrés (San Andrés Cays) scatter across the turquoise water in a cluster of tiny islands and cays.These cays belong to the San Andrés and Providencia Archipelago, a scatter of islands in the bright blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.With soft white sand underfoot, clear blue water stretching to the horizon, and bursts of colorful fish below the surface, these places draw travelers looking for peace and a deeper bond with nature.Here’s a closer look at the Cayos de San Andrés-its geography and location.The cays sit just off the island’s eastern shore, and you can reach them by a short, breezy boat ride.The best-known of these cays are Johnny Cay, Rocky Cay, and Cayo Haynes, where the sand feels warm under your feet.Every cay has its own personality, from quiet beaches where the water laps softly at your feet to lively spots packed with things to do.Johnny Cay, the best-known of the cays, is a tiny, postcard-perfect island with soft white sand, turquoise water that sparkles in the sun, and palms swaying in the breeze.Many travelers take a day trip from San Andrés to visit, and for plenty of them, it’s the best part of the whole journey-bright water and warm sand included.Johnny Cay’s perfect for stretching out on the warm sand, drifting in the glassy blue water, and soaking up the island’s easygoing vibe.Rocky Cay sits just off the main island, a small stretch of sand and palms surrounded by clear, shallow water.People come here for the crystal-clear water and the sunken ship just offshore, where bright fish dart through rusted beams-a favorite spot for snorkelers.The water lies still, perfect for a lazy swim and a slow dive among the bright coral reefs nearby.Cayo Haynes is a tiny island alive with colorful fish darting through clear water, and it’s usually quieter than Johnny Cay-perfect if you’re trying to slip away from the crowds.You can snorkel through clear blue water and drift past bright corals, spotting flashes of yellow and silver as schools of fish dart by.The Cays of San Andrés sit in some of the Caribbean’s clearest, glass-blue waters, alive with darting fish and bright coral.Coral reefs ring these cays, alive with flashes of tropical fish, the slow glide of rays, sea turtles drifting past, and now and then, a dolphin breaking the surface.The cays’ calm, waist-deep waters are ideal for snorkeling or diving, revealing flashes of bright coral and darting fish to both first-timers and seasoned pros.The beaches shimmer with soft white sand, shaded by swaying palms, and the clear, knee-deep water invites you to wade in and linger.The sea’s brilliant blues and shifting turquoise wrap the shore in a vivid glow, turning the place into a true tropical paradise.Snorkeling and Diving: These cays rank among the top spots in the San Andrés archipelago, where you can glide over coral gardens and watch schools of bright fish dart past.Colorful coral reefs surround the area, sheltering everything from darting clownfish to slow-moving sea turtles, and the crystal-clear water begs to be explored.You can rent gear or join a guided tour that whisks you out to the cays, where clear blue water reveals the best snorkeling and diving spots.Beach relaxation comes easy here-each cay has a quiet stretch of sand where you can sink your toes into the warm shore and enjoy the calm without a crowd in sight.The beaches are ideal for stretching out in the sun, diving into cool waves, or sharing lunch on a blanket with sand between your toes.Boat Tours: Several local operators run boat trips through the cays, giving visitors a chance to hop between islands and take in views of turquoise water and swaying palms.Some tours stop for snorkeling or drop you at quiet beaches you can’t reach by road, where the sand feels warm under your feet.Wildlife Watching: Beyond the shimmering schools of fish, the cays shelter flocks of seabirds, and you might spot an iguana sunning on a rock or a crab scuttling across the sand.The landscape offers endless moments to capture-sunlight spilling through tall pines, a river whispering nearby-perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.Getting to the Cays of San Andrés is simple-you can hop on a short boat ride from the island’s main pier.Every day, boats and water taxis ferry visitors out to the favorite cays, with Johnny Cay’s white sand and turquoise water high on the list.Boats usually leave from the docks on San Andrés Island, their wooden planks warm in the sun, and reach the cays in 15 to 30 minutes, depending on where you’re headed.The Cays remain mostly wild and untouched, but a few-like Johnny Cay-offer simple comforts for visitors, such as shaded picnic tables by the shore.You’ll spot little eateries dishing up local favorites like just-caught seafood, while nearby vendors rent out beach chairs, bright umbrellas, and snorkeling gear.Most of the cays still keep their rugged charm, so pack the basics-sunscreen, plenty of water, and a few snacks for when the sun gets high.The ideal time to explore the Cays of San Andrés is in the dry season, from December to April, when the skies stay clear and the water glitters in the sun.This time of year usually brings sunny skies and warm air, just right for swimming or tossing a frisbee on the sand.These islands draw visitors in every season, so during the busy months it’s smart to lock in your tour or hotel early-especially if you’ve got your eye on that sea-view room.With the cays drawing so many visitors, teams are working hard to keep their white sands pristine and shield the fragile coral reefs beneath the waves.Visitors are asked to protect the islands-don’t break the coral, leave trash behind, or ignore local rules-so the water stays clear and the reefs keep their bright, living colors.In short, the Cayos de San Andrés offer a slice of paradise for anyone eager to dive into the Caribbean’s clear turquoise waters and lush, breezy shores.These cays offer a true getaway, with sugar-white beaches under your toes, bursts of color from darting tropical fish, and plenty of chances to snorkel, dive, or simply unwind.Whether you’re diving among bright coral, taking in the endless blue horizon, or just stretching out in the sun, the Cays give you a calm, unforgettable escape.
