Information
Landmark: Johnny CayCity: San Andres
Country: Colombia
Continent: South America
Johnny Cay, San Andres, Colombia, South America
Overview
Johnny Cay, the tiny jewel of San Andrés, draws crowds with its powdery white sand, shimmering turquoise waves, and the pulsing beat of Caribbean music drifting through the air.Just a short 10‑minute boat ride-about 1.5 km-from San Andrés, this tiny island is all soft sand, salty breezes, fresh-caught seafood, and easy reggae drifting through the air.First.Heading to the Johnny Cay boat ride?Each morning, small boats pull away from Spratt Bight Beach in San Andrés, their engines humming over the turquoise water.It costs about 30,000 to 50,000 COP-roughly $8 to $12 USD-for a round trip per person.Boats head out starting at 9:00 a.m., and the final ride back usually pulls in around 4:00, just as the sun begins to soften.If the waves start pounding hard against the docks, the Colombian Coast Guard might call off trips to keep everyone safe.Number two sat there in bold black ink, like a small mark waiting for someone to give it meaning.Things to do on Johnny Cay, starting with a stroll along its bright white sand.Stretch out on Johnny Cay’s powdery white sand, where tall palms sway in the breeze and the view could be a postcard of Colombia’s most beautiful shore.The turquoise water invites you in for a swim, but in a few spots the waves crash hard against the shore.Get there early so you can snag a cool spot beneath the palm’s shade, where the sand stays soft and cool.Number two.The Caribbean waters around Johnny Cay are warm and crystal clear, with sunlight glinting off the surface-perfect for a refreshing swim.Waves hit harder in some spots, so stick to the parts of the beach where the water laps gently at your ankles.Tip: Keep an eye out for jellyfish, especially in summer when their pale bells drift just below the surface.Three.Savor fresh shrimp, lobster, and crispy fried fish from local vendors, served with fluffy coconut rice, sweet plantains, and a bright, crunchy salad.You’ve got to try the Coco Loco-rum, coconut water, and a splash of tropical juice that tastes like a beach sunset-and, of course, the classic Piña Colada.Tip: Bring cash-most vendors won’t take cards, and the smell of sizzling food might be too tempting to pass up.Number four stood alone, neat as a chalk mark on a clean slate.Soak up the island vibes at Johnny Cay, where reggae drifts through the warm air and local tunes keep the laid‑back Caribbean mood alive all day.Tip: The island fills up fast, especially on weekends and holidays when the ferry lines stretch down the dock.Number five.On Johnny Cay, you’ll spot plenty of iguanas wandering wherever they please, some basking in the warm sand under the palms.They won’t hurt you, but if they catch the scent of a sandwich, they might wander over.Tip: Don’t feed the iguanas-your snack could throw off the leaves and flowers they’re meant to eat.Number three.If you’re heading to Johnny Cay, aim for December through April-the skies stay bright, rain’s rare, and the warm breeze smells faintly of salt.From May through November, you might catch a few rain showers, but the air stays warm-like a late summer afternoon after a light drizzle.Bring sunscreen-the sun beats down hard, and there’s barely a scrap of shade.Cash only-please settle food and drink tabs with bills or coins.Bring a towel and a change of clothes if you’re heading for a swim-nothing’s worse than riding home in wet shorts.Waterproof bag-keeps your phone and keys dry when waves slap against the side of the boat.Don’t toss trash-help keep the island clean, so the sand stays bright and the water clear.Watch your step around coral reefs-they’re delicate, like brittle glass, and vital to the fish and creatures that depend on them.Number four stands alone, small and sharp like a black mark on white paper.Johnny Cay is a must when you’re in San Andrés, with white sand that warms your feet, turquoise water you can see straight through, fresh-caught seafood, and a lively Caribbean vibe.You can stretch out under the warm sun, dive into the clear turquoise water, or sway to the beat of local reggae-this little island feels like the perfect escape.
