San Andres Island is situated southeast of Jamaica, east of Nicaragua and north of Panama. It is the capital of San Andres y Providencia. The island is inhabited mainly by Colombians and it is said that Columbians immigrated to this island in the 1950s to escape the violence of their country. The dictator made this island a free-zone. As a result, the island almost became overpopulated and fresh water was scarce.

Plan to stay at one of the fabulous all-inclusive resorts where the attentive hospitality of the staff make you feel like you are being treated like royalty. Indulge in hot and cold buffets that include an abundance of fresh island fruits and drink coconut milk straight from the coconut. The resorts have themed restaurants so you can choose to go to a neighbouring resort for the nights you feel like enjoying other cuisines such as Italian, Mexican, Thai, Japanese or local seafood. Whatever your palate desires, there is a nearby restaurant where you will be able to find whatever it is that suits your fancy. With this kind of treatment at the resorts, you will find it difficult to get outside the boundaries to see what the rest of the island has to offer, but you really must pull yourself away and do some exploring.

The beaches of white sand can only be described as a feeling like icing sugar on your feet. The locals call San Andres the ”seven colours sea” for the many shades of turquoises, blues and greens that can be seen in the surrounding waters.

Diving is a very popular sport here and people come from around the world to dive where the underwater environment has not been disturbed. Sunken ships have been left untouched since their fateful day and are now an underwater marine sanctuary just waiting to be explored. However, you must also take the time to experience the natural blow hole and the natural fish pool where you will have fish eating out of the palm of your hands! A swimming tour with the stingrays will make for an exciting and brave adventure. For any tour you take, be sure to shop around for comparative prices.

You can also jump aboard a party boat with glass floors to view the marine life or if you prefer, you can navigate on your own. Golf carts for touring around the island are available for rent. A short boat ride over to Johnny Cay Island is worth it. This island can be seen from the main land and there are lots of iguanas there as well. Be sure to take your camera!

Their first language is Spanish and English is often understood but grab a basic Spanish dictionary and you will be amazed how easily you can pick up the language! Internet cafes are everywhere in town and are very inexpensive, but beware – do you really want to wake up from your fantasy dream and connect with the real world? San Andres is always beautiful, warm and sunny with an average temperature ranging from 27° to 32° celsius. When planning your trip, be aware that the rainy season continues from late October to mid December.