Sunday, November 8, 2026. Most Americans have never heard of San Andrés and Providencia, two Colombian islands that sit closer to Nicaragua than to mainland Colombia. That is exactly their appeal: Caribbean water in seven shades of blue, an English-speaking Raizal culture, and prices that are still below most U.S. island getaways. Here is how to get there from the U.S., what to do, and what a couple spends.
Getting there from the U.S.
There are no nonstop flights from the U.S. to San Andrés. Most travelers connect through Bogotá, Medellín, Cali or Cartagena on a domestic flight, or through Panama City. A popular combo is Cartagena plus San Andrés: see our 4-day Cartagena itinerary.
Every non-resident visitor must buy the tourist card before boarding: COP 153,000 in 2026, about US$47, with children under 7 exempt, according to RCN Radio. Your airline or the departure airport will ask for it.
San Andrés: what to do
| Spot | Why go | Good for kids? |
|---|---|---|
| Johnny Cay | Palm-fringed islet, the island’s postcard view | Yes, with supervision |
| The Aquarium & Haynes Cay | Waist-deep clear water full of fish and rays | Yes, the best for families |
| West View & La Piscinita | Natural pools for snorkeling off the rocks | Older kids, strong swimmers |
| Island loop by golf cart | Hoyo Soplador blowhole, Morgan’s Cave, San Luis beaches | Yes |
| Spratt Bight | Main beach and pedestrian boardwalk downtown | Yes |
Planning your trip to San Andres Island?
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Providencia: the quiet island
Providencia is greener, hillier and almost free of high-rises. Its reefs are part of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, and the Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Park protects mangroves and Crab Cay, the best viewpoint in the archipelago. Manzanillo and Southwest Bay are the top beaches. The island rebuilt after Hurricane Iota in 2020 and has limited lodging, so book early.
To get there, take a 15–20 minute flight with Satena or Searca (about COP 220,000–300,000 each way) or a catamaran of 2.5–3 hours (about COP 220,000, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), according to El País. The crossing can be rough; if you get seasick, fly.
Planning your trip to Providencia Island?
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Budget for a couple: 5 days in San Andrés
| Expense (for two) | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel or guesthouse, 4 nights | $245 | $495 | $1,110 |
| Food and drinks | $245 | $465 | $925 |
| Tourist cards (2) | $95 | $95 | $95 |
| Boat tours and snorkeling | $125 | $215 | $370 |
| Golf cart, taxis, scooters | $60 | $125 | $245 |
| Total, excl. flights | $770 | $1,395 | $2,745 |
Assumes a double room at about US$62, US$124 and US$278 per night. Adding Providencia? Budget about US$135–185 per person for the round-trip flight plus two or three nights in a native guesthouse.
When to go (and hurricane season)
- January–April: driest months and calmest seas; the best time overall. Holy Week (March 21–28, 2027) is busy.
- June–July: Colombian school holidays push prices up.
- June–November: Atlantic hurricane season. Storms are not constant, but buy travel insurance and watch forecasts.
- October–November: rainiest and usually cheapest.
Tips
- English works here: many locals speak Creole and English as well as Spanish.
- Bring cash for Providencia: ATMs are scarce and not every business takes cards.
- Reef-safe sunscreen helps protect the Seaflower reefs.
- Watch the exchange rate: the peso is about 15% stronger than in January; check the Colombian peso today.
Lee esta guía en español. Bolsa al Día reports; we don’t recommend. Prices are estimates.
FAQ
Are there direct flights from the U.S. to San Andrés?
No. You need to connect through a Colombian city such as Bogotá, Medellín or Cartagena, or through Panama City.
How much is the San Andrés tourist card?
COP 153,000 per person in 2026, about US$47. Children under 7 are exempt.
How do you get from San Andrés to Providencia?
By a 15–20 minute flight with Satena or Searca, or by catamaran in 2.5–3 hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
How much does a 5-day trip to San Andrés cost for two?
Our estimate is about US$770 to US$2,745 for two people, excluding flights to the island.
Is San Andrés safe during hurricane season?
The season runs June to November. Storms are not constant, but check forecasts, keep flexible bookings and buy travel insurance.
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