San Andres Island is relatively small, similar in size to Key West. Palm-tree breezes and coral reef diving are natural enticements of the region. The coastal beaches and hills of the San Andres Islands are primarily unspoiled by commercialization, and they maintain balmy tropical temperatures year round. The natives and tourism-related professionals speak English with a Caribbean accent and also speak Spanish. A paved road that surrounds the island's coastal area is traversed primarily by tourists in rented vehicles, hotel-provided transportation, and "Chivas Rumberas," which are brightly painted Colombian buses that charge individual fares. A small airport is located on the island, which services charter planes from nearby Panama City and Costa Rica.
The resorts on San Andres Island are not as large and luxurious as lodging found in other areas of the Caribbean. The prices and small crowds attract visitors to the beautiful Colombian coast, but they do not offer five-star amenities at all hotels. Full service resort lodging can be found, but it should be booked far in advance of a planned trip. Shopping for souvenirs, clothing and jewelry is available at open-air markets with low price tags on most items. San Andres is a duty-free shopping destination. Emerald-accented jewelry and décor are among the most popular items sold in stores and markets on the islands.
Restaurants on San Andres Island feature native cuisine, with primary dishes consisting of seafood, locally grown vegetables, coconut, island spices, breadfruits, conch, pork plantain and rondon. Visitors to the island can dine at their hotels, or they can walk a short distance to locally owned "Mom & Pop" Caribbean-style cafes and restaurants.
San Andres attractions and activities include hiking on the El Centro, which offers spectacular views of the island and large coral reefs. Outdoor pursuits also include riding horses on trails and beaches, parasailing and boating, fishing as well as windsurfing. The Sprat Bight beach area is popular with sunbathers and swimmers. Sound Bay is well known by parasailing fans and surfers for the large waves. The coral reef along this area can be dangerous to novice water sports aficionados. Coco Plum Bay features a vast sandy beach area and is often visited by families and senior citizens. Diving and snorkeling at "The Cove" section on San Andres Island is also a popular activity. Visitors to this section of the island can walk into the water and touch the coral reef without the aid of a breathing apparatus.
Natural wonders of the San Andres Island also attract tourists and eco-tourism groups. Thousands of visitors explore the tropical vegetation found at the Islote Surce section of the island each year. A natural sea geyser is located at the southern tip of the island at El Hoyo Soplador. La Cueva De Morgan is a part of local lore, with stories of buried treasures and shipwrecks attracting scores of visitors to this natural sea cave. The "Blue Wall" is an area of the San Andres Island where coral and fish surround a natural rock wall, which is more than three hundred feet deep into the seawater.
