San Andrés is one of Colombia’s most popular Caribbean destinations, known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and laid-back island atmosphere. Located about 470 miles (750 km) northwest of mainland Colombia, this tropical paradise offers relaxation, water sports, and vibrant local culture. This post will explore the best areas to stay in San Andrés.
As one of Colombia’s top beach destinations, tourism plays a vital role in the local economy. The island has two main sections: the North End, known locally as “El Centro,” is developed and has shopping centers, administrative buildings, residential condos, and hotels. On the other hand, the island’s southern portion is much wilder. Between the developed north and the rural south, there are miles of tropical coastline, tiny fishing villages, virgin beaches, secluded eco-resorts, and tourist attractions. Find accommodation in San Andrés.
The main tourist attractions in San Andrés are its paradisiac beaches, which include Playa Spratt Bight, La Piscinita, Playa San Luis, and the urban Playa de San Andrés. That said, the most impressive beaches are on the surrounding keys and islets, many of which can be accessed by motorboats.
Other beautiful natural attractions in San Andrés include Hoyo Soplador, the Big Pond, Morgan’s Cave, and the San Andrés Botanical Garden.
To get to San Andrés by air, the city is served by the Aeropuerto Internacional Gustavo Rojas Pinilla. This small airport offers frequent connections to mainland Colombia, as well as some international regional flights to Central America. San Andrés is also connected to Cartagena and Barranquilla by ferry. The journey takes about 72 hours and is relatively inexpensive. Book ferry tickets here. Local public transportation in San Andrés is very limited, so your best bet for getting around is renting a car or booking tours that include transfers. Most hotels offer tours and excursions, and taxis are also available.
Keep reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in San Andrés.
What are the best areas to stay in San Andrés?
The best area to stay in San Andrés is Saint Andrew’s Bay. This upscale seaside area is home to some of San Andrés’s local cultural attractions, the hottest nightlife, the best restaurants, and the island’s best-rated hotels and resorts. See accommodation in Saint Andrew’s Bay.
Other great options to consider when choosing the best location in San Andrés include the island’s North End, San Luis, and El Cove.
1. Saint Andrew’s Bay
The best location to stay on San Andrés Island
Offering beaches, shopping areas, dining, and nightlife, San Andrew’s Bay is the best area to stay in San Andrés.
Saint Andrew’s Bay is one of the busiest and most vibrant areas on the island, serving as its main harbor and a hub for entertainment, shopping, and nightlife.
Much of the activity here takes place on and around Francisco Newball Avenue, a boulevard lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. The area is also home to Spratt Bight Beach, one of the most popular and accessible beaches on the island, with calm waters and a lively boardwalk lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. Its duty-free status makes it a shopping destination, with stores offering everything from electronics and perfumes to local handicrafts.
The area is home to Rocky Cay, a small islet accessible by walking through shallow waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Beyond the beach, the bay area offers cultural attractions such as the Cocoplum Viewpoint, which provides impressive views of the sea; the Casa Museo Isleña, a museum showcasing the island’s Afro-Caribbean heritage; and Morgan’s Cave, a site linked to pirate legends. Nightlife in the area includes beach bars, clubs, and live music venues featuring reggae and calypso rhythms.
Transportation is convenient, with taxis and rental golf carts widely available. Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport (ADZ) is located less than a mile from the center, making Saint Andrew’s Bay one of the most accessible areas on the island.
Saint Andrew’s Bay is one of the best areas to stay in San Andrés for romantic getaways and relaxation, with accommodations ranging from budget-friendly hostels to high-end beachfront resorts. Many hotels offer sea views, and bars in the area are great spots to enjoy a cocktail at the end of the afternoon.
Our hand-picked accommodations on Saint Andrew’s Bay
Sol Caribe Sea Flower
Located in the Caribbean Ocean on the tropical island of San Andrés, Sol Caribe offers spacious accommodations with cable TV. The hotel is located in the island´s entertainment heart.
2. North End
The best area to stay in San Andrés for families
Home to some of the best resorts on San Andrés Island, the North End is a well-developed area near the airport.
Located near Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport, San Andrés Norte offers easy access to shopping, dining, and accommodations in a pedestrian-friendly setting.
The North End offers a laid-back atmosphere while still within easy reach of the island’s main attractions. With fewer crowds than Saint Andrew’s Bay, this area is ideal for those looking for a relaxed stay without being too far from the action.
Additionally, North End is known for its diverse food scene, with many restaurants serving traditional island dishes. A local specialty to try here is fish balls, a popular dish made with seasoned seafood. The area is also home to Spratt Way Walking Trail and Newball Avenue, both lined with restaurants, shops, and hotels, making it one of the most convenient areas for visitors.
Accommodations in the North End include mid-range hotels, guesthouses, and beachfront resorts.
Our hand-picked accommodations in North San Andrés
Le Castel Blanc Hotel Boutique
This elegant Mediterranean-inspired mansion features an outdoor swimming pool. It has air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. Private parking is also free.
3. San Luis
The best area to stay in San Andrés for beachgoers
San Luis is an excellent location for travelers seeking a quieter stay and a more authentic experience.
San Luis is a coastal area on the eastern side of San Andrés, known for its laid-back atmosphere, local culture, and scenic beaches. Unlike the busier northern parts of the island, San Luis offers a more traditional island experience with wooden houses, reggae music, and family-run eateries serving authentic Raizal cuisine. The area is home to traditional villages that preserve the colorful Antillean architectural style.
The area is home to Sound Bay, a long stretch of beach with soft sand and fewer crowds compared to Spratt Bight. The waters here are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with coral reefs just offshore. Nearby, Cocoplum Beach features soft white sand and calm waters, perfect for sunbathing and water sports.
Other attractions near San Luis include the San Andrés Botanical Garden, which showcases the island’s diverse flora and provides walking trails for nature enthusiasts. San Luis is also known for its seafood restaurants, where freshly caught fish and coconut-infused dishes highlight the island’s culinary traditions.
Public transportation and taxis connect San Luis to other parts of the island, though many prefer to explore by rented scooter or golf cart. Accommodations in San Luis range from beachfront guesthouses to mid-range hotels.
4. El Cove Bay
A secluded location for a quiet holiday in San Andrés
Located on the island’s southwest, El Cove Bay is a perfect spot for diving and snorkeling.
El Cove, on the western side of San Andrés, is a quiet coastal area with a rugged shoreline and deep waters. It’s a great spot for a laid-back stay. It’s less crowded than the northern parts of the island and mostly residential, perfect for a peaceful stay with ocean views.
A key highlight of El Cove is its small fishing port, where local fishermen bring in fresh catches every day. The deep waters and nearby coral reefs make it one of the best spots on the island for diving and snorkeling. La Piscinita, one of the island’s top snorkeling spots, is nearby, with clear waters and plenty of marine life to see.
El Cove doesn’t have as many shops or restaurants as other parts of San Andrés, but you’ll still find a few great spots serving fresh seafood in a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a good choice for anyone looking for a quieter, more nature-focused stay away from the busier tourist areas.
There aren’t as many places to stay here as in other parts of the island, but you can find a few boutique hotels and guesthouses right by the water. El Cove is easy to reach by road, and taxis or rental vehicles are the best way to get around.
Our hand-picked accommodations in El Cove
Coral House SAI
Located in El Cove, 1.2 miles from San Luis Beach, Coral House SAI provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, and a garden.
Read this in other languages:
- |ES| Dónde alojarse en la isla de San Andrés, Colombia.
- |PT| As melhores áreas para se hospedar na Ilha de San Andrés, Colômbia.
Where to stay in other cities
- Best areas to stay in Cartagena
- Best areas to stay in Santa Marta
- Best areas to stay in Barranquilla
- Best areas to stay in Aruba
- Best areas to stay in Curaçao
- Best areas to stay in Bogota
- Best areas to stay on Margarita Island
- Best areas to stay in Medellin
- Best areas to stay in Cali
- Best areas to stay in Bucaramanga
- Best areas to stay in Panama City