San Andres: Natural Aquarium Tour

San Andrés Island in Colombia offers a slice of paradise, and this Natural Aquarium tour provides a relaxed, budget-friendly way to enjoy some of its most captivating sights. For just $13 per person, you’ll spend about five hours exploring the famous Sea of 7 Colors, floating in crystal-clear waters, and relaxing on pristine white beaches. Your adventure begins at the Muelle de la Policía with a short boat ride to the Natural Aquarium, a protected spot teeming with colorful fish and calm, shallow waters ideal for snorkeling or simply wading in.

What we love about this tour is the chance to see marine life in its natural habitat without the need for extensive equipment or experience. The second highlight is the tranquil, shallow sea—it feels like swimming in a giant, natural swimming pool, perfect for families or those who prefer gentle waters. The short boat transfer and easy-going pace make this accessible for most travelers. However, do keep in mind that this experience can get quite crowded, especially during peak times, and there’s a small chance of logistical hiccups, like delays or last-minute changes.

This tour suits families with children, non-swimmers, or anyone seeking a relaxed, scenic escape in San Andrés. If you’re eager to see vibrant marine life with little fuss, and you’re comfortable with a straightforward boat trip, this is a solid choice. But if you’re after a more exclusive or less crowded experience, you might want to explore other options or go early in the day.

Key Points

• Affordable price for a scenic boat ride and snorkeling experience
• Ideal for families and non-swimmers thanks to shallow, calm waters
• Crowded spots can impact comfort and enjoyment
• Short, scenic boat transfer makes it accessible and relaxing
• Authentic marine experience with colorful fish and clear waters
• Be prepared for possible delays or last-minute fees

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the San Andrés Natural Aquarium Tour

If you’re considering a visit to San Andrés, this Natural Aquarium tour offers an easy, budget-friendly way to experience some of the island’s most eye-catching features. You’ll start your day at the Muelle de la Policía, where a local guide will meet you, and from there, you’ll hop onto a 15-minute boat ride to the Acuario San Andrés.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Stop 1: Starting at Muelle de la Policía

This is the main pick-up point, a busy but scenic dock where you’ll find the boat waiting. It’s worth arriving a few minutes early to confirm your spot and meet your guide, especially if you’re in a group. The dock is often bustling with activity, so it’s a lively start to the day.

Stop 2: The Boat Ride

The boat ride itself is short—about 15 minutes—and generally smooth under normal weather conditions. It’s a chance to stretch your legs, enjoy the sea breeze, and get a first glimpse of San Andrés’ vibrant coastline. The boat is usually small and comfortable, allowing for good views of the surroundings.

Stop 3: The Natural Aquarium

The highlight of the tour is here. Once you arrive at the Acuario San Andrés, you’ll have about five hours of free time to explore, snorkel, or relax on the white sandy beaches. The waters here are shallow and flat, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling with a mask or snorkel, even if you don’t know how to swim. It’s also perfect for families with children or seniors.

Activities in the Aquarium

The clear, seven-colored sea provides a stunning backdrop for observing local fish and marine life. We loved the way the water’s transparency reveals the vibrant fish swimming just below the surface. The shallow waters create a natural swimming pool feel, so you can float or wade peacefully without worrying about waves or currents.

Return Trip

After your leisure time, you’ll hop back on the 15-minute boat ride to return to the dock. The entire experience wraps up at the Muelle de la Policía around mid-afternoon.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included in the Price

• Round-trip boat transfer to the Natural Aquarium
• Meeting at the Muelle de la Policía and guide services

Not Included

• Transfer to the dock (you’ll need to arrange your own transportation)
• Docks tax of 5,000 COP (about 2 USD)
• Lunch options or additional activities like coral reef tours

It’s worth planning ahead to cover your personal expenses, especially for snacks, drinks, or souvenirs. The tour does not include optional extras, so if you’re interested in more extensive snorkeling or reef exploration, you might need to consider additional tours or activities.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Authentic feedback from travelers paints a realistic picture. One traveler described the site as “beautiful, but crowded,” noting that “people are on top of each other, street vendors are trying to push everything on you,” which can be a stressor if you prefer quiet and solitude. Another shared disappointment, saying, “We arrived on time and waited at the port as we had been told. After an hour’s delay, they told us that the boat had already left and they didn’t take us on another one.” This highlights the importance of arriving early and being flexible.

On the positive side, many travelers appreciate the stunning views and vibrant marine life. The shallow, crystal-clear waters make snorkeling accessible for non-swimmers and children, offering a safe environment to enjoy the sea.

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Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

• Arrive early at the Muelle de la Policía to avoid missing your boat, especially during busy periods.
• Bring beachwear and a towel; it’s the perfect spot to relax after snorkeling.
• Carry cash for the dock tax and any personal purchases.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life and your skin.
• Consider bringing snorkel gear if you own it, although equipment is usually available on-site.
• Be prepared for the possibility of crowds and plan for a more relaxed experience by visiting early in the day.

Who Would Benefit Most from This Tour?

This tour is best suited for families with children and non-swimmers thanks to the shallow, calm waters. It’s also perfect if you’re looking for a low-cost, low-effort way to enjoy San Andrés’ marine beauty without hefty price tags or strenuous activities. However, those seeking peace and quiet might find the crowds and street vendors a bit overwhelming, especially at peak times.

Travelers who value authentic, scenic views over exclusivity will appreciate the vibrant, colorful waters and abundant marine life. But if your main priority is avoiding crowds or you’re concerned about logistical issues like delays, you may want to consider other options or plan your visit early.

The Sum Up

The San Andrés: Natural Aquarium Tour offers a straightforward, affordable way to enjoy the island’s most iconic marine scenery. With its shallow waters, vibrant fish, and beautiful Sea of 7 Colors, it’s a fun and scenic experience, particularly suited for families, non-swimmers, or those on a budget. The short boat trip, combined with the opportunity to relax on white sandy beaches, makes it a low-stress way to see some of San Andrés’ best natural features.

Though it can be crowded and occasionally affected by logistical hiccups, the overall experience is genuine and visually stunning. If you’re looking for a laid-back, scenic outing that showcases the island’s marine beauty without breaking the bank, this tour is worth considering.

For travelers seeking a more exclusive or less crowded experience, or with specific interests like reef exploration or snorkeling gear, it might be worth exploring other options or visiting early in the day.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately five hours, including the boat transfers and free time at the Aquarium.

Is the water suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, the shallow, calm waters make snorkeling or wading easy for non-swimmers and children.

What should I bring?
Bring beachwear, a towel, possibly snorkeling gear if you own some, and cash for the dock tax and personal expenses.

Are there any additional costs?
You’ll need to cover the dock tax of 5,000 COP (about 2 USD), and optional purchases or additional activities are not included.

What if the tour is canceled or delayed?
Due to some reviews mentioning delays or cancellations, it’s wise to arrive early and be flexible. The tour has a 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund.

Can I do this tour if I don’t know how to swim?
Absolutely. The shallow, tranquil waters are perfect for non-swimmers to enjoy the colorful marine life comfortably.

This tour is a practical choice if you’re eager to see San Andrés’ marine colors without fuss. Keep expectations realistic, especially concerning crowds, but rest assured you’ll get the chance to enjoy some truly spectacular views and a relaxed day out.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby