SAN ANDRES: return to the island in the morning or afternoon by train + blowing hole

San Andrés: Return to the Island in the Morning or Afternoon by Train + Blowing Hole
Location: San Andrés Island, Colombia
Country: Colombia
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Price: $26 per person
Supplier: cartagena toures y excursiones

Imagine exploring one of Colombia’s most beloved Caribbean islands, not by car or boat, but aboard a charming train that offers a relaxed, scenic way to see the highlights. This 4-hour San Andrés Island tour takes you through the island’s most iconic sites, with stops at stunning viewpoints, natural wonders, and cultural landmarks—all sprinkled with lively music and a friendly guide.

What we love about this experience is the combination of easy, accessible transportation and the chance to take authentic photos at spots like the San Andrés sign and Carretera de las Palmeras. Plus, the visit to the Hoyo Soplador, the famous blowhole, is a highlight that offers a natural spectacle if the conditions are right.

One consideration? The tour’s pace means you might spend some time waiting at certain stops, especially if you’re eager to spend more time at each site. It’s more about a quick, rundown than a deep dive into each spot.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy short, visually engaging excursions that mix cultural insights with stunning views. If you prefer to see many highlights in a relaxed manner, with a bit of music and fun along the way, you’ll find this tour a good fit.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-balanced: At $26, it offers a good value for a four-hour guided exploration.
• Scenic and diverse stops: From the iconic San Andrés sign to the Hoyo Soplador, each site offers unique photo opportunities and natural beauty.
• Cultural insights: Visiting the Casa Isleña Museum gives a window into local life and history (entrance fee not included).
• Flexible itinerary: Includes stops at Morgan’s Cave, West View, and San Luis beaches, with some free time to relax or take photos.
• Authentic experience: Guided by a Spanish-speaking guide, providing local context and explanations.
• Limited access options: Not suitable for those with mobility issues, as some stops involve walking or uneven terrain.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring San Andrés on a Scenic Train Adventure

An Authentic, Relaxed Way to See the Island

This train tour offers a delightful alternative to the more common car or bus excursions. For just $26, you get a compact yet comprehensive look at San Andrés’ most photogenic and culturally significant sites in roughly four hours. We particularly appreciate the relaxed pace and focus on authentic experiences, like listening to local music while traveling between stops.

The tour begins at the Muelle de la Policía, the pier, where you meet your guide and hop aboard a comfortable train. From there, the journey takes you through Letras de San Andres, a popular photo spot, and onward to the Casa Isleña Museum—a small but meaningful window into the island’s traditions and way of life. Here, you might pay a small entrance fee (around 20,000 COP) to explore exhibits about local culture which adds depth to your visit.

Visiting Morgan’s Cave and Natural Wonders

Next, the tour stops at Morgan’s Cave, famously linked to pirate legends, for a guided visit. While the entrance fee isn’t included, the cave’s stories and mysterious atmosphere often fascinate visitors. Then it’s time for a photo stop at the San Andrés sign, the perfect place to capture your trip’s memories.

One of the tour’s highlights is the natural Hoyo Soplador, a blowhole that shoots jets of water into the sky with each wave. Our guide will advise on whether it’s blowing that day, as it depends on surf conditions. It’s a natural spectacle that makes for incredible photos and a fun experience.

Panoramic Views and Relaxing Beaches

The tour also offers stops at West View or the Piscinita, both tranquil spots with clear waters perfect for some quick relaxation or photos. From there, you can see the stunning beaches of San Luis, a more secluded area where you can soak in the Caribbean beauty. The Calle de las Palmeras provides another memorable photo opportunity, capturing the iconic palm-lined road.

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Authentic Insights, Limited Time

Throughout the tour, your guide shares local insights in Spanish. While this might limit some non-Spanish speakers, it adds a layer of authenticity. The tour’s small group size and relaxed itinerary mean you can enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What Could Be Better?

Some reviews note that pick-up delays can happen—one traveler mentioned waiting over 45 minutes for pickup, which can be frustrating. Also, since some stops involve paying extra for entrance fees or drinks, it’s wise to budget a little extra if you wish to explore further.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re eager to see key highlights of San Andrés in a short time, enjoy photo opportunities, and prefer a guided experience that mixes history with natural beauty, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy music, relaxed pacing, and scenic views—perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a snapshot of the island’s essentials.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Starting at Muelle de la Policía

The tour kicks off at the police pier, an easy-to-find spot near the main port. This location is convenient for travelers arriving by ship or ferry, and it sets a casual, welcoming tone for the adventure ahead. Meeting your guide here means you’re immediately immersed in the local scene, ready for a fun exploration.

Exploring the Island House Museum

The visit to Casa Isleña offers a glimpse into the island’s past. Though the entrance fee isn’t included, this museum is a great way to understand local culture and traditions. It contains exhibits about everyday life, traditional crafts, and historical artifacts, giving context to the colorful stories you’ll hear throughout the tour.

Visiting Morgan’s Cave

Next comes Morgan’s Cave, steeped in pirate lore. Guides share stories of pirates and hidden treasures, making it an engaging stop for both history buffs and curious travelers. The guided tour here provides insight into the legends that surround the island’s coastline, even if you decide not to pay the extra fee to access the cave interior.

The Perfect Photo Stops

Stops at Letras de San Andres and Calle de las Palmeras are designed for capturing memorable photos. These spots are popular on social media and give your trip a visual boost—think colorful murals, lush palms, and tropical backdrops.

Relaxing at West View or Piscinita

Both locations are ideal for quick rest, swimming, or snapping photos of the crystal-clear waters. Entrance fees apply if you choose to go inside, but even just enjoying the view from outside is rewarding.

The Blowing Hole Experience

The Hoyo Soplador is the natural showstopper. If the ocean conditions allow, you’ll see jets of seawater shoot into the air—a rare, captivating sight. Your guide will explain the science behind it and when to expect the best display. Remember, it’s all about timing and luck, but even the anticipation adds to the fun.

End at the Port

The tour wraps up back at the starting point, leaving you with plenty of photos and memories of a lively, scenic day.

Pricing and Value Analysis

At $26 per person, this tour offers good value for a guided experience that includes transportation, multiple stops, and plenty of photo opportunities. While some entrance fees are optional and paid separately, the overall cost remains reasonable given the variety of sites covered in just four hours.

If you’re someone who appreciates local guides, storytelling, and scenic views without the hassle of renting a vehicle or planning each stop yourself, this tour is a smart choice. It’s all about convenience and seeing key highlights in a relaxed, musical atmosphere.

The Real Experience

Travelers have praised guides for their knowledge and friendliness, making the journey informative and enjoyable. One reviewer highlighted a guide named Edu as “educado, atencioso, calmo e tranquilo” (polite, attentive, calm, and tranquil). These personal touches can greatly enhance your overall experience.

It’s Not Perfect, but It’s Authentic

While some reports mention late pickups and waiting, these are minor inconveniences compared to the overall enjoyment of the tour. The stops are well-chosen, and the natural and cultural sights truly showcase what makes San Andrés special.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits travelers who want a quick, scenic overview of San Andrés with memorable photo stops and cultural insights. It’s ideal for those who enjoy guided tours, scenic vistas, and natural wonders like the Hoyo Soplador. If you’re okay with some optional extra costs for entrance fees and prefer an informal, fun atmosphere with music, this experience will deliver.

However, if you’re seeking a more in-depth, customizable exploration of the island, or have mobility issues, you might want to look for other options.

Final Thoughts

This train tour of San Andrés combines scenic beauty, cultural highlights, and a relaxed, friendly vibe—perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time. It’s a well-balanced experience that offers authentic moments and photo opportunities at a reasonable price.

You’ll love the way guides share stories and background in Spanish, adding local flavor, and how stops at sites like Morgan’s Cave and the blowhole create memorable highlights. The inclusion of music and fun makes the journey lively and engaging, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

While some minor delays can occur, the overall value and authenticity make this tour a worthwhile choice for those wanting a taste of San Andrés’s natural beauty and culture in just a few hours. It’s particularly well-suited for photo lovers, casual explorers, and anyone eager to experience the island’s essence without a complicated itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-Spanish speakers?
The guide speaks Spanish, so non-Spanish speakers might find it helpful to have a translation app or some basic knowledge. However, the scenery and sites are largely visual, so you can still enjoy the highlights.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, including travel time and stops. Make sure to check the availability for specific starting times.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for the Casa Isleña Museum and West View are extra. The museum costs about COP20,000, and West View about COP10,000, plus additional costs for drinks or activities.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera are a must. You might also want some cash for optional entrance fees or drinks at certain stops.

Is this tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to walking and uneven terrain at some stops.

What is the group size?
While the exact size isn’t specified, tours like this tend to be small groups, enhancing the personal experience and ease of interaction with guides.

To sum it up, this San Andrés train tour offers a lively, scenic, and culturally enriching snapshot of the island. It’s perfect for travelers seeking easy access, great photo spots, and local insights without the hassle of planning each stop. Cost-effective and memorable, it’s a wonderful way to grasp the essence of San Andrés in just a few hours.

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