San Andrés Bay Private Marine Safari Tour: A Detailed Review

Imagine cruising through the crystal-clear waters of San Andrés, surrounded by vibrant marine life, mangroves, and idyllic islands—all from the comfort of your own private vessel. For about $290 per group (up to five people), you can spend roughly 6.5 hours exploring some of the most picturesque spots around this Caribbean paradise. Led by friendly guides like Jorge and Sebastian, this tour offers a mix of relaxing stops, snorkeling adventures, and fun floating accessories like the Water Mat.

What we particularly love about this experience is how flexible it is—you’re not just on a scripted route but on a private vessel where your group can customize the stops, swim to your heart’s content, and take stunning drone photos (when available). The tour balances adventure, relaxation, and excellent value, making it suitable for families, friends, or anyone celebrating a special day like a birthday.

One consideration is that drone photos are temporarily unavailable from May 19 to June 2025 due to equipment maintenance, so if capturing aerial shots is a must, plan accordingly. Also, since the guides generally don’t speak English, this may be a challenge for non-Spanish speakers unless you arrange in advance.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate authentic, scenic experiences with a touch of luxury and personalized service. If you love marine environments, beautiful islands, and relaxed days on the water, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

Private and customizable: The tour is exclusive to your group, allowing for flexibility in stops and activities.
Stunning scenery and marine life: Snorkel at Haynes Cay, see Rocky Cay’s shipwreck, and walk through mangroves—each spot offers unique natural beauty.
Comfort and luxury: High-end vessels equipped with floating mats and the option for drone photos (when permitted).
All-day value: With multiple stops, drinks, and snorkeling gear included, the experience offers excellent value for a private boat tour.
Limited English: Guides may not speak English fluently, so some communication could be a challenge.
No drone photos May-June 2025: Keep this in mind if aerial shots are on your must-have list.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

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Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at Muelle de la policia in San Andrés at 10:30 am—an accessible spot near public transit and easy to reach. The entire experience lasts about 6.5 hours, giving you ample time to explore each stop without feeling rushed. The group size is capped at five, ensuring a personalized and relaxed atmosphere, which many reviewers appreciate.

Booking well in advance—about 16 days ahead—seems to be the norm, indicating high demand for this popular tour. The cost of $290 per group is quite reasonable considering the length and inclusions, especially when you factor in the private nature, drinks, snorkeling gear, and floating accessories.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Walk through the Mangroves at Old Point Regional Park

Your journey kicks off with a visit to this flora and fauna sanctuary on San Andrés’ east side. Here, you get to see mussels, crabs, iguanas, and migratory birds in their natural habitat. It’s a peaceful way to start the day, and many reviews mention how the guides are attentive and eager to share details about the ecosystem. It’s a gentle introduction that sets a scenic tone for the trip.

“El Palito” and the Tiki Bar

Next, you’ll stop at the “Palito” beach area, famous for its white sand and the iconic floating Tiki Bar. Here, you can swim, snorkel, or lounge on the floating mat, which was a big hit among guests. One reviewer called this a “must-do” on the island, praising the opportunity to float and relax in crystal waters.

Rocky Cay and Cayo Rocky Cay

A visit to the wreck of the “Nicodemus”—the ship owned by Aristotle Onassis that ran aground here—is both a cultural landmark and a marine habitat. You might enjoy hearing how this vessel has become a part of the island’s history and ecosystem, hosting various marine species. The rocky cay offers a picturesque setting for photos and snorkeling.

Snorkeling at Haynes Cay (Cayo Acuario)

One of the highlights is the stop at Haynes Cay, often called the “Aquarium” for good reason. Surrounded by coral, stone, and crystal-clear waters, it’s a paradise for snorkeling. You’ll see a kaleidoscope of colorful fish and marine flora, making it an ideal spot to cool off from the sun and learn about underwater life.

You’ll love the way the water’s clarity makes it easy to see the vibrant fish, as one guest put it, “it’s a wonder for the senses.” Bring your own snacks or purchase food on the island for a leisurely lunch, since it’s not included in the tour.

Rose Cay (Instagram Beach)

Adjacent to Haynes Cay is Rose Cay, or “Instagram Beach,” known for its almost walk-on water sandy banks. It’s a favorite for photos, particularly with the white sand and shallow waters, and offers a relaxed environment for snorkelers and swimmers alike.

Sea World and Marine Snorkeling

The boat anchors at a designated snorkeling spot in Sea World, where you can admire marine fauna and flora ranging from small fish to larger sea creatures. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, you can simply relax on the boat or float on the Water Mat.

White Wata — The Final Stop

The tour ends at White Wata, a crystal-clear water area teeming with floating bars, floating mats, and plenty of space to unwind. Many guests use this last stop to enjoy drinks, swim, or just soak up the Caribbean sun in a tranquil setting.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes bottled water, beers, cava with ice, floating mats, snorkeling masks (not snorkel), and, on occasion, drone photos—though drone photography is temporarily unavailable from May to June 2025. You can bring your own drinks and snacks, and lunch can be purchased on the islands or brought along.

Not included are the dock fee at the pier and lunch, which many find reasonable given the overall experience. The tour is a private activity, so your group will have the vessel, guides, and stops tailored to your preferences.

The Guides and Guest Feedback

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides like Jorge and Sebastian for their attentiveness and friendliness. One reviewer highlighted how they “were very attentive with us the entire day and fun,” which enhances the feeling of a personalized experience.

However, some mention language barriers—most guides do not speak English fluently, so if you don’t speak Spanish, it’s worth preparing some basic phrases or arranging in advance. Still, many reviews stress that the guides are helpful and accommodating, even if communication involves some effort.

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The Pros and Cons

Pros:

Private, flexible itinerary tailored to your interests
Multiple scenic stops with opportunities for swimming and snorkeling
High-end vessels with floating mats and photo opportunities
Friendly guides providing attentive service
Good value considering the duration and inclusions

Cons:

Language barrier for non-Spanish speakers
Drone photos are unavailable during May-June 2025
No included lunch, so you’ll need to plan for food
Some may find the tour’s pace slow if they prefer more adrenaline or adventure

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re traveling with a small group who enjoys relaxed, scenic days on the water, and want the comfort of a private vessel, this tour is a winner. It’s especially good if you’re celebrating a special occasion, like a birthday or a romantic getaway, thanks to its intimate setting and customizable stops.

Those who value marine environments, underwater photo opportunities, and a luxurious yet laid-back vibe will find plenty to love. On the flip side, if you’re a solo traveler or prefer guided tours with English-speaking guides, you might want to explore other options or prepare for some language hurdles.

The Sum Up

The San Andrés Bay Private Marine Safari Tour offers a well-rounded, personalized way to experience the island’s best natural sights from the comfort of your own boat. With its combination of mangrove walks, snorkeling, island stops, and floating mats, the tour balances adventure with relaxation — all within a private setting that ensures a peaceful day. The knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery make this a memorable choice for those seeking an authentic, luxurious Caribbean experience.

While the language barrier and the temporary drone photo blackout are considerations, they don’t overshadow the overall value and charm of this tour. It’s an excellent fit for small groups who want to explore at their own pace, enjoy the marine environment, and capture beautiful photos—when permitted.

If you’re after a calm, scenic, and personalized day on the water, this tour should be at the top of your list. Just remember to bring your camera, some snacks, and a sense of adventure—and you’ll leave with plenty of stories to tell.

FAQs

Is this a private tour?
Yes. Only your group will participate, making it a personalized experience.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, covering multiple stops and activities.

What’s included in the tour?
Bottled water, beers, cava with ice, floating mats, snorkeling masks, and, when possible, drone photos.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but you can buy food on the islands or bring your own.

Can I bring extra drinks or snacks?
Yes, you’re encouraged to bring additional drinks and snacks to enjoy during the day.

Do guides speak English?
Most guides are not fluent in English, so some communication may be in Spanish.

What if drone photos are not available?
Drone shots are taken after 4 pm when weather and authorities permit. During May-June 2025, drone photos are temporarily unavailable.

Is there a dock fee?
Yes, there is a dock fee at the pier, which is not included in the tour price.

This private marine safari combines scenic beauty, marine exploration, and luxurious comfort, making it a memorable way to see San Andrés. Whether you’re celebrating or simply craving a peaceful day on the water, it delivers a well-balanced Caribbean adventure.