A Complete Look at the Full Day Marine Tour in San Andres

Imagine spending a day cruising along San Andres’s beautiful coastline, stopping at over seven different spots where you can snorkel, relax, and soak in the vibrant marine environment. For just $36 per person, this approximately 7-hour tour offers a fun, social, and visually stunning experience. The tour includes group discounts and a mobile ticket, making it both flexible and budget-friendly.

What truly stands out are the variety of snorkeling sites—from mangrove forests to manta ray encounters—and the lively, upbeat atmosphere that the guides help foster. Two things we particularly like: the informative guides, who share insights about the local flora and fauna, and the cocktail of music and social vibe that makes the day feel more like a Caribbean party than just a tour.

A potential consideration? The lunch is not included in the price, so you’ll want to budget for that. Also, if you’re looking for an intense snorkeling adventure, some reviews suggest that the experience leans more toward socializing and party spots than pure marine exploration. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy laid-back days, good company, and lively environments, rather than those seeking a deep, solitary underwater experience.

If you’re someone who loves beautiful waters, engaging guides, and social atmospheres, this trip could be a highlight of your stay. It’s especially good for first-timers to San Andres or those wanting a relaxed day on the water with friends or family.

Key Points

Variety of Stops: Over seven different marine sites, from mangroves to manta rays.
Cost-Effective: Affordable at $36, with options for group discounts and mobile tickets.
Lively Atmosphere: Music, social spots, floating bars, and festive vibes.
Informative Guides: Guides share insights about flora and fauna, making the tour educational.
Snorkeling Focus: Multiple snorkeling stops, including shallow and deeper sites.
Food & Drink: Drinks are included; lunch is optional and paid separately.

Planning more time in San Andres? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

The Full Experience: What to Expect on This Marine Tour

When we think about San Andres, the first images that come to mind are of crystal-clear waters, colorful fish, and a lively Caribbean spirit. This tour captures that essence perfectly, blending relaxation, exploration, and social fun in a way that suits many travelers.

The Starting Point and Overall Atmosphere

The tour begins at the Diajuan 2 Av. Newball, near the port, at around 10:00 am. From there, a small, comfortable boat—capped at just 16 travelers—sets out on a leisurely cruise. The smaller group size is an immediate perk, providing a more intimate experience and better interaction with guides.

The boat is equipped with full HD music and an icebox with 24 canned beers available for the group, making it clear from the start that this trip favors fun and a relaxed vibe. Guides like Freddy and Henry come highly recommended for their friendly, accommodating attitudes, often going above and beyond to ensure everyone has a memorable day.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Visit and Why It Matters

Stop 1: Old Point Red Mangroves

The journey kicks off inside the Old Point Red Mangroves, a lush, water-surrounded sanctuary. The guides share insights into the local flora and fauna, and you’ll get the chance to snap photos at “El Ojo,” a striking mural by artist Jota.

This first stop is both scenic and educational, offering a gentle introduction to the island’s mangrove ecosystem. It’s a good way to start the day, easing into the water and getting comfortable. Reviewers note that the mangrove tour is quite nice, especially for nature lovers.

Stop 2: Manawar Point and Second Snorkel Spot

Next, the boat glides to Manawar Point, a lively area famous for its seagulls and natural beauty. Here, you’ll snorkel among colorful fish, starfish, and sea cucumbers. The bathroom stop is convenient, and the snorkeling is generally praised for the variety of marine life—though some mention that the fish are sometimes baited with food, which might affect how natural the experience feels.

One reviewer recalls, “There were plenty of adult beverages and we enjoyed our lunch at Bibis,” but also notes that the mangrove and snorkeling spots are the real highlights.

Stop 3: Mundo Marino

This is the main snorkeling highlight—a site named for its diverse marine fauna. With water around 3 meters deep, it gives you a chance to see a variety of tropical fish. The life jackets are provided for safety, and many travelers say this part feels like the true heart of the tour. It’s a place to marvel at the beauty of Caribbean waters and the creatures that inhabit them.

One guest shared, “The places where we stopped for a swim and snorkel were spectacular,” reinforcing that this spot is a highlight.

Lunch Break: Cayo Acuario

The next stop is Bibi’s Place on Haines Cay, where a paradisiacal restaurant awaits. Lunch isn’t included in the tour price, so each person pays separately. Reviewers suggest that the food is decent but not extraordinary, and some mention that the rustic setting might not appeal to everyone. Still, the location is stunning, and many appreciate the opportunity to relax and enjoy Caribbean flavors.

Instagram Beach and Manta Rays

After lunch, the boat heads to Instagram Beach, an ideal spot for photos and soaking up the sun. The clear waters here are perfect for snapping stunning pictures, and there’s a chance to see manta rays swimming nearby. Swimmers can cautiously float alongside these gentle giants—remember, no touching or grabbing.

Reviewers describe this as a magical, Instagram-worthy place, with the added thrill of seeing manta rays in their natural habitat.

Final Stop: Ibiza and Raizal Floating Bars

The tour wraps up at the White Watta, home to floating bars like Ibiza and Raizal. This lively spot offers music, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere—an excellent way to end the day. Many guests mention that the music and social vibe make for an unforgettable finish.

Guides, Music, and Atmosphere

Throughout the day, guides like Freddy and Luis are praised for their friendly, informative, and sometimes humorous manner. They often share interesting facts about the marine environment, enhancing the snorkeling experience.

The music on board—aligned with current hits—adds to the festive Caribbean spirit, making the trip feel more like a celebration of the island’s lively vibe rather than just a tour.

While you're exploring San Andres, here are other experiences we've looked into

Practical Details and What to Bring

Snorkeling Equipment: Not included, so bring your own masks and snorkels—many reviews mention that bringing your own improves the experience.
Alcoholic Beverages: Included, with 24 canned beers for the group.
Lunch: Not included, so plan to pay separately at Bibi’s Place.
Group Size: A maximum of 16 travelers, which keeps the atmosphere intimate.
Timing: Tour starts at 10:00 am and ends back at the original meeting point.
Accessibility: Near public transportation, with good weather being essential for the best experience.

What We Love About This Tour

The variety of stops offers a rich snapshot of San Andres’s marine environment, from mangroves to manta rays. The small group setting keeps things cozy and manageable, while the music and drinks foster a fun, social environment. Many travelers appreciated the guides’ friendliness and their ability to share insights in both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible and engaging.

Another big plus is the visual beauty—the clear waters, vibrant fish, and photogenic beaches make this tour a feast for the eyes. The opportunity to swim with manta rays is a highlight for many, creating memories that last.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

Some reviews mention that the snorkeling spots sometimes feel more like party spots rather than pristine marine sanctuaries, which could be a turnoff for those seeking a more serious underwater adventure. Also, since lunch is not included, you’ll need to budget extra and find a place to eat, which might add a little planning to your day.

Another point: some travelers found the food at the lunch stop to be less satisfying, and the rustic facilities might not meet everyone’s expectations.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who loves good company, lively atmospheres, and beautiful waters, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors to San Andres, families, and groups looking for a relaxed, social day on the water. However, if you’re seeking deep marine exploration or quiet snorkeling, you might find this tour a bit party-heavy.

This experience offers a blend of sightseeing, socializing, and fun, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy the Caribbean colors and a festive environment without the hassle of planning multiple stops.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children from 0 to 1 year old are free, and those 2 and older pay the normal rate. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly outing, especially if the kids enjoy water and a lively atmosphere.

What’s included in the price?
You get alcoholic beverages (24 canned beers), life jackets, and music on board. Snorkeling equipment isn’t provided, so bring your own. The tour itself lasts about 7 hours, starting at 10:00 am.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
Yes, due to biosafety protocols, you should bring your own masks and snorkels for the activity, as equipment is not supplied.

Can I buy food on the tour?
Lunch isn’t included and needs to be paid for separately at Bibi’s Place on Haines Cay. Many reviews mention that the food is decent but rustic, so you might want to bring snacks or extra drinks.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled because of bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people will be on the boat?
A maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and easier interaction with guides.

Is the tour bilingual?
Guides generally speak both Spanish and English. The reviews note that the captain spoke only Spanish that day, but the guides are accommodating and helpful.

Where does the tour start and end?
At Diajuan 2 Av. Newball, near the port, and it returns to the same spot.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less than 24 hours, and the fee isn’t refundable.

Final Thoughts

This full-day marine tour in San Andres provides a lively, scenic, and social way to experience the island’s marine environment. It’s best suited for travelers who want a fun, relaxed day with plenty of opportunities to snap photos, enjoy drinks, and see marine creatures like manta rays and tropical fish. The small group size and enthusiastic guides make it a standout choice for those looking for authenticity and a touch of Caribbean party spirit.

While it might not satisfy those craving serious snorkeling or pristine solitude, the combination of stunning waters, engaging guides, and lively stops makes it a worthwhile addition to your San Andres trip, especially if you value good value and authentic local atmosphere.