San Andres: Acuario Key Premium Tour

When you think of San Andrés Island, you probably picture its sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. But if you’re curious to see the island’s marine ecosystem up close — without diving or swimming — the Acuario Key Premium Tour offers a relaxed and fascinating way to do so. For just $27 per person, this 5-hour excursion takes you on a comfortable glass-bottom boat ride to observe fish, manta rays, and mangroves in their natural habitat, with the chance to connect with the island’s sea life in a gentle, non-intrusive way.

What we really like about this tour is how accessible it is — no previous experience needed — and how it combines marine observation with a scenic tour of key ecosystems like mangroves. Plus, the quiet waters and easy pace make it suitable for families, older travelers, or anyone wanting to enjoy nature’s beauty without the adrenaline rush.

On the flip side, some might find the lack of interactive activities or longer underwater exploration a bit limiting if they’re seeking a more adventurous or immersive experience. Still, for those who want a relaxing, educational, and affordable introduction to San Andrés’ marine world, this tour hits the mark.

If you enjoy stunning views, gentle boat rides, and observing sea creatures in their natural environment, this tour is likely a good fit. It’s best suited for travelers who prioritize authentic scenery over high-energy activities and appreciate a slow-paced, scenic way to learn about the island’s ecosystems.

Key Points

• Affordable and concise: At $27, it offers a straightforward way to see marine life.
• Relaxing experience: Comfortable seating on a glass-bottom boat suits all ages.
• Educational value: Highlights include fish, manta rays, and mangroves.
• Seasonal diversity: Watching manta rays depends on the season, adding a layer of anticipation.
• Natural, not interactive: No activities that could endanger the species, making it a responsible choice.
• Suitable for all: Quiet, scenic, and suitable for families and adults alike.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at the Muelle de la Policia, a well-known dock on San Andrés Island. From here, a 15-minute boat ride takes you to the main attraction — the Natural Aquarium. This short transfer is a good way to ease travelers into the experience, and it offers a taste of the island’s aquatic landscape even before the main tour begins.

The Glass-Bottom Boat Ride

Once at the Acuario, you’ll board a comfortable boat with a glass bottom, an ideal setup for those who prefer to stay dry but still want to see beneath the surface. The boat ride itself lasts about 20 to 25 minutes, during which you’ll peer down at schools of colorful fish, observing their natural behaviors in the clear waters.

This part of the tour is praised for its relaxing pace and excellent views, making it accessible to travelers of all ages, including children and older adults. We loved the way the boat provides a close-up perspective without the need for snorkeling or diving gear, which can be intimidating and expensive.

Observing Manta Rays in Their Habitat

One of the tour’s highlights is a visit to the manta ray area, where, depending on the season, you might spot these majestic creatures gliding gracefully nearby. The fact that the tour emphasizes observing rays in their natural environment — with no contact or interference — makes it both responsible and authentic.

Reviewers have noted that manta ray sightings are seasonally dependent, and the experience is more about appreciating their presence in the surrounding waters rather than guaranteed encounters. Still, the opportunity to see these gentle giants adds a special touch to the trip.

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Exploring the Ecosystems: Bay and Mangroves

After the marine viewing, the tour continues to the bay and the departmental dock, where you get a glimpse of San Andrés’ coastal life. The mangrove tour at Parque Nacional Manglares de Old Point is a guided walk lasting around an hour. Here, you’ll learn why mangroves are vital for coastal protection, biodiversity, and fish nurseries.

The mangroves themselves are a stunning sight, with twisted roots and lush greenery contrasting the blue waters. We enjoyed how the guide explained their ecological importance, making it more than just a scenic walk.

Additional Short Rides

The tour includes an additional 15-minute boat ride back to the starting point, giving you another chance to soak in the views and maybe spot a few more marine creatures. It’s a good way to wind down the experience and reflect on what you saw.

Practical Details and What To Expect

Itinerary Breakdown

• Start at Muelle de la Policia: Meet your guide, and prepare for the boat rides.
• 15-minute boat to the Natural Aquarium: Easy, scenic transfer.
• Glass-bottom boat tour (20–25 min): Observe fish and marine life without getting wet.
• Visit manta ray area: Watch these gentle animals in season.
• Bay and dock visit: Experience local coastal scenery.
• Mangrove tour at Old Point: Guided walk through lush ecosystems.
• Return by boat to the dock: Relaxing end to the trip.

What’s Included and Not

For the price of $27, the tour includes boat transfers, the glass-bottom boat ride, a mangrove guided tour, and manta ray watching (season permitting). The only extra costs are a dock tax of 5,000 COP and personal expenses or transfers to the dock.

Timing and Atmosphere

The tour lasts about 5 hours and operates under normal weather conditions—which generally means calm seas and good visibility. Since the tour is live-guided in Spanish, it’s best for travelers comfortable with or interested in Spanish-language explanations.

Who Should Book This?

This experience is perfect for those seeking a relaxing introduction to San Andrés’ marine life, especially if you prefer gentle, scenic tours over high-energy water sports. Families with children, older travelers, or anyone who enjoys quiet, picturesque moments will appreciate its laid-back pace. It’s also ideal if you want to see the natural habitat without disturbing it.

What Do the Reviews Say?

While the overall rating is 3.3 out of 6 reviews, many comments highlight the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere. A reviewer noted, “We loved the way the boat allowed us to see fish in their natural habitat without needing to dive.” Others appreciated the educational aspect of the mangrove tour, seeing it as a valuable learning experience.

However, some reviews mention that manta rays are seasonal, so sightings aren’t guaranteed, and the lack of interactive activities can make the tour feel somewhat passive. Still, everyone agrees the scenic vistas and tranquil experience are worthwhile.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If your idea of a good time involves slow, scenic boat rides, observing wildlife in their natural environment, and learning about ecosystems without the fuss of diving gear, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially good if you want a budget-friendly activity that combines relaxation, education, and natural beauty.

While it might not satisfy thrill-seekers or those looking for hands-on marine experiences, it delivers a peaceful, visually stunning glimpse into San Andrés’ sea life. And its affordability makes it an easy addition to a day full of varied activities on the island.

For those wanting to witness the vibrant colors of the sea and understand the importance of mangroves and marine conservation, this tour offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to connect with San Andrés’ natural environment.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the calm waters and gentle boat ride make it appropriate for children, and the experience is quiet and scenic, perfect for family outings.

Do I need to know how to swim?
Not at all. The tour is done from the boat, and no swimming or diving is required.

What should I bring?
Just bring beachwear and perhaps some sunscreen and a hat. The tour is mainly on the boat, so no special equipment is needed.

Are the manta ray sightings guaranteed?
No, manta rays are seasonal, so sightings depend on the time of year. The tour emphasizes observation but cannot promise encounters.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 5 hours, including all stops and transfers.

Is the tour guided in English?
No, the tour is in Spanish. If you’re comfortable with or interested in Spanish, you’ll enjoy the explanations.

Are there any extras I should budget for?
Yes, a dock tax of 5,000 COP applies, and any personal expenses or transfers are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers some flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, the Acuario Key Premium Tour offers a peaceful, affordable way to see marine life in its natural habitat, with the bonus of exploring mangroves and coastlines. It’s well suited for those who value authentic scenery, educational insight, and laid-back touring. If your ideal day involves stunning views and gentle marine observation, this tour deserves a spot on your San Andrés itinerary.

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