Colombia is a country known for its beautiful landscape and great diversity, which definitely makes it one of the most popular South American destinations for travelers all year around. Everyone wants to learn about new cultures and traditions and Colombia is famous for being home to some of the nicest and friendliest people in the world, thus the country has become the perfect getaway to find a perfect vacation. Here in Royal Holiday we always bring you the most beautiful islands to discover and this time is no exception. When we talk about islands in Colombia, we mean business. These are some of the most perfect spots to rest and enjoy the sweet weather, the music, the parties, the local food and drinks and the amazing sandy beaches with the clearest possible water.
Colombia is quite privileged by having coasts in both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific. This means any beaches and quite a few islands as well. On the Atlantic heading Northwest for about 740 km away from Cartagena, you will find San Andrés Islands and Islas del Rosario. If you opt for the Pacific, you can find Gorgona Island, Isla Fuerte and Barú amongst others. Islands on the Atlantic are usually the most visited by travelers, but both regions offer great opportunities to be amazed and have the vacation of a lifetime.
San Andrés and Providencia
San Andres Islands gather all splendor of life. Their forests, keys, coral reef ecosystem and wild birds are just some of the things that make up this magical place. It is worth mentioning that this place is quite popular for SCUBA diving, probably one of the best places in Colombia to see some of the most diverse marine life. San Andrés has some of the clearest and cleanest waters present in many shades of blue, something that has given its ocean the nickname “El mar de los siete colores” (The Sea of the Seven Colors). San Andrés traditional dish is made up of fresh whole fish, coconut rice, fried plantains, pork and yucca; a hearty feast considered exquisite by many.
Visiting the island requires to make time in order to explore all of its corners and witness the remnants of its rich history displayed in ancient abandoned boats, natural aquariums and more.
Cabeza de Morgan: This giant rock has the appearance of a human head. These are the ruins of what many believe it was a hiding spot for pirate treasures, more specifically Morgan, the infamous pirate. You may reach the place on foot or by boat.
Museum House of the Island: This small museum shows how the different traditions of the island’s inhabitants have changed through the years. When you enter the place, local dancers will greet you and welcome and entertain the public with their attire and upbeat movements. Inside the museum you will find several collections about the local culture, heritage and important personalities who have lived in the island and some mementos left behind by them. The museum not only offers an insider’s look into the local culture, but also the opportunity to try some of the local cuisine. The hours of operation are from Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The Aquarium: This place is not your usual aquarium. Coral reef and some of the most beautiful fish of every color you can imagine surround this beautiful key. The aquarium has no enclosures and the fish come and go as they place. The place is located about 40 minutes from the streets of San Andrés and can only be reached by boat. Out of all the attractions in San Andrés, this is probably one of the most popular ones, as people love swimming among the fish and observe the beautiful underwater world filled with life.
Isla Gorgona
Gorgona has one of the most unique and unmatched ecosystems in the whole world. The island holds great wonders in natural history. One of the main things that bring people to see Gorgona, is the amazing views from the beach and the breathtaking jungle that goes uninterrupted from the highest peaks all the way to the beach and meets the ocean. In Gorgona you can find animal species that can only be seen in the most humid of tropical regions as well as unique coral reef formation, seabirds, dolphins and humpback whales. The main spots for visitors on the island are Playa Blanca, Playa Pizarro, La Azufrada, playa Yundigua and The Old Pier.
Barú
Image courtesy of Jessie Rivera at Flickr.com
This is one of the main spots near Cartagena. The place has beautiful white sand, clear waters and mangroves filled with coral reef. Barú is separated from the continent by the Canal del Dique, a 118 km canal connecting Cartagena Bay (at the town of Pasacaballos) to the Magdalena River in the Bolívar Department in northern Colombia. More than forty thousand slaves built the canal during the times of the Spanish rule. The island has some beautiful beaches and amongst them you can find Punta Iguana, Puerto Naito, Playa Blanca, la Playita de Cholón, Playita de los Muertos y Playa Bobo. Local food and drinks are abundant and diverse in the many stands that you can find all around the beach.
