Island paradise: The most beautiful islands in Colombia and the Caribbean, a title that promises beautiful landscapes and lots of useful information for spending a season in Eden.
Just look at a map and you'll be able to imagine the natural beauty of a country in that geographical location: between seas and mountains, close to the equator. Colombia has many islands, but we'll choose just a few, the most beautiful ones.
San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina
Let's start San Andrés, one of the most popular destinations among visitors. It is a Caribbean paradise of just 26 square kilometers in area that combines nature and history. Even with this surface area It is the largest island in the archipelago of volcanic origin that is composed with its sisters, Santa Catalina and Providencia.
Pirates, corsairs and various sailors have set foot on its beaches, among them the famous Henry Morgan, Welsh adventurer and filibuster. Saint Andrew It is 637 kilometers from the continent and its profile is decorated with keys, bays and points.
The climate of San Andrés is always among the 26ºC and 31ºC and its economy is based on the tourism and commerce (of fish and shellfish, but also of fruits).
Its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters are a magnet, especially the most popular of all, the Spratt Bright Beach which is the best place to do water sports, diving and snorkelling. And the underwater world of San Andrés is beautiful because it is surrounded by a coral reef with shipwrecks, sea turtles and colorful fish.
In fact, if you don't snorkel or dive you can always visit the aquarium and Johnny Cay. As for history, the must-do walk is along the historic district known by the name of The Hill, with its traditional cottages and panoramic views of the island. Here you can also sample the unique flavours of the local cuisine, a melting pot of cultures.
For his part, heProvidencia Island is the smallest, with an area of 17 square kilometers. Its turquoise waters, its beaches and its great marine life are something unbelievable. Here there is also corals, sea turtles and tropical fish.
And it is not lacking in culture and history either, as it is the birthplace of the Raizal, an indigenous people who maintain their language, traditions and cuisine. In addition, it is Peak, the highest point on the island from which you have the best views.
Views that, in addition to beaches and sea, are made up of lush forests with many birds and even a mangrove swamp. The best option is to walk or rent a kayak to explore the calm waters, small beaches and hidden coves.
San Bernardo Islands
These are islands located in the Caribbean Sea, ten in total, ideal if you are looking for a quieter getaway. diez islands are in an area of around 20 square kilometers in surface, about 80 kilometers southwest of the city of Cartagena.
Some of these islands are inhabited and others are not, and are protected areas. The most important ones in the archipelago are those we will describe below. Santa Cruz del Islet is the most famous, Many people live here, although it is narrow.
La Múcura Island It has crystal clear waters and white beaches, with many resorts and the possibility of kayaking, diving and snorkelling. It is followed by Isla Tintipán, super quiet and beautiful, although there are also resorts and various activities.
Other islands are Palm, Panda, Mangrove, Marvel, Ceycen, Roots, Anchovy.
Colombian islands in the Pacific
Colombia also has a few islands in the Pacific Ocean, not just in the Caribbean. Among the most famous islands are Gorgona Island and Malpelo Island.
La Gorgona Island It is the most famous, located just 45 kilometers from the mainland coast. It is since 1984 a Natural reserve of great biodiversity and natural landscapes. It has rainforests, spectacular beaches and a magical underwater world.
Gorgona is perfect for nature lovers, all The island is a World Heritage Site, everything is protected, land and surrounding sea, and tours are guided. You can go diving and snorkeling, see dolphins, martin turtles, walk among monkeys, jaguars and rare and fascinating birds.
Gorgona also has history, It has been a prison and there are ruins of these buildings that can be visited. For its part, the Malpelo Island It is of volcanic origin and It is 500 kilometers from the coast.
Malpelo also has a rich underwater life with manta rays, sharks and other species. As it is further away and access is restricted, it is a special place with very lively flora and fauna. There are guided tours and they all start from the towns of Tumaco and Buenaventura, which usually last several days.
Islands closer to Cartagena
If you are visiting Cartagena, a colonial city that has many attractions in itself (especially in the historic center), you can skip to some islands without going into the ones we have mentioned so far.
The closest islands to Cartagena are Baru and the Rosario Islands.. Barú is just 45 minutes by boat from the city. It has beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. The most famous beach is the Playa Blanca, with its picture-postcard palm trees. Obviously, it offers a good range of water sports.
For its part, The Rosario Islands are a group of 27 islands located about 35 kilometers from CartagenaThey are beautiful islands, with coral reefs, a true paradise.
On some of these islands There are resorts and hotels, so it is a popular destination for Cartagena tourism agencies.
In summary, the best of our Island paradise: The best islands in Colombia and the Caribbean They are the islands of San Andrés, Providencia, San Bernardo, the Pacific islands and those closest to the city of Cartagena.
The truth is that Colombia is a great country for tourism that combines history, culture and nature. The ideal is to visit Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena, and then choose an island destination to relax, relax and relax. All you have to do is go to a travel agency or plan from home, check what they offer in relation to your tastes and that's it, go on an adventure.