San Andrés, Colombia

More than forty superb diving spots, some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and a deep blue sea that twinkles green and lilac in the sun. Throw smiling and generous people full of sabrosura into that mix, and these are just some of the charms of Providencia, Santa Catalina and San Andrés islands in the Colombian Caribbean.

Visitors delight in the crisp sea breeze, coconut-laden palms and white sandy beaches that frame the glorious sunsets on these paradise islands. The welcoming and carefree smiles of the islanders makes this the best place to spend a summer vacation.

San Andrés island sits 700km from the Colombian coast, a pearl in the ocean that combines the influence of Englishmen, Africans, Spaniards, pirates and corsairs in a culture full of sabrosura, that moves to the irresistible sound of reggae. It is the ideal place to dive, practice watersports and eco-tourism or just kick back and relax.

Excited visitors first spot San Andres’s famous sea of seven colors from the airplane before diving in to discover the colorful fish and corals. Following a morning on the beach, and an afternoon wandering the island’s fabulous duty free shopping, the night comes alive with music and dance, completing a perfect day in the ideal place to enjoy a Caribbean vacation.

Vacations in San Andrés are full of excitement and adventure. Visitors can explore a pirate’s cave, dive down to the coral reef or shop for fantastic bargains. They’ll certainly hear the islanders speaking in creole, a mixture of Elizabethan English, Spanish, and African dialects. They speak modern English and Spanish too.

The bringing together of diverse cultures that makes San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina so fascinating has left its mark on the islands’ music. Both night and day are brought to life by the beats of reggae, reggaeton, raga, soca, calypso, merengue, salsa and vallenato. All are the sounds of the land of sabrosura.