Beyond the untamed landscapes and Spanish Colonial heritage of Colombia’s mainland, coral islands beckon. For visitors looking beyond the country’s highlights, these gems offer a one-of-a-kind experience, especially for beachgoers, restless travelers, and scuba divers who yearn for off-the-beaten-path adventure.
## An Extended Exploration of Colombia’s Enchanting Islands: A Detailed Itinerary
Colombia, a nation blessed with both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, boasts a captivating collection of offshore islands, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. While the number of islands might seem relatively modest compared to the vastness of the country, the diversity and beauty of these island gems are truly remarkable. From vibrant coral reefs to secluded beaches and rich cultural heritage, Colombia’s islands beckon travelers with promises of adventure, relaxation, and discovery.
The **Islas del Rosario**, a cluster of idyllic islands near **Cartagena**, present an ideal opportunity for a day trip or a longer stay. The pristine waters surrounding these islands teem with marine life, making them a haven for snorkeling enthusiasts. Imagine yourself gliding through crystal-clear waters, observing colorful fish darting amongst the coral formations. Further north, the captivating twin isles of **San Andrés** and **Providencia** offer a delightful blend of relaxation and cultural immersion. These islands, adorned with long stretches of powdery white sand, are a beloved vacation destination for Colombians. Beyond their natural beauty, San Andrés and Providencia are home to the Afro-Caribbean Raizal culture, adding a unique and vibrant dimension to the island experience. Prepare to be captivated by the colorful architecture, rhythmic music, and warm hospitality of the Raizal people. On the Pacific coast, the rugged **Isla Malpelo** emerges as a world-renowned scuba-diving site, attracting experienced divers from around the globe. Its pristine waters are teeming with marine life, offering unparalleled opportunities to encounter sharks, rays, and a myriad of other underwater wonders. Nearby, **Isla Gorgona** presents a different kind of spectacle: the majestic presence of migrating whales. Witness these gentle giants of the ocean as they breach the surface, their immense forms a testament to the power and beauty of nature.
For avid island enthusiasts, the prospect of visiting all three island clusters might prove irresistible. However, it’s important to note that accessibility varies significantly among the islands. The **Islas del Rosario** and the neighboring **Archipiélago de San Bernardo** are conveniently connected by boat, allowing for easy island-hopping adventures. In contrast, **San Andrés** and **Providencia** are situated off the coast of Nicaragua, requiring a 90-minute flight from **Cartagena**. The remote location of **Isla Malpelo** and **Isla Gorgona** in Colombia’s southern Pacific further complicates access, demanding careful planning and logistical considerations.
Therefore, travelers may choose to curate their island itinerary, selecting the destinations that best align with their interests and preferences. But if the allure of experiencing all these unique island paradises proves too strong to resist, the following itinerary offers a comprehensive guide to an unforgettable island-hopping adventure, beginning in the vibrant city of Cartagena. Before embarking on your island adventure, take the time to immerse yourself in the historical charm and cultural richness of Cartagena. Wander through its cobblestone streets, admire the colorful colonial architecture, and soak in the lively atmosphere of this captivating city.
## Day 1: Unveiling the Beauty of Isla Grande
The beaches surrounding Cartagena, while convenient, may not offer the pristine beauty that many island enthusiasts seek. To experience the true essence of Caribbean paradise, a two-day excursion to the **Islas del Rosario** is highly recommended. Officially designated as **Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario**, this archipelago comprises 27 exquisite coral islands scattered across 463 square miles of turquoise waters, approximately 30 miles southwest of Cartagena. **Isla Grande**, the largest island in the Rosario archipelago, offers a range of lodging options, catering to various budgets and preferences.
With three-quarters of Colombia’s coral reefs located within the Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario, snorkeling is an absolute must. Before your arrival, be sure to pack your snorkeling gear to take full advantage of the underwater wonders that await. A particularly captivating snorkeling spot lies near the wreck of a plane, submerged just offshore of Pablo Escobar’s abandoned vacation mansion. The hotels on Isla Grande typically offer snorkeling trips and provide guests with fins and masks. Complement your snorkeling adventures with a visit to the **Oceanário**, a seawater aquarium showcasing a diverse array of marine creatures, including rays and marine turtles. Witness the intelligence and agility of dolphins as they perform captivating leaps and tricks during scheduled shows.
For a different perspective on the island’s natural beauty, embark on a canoe trip through the intricate mangrove tunnels. As you paddle through the calm waters, keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife and other wildlife that inhabit this unique ecosystem. As darkness descends, venture out to the lagoon renowned for its bioluminescent phytoplankton. Plunge into the water and prepare to be mesmerized as the lurid green glow of the bioluminescence envelops your body, creating an ethereal and unforgettable experience. It is highly recommended to engage a guide through your hotel for this nighttime excursion, as finding the lagoon independently can be challenging and potentially risky.
Transportation to Isla Grande is readily available. A public ferry departs daily from Cartagena’s **Muelle De La Bodeguita** around 9:45 am. Alternatively, private boat-taxis offer a more personalized and flexible transportation option. Arrange with the captain to be dropped off at your lodgings on Isla Grande or the nearest wharf. A small fee is charged for entry to the marine national park, contributing to the preservation and conservation of this natural treasure.
## Day 2: Discovering the Charms of Isla Múcura
On the second day of your island adventure, embark on an excursion to the enchanting **Isla Múcura**, also known as San Onofre, located approximately one hour south of Isla Grande. Isla Múcura serves as the principal island of the 10-island **Archipiélago de San Bernardo**. This island paradise offers a handful of hotels and a resort overlooking a picturesque cove, providing guests with a range of accommodation options. The resorts on Isla Múcura typically offer all-inclusive services, catering to guests seeking a hassle-free and indulgent vacation experience. Engage in a variety of watersports, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, or explore the island’s interior on invigorating nature hikes. While on Isla Múcura, be sure to take an excursion to the tiny **Isla Santa Cruz del Islote**, a remarkable island crammed end-to-end with fishermen’s huts. Reputedly the most densely populated island in the world, Isla Santa Cruz del Islote offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the local fishing community.
A private boat serving **Hotel Punta Faro**, the largest resort on the island, departs Cartagena at 11:30 am and returns from Isla Mucura at 9:30 am, providing a convenient transportation option for guests staying at the resort.
## Days 3 & 4: Immersing Yourself in the Beauty of San Andrés
In the morning, return to Cartagena to catch a flight 370 miles north to the captivating island of San Andrés. The twin isles of San Andrés and the much smaller Providencia share a rich history, having been populated by the English and their Jamaican slaves in 1631, then ceded to Spain in 1782, followed by Colombia after its independence. Today, San Andrés is a popular vacation destination for both foreigners and Colombians, drawn by its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and duty-free shopping opportunities. Upon arrival, you’ll need to purchase a tarjeta de turismo (tourist card) for entry to the island.
After checking into your hotel in the afternoon, spend the remainder of the day relaxing and exploring the town’s **Malecón** (shorefront) boulevard. Most lodgings are concentrated in the town of San Andrés, located on the north of the island, but charming B&Bs can be found scattered around the island. To fully explore the 19-mile road that encircles the island, consider renting a golf cart or moped, allowing you to discover hidden beaches, scenic viewpoints, and local communities at your own pace. Dedicate an afternoon to scuba diving, immersing yourself in the vibrant underwater world surrounding the island. Be sure to embark on a snorkeling excursion to the idyllic islas **Johnny Cay** or **Acuario**, where you can encounter colorful fish, coral reefs, and other marine life.
One-third of the population of San Andres and Providencia are Raizals— Protestant descendants of African slaves—who speak an English-derived creole language. Some are Rastafarians, and their music of choice is reggae. It’s fun to stop at a church here, and they’re often packed to the gills. An interesting cultural spot is **Casa Museo Isleña**, a museum dedicated to the Raizal heritage.
## Day 5: Discovering the Authenticity of Providencia
Tiny, mountainous, teardrop-shaped Providencia—or “Old Providence” to Raizals—is a mere 20-minute flight from San Andrés. This is the heartland of Raizal culture and one of the main reasons to visit. Beaches are few and, compared to San Andrés, unimpressive. However, there are several sites of interest: most of which are accessible by hiking. Don’t miss **Fort Warwick**, reached via a short uphill trail from the tiny town of **Santa Isabel**.
The few hotels on the island cluster around **Southwest Bay**. Try to time your arrival for Saturday afternoon, when locals have horseback races on the sands. Providencia is world-renowned for diving: Most sites are within a 10-minute ride from Southwest Bay. The highlight is **El Planchón,** which features a German shipwreck. Non-divers might explore **Parque Nacional Natural Old Providence & McBean Lagoon**, a realm of mangrove and turquoise lagoons teeming with wildlife. You can rent a canoe in the hamlet of **Maracaibo.**
## Days 6 & 7: Embracing Adventure on Isla Gorgona
Now for some off-the-beaten-path adventure. Your day will include flying from Providencia to San Andrés, then **Bogotá** and on to **Guapí**, on the country’s southern Pacific coast, for a boat ride to Isla Gorgona. Only recently reopened to visitors, this maritime national park served as a prison island from 1960-’84. The prison ruins are fascinating, plus trails lead into a rainforest teeming with monkeys, sloths, and snakes. But the main draw is the surrounding waters abounding with fabulous coral reefs. Marine turtles and humpback whales congregate here by the score. In fact, Gorgona is one of the world’s premier destinations for viewing humpback whales.
An alternate to Isla Gorgona, for experienced divers only, is Isla Malpelo. Part of the Galapagos chain of islands, this rugged island pokes up out of the Pacific at the heart of **Sanctuario de Fauna y Flora de Malpelo**—a UNESCO World Heritage Site acclaimed for its sensational scuba diving. Huge schools of hammerhead sharks are one of the main draws. So too are whale sharks, plus the world’s largest colony of masked boobies. Getting here isn’t easy. The boat journey from the Pacific port of Buenaventura takes 36 hours. Far better is to join a scheduled dive trip.
You’ll depart the island for Guapí and your onward flight, cherishing the memories of an unforgettable island-hopping adventure through Colombia’s captivating island paradises.
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