- Civic centre: San Andrés Town
- Area: 52.5 Km²
- Population: 83.403 people (2005)
- Population density - 1588.63 / Km²
- Telephone code: +57-
Geography
The Department of San Andrés and Providencia (San Andrés y Providencia) is located in the western Caribbean Sea, northwest of the national continental territory, 700 km from the northern coast of Colombia.
The archipelago is the northernmost territory of the country. Due to the proximity of the islands to the territory of Nicaragua (100 miles versus 400 miles to the mainland coast of Colombia), this country has territorial claims to Colombia.
In general, the archipelago has an elongated shape from southwest to northeast, its total area is only 52.5 km², which makes this department a very small political and administrative unit of the country, firmly connected with the mainland and adding another 350,000 km² of sea possessions.
The island archipelago consists of twenty-five small coral islands that form two groups. The southern group of islands is located around the island of San Andres (length - 12.5 km, width - 3 km, area - 26 km²), and the northern group is grouped around the mountainous island of Providencia (area - 17 km²). The lands of the department include the islands of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina (San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina), the islets and reefs of Alicia, Serrana, Seranilla and Kitasueño (Alicia, Serrana, Serranilla y Quitasueño), the Nuevo shoal and sandy islets of Alburquerque, Roncador, East South East, Blowing Rocks, Cangrejo, Casabaja, Córdoba, Valle, Hermanos, Rocoso and Rosa.
The two main islands are formed by different rocks: San Andrés is the product of recent limestone sedimentation, and Providencia is formed by an extinct volcano of the Middle and Upper Miocene period.
From south to north, a small hilly ridge stretches along the island of San Andres with a maximum height of 85 m above sea level.
On the island of Providencia, the hills reach 350 m above sea level. Among them, Pik Hill can be distinguished as the highest.
Santa Catalina Island is separated from Providencia Island by a small strait about 150 m wide. A pedestrian bridge has been built across the strait. The coast has a relatively broken line, and the maximum height of the island is 133 m above sea level.
The islets protrude slightly above the surface of the water with coral reefs, formed mainly from sand and limestone; on some there is vegetation - grass and coconut palms.
Hydrography
On the island of Providencia, a platinum was built in the Fresh Water Bay area.
The remaining islands of the archipelago lack sources of drinking water. For this reason, it is very important to use groundwater/groundwater as economically as possible.
To date, the island of San Andres has a seawater desalination plant, which partially covers the needs of the population.
Climate
Due to their location in the tropical zone, the archipelago zones are characterized by high temperatures, recorded at 28 ° C.
The trade winds blowing here from the northeast partly determine the rainy season, which begins in May and reaches its maximum in October and November, lasting until December; during this period, 80% of the annual precipitation is recorded, which averages 1700 mm.
High temperatures and winds create a warm semi-humid climate.
Due to its geographic location, the archipelago is periodically attacked by cyclones and hurricanes that form in the Atlantic Ocean and pass over the Caribbean Sea.
Administrative unit
The territory has a special administrative status, in which the department is administered by a governor.
The Department of San Andres includes the island of San Andres with its capital San-Andres-Town (San-Andrés-Taun) (locally called El Centro), which has 3 police inspections La Loma, San and Nord End ( La Loma, San Luis y North End), Provencia Municipality and Santa Catalina Island.
The department is subdivided into two notarial districts centered in San Andrés and Providencia.
The department corresponds to the constituency of San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina.
Economy
The economy of the department of San Andrés is based mainly on tourism and trade; Every day, several planes arrive on the islands with tourists from various Colombian cities and from abroad.
Agriculture and fishing on the islands are not sufficiently developed to fully provide the local population and numerous tourists with food, and most of it has to be imported from the mainland.
The main crops grown on the islands are coconut, avocado, sugarcane, mango, oranges, sweet potato and cassava.
Providencia Island (1 km long) is used as a fruit plantation and livestock farm.
Communications
The main means of communication between the archipelago and the continent is air transport. An international airport "General Gustavo Rojas Pinilla" was built on the island of San Andres, which makes it possible to connect both with the main cities of the country and with Central and North America.
Maritime transport is also widely used, transporting goods and passengers between the islands. The islands have spacious and safe bays, allowing ships of medium displacement to anchor.
The islands of San Andres and Providencia each have one main circumferential road and a network of secondary roads connecting the coastal villages with the interior of the islands.
Story
A small part of habitable land on the islands is more than a hundred miles off the coast of Central America. In pre-Columbian times, such a distance from the mainland coast did not allow Indian tribes to reach the archipelago on primitive boats.
Apparently, the islands of the archipelago were discovered only in 1492 by the first expedition of Columbus to the New World, and since then it has been considered part of a vast region called the province of Veraguas (Provincia de Veraguas).
In 1595, the Spanish government ordered to strengthen the island of Santa Catalina, which is part of the archipelago - fortifications were built there, cannons were brought in, and in 1660 the island was reinforced by a permanent army, which, however, did not prevent the pirate De-Ward Mansweldt and his thugs from capturing it in 1664. But a year later, the Spaniards returned it to themselves.
Throughout the 16th century, both British subjects and pirates, including Francis Drake, persistently raided the island without any purpose.
The English corsair Henry Morgan, who mercilessly plundered Spanish ships and colonies, after a treacherous attack on Panama at the peace treaty signed between England and Spain, was arrested by the British in December 1670 and sent under escort to London. However, instead of a trial, Charles II knighted him and sent him back already in the rank of supreme judge, punishing him to fight piracy mercilessly. Dismissed some time later for incurable embezzlement from the governorship of Jamaica, the sick and aged Sir Henry Morgan soon died, taking with him to the grave the secret of finding his innumerable treasures. On the island of San Andres there is a cave named after him, where, according to legend, he hid these treasures.
By royal decree of August 20, 1739, the viceroyalty (viceroyalty) of Santa Fe (de Santa Fe) was created with jurisdiction over the islands of the Archipelago of San Andres and Providencia.
On March 26, 1806, the British troops captured the islands, but the Spaniards returned to power in 1808.
The land and sea territories of the archipelago belonged to the state of Bolivar (Estado de Bolívar) until 1886, when they were transferred to the central government for direct control.
In 1868, the State Territory of San Andres and Providencia was created in the group of islands, underwater rocks, islets and bays that form the archipelago.
In 1912, the state commissariat of San Andres and Providencia was proclaimed on the archipelago, the settlement of Isla de San Andres (Isla de San Andrés) was named the capital.
On July 4, 1991, the National Constituent Assembly (Asamblea Nacional Constituyente) attested in the basic law of the constitution to the creation of the department of San Andrés y Providencia, retaining Isla de San Andrés as its capital.
Attractions
The unique ecosystem of the San Andres archipelago, its biodiversity, natural beauty, history and cultural heritage contributed to the fact that in 2000 UNESCO declared it a Biosphere Reserve (Seaflower).
The San Andres archipelago is one of the best resort areas in the Caribbean.
The developed tourist infrastructure of the islands has excellent hotels, mini-hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes, clubs, casinos, sports and dance floors, duty-free shops and numerous souvenir shops. Moreover, the natural beauty and charm of the islands is largely untouched by civilization. Azure waves, numerous coral reefs and a fabulous underwater world attract lovers of fishing, sea hunting, diving and surfing. The warm, mild climate, clear sea, white sand beaches and friendly people make the islands an ideal holiday destination.
The archipelago also attracts the attention of admirers of natural, historical and cultural attractions, among which one can note the Morgan Cave (Cueva de Morgan), in which, according to legend, the pirate Henry Morgan buried his treasures in the 17th century (the cave is full of labyrinths, through which, according to legend, some assurances, you can go to pristine virgin beaches); underwater geyser Soplador (Soplador) at the southern tip of San Andres, which is a narrow channel pierced by time and water in the thickness of calcareous rock (the fountain can be seen only at certain times of the year, when sea waves intensify on the island), the picturesque San Andres Bay, Honni Island Cay (Johnny Cay), famous for its excellent cuisine and reggae bars, the islands of Hynes and the Aquarium, located off the western coast of San Andres Island (the tiny islands are in close proximity to each other - the distance between them can be waded. Hynes is surrounded by a strip of coral reefs, the entire island is covered with palm trees growing from soft green moss.Here you can relax in the shade of the trees, contemplating the sea and San Andres Island nearby.Exotic fish gather at the shores of the Aquarium, which can be observed in a mask, or directly through the water literally touching them with their hands); white sand beaches of San Luis; Santa Catalina Bay; Old Providence Natural National Park and the oldest Baptist Church in Latin America, Bautista Emmanuel (Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel) (1847) in the village of La Loma. (The church was built on the initiative of the Reverend Beckeman Livington, who was the pastor of the Hiil Mission. The red roofing material, pine logs and planks for the construction of the building were brought from Alabama. The temple is located at the top of the island (Barrio La Loma) and the fire is lit in its tower was once a beacon for sailors.The Baptist Church is considered a national treasure of Colombia.Each Sunday, groups of festively dressed islanders gather in the walls of the snow-white cathedral with bright stained-glass windows.
The best beach areas of the archipelago are Sprat Bay, Sound Bay near St. Louis, Kokoplam Bay and Cove, as well as Johnny Cay.
In the waters of the archipelago, divers will find the remains of the wrecks of the Blue Diamond and Nicaraguense, as well as the reef walls of Blue Hole and Blue Wall.
There are all kinds of marine activities on the island - scooters, windsurfing, scuba diving and fishing. Boats constantly ply to the small islands surrounding San_Andrés. You can go to them just to feed exotic fish.
The island of Providencia (Providencia) - locals call "Old Providence", unlike San Andres, is practically untouched by the tourism industry (although it is developing rapidly). The area of the island is 17 sq. km.
Here, the traditions of the island have been preserved almost unchanged - the original English language and Patois, which is spoken by people from the African continent, pastoral customs and a quiet, measured life.
The hotels here are more reminiscent of 18th century taverns somewhere in Wales, there are almost no bars, and the main festive events coincide with the canonical days of the saints.
But the natural environment is more natural, and the conditions for diving are more diverse than on San Andres (Freshwater Bay is the most popular in this regard).
If you take a walk from Casabah to the top of the largest "mountain" on the island - El Pico, then you can see almost all of it.
The main attractions of the island: Agua Dulce Reserve, Crab Reef, Manzanillo Beach, turtle and iguana farms. One of the most famous places on the island is McBean Park, which can only be reached by a small boat. Crabs, fish, shellfish, birds, etc. coexist in the local mangroves.
You can also go on a trip along the paths of the island to the springs gushing at the highest point of Providence, or go deep sea fishing.
Southwest and Manzanillo beaches are the best places to relax and enjoy the sounds of reggae. Sometimes exciting horse races are held here.
Just 150 meters from about. Providencia is located on Santa Catalina Island, connected to its neighbor by the Lovers' Path Bridge.
The main attraction of Santa Catalina is Fort Morgana, where you can still see pirate cannons that were once used by corsairs to protect looted treasures. On the west coast of the island is the impressive Morgan's Head - a rock that surprisingly resembles a human head with its outlines.
The characteristic music of the islands is variations of original compositions from Jamaica, Trinidad and Panama and consists mainly of Afro-Caribbean elements, among which the calypso style stands out. Today, in the archipelago, as throughout the Caribbean, the reggae genre of music, typical of Haiti and Jamaica, has gained momentum.
Departments and their capitals |
| Amazonas - Leticia Antioquia - Medellin |
The archipelago of San Andres and Providencia is located 230 km east of Nicaragua and 750 km northwest of the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Many centuries ago, the islands of the archipelago were the base of pirates, and now they are the "pearl" of the Caribbean Sea, a place where tourists from all over the world come to rest. It can be reached by plane from the city of Cartagena. The archipelago consists of three dozen coral islands, which are concentrated around the largest islands: San Andres Island and Providencia Island, located 90 km to the east. Wide sandy beaches, clear waters, vast coral reefs and abundant marine life make the archipelago Colombia's most popular resort area.
San Andres Island belongs to Colombia - but is located closer to Nicaragua. From Cartagena - 750 kilometers or an hour of flight on a small plane, and there are several flights a day. Everything here is so different from Colombia - a completely different culture, and the population is black. San Andres is inhabited by very beautiful people - stately, tall and slow. The entire island is 12.5 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide. The area of the island is 26 sq. km. The road around the island is 30 kilometers long.
It has its own capital - in the northern part of the island. The low, but mostly stone city formally bears the name of the island - San Andres Town, but here it is called El Centro. This is where all life is concentrated - shops, hotels, restaurants ... Huge Chevrolets and Cadillacs of the late sixties drive, younger than Cuban ones and in better condition - traffic on the island is not intense.
Everywhere Spanish inscriptions are duplicated by English: the native language of the inhabitants of San Andres is the so-called Afro-English (sometimes this language is called "Jamaican English"), but they also speak Spanish. The locals love their island and cannot imagine living elsewhere.
There are quite a lot of tourists on the island of San Andres in July-August, or at Christmas and New Year. Therefore, the tour should be booked in advance.<.p>
There are very few sandy beaches around the island. But El Centro has a wonderful beach with white, ivory-colored sand. Tourists, before going to a disco or a casino at night, walk along the embankment in the evenings - and the capital's residents spend their evenings swimming in the sea. They do not come out of the dark turquoise water. Or they sit on the parapet of the embankment and look at those who pass and drive by. The only three-story hotel is obviously too big for a miniature island. But there are small hotels. All are good and comfortable. They must be lived in.
And not necessarily in El Centro - you can just as well stay in San Luis, a wonderful village populated by friendly people. Also with an excellent beach and, in addition, coral reefs. And the architecture is completely different from the one in the island capital - everything is wooden and completely Latin American. In general, everything is very close here, and in order to see the island, it is enough to rent a scooter - it costs no more than $20 per day. And go around everything that is interesting on the island. The main attraction of the island, in addition to the capital, is the Baptist Church in La Loma, the oldest in Latin America, from here you can enjoy beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea, whose green-blue waters are called "seven-colored"... The second is the legendary Morgan's Cave - a place where , according to legend, the famous pirate Henry Morgan buried the treasure looted in Panama in 1670. All the usual marine activities are available on the island - scooters, windsurfing, scuba diving.Near San Andrés there are small islands to which boats constantly go. People take bread with them to feed the fish.In the waters of the island are the wrecks of the Blue Diamond and Nicaraguense, the reef walls of Blue Hole and Blue Wall, and the underwater geyser El Joyo Soplador at the southern tip of San Andrés , attracting the attention of divers.For lovers of windsurfing, the east coast is suitable.The season falls on December-February.
The best beaches on the island are Sprat Bay, Sound Bay near St. Louis, Kokoplam Bay and Cove, and Johnny Cay.
It sometimes rains in San Andres, a fast tropical thunderstorm that adds to the pleasant experience. In July-August, there is no rain and it is hot. The average annual temperature on the island is 28 ° C. Usually Europeans (mostly Germans) and Latin Americans from Argentina, Colombia rest on San Andres.
San Andres it is one of the best resort areas in the Caribbean, with the natural beauty and charm of the island largely untouched. Turquoise waters, expansive coral reefs and abundant marine life make for a snorkeller's paradise. Here, diving takes place among coral reefs in the company of colorful fish: butterfly fish, sergeant fish, stingray, ball fish, seahorses swimming among gorgonians, and even barracudas. The water is so clear that visibility reaches 15-30 meters, there is practically no current, more than 40 places are available for diving, including: La Caleta de José, La Calera, Las Piedras de la Langosta, Trumpa Tortuga, Nirvana, Bowl View, Wild Life, La Rocosa, El Avion.
The snorkeling areas in San Andrés are in excellent condition. A total of 35 dive sites are available for various types of diving on shipwrecks, cliffs and caves; to representatives of the fauna of all colors and sizes, add comfortable water temperatures and good visibility.
Providencia Island located 90 km east of San Andres Island. Rest here will appeal to lovers of silence and solitude, because only 4,000 people live on the island, and the bulk of tourists rest on San Andres. In this place, the oldest traditions of the island have been preserved: the original language "Patois" (this language was spoken out of the African continent), as well as the original English language. There are a large number of hotels that look like taverns of the eighteenth century. The largest settlement on the island of Providencia is the village of Santa Isabel. Santa Isabel is connected by a wooden bridge to nearby Santa Catalina Island. This bridge is called the Bridge of Lovers, on the beaches located in its vicinity, couples in love rest. On the southeast coast of the island is the McBean Lagoon Reserve, in the underwater part of which a coral reef is protected, and on land - mangroves. Very interesting hiking trips to the highest point of the island - El Pico, from where you can see the Caribbean Sea and small coastal islands.
The most popular beach areas of Providencia Island are located on the north coast of Frashuter Bay and located on the southwest coast of South West Bay and Manzanillo. Freshwater Bay is also considered the best diving spot on the island. Other popular dive sites are also located off the north coast.
In the southwestern Caribbean Sea and northwest of Colombia is the coral island of San Andres. The purest, shimmering in thousands of shades of blue, sea water surrounds it from all sides. The island consists of reefs, many sandy islands and mangrove forests located off the coast. The island has many geysers and cedar groves where birds live.
In the modern world, San Andres is considered the best and most popular resort in the Caribbean. From the highest point of the island - the village of La Loma, you can see all the beauty of the sea, which is called "seven-colored" for its overflows. Beautiful beaches and fantastic tropical vegetation, framing the coastal strip with lace leaves, attracts lovers of exotic holidays with their romance.
The mangrove forests of the coast consist of different species: red, white and black mangroves. They are home to a large number of marine inhabitants such as crabs and shellfish, in the branches you can see azure lizards and various birds.
A wide strip of beaches smoothly turns into a warm and gentle sea. The sand, dazzlingly white, glistens under the rays of the sun like powdered sugar. The natural beauty of the surrounding world is almost untouched by man, which attracts many tourists to the coast who want to get a closer look at the virgin forests and exotic tropical sea.
The kitchens of hotels and restaurants offer a variety of national dishes, you can buy interesting souvenirs in shops, and going down to the bottom with divers, you can see coral reefs and its inhabitants.
The enchanting and incredible beauty of San Andres, a fabulous island offering unforgettable experiences and entertainment on the beaches of the resort, communication with friendly residents will be the perfect option for a vacation on the Caribbean coast.
First and foremost - how to get to San Anders Island and what to take with you?
This island, although located not far from Nicaragua, but territorially and officially belongs to Colombia. Before buying tickets, you should contact the Colombian embassy. Thanks to excellent diplomatic relations, obtaining a visa will not cause any obstacles. To buy tickets, you need to resort to the help of airlines that offer sales of transatlantic tickets at economical prices. For example, Lufthansa, Iberia, Aeroflot. Using the services of the last 2 companies, you will not only buy a ticket, but also receive incredible exclusive offers: discounts in hotels, participation in the bonus system. The cost of a round-trip ticket of course depends on the season and on the advance reservation. The trick is to plan your trip in advance. Lufthansa offers round-trip tickets for $1200, Iberia - $1900, Aeroflot - $1700. services. Do not be afraid to get tired during a long flight, you will catch up with your strength. Just think of wide and spacious beaches, clear azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, nature full of mangrove forests and an atmosphere overflowing with peace.
The number one must on this trip is sun cream. The most recommended brands for leather: Garnier, Nivea, LaRoche. If you forgot something, do not worry, all this is quite accessible on the island itself.
The second tip is about accommodation on the island.
The average cost of a hotel stay is $30 and up per night. The best hotel on the island is the Royal Decameron Isleño. For $188 per night you will enjoy the full range of services in this little paradise on earth. Hotel Casa Blanca will offer you an unforgettable view from the window in its rooms overlooking the ocean, or in boars, small houses. Such houses are just a miracle for travelers with children. A standard double room in such a hotel costs $278. And for $643 you can rent a bungalow for the whole family.
The most unusual hotel on the island is the Royal Decameron Aquarium right on the water, where you can stay, for example, for 3 days for $ 658. Here you can rent kayaks, kayaks, sailboats and pedal boats for pastime. More economical prices are offered by Sol Caribe Campo, where you can rent a room for $ 146. You can stay not only in hotels. You are offered apartments such as Apartamentos Turisticos La Hermosa, where the cost of living is from $ 80. As you can see, the pricing policy is absolutely diverse and suitable for all segments of the population. All places to stay are located in close proximity to the beach.
The third point is gourmet food.
The third important point is food. Since you are on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, you have the chance to get acquainted with the richest marine gastronomy of the area. Fish, seafood, snails, lobsters, crayfish - gourmet dishes especially for you! Food you must try: Rondon (fish fillet, snails, yucca, inyam, pork tail, boiled banana, corn tortillas), Fish Ball (fish meatballs), Breadfruit (exotic fruit fried or boiled), desserts (sold on every corner, from coconut, guava). Restaurant La Regatta offers a very tasty lunch on average from $ 100. It has received only positive reviews on Tripadvisor. As Nalon004 from Miami writes: “All the meals were excellent the service was outstanding, our waiter Angel suggested was delicious the wine was smooth the coconut pies was out of this world. The scenery of the place is done with great taste , using recyclable items . I will recommend this restaurant to anyone that comes to San Andres Island in Colombia.” Summing up, we can say that it is here that they love and respect their client. Wonderful service, delicious wine and food, ecological design. If you are interested in a more alternative place, then we invite you to Banzai Cocktail Bar. The cheapest meal costs $4 and the most expensive one is $17. This art gallery-like place attracts with its music and unusual cocktails. In general, on the island you can even find Thai (Mahi Mahi), Mediterranean ( Ocean's Mediterranean Fusion Food), Mexican (Lupita Tex Mex), and Italian (Mister Panino) cuisines. Most of these restaurants may be located inside hotels, but this is not at all a barrier to feasting on the food of the gods.
Briefly about tips
Tipping is usually 10% of the order amount, but is given only at your request. Local money is called pesos, but dollars can also be accepted for payment, which is very convenient. If you want to change money, you should do it only in official exchangers and in no case on the street.
The fourth recommendation concerns beaches. Which beach to choose? After all, no matter where you look, they are all so different around. You will laugh, but on vacation - this is one of the most needed attractions. The most important city beach is Bahía Sardina, which is located in the northern part of the island, with white sand, palm trees and a view of the island of Johnny Cay. If you want a quieter and more secluded environment, then San Luis beach, 10 minutes from the center, is especially for you. South American tourists almost unanimously recognized the beach of the Casablanca hotel as the best place by the sea.
Fifth point: You will leave happy!
And finally, fifth the most enjoyable point is entertainment! What could be better when a relaxing holiday by the sea is combined with a variety of sports and entertainment activities. Water sports: windsurfing, kitesurf, jet ski. There is a school where you will be taught to confidently stay on the board. The average price is about $30 per lesson. Underwater excursions and snorkelling are offered at La Piscinita, West View and El Cove. You will jump from the yacht directly into the sea and plunge into the magical underwater world, you will see so many new things. Here the main advice would be - do not forget rubber slippers with you, as sea urchins can be found. It will not be superfluous to discuss the price in advance with the guide accompanying you. Boat trips to see El Acuario, Haynes Cay and Johnny Cay. These little islands are 45 minutes from San Andrés and tours can be easily purchased from Dairo. For passionate nature lovers, a very interesting type of ecotourism excursions is provided - bird watching. The cost of this aesthetic pleasure ranges from $ 66 to $ 132 for 2.5 hours in the company of a person who studies birds professionally (ornithologist).
Island shopping - freedom zoneduty Free!
And the most favorite activity of all lovely ladies is, of course, shopping. The shopping centers San Andres, West Point, New Point, La Riviera deserve your attention. For the purchase of equipment recommend Jacobo. Products that are the most popular (except for souvenirs): liqueurs, perfumes, clothes of famous brands. The malls on San Andres Island are not big, but you can find everything at affordable prices. Do not forget about the dollar, which usually fluctuates around 1800 pesos. The only risk you may be exposed to is the desire to stay here forever!
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230 km east of Nicaragua and 750 km northwest (Spanish Cartagena), located on the Caribbean coast, there is a small archipelago San Andres and Providencia(Spanish: San Andres y Providencia archipielago). The archipelago consists of several dozen coral atolls, concentrated around the 3 largest islands: calm, romantic secluded Santa Catalina (Spanish Isla de Santa Catalina) and wonderful San Andres(Spanish: Isla de San Andres).
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Characteristics
The island is small and elongated: 12.5 km long, 3 km wide. The length of the "ring" road running along its coast is about 30 km.
The majority of the population in colloquial speech uses the so-called. "Jamaican English" dialect, less often - Spanish or Creole. On the streets, signs and signs are bilingual: all the inscriptions are made in Spanish and English.
Many centuries ago, the islands of the archipelago served as a transit base for filibusters, and today they are "pearls", a place where people from all over the world come to rest. You can get here by sea or by plane from Cartagena.
In 2000, the entire archipelago, including reefs, atolls and sandbanks, which makes up approximately 10% of the Caribbean Sea, was declared by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve for the planet. The purpose of this declaration is to conserve a unique marine ecosystem rich in biodiversity.
A bit of history
The history of the Caribbean archipelago is filled with all sorts of adventures and adventures.
Presumably, San Andres was discovered in 1502 during the 4th expedition of the legendary (Italian Cristoforo Colombo; Spanish Cristobal Colon; 1451-1506), but the colonization of the island began later, in the middle of the 16th century. For the first time, the Caribbean island appeared on Spanish maps in 1527; little is known about its population before the European introduction.
The Dutch arrived in the archipelago at the end of the 16th century, and British settlers appeared there in 1628.
Between 1627 and 1629 The British from Barbados arrived on the islands, attracted by the favorable salubrious climate, fertile lands and fresh water resources.
In 1631, the Anglo-Puritans and settlers from Wales ousted the Dutch immigrants from the archipelago. In 1633, British shipowners brought black slaves from West Africa and Jamaica to the islands to work on cotton and tobacco plantations.
For some time, Caribbean pirates even ruled here, who set up their base on the islands and kept the stolen goods.
In 1635, the Spaniards, realizing the economic importance of the island, captured the archipelago, but were soon forced out by the British, who owned the archipelago from 1740 to 1787.
In September 1900, the islands were recognized as belonging to Colombia.
In 1972, the archipelago was declared a municipality, and in the Colombian Constitution of 1991, the islands of the archipelago received the status of a region of Colombia. In 2000, the "Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina" was declared a protected area by UNESCO.
Climate
San Andres Island has an oceanic tropical climate with dry and rainy periods. The rainy season is from September to December and from May to June. Summer and winter temperatures differ quite slightly: the average winter air temperature (December-February) is +27°C, in summer (June-August) the thermometer fluctuates around +28°C. Usually from the end of October to mid-January, monsoon winds blow on the islands from the north.
Economy
The economy of the island, which was based on fishing and primitive agriculture, has undergone significant changes with the opening of air traffic from Colombia. And the declaration of 1954 on assigning the status of a duty-free zone to the island contributed to a large influx of tourists from all over the world and immigrants from the mainland. Local authorities even had to in the 1990s. impose restrictions to manage the influx of people arriving from the mainland in order to preserve the local culture. Today, on the island, where there are no industrial enterprises, and there are no conditions for agricultural activities, the tourism industry and trade are actively developing.
Tourism
Warm azure waters, amazing nature, wide sandy beaches, extensive coastal coral reefs, incredibly rich marine life - all this makes the archipelago the most popular resort area in Colombia.
Tourism is by far the main source of income for the islanders. Wonderful beaches with sparkling white coral sand are not very crowded, and for lovers of complete solitude, there are small islands scattered in abundance around San Andres, where you can rob in quite safe and comfortable conditions.
Shopping in San Andres Island
The islands of the archipelago, which have the status of a free trade zone, are a suitable place for shopping. Therefore, in addition to a wonderful holiday, the favorite pastime of tourists on the island (especially ladies!) Is shopping. There are an unusually large number of shops in El Centro, prices in which are about 40% lower than those offered by European Duty-Free. Several local shopping centers ("San Andres", "West Point", "New Point", "La Riviera"), although small, you can find almost everything at attractive prices: elite alcohol and tobacco, perfumes and cosmetics, clothes and shoes from well-known manufacturers, electronics and household appliances.
Today, trade is the 2nd most important source of income for the local economy.
Attractions
The small island of San Andres, known for its snow-white beaches and clear waters, iridescent with all shades of azure, is not in vain called the "Pearl of the Caribbean".
In the northern part of the island is its capital - the city of the same name San Andres Town (Spanish: San Andres Town), which the islanders call short El Centro (Spanish: El Centro). It is the largest settlement, as well as the administrative, commercial and tourist center of the island. The whole island life is concentrated here - shopping centers, all kinds of shops, bars, discos, restaurants and a number of cozy hotels, for every taste and budget. There is even one 3-storey hotel, although it looks obviously too big for a miniature island. The city has its own small art gallery, where paintings by local artists are exhibited.
Guests can stay in San Luis, a friendly village with wooden houses and a great beach. In general, everything is very close here, and in order to explore the island, it is very convenient and affordable to rent a scooter and drive around all its nooks and crannies.
Here, wherever you look, there are beaches all around, and they are all different. Most of the beaches are concentrated in the vicinity of the capital city.
The main city beach "Bahía Sardina"
"Bahía Sardina", located in the northernmost part of the island, is famous for its white sand, tall palm trees and a beautiful view of "Johnny Cay" - a vast sandbar that stretches not far from the coastal waters.
Fans of a quiet and secluded holiday will love the beaches of Spret Bay (Spanish: Bahía Spret) and sound bay(Spanish Sound Bay). Almost all South American tourists unanimously prefer the beach at the Casablanca Hotel.
The wrecks of the Blue Diamond and Nikaraguense ships, resting in the coastal waters of San Andres, as well as underwater Geyser El Joyo Soplador(Spanish: El Hoyo Soplador), which operates at the southern tip of the island, attracts divers with a magnet.
A little south of the city of San Andres, on the highest hill of the island, stands the village of La Loma (Spanish: La Loma). It offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, whose emerald-blue waters are called "seven-colored". There is a Baptist church in the village Church of Bautista Emmanuel(Spanish Iglesia Bautista Emanuel; XVI-XVII centuries), the oldest on the continent. La Loma is almost entirely inhabited by natives of the island and is the best place to get acquainted with the traditional island architecture.
On the west coast of the island, a few km. southwest of La Loma is the legendary Morgan's Cave(Spanish: Morgans Cueva), the most visited local attraction. According to legend, here in 1670 the English navigator and pirate Henry Morgan (eng. Henry Morgan; 1635 - 1688), known by the nickname "Cruel", hid countless treasures stolen in Panama. Now a small museum is open in the cave.
Those wishing to get acquainted with the history of the island and its traditions, in addition to Morgan's Cave, should visit the Coconut Museum and the Pirate Museum. "Museo de Coco" is dedicated to the tropical fruit growing here, which was once a source of income for the islanders. In "Museo pirata" about 80% of the exhibits are real: anchors, bells, nets, hooks, chains and jewelry from filibuster hoards.
Flora lovers are always interested in walking through the vast mangrove forests (of which there are about 12), where you can see red, white and black mangroves.
About 450 plant species are found in the San Andres Botanical Garden, and you can also go up to a high observation deck to enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the island.
Any local resident will show you how to get to the lagoon inhabited by small crocodiles - caimans that have been living here for thousands of years.
Taking a walk along the "circumferential" road of the island, you can see many picturesque beaches, coral reefs, geysers, picturesque coves, as well as plantations of coconut palms and lush green pastures.
And after sunset, all the inhabitants of this paradise island dance - truly, this is a spectacle worthy of admiration. Everyone dances here - women and men, young and old, thin and fat, and they dance just superbly - easily, plastically and gracefully, as only Latin Americans can dance!
Entertainment
Nothing could be better when a relaxing beach holiday and swimming in warm sea water alternate with various outdoor activities. Transparent clear waters, fabulous coral reefs and the richest underwater life - a true paradise for diving enthusiasts. The coral island, which combines the most diverse ecosystems of reefs, geysers and sandy islands, is simply made for diving! Therefore, the surroundings of San Andres have been actively explored by divers from all over the world in recent years. The coral island is surrounded by densely populated coral reefs, underwater rocks and grottoes, but the best places for diving are its western, northern and southern coasts and the coastal waters of small islands. While diving, you can see amazing coral formations, colorful tropical fish, barracudas, schools of dolphins and even sharks.
Do not lag behind divers and windsurfers, for whom favorable conditions are limited by seasonal fluctuations in weather. The most favorable season for long wave fishermen falls on the period December-February.
You can have a great time on San Andres, devoting it to many more modern water activities: kitesurfing, snorkeling, jet skiing, etc. similar services and rental of the necessary equipment. Underwater excursions are regularly held here.
"Feast of the Belly"
Once on the Caribbean coast, each person has a chance to get to know the richest traditional marine gastronomy. The freshest seafood, all kinds of fish, lobsters, snails, crayfish - the choice is unusually extensive. Once in San Andres, be sure to try the delicious local cuisine: Rondon (Spanish Rondon), Fishballs (Spanish Fish Boly - fish meatballs), exotic Breadfruit in fried or boiled form, corn tortillas and all kinds of amazing tropical fruit desserts .
The calm atmosphere of island life, friendly people, well-established tourist services, duty-free trade and general security make the archipelago a great place to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The only risk that tourists are exposed to when they are on the Caribbean island is an irresistible desire to stay here forever!
Curious facts
- If you are going to spend your holidays in San Andres, keep in mind that in July-August, during the Christmas holidays and New Year, there is a rather large influx of tourists here. At this time, Europeans (mostly Germans) and Latin Americans from Colombia and love to relax in the Caribbean.
- San Andres Island ranks 2nd in the "Best Islands of Colombia" category.
- Everything here is so different from continental Colombia - a completely different culture, and almost the entire population is black: the island is full of colorful blacks in colorful berets smoking ganja (Spanish: Ganja - a variety of hemp). They keep here a lot of restaurants and cafes, briskly trade in all sorts of souvenirs and bright trinkets. Guests of the island are offered a vigorous local drink - a Coco-loco cocktail (Spanish: Coco loco; an explosive mixture of several types of strong alcohol) and a real Pina Colada (Spanish: Piñgas colada) - a low-alcohol Caribbean cocktail consisting of rum, pineapple juice and coconut milk.
- Every year on July 20, Independence Day is solemnly celebrated on the island, and a colorful festival is held in November "Reinado del Coco"(Spanish Reina del Coco - "Coconut Queen").
- Among the artists whose canvases are exhibited in the San Andres Gallery, the paintings of the artist Lucy Show (Spanish: Lucy Show) attract attention. A native of the island with a diagnosis of quadriplegia (paralysis of the upper and lower extremities), with the help of a brush and paints subtly conveys a kaleidoscope of her feelings and emotions.
- An interesting case occurred at the airport of the island in May 2013, when police officers detained 3 "nuns" who arrived from Colombia. The officers found it strange to cut the cassocks in which the women were dressed. It turned out that under the monastic attire, the "sisters" hid packages of cocaine - more than 6 kg. During the investigation, it turned out that the “mummers” smugglers were poor Colombians who went to crime because of the reward promised to them by drug dealers.
- The most popular mode of transport in San Andrés are motorcycles and mopeds.
- There are 2 daily ferries between San Andres and Providencia. Also, small planes fly between these two islands.
- The most unusual hotel on the island is Decameron Aquarium, located right on the water. Here, kayaks, kayaks, sailing boats and water bicycles are rented to customers for pastime.
- A word of advice: if you are going to plunge into the magical underwater world, do not forget to grab rubber slippers, as the seabed is replete with sea urchins.
- From morning to late evening, music reigns in the main city of the island. Salsa, merengue, regeton - music sounds everywhere, as they say, from every iron, creating a light mood.
- The islanders do not live very richly, but they love their "paradise" piece of land and cannot imagine life anywhere else.
