San Andres: Private San Andres Bay Tour by Luxury Speedboat

San Andrés saves its best colors for the water. This private speedboat trip takes you from the police pier to mangroves, fish-filled snorkeling spots, a stranded ship, shallow sandbars, and White Watta Beach, where a natural pool sits in the famous sea of seven colors.

I like the private format, since you can spend more time at a favorite stop instead of moving with a large crowd. I also like the practical setup: a cooler with ice, snorkeling equipment, life vests, and a water mat are already on board. The main drawback is cost for a small party, plus food, drinks, and the pier fee are extra.

Key points to know before you book

• The boat is private for your group of up to 10, so the $450 price becomes much better value when shared by a full group.
• Aquarium Cay is the main snorkeling stop, with colorful fish, rays, sea urchins, cucumbers, and sharks mentioned among the marine life.
• Old Point mangroves add a nature stop, with red mangroves, iguanas, and exotic birds.
• You can bring your own drinks, using the cooler and ice provided on board.
• The crew changes by departure, with Mario coordinating the trip and captains and assistants such as Luis, Leider, and Denner handling the boat.
• Sea conditions matter, since the outing only operates when approved by Dimar, Colombia’s maritime authority.

Six hours across San Andrés by speedboat

This is a full half-day on the water, not a quick cruise around the bay. You meet at Muelle de la Policía, the police pier, then set out with a captain and assistant on a private luxury boat fitted with a professional sound system.

The boat carries up to 10 people. That limit matters. A group of eight to ten can split the $450 cost into a reasonable per-person price, while a couple pays much more for the same boat. The trade-off is space, control, and privacy. You are not simply buying transport. You are paying for a boat reserved for your party, with room to shape the day within the planned route.

The crew has been praised for being attentive without hovering. Mario, who coordinates the boat operation, has met groups at the pier and introduced them to the captain and assistant. Depending on the day, you may sail with Luis, Leider, or Denner. Do not assume one fixed crew, but you can expect English and Spanish service.

The exact timing at each place can change with sea conditions and your group’s interests. The listed schedule includes short photo and guided stops, while private groups have had more freedom to remain longer in favorite snorkeling areas. Tell the crew early if fish and swimming matter more to you than taking extra photos.

Old Point mangroves, where the water day turns green

Old Point mangroves give the tour a useful change of pace. Instead of open water and coral sand, you see red mangroves, iguanas, exotic birds, and other species that live in this coastal habitat.

This stop is best for people who want more than a string of swimming breaks. Mangroves serve as sheltered habitat for many small creatures, and they show a quieter side of San Andrés. Bring your phone or camera, but keep it protected from spray. The boat ride and bright sun can be hard on electronics.

The stop is also a good reminder that San Andrés is not only about postcard water. The island’s shallow coastal zones support birds, reptiles, fish, and mangrove plants. If your group includes nature lovers, this part may be more memorable than another stretch of open sea.

Aquarium Cay for fish, rays, and clear shallow water

Aquarium Cay is the strongest reason to book this trip if snorkeling is high on your list. The area is described as a place to see ornamental and colorful fish, including doctor fish, puffer fish, and butterfly fish. You may also encounter rays, sea urchins, and sharks.

The supplied snorkeling equipment makes this stop easier for you, since you do not need to arrange a separate rental. Life vests are included too, which helps if you prefer extra flotation in open water. The crew can guide you toward the marine life, then give you time to look around at your own pace.

Water conditions and animal sightings are never fixed, so you should not treat the species list as a guarantee. Still, the range of creatures named here gives you a fair idea of what makes Aquarium Cay special. Watch where you place your feet. Sea urchins are part of the area, and coral and shallow water deserve care.

Private access changes the feel of this stop. With only your party aboard, you can ask to stay longer if the fish are active and the sea is calm. One useful tip is to protect the best snorkeling time. If you are more interested in marine life than lunch or music, say so before the boat leaves.

Rocky Cay and the Nicodemus shipwreck

Rocky Cay is a small rocky key with an unusual landmark nearby: the stranded merchant ship Nicodemus. The ship has been wrecked beside the island for more than 50 years.

This is a strong photo stop because it gives you something more distinctive than another view of bright water. The contrast between the old vessel, the low island, and the sea makes the scene easy to remember. You can also treat it as a pause between snorkeling stops.

Do not expect a museum-style shipwreck visit. The attraction is the view from the boat and the setting around the wreck. Conditions may affect how close the boat can approach, and the tour description does not promise that you will board the ship. Use the stop for photos and enjoy the odd history of a merchant vessel left beside a tropical key.

El Palito and the small life below the surface

El Palito is a shallow sand area where you can snorkel or simply enjoy the sea. The water may reveal starfish, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins.

This spot suits a relaxed group. It is not presented as a fast, challenging swim. Shallow water can make it easier for less confident swimmers, but you still need to follow the crew’s safety instructions and pay attention to the bottom. Avoid standing on coral or handling marine life.

El Palito also gives you a second chance to snorkel if the conditions at Aquarium Cay are not ideal. That flexibility is useful on a private trip. You are not locked into one brief water stop, and the crew can help you make better use of the six-hour schedule.

White Watta Beach and the sea of seven colors

White Watta Beach is the tour’s relaxed finale. It is described as the only crystalline natural pool within San Andrés’ sea of seven colors, and it has two floating bars, Ibiza and Raizal.

The natural pool is the place to slow down. You can swim, float, take photos, or enjoy a drink at one of the floating bars. The water mat included with the boat fits this part of the day well. It gives you another way to enjoy the sea without constantly snorkeling.

The stop is also linked with sunset, although the exact timing depends on your departure and the day’s route. If sunset is important to you, ask the operator about the start time rather than assuming every outing ends at sunset.

The floating bars are not included in the tour price. Bring money for drinks, and remember that the cooler on the boat is useful for your own beverages. One practical point from the boat setup is that you can bring your own drinks, but food and drinks are not supplied as part of the booking.

Lunch on the island, with costs kept separate

Lunch is not included, but the crew can take you to a local restaurant. Coco Bay has been used as a lunch choice, and Haynes Cay has also been suggested for fresh fish and island food.

This arrangement gives you some choice, but it means you should budget beyond the $450 boat price. You will need to pay for your meal and drinks, as well as the pier entry fee. Ask about the lunch plan early if you have food preferences or want to spend more time snorkeling instead.

I like that the meal can be local rather than a prepacked boat lunch. You get a chance to try island cooking and sit down after several hours in the sun. The downside is less price certainty. Your final cost depends on what you order and which restaurant is used.

What the private boat adds to the price

At $450 per group of up to 10, the value depends heavily on group size.

For 10 people, the boat works out to $45 each before food, drinks, and the pier fee. For five people, it is $90 each. For two people, it becomes $225 each. That is a serious price for a day on the water, but the private setup may justify it if you care about flexible timing and personal space.

A shared excursion may cost less per person, but it usually gives you less control. Here, you can ask to stay longer where the fish are active, spend less time at a photo stop, or shape the day around your group. The boat also includes a captain, assistant, sound system, cooler with ice, life vests, snorkeling equipment, and a water mat.

The strongest value comes when your group fills most of the boat. Families and groups of friends can make the numbers work. A couple should book it for privacy and control, not for the lowest possible cost.

Crew service and communication

Mario has handled the welcome at the pier and communicated trip details through WhatsApp before departure. That kind of contact is useful for confirming the meeting point, start time, and any changes caused by sea conditions.

The crew has included Captain Luis with assistant Leider, and Captain Luis with assistant Denner on other departures. Their work includes guiding the route, helping at snorkeling areas, and giving the group personal time. You should expect the exact names to vary.

English and Spanish are available. If your group has a strong preference for one language, state it when booking. The professional sound system is a pleasant extra for a private outing, though the most important parts of the boat are the captain, safety gear, and room to move comfortably.

Who will enjoy this San Andrés boat trip

I would choose this outing for a group that wants a private day with several different stops. It suits couples who value privacy, families who want their own schedule, and friends who plan to swim, take photos, and share drinks on board.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want snorkeling equipment included.
• You prefer a private boat over a shared group.
• You want both nature and swimming stops.
• You plan to bring your own drinks.
• You have a group large enough to share the cost.
• You want flexibility around time in the water.

This is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or people over 70, according to the stated restrictions. The boat also depends on sea approval from Dimar. The operator may cancel or change the outing if conditions are not safe, so avoid building your entire island schedule around a nonrefundable connection afterward.

Bring beachwear, sun protection, and a waterproof way to carry your phone. Explosive substances are not allowed. Food and drinks are extra, but the cooler and ice make it practical to bring beverages for your group.

Should you book the private speedboat?

Book it if you have a group of at least five, care about privacy, and want a full route that combines mangroves, snorkeling, a shipwreck, sandbars, and a floating-bar stop. Aquarium Cay and El Palito give you two chances to look for marine life, while White Watta Beach provides a slower finish.

Think twice if you are traveling alone or as a couple on a tight budget. The boat is comfortable and private, but the per-person cost rises quickly with a small party, and you still pay for food, drinks, and pier entry.

For the best value, fill the boat, tell the crew that snorkeling is your priority, and confirm the sea conditions and lunch plan before departure. If that fits your style, this is a strong way to experience San Andrés’ famous water without giving up control of your day.

FAQ

How long is the San Andrés private speedboat tour?

The tour lasts six hours.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Muelle de la Policía.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private group can include up to 10 people.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a captain and assistant, a boat with professional sound, a cooler with ice, life vests, snorkeling equipment, and a water mat.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. The pier entry fee is also extra, although you can bring your own drinks and use the cooler with ice on board.

Which languages are available?

The tour is available in English and Spanish.

Can the tour be canceled because of the sea?

Yes. The tour operates only when sea conditions are approved by Dimar. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.