Boat Tour to Johnny Cay & Aquarium in San Andres Island

The real draw here is the water. At Acuario, or Rose Cay, the sea is shallow and clear enough to see fish from the shore, while Rocky Cay gives you a longer stretch of beach time. I like the two-stop format because it combines easy swimming with some of the best snorkeling conditions around San Andrés.

I also like the small group limit of 10 people, and guides such as Cecilia Forbes have been praised for staying organized and helpful. The main caution is that this is not a fully guided sightseeing tour. It is mainly boat transportation and island time, and the basic boat can be wet and uncomfortable in rough water.

Key points to know before booking

• Two different kinds of island time: Rocky Cay offers about two hours, while Acuario gets about three hours for swimming and snorkeling.
• Clear, shallow water at Acuario: The sea is close to one meter deep in places, making fish easy to see from the shore.
• Bring water shoes: Acuario is rocky, and walking barefoot can be painful.
• Expect a simple boat: Spray can reach passengers and soak bags when the sea is choppy.
• Cecilia Forbes may be your guide: She has been singled out for clear instructions, patience, and helpful local advice.
• Weather can change the plan: Johnny Cay may be closed or unreachable, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or full refund.

What this San Andrés boat trip is really like

This is a half-day island outing rather than a traditional guided tour. You meet at Muelle Portofino at 8:30 a.m., board a boat, and spend most of the day moving between beach and shallow-water stops. The stated duration is about five hours, and the group is limited to 10 people.

That distinction matters. If you want a guide explaining every reef, island, and local story, this may feel thin. If you want someone to handle the boat arrangements while you swim, eat, sunbathe, and look around at your own pace, the format makes sense.

The title refers to Johnny Cay and Aquarium, while the listed first stop is Cayo Rocoso, or Rocky Cay. Since island schedules can change and local names can overlap in booking descriptions, I would confirm the exact first stop before departure. Some dates may also be affected by official closures or wind.

Meeting at Portofino pier at 8:30 a.m.

The tour begins at Muelle Portofino, at Cra. 1 #2304 in San Andrés. You return to the same meeting point at the end, which is useful if you are staying near the main town and do not want to arrange separate transport.

Allow extra time to find the pier and check in. One departure was reported as leaving about 30 minutes late, although the guide still kept the day organized. A short delay is not unusual for a boat outing, but it can reduce your island time if the schedule becomes tight.

The group maximum is 10 people. That is a better setup than a large party boat, especially when boarding and getting back on the boat. Still, the size of the vessel matters more than the headcount. The boat is described as simple, and some passengers found it uncomfortable or got wet from spray.

Pack anything you cannot afford to soak in a dry bag or sealed plastic pouch. That includes phones, wallets, room keys, and spare clothing. One useful detail from the trip reports is that a backpack became drenched on a rough crossing. San Andrés may have calm water, but that is not guaranteed.

Rocky Cay: two hours for beach time

Rocky Cay is described as a small rocky key, with the appeal coming from its setting rather than a long list of activities. You get about two hours here, enough for swimming, sitting by the water, and taking in the bright sea around the cay.

The stop works best if you treat it as open beach time. There is no promise of a continuous guided walk or formal commentary. The qualified staff handle the outing, but you are generally free to use the time at your own pace.

Some schedules and comments refer to Johnny Cay instead of Rocky Cay. Johnny Cay is a popular San Andrés stop, but authorities can close it. When that happens, the boat may not visit it, or the operator may offer another arrangement. This is one of the biggest practical uncertainties in the outing, so ask which cay is open on the day you go.

You should also expect conditions to affect how you get off the boat. With rougher water, boarding or stepping into the sea can be awkward. One account described people jumping from the boat into the water when the tide was moving strongly. If you have limited mobility or feel unsteady in water, ask the crew about the current conditions before committing to the landing.

Acuario, or Rose Cay, is the highlight

Acuario is the stronger stop for most people. The water is shallow, often close to one meter deep, and clear enough to spot fish from near the shore. That combination makes the area approachable even if you are not a confident swimmer.

You get about three hours here, the longest portion of the outing. That gives you time to swim, snorkel, watch the fish, and simply sit in the water without rushing back to the boat. The shallow setting also explains the name Aquarium. You are not looking at marine life from a distant boat. You are standing in the sea among it.

There are two practical cautions. First, the bottom is rocky. Water shoes are essential, or at least strongly advisable. Bare feet can take a beating, especially when the sea is moving and you are trying to keep your balance.

Second, do not assume the included boat service provides usable snorkeling equipment. One participant paid extra for gear but could not use it because the mouthpiece needed for the equipment was not available. The safest plan is to bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, and ask exactly what is included before paying for rental gear.

Some accounts also mention stingrays and small sharks in the water. The important point is not to handle or chase marine life. Follow the crew’s instructions, keep your movements calm, and give animals space.

This is island time, not a guided nature lesson

The tour provides boat transportation, qualified personnel, and an internal bay tour. It does not promise a guide beside you for every minute at each cay. Guides may give practical advice and explain the plan, then let you enjoy the water independently.

Cecilia Forbes is the guide name most closely associated with the outing. Her strengths are organization, clear meeting instructions, and attention to changing conditions. She has also helped arrange alternatives when strong wind or rain made Johnny Cay impossible.

That flexibility matters in San Andrés. On one weather-affected outing, the group visited Acuario and then went to a mangrove area instead of Johnny Cay. Another attempt to reach Johnny Cay the next day was also stopped by the weather. The lesson is simple: do not build your entire holiday around one specific cay.

If you book this trip for snorkeling and swimming, the lack of constant guiding is probably fine. If you want detailed explanations about local ecology or a planned walking tour, choose a more specialized excursion.

Boat comfort is the weak point

The boat is functional, but comfort is not its selling point. Several accounts describe it as basic, while one described a particularly wet ride with salt water hitting the face and soaking a backpack. A larger boat or fewer people would make the crossing easier, but this tour does not promise either.

The crossing is short enough that most people will consider the discomfort manageable, especially once they reach the islands. Still, I would prepare for spray rather than hope for a perfectly dry ride.

Wear a swimsuit under light clothing, use waterproof protection for electronics, and bring sunscreen. You will spend much of the day in direct sun or reflected light from the water. The tour does not include food or drinks, so carry what you need if the operator allows it, or plan to buy refreshments during the island stops.

Snorkeling equipment is also not included in the stated price. Ask before departure about availability, condition, and the extra charge. Bringing your own equipment avoids both the rental cost and the mouthpiece problem reported on one outing.

Is the $39.50 price good value?

At $39.50 per person, the tour is reasonably priced if you want a straightforward boat ride to the two main shallow-water stops. The price covers transportation, staff, and the internal bay tour. You are paying for access and coordination rather than a polished boat, meal, or private guide.

The value improves for visitors who would otherwise need to arrange several separate boat rides. A five-hour schedule with two island stops gives you a simple way to see both places in one morning and early afternoon.

The price is less attractive if you expect a personal tour or a premium vessel. One dissatisfied participant felt the outing amounted to little more than a boat ride and believed a cheaper local ride could have done the same. That criticism is fair if your priority is independent transport and you are comfortable arranging everything yourself.

Remember the added dock charge of 15,000 COP per person. The details also list a 15,000 COP charge for Rocky Key, so ask the operator whether these are two separate fees or two descriptions of the same charge. Food, drinks, and snorkeling gear are extra as well.

Weather and island closures matter

This activity requires good weather. Wind, rain, sea conditions, or an official closure can change the route. The operator may offer another date or a full refund if poor weather cancels the tour.

That policy is useful, but the timing of communication can affect your day. Several experiences show that alternatives may be offered rather than the advertised route. You may still visit Acuario, see mangroves, or try again later, but you cannot count on visiting every named stop.

Johnny Cay is especially important to verify because authorities sometimes close it. If Johnny Cay is the main reason you are booking, ask about its status before leaving the pier. If your priority is clear water and snorkeling, Acuario may still make the outing worthwhile even when the route changes.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, except when the operator cancels because of weather.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would choose this tour if you want an easy half-day on the water, especially if you are staying in San Andrés and want to see Acuario without organizing a boat yourself. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families who are comfortable with swimming, rocky footing, and a basic boat.

It is also a good match for people who prefer free time over a tightly scripted schedule. You get several hours at the islands instead of being rushed through a series of short photo stops.

I would think twice if you need a dry, comfortable boat, have trouble stepping into shallow water, or want a detailed English-language tour with constant commentary. The operator indicates that Cecilia speaks English, but communication quality can depend on the guide assigned that day. Confirm your language needs when booking.

Should you book the Rocky Cay and Acuario boat tour?

Book it if your ideal San Andrés day means clear water, beach time, and simple snorkeling, and you can accept a basic boat and weather-related changes. Acuario is the strongest reason to go, with shallow water and fish visible close to shore.

Skip it if you are paying mainly for Johnny Cay and cannot accept a substitute, or if you expect a premium vessel and a fully guided tour. Bring water shoes, your own snorkeling gear if possible, waterproof storage, sunscreen, and money for the dock charge. With those preparations, the tour offers a practical way to spend five hours around San Andrés’s most appealing shallow-water stops.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Muelle Portofino, Cra. 1 #2304, San Andrés, San Andrés y Providencia, Colombia.

What time does the tour begin?

The stated start time is 8:30 a.m.

How long does the boat trip last?

The activity lasts approximately five hours.

How much time is spent at Rocky Cay?

The scheduled time at Cayo Rocoso, or Rocky Cay, is about two hours.

How much time is spent at Acuario?

The scheduled time at Cayo Acuario, also called Rose Cay, is about three hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes boat transportation, qualified personnel, and an internal tour of the bay.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the activity, you are offered another date or a full refund.