Marine Capital

San Andres, the capital, is the largest island in the archipelago, with 27 km2, and seat of government and a of majority of government and private institutions.The most important line of the economy is tourism, followed by the trade, because it is free port since 1953.

With nearly 60 thousand inhabitants, its population comprises Raizales native (50%), non-native native islanders, continental Colombians and foreigners.

The island is an important fishing port, most of the fishing boats (artisanal and industrial) fondean or landed in the Bay of San Andres, where the dock is departmental. White Fish, crayfish and conch are the main fishery products, both for export and for local consumption.

On the island there are numerous stores in which you can get all kinds of domestic and imported products: household goods, furniture, liquor, perfume, clothes, accessories, etc.

The combined efforts of national governments and departments has given a new face to the island's infrastructure. It highlights the works as a pedestrian walkway or Sprat Bight Pathway, the new modern hospital and the renovation and restoration of parks and other public spaces. The private sector has joined this effort and are increasingly commercial establishments that have been remodeled, thereby giving a new face, more modern and sophisticated, the commercial sector.

Municipios

The islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina is the only municipality in the department. They are 80 miles north of San Andres. Providence has an area of 19 km2 and Santa Catalina, 1 km2. Descover it!

The 7 Colors Sea

The archipelago is essentially the sea. And to enjoy it as much as possible on the islands they offer all kinds of activities and services: semisumergibles excursions and boats, diving courses and equipment hire, hire yachts, marinas, schools, water sports, rental and sale of equipment to practice snorkeling , skiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. This is without counting the beautiful beaches in the Archipelago (over 40), most of which you can simply relax watching the sea while enjoying some of the delights of local cuisine or a refreshing drink.

Due to its location, in the archipelago there are more than 10 hours of sunshine, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy it, remembering always to avoid prolonged exposure.

Beaches

The beaches of the archipelago are considered among the best in Colombia. Most are made up of coral sand, giving an amazing variety of crystalline blues and greens, which are known as the islands of the the 7 colors sea. Transparency and warmth of the waters of the archipelago made one of the best dive sites in the country, attracting domestic and foreign divers.

In the archipelago, there are more than 40 beaches, some almost virgin, more than 10 hours of sunshine each day. At certain times of year, the sunset comes around 7 pm and the dawn around 6 am

In San Andres there are several beaches, including those of the keys Johnny Cay, Haines and The Aquarius (5 minutes by boat) and the keys of Courtown and Albuquerque (2 hours by boat).

The Cays

Several cays and islets of coral formation, which are remote from the major islands, are also part of the archipelago. Most are uninhabited, some are found only in small detachments of the Colombian Navy, whose presence exercising national sovereignty over these territories.

To the south of San Andres are those who are locally known as the southern cays: Bolivar (which actually consists of two islands and a vast bank of coral sand) and Albuquerque, consists of two islets.

They are frequented by tourists and residents tours, and artisanal fishermen. Its coral formations are in good condition and offer various scenarios for those who decide to immerse yourself in its crystalline waters.

To the north of Providence are other keys, low and banks Archipelago: Serrana, which is one of the largest coral formations of the department and an important site for nesting seabirds and t-shirts; Serranilla; Roncador, a rocky islet; Quitasueño, that is one of the most extensive coral areas of the country where there are the remains of several boats that were shipwrecked or encallaron its environs, and low Alicia, and New Moon Green, the latter an important site of artisanal fisheries and industrial sectors.

Diving

A large marine biodiversity, most associated with large areas with coral coverage live, make the islands one of the best places for diving in the country. Added to this are things like the excellent visibility (30 meters, approximately), warm water (26 ° C is the average temperature) and quiet (mild currents), dive sites near the islands, in addition to the natural wonders and artificial making a variety, as cantiles diving, shipwrecks and caves and grottoes.

In San Andres, there are more than 20 dive sites, all near the coast. There are several schools, which offer courses from one day to night diving, navigation (to learn how to position themselves under water, compass use, etc..), Underwater photography, hiking the keys to the south (with an option of camping night), and so on. Some offer complete packages that include airplane tickets, hotel, meals, transfers within the island, dives and equipment. Some schools have their own camp or hotel.

In some ways, the schools and dive require certain minimum conditions, such as certification of open water diver, PADI Adventure Driver and a minimum age, which varies according to the mode.