The beaches of San Andrés: which one to choose depending on the trip you want to experience
The seven-colored sea surrounds a small island, but each coast offers a different way to experience it. Among the beaches of San Andrés, some days invite you to lie on the sand and sunbathe, others begin with a snorkel mask, and some take you by boat to waters where the fish swim very close.
Then comes the question that really matters: which beach has the vibe you're looking for? Choosing the right one can give you one of those moments that, long after, still makes you think of the Caribbean. At Samawi, we'll tell you everything you need to know.
The beaches of San Andrés: a sea of seven colors and several options
Exploring San Andrés is like witnessing the Caribbean's transformation: calm waters to the east, deep seas to the west, and more activity to the north. This variety makes San Andrés' beaches unique and allows you to experience the island in different ways.
San Luis Beach: Tranquil Caribbean and island life
In San Luis, the pace changes. The eastern coast combines sand, coconut palms, and an atmosphere connected to the local community, far removed from the urban bustle. When you think of San Luis beach in San Andrés, imagine a morning strolling along the sea, entering the water whenever you like, and leaving time to relax or simply admire the coastline.
If you're looking for less crowded beaches in San Andrés, San Luis tends to be quieter than the central areas, although its activity varies from day to day. It's not about finding an empty beach, but about enjoying the Caribbean at a more relaxed pace.
Traveling as a couple or looking for a relaxing morning? San Luis could be a great choice. It's about 10 minutes from downtown by car and you can easily combine it with a visit to Rocky Cay on the same East Coast trip.
Rocky Cay: shallow water for family fun
At Rocky Cay San Andres, the adventure begins from Cocoplum. A coral reef helps keep the water calm and shallow, and when the sea allows, you can venture out to the small rocky cay located approximately 200 meters offshore.
For a family, this way of entering the sea transforms the experience: children can enjoy gentler water under supervision, while the adults put on masks to observe what's happening beneath the surface. Since the land route to San Luis passes by Rocky Cay, both locations can be combined into a single day trip without losing any of their charm.
West View: when you want to enter facing the sea
At West View San Andres, the experience begins differently: you don't arrive via a long stretch of sand, but rather by entering the Caribbean. The coast is rocky and the water deep; a diving board and water slide lead to a plan where swimming, snorkeling, or diving take center stage.
Between one entrance to the sea and the other, you can relax; the area has restrooms, changing rooms, and food options. From the town center, you can reach it by land following the El Cove–Piscinita route.
If you enjoy swimming, watching fish, and spending two or three hours on water activities, West View is a great choice. If you're traveling with young children or prefer a gradual entry into the sea, it's best to choose a shallower area.
Spratt Bight Beach: Sea, Boardwalk and Life Around
Spratt Bight beach combines two of the best travel experiences in one place: stepping into turquoise waters and, minutes later, strolling along a boardwalk lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. You can start by relaxing in the sea, stop for a bite to eat, and then continue exploring the town center without making your beach day take up the entire day.
From Hotel Samawi San Andrés, Spratt Bight is approximately a 6-minute walk away. This proximity is especially appreciated on a first visit, when traveling with family, or when you have limited time and want to experience the Caribbean without a long commute.
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Haynes Cay: when a beach day becomes an excursion
With Haynes Cay, even the journey there becomes a memory. You need to take a boat, and in about ten minutes from San Andrés, the landscape transforms into shallow waters where snorkeling allows you to observe fish up close. The visit is often combined with a trip to El Acuario/Rose Cay, making the outing feel like a small adventure off the main coast.
If you want your day to be defined by boat trips, snorkeling, and marine life, Haynes Cay deserves a place on your itinerary. More than just an afternoon on the sand, it's a chance to experience the Caribbean from the water.
Where to stay if you want to visit several beaches?
When each day brings a different plan, a good location allows you to easily go out, return to rest, and continue enjoying the afternoon. Samawi San Andrés leaves Spratt Bight a six-minute walk away and places you in the center, from where you can organize outings to different places.
And returning is also part of the journey. After the sea or a morning exploring the coast, you can return to your room, cool off in the pool, or relax at the Amazon Bar. This way, experiencing different beaches doesn't mean spending your vacation constantly moving from one place to another: you have a comfortable place to return to before choosing your next activity.
Book your stay in Samawi and discover the beaches from a strategic location.
Make your reservation at Samawi, see our rooms and start imagining your days on the island: a morning in Spratt Bight, another between San Luis and Rocky Cay, and a day to swim in West View or sail to the cays.
Choose your dates, check out our promotions and return to Samawi San Andrés every day after experiencing a new way of enjoying the seven-colored sea.
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