Land Area, Climate and other information
The San Andres Archipelago cover a total area of 349.800 square kilometers, however, the total land mass is approximately 44 square kilometers.
The climate is dry and sunny; the average temperature ranges between 78 and 82 degrees, with cool breezes blowing throughout the year. The principal economic activity is tourism and commerce resulting from the Islands Duty Free Status. The official language is Spanish but English is spoken throughout the Islands. The dominant culture is Anglo-Caribbean. The Islands are governed by a popularly elected Governor and the Islands receive about 400,000 visitors annually.

Travel Documents
Foreign visitors must have passports and all visitors must obtain a tourist card which is available upon entry to the Islands or through air carriers servicing the Islands. Current cost of tourist card is $9.00 per visitor.

Banking and Shopping
The majority of banks are open from Monday to Thursday from 8:00-11:30am and 2:00 -4:00 p.m. On Fridays the banking hours are 8:00-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-4:30p.m. Stores and shopping centers are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00a.m-12:30p.m and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30p.m... Sunday shopping is restricted to half days-9:00a.m-12:00p.m.

Getting to San Andres
The principal transportation to San Andres and Providence is by air. San Andres is a short fifty minute flight from San Jose, Costa Rica. West Caribbean Airlines services San Andres from San Jose, Costa Rica with scheduled departures every Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at 12:40 p.m. Return flights to San Jose, Costa Rica via West Caribbean Airline are scheduled every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica at 3:20 p.m. Live the San Andres experience with L.A. Travel. Our experienced travel consultants include an Island Native with extensive experience and knowledge of the Islands. For information and reservations contact elizabeth@latravelservices.com

Tourist attractions
Johnny Cay is a small island covered with palm trees and is considered the “Paradise Cay” of San Andres. The Cay's sand is startlingly white and the surrounding water is crystal clear, offering great snorkeling, sun bathing, jet ski rentals and Banana Boat rides. You can also enjoy a refreshing “Coco Loco” cocktail, and local sea food dishes.

Acuario & Haynes Cays
A short distance from San Andres main beaches you will find Acuario & Haynes Cays. These two small Cays are very peaceful and a great place to practice nautical sports. For those who love to snorkel there is a natural Acuario filled with tropical fish waiting for you to explore.

The Other Cays
Bolivar and Alburquerque Cays are two of the most beautiful Cays in the Islands. These Cays are frequently visited by tourists who enjoy snorkeling, diving, fishing and unique and beautiful beaches. Roncador, Serrana, Serranilla and Quitasueno Cays are a group of cays and shoals located within an hour from the main island of San Andres. These cays with their light houses are guides for the ships and boats that sail through the Archipelago. Home to a multitude of marine species including birds, fish, conch, lobster, these small Islands and Cays are surrounded by coral reefs. It’s definitely a place to go, if you are scuba diver or like to snorkel. Contact L.A. Travel for your trip to Bolivar Cay.

San Luis
On the South side of the Island there is a tranquil little village away for the hustle and bustle of down town San Andres. Here you will find Sound Bay Beach and can enjoy exotic Island sea food dishes and relax to the sound of breaking waves and let the Caribbean breezes lull you to sleep. San Luis is a native area of the island, with wooden houses and Caribbean architecture. Further south you will find the “Blowing hole”. A tourist attraction that is reminiscent of the famous “Old Faithful” located in Yellow Stone National Park. This attraction sports an opening to the sea that is connected by way of underground channel and at high tides will explode with water as the water rushes into the channel. Sometimes the geyser reaches thirty feet and will drench unsuspecting tourists. Following the Island Road which circles the Island you will find “The Swimming Hole” or “Piscinita” and “Helario’s Pool”, both are beautiful natural swimming pools great for snorkeling, or scuba diving. L.A. Travel recommends the typical restaurant at “Helario’s Pool” for local sea food dishes.

The Cove
This is the preferred bay for watching the sunsets. It is also the location for Caribbean Cruise ships who anchor at San Andres. Schedule a stop her and enjoy the cuisine of the Lobster House Restaurant or “Fisherman Cove” restaurant, you will love it!

The Hill
The “Hill” is the highest point of the island, approximately 400 feet above sea level. It offers incredible panoramic view of the entire island and also offers a view of another scenic native village that preserves typical Island traditions and Culture. Here you can admire native housing painted in bright colors and also visit the first Baptist Church that was established on the Island. This landmark serves as a guide to Ships arriving in San Andres.