San Andres Packing List: Everything You Need!

Updated: February 17, 2024

If you plan to visit San Andrés, and you wonder what to take or pack to San Andrés? then we show you the packing list with the key elements you should take with you to enjoy your trip.

Packing a suitcase with implements according to the place you are going to visit, allows you to enjoy the walk more comfortably and avoid setbacks. Below we present all the items you should pack in your suitcase.

Travel documents

If you are a foreigner you must carry your current passport. If you are Colombian, you must bring your citizenship card (adults, 18 years and older), identity card (children over 7 years) or ORIGINAL civil registration (under 7 years).

Tourist Card

All tourists over the age of 7 must pay a tax to enter San Andrés, known as a tourism card. This is bought at the airport before getting on the plane to San Andrés. The cost of the tourist card in 2024 is 137,000 thousand pesos. At the Bogotá airport you can buy it in cash or with a credit card.

IMPORTANT: The tourist card must be completed with a black pen and cannot have amendments or errors to be accepted. If this requirement is not met you must buy another. You must also save it to be able to leave the islands since they request it both at the entrance and at the exit.

Light and comfortable clothing

Due to its hot and humid climate, it is advisable to wear light, comfortable and cool clothing such as short-sleeved cotton shirts, cool styles, shorts.

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Comfortable shoes and water shoes

Do not forget to take with you the appropriate footwear for walking on the beach and for activities in the water. Water shoes are necessary if you are going to visit the aquarium as there are many stones, corals and urchins that can hurt your feet. At the aquarium they sell them for $40,000 and rent them for $20,000.

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Snorkeling equipment

If you plan to practice water sports such as snorkeling, diving or kayaking, then you cannot stop taking with you all the necessary equipment and accessories to do so. If you plan to explore the incredible underwater world of San Andrés, then you cannot forget to take a complete set of diving equipment with you. This includes goggles, snorkel and fins. At the aquarium they sell them for $60,000 – $70,000 or rent them for $20,000.

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Insect repellent

The use of repellents is recommended during the days of your trip to avoid bites.

Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen

San Andrés has a warm climate throughout the year, so don’t forget to protect your skin with a good sunscreen and wear sunglasses to prevent eye damage.

Beach towels

It is advisable to bring towels to dry off after water activities, swimming at the beach or relaxing in the sun. These are only necessary if the hotel or accommodation does not provide them.

Camera or cell phone

Do not forget to bring your camera to capture all the unforgettable moments that you will experience during your stay in San Andrés.

Water protector for cell phone

It is advisable to bring a good cell phone protector to protect them from sand and water. If you plan to go to the aquarium and take pictures in the sea, it is very important to have it to avoid damaging your equipment. They sell them at the aquarium for $20,000.

Bathing suits

This is the item of clothing that you will wear the most on the island. It is a good idea to pack several dresses or bathing suits, some suitable for water sports and others fashionable for sunbathing and showing off in photos.

Beach bag

Don’t forget to bring a bag for the beach. A large bag, preferably waterproof, is very comfortable to store towels, sunscreen, money and everything you need when you go to enjoy the beach.

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Toiletries

Do not forget to pack all personal hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb or brush, shampoo, conditioner, shaver, etc. If you need any of these items, don’t worry, in San Andrés there are many stores, drugstores and supermarkets to buy them.

Cash

It is important to carry cash as there are many services that do not accept cards. For example, informal sales, taxis, purchases and rentals at the aquarium. Keep in mind that there are few ATMs, and sometimes they don’t have a line. At the airport you can find Davivienda and Banco de Bogotá ATMs. If you stay in the center there you will find several ATMs but if you are staying in more remote places it is very difficult to find.

These are some of the most important items that you should take with you for your trip to San Andrés. If you don’t want to carry all the equipment, then you can also find it on the island easily and at a good price. Be sure to pack well so that all items arrive safely on the island!