Full Day Marine Tour in San Andres

Mangroves, murals, manta rays, and great music. This full day marine tour in San Andrés mixes an Old Point mangrove walk, photo stops like El Ojo mural by artist Jota, and then brings you to Cayo Acuario for manta ray swimming. I especially like the small group limit (max 16) and the way they keep the vibe going with on-board music and 24 canned beers for the group. One possible drawback to plan for is that the guide information may be delivered in Spanish first, depending on the crew and group mix.

This is the kind of day where you should come ready to swim, not just spectate. Life jackets are provided, and there is a deeper water stop at about 3 meters, but you’ll still want to bring your own snorkeling mask because of the biosafety protocol, and you’ll pay for lunch separately.

Key points to know before you go

• Old Point mangroves plus a mural photo moment at El Ojo with artist Jota
• Manawar Point snorkeling with chances to see starfish and sea cucumbers
• Mundo Marino includes life jackets and a deeper around 3 meters swim stop
• Cayo Acuario photo beaches like Instagram Beach, plus lunch at Bibi’s Place (not included)
• Manta ray swim rules: you swim with them, no touching or grabbing
• Free group drinks: 24 canned beers, cold in an icebox, plus you can bring your own drinks

A 7-hour marine day that actually feels like an outing

San Andrés has plenty of boat tours, but this one is built around variety. You get mangroves and nature info, beachy hangouts on pontoons, and then real water time at multiple stops, including a dedicated manta ray swim segment in Cayo Acuario.

The pacing also works for most people. You’re not forced into one long snorkel only day. Instead, the stops rotate between nature, photos, music, and swimming so the day stays fun even if you’re not the type to stay in the water the whole time.

The other big plus is the small size. With a max of 16 travelers, the boat and pontoons feel less crowded than the big cattle-call style tours.

Price and value: what $36 buys you on the water

At $36 per person, the value is strongest if you will use the included extras. You get life jackets for everyone, an icebox to keep drinks cold, and on-board Full HD music with trending songs. On top of that, the tour includes free alcoholic beverages, described as 24 canned beers for the group (for a maximum group size of 16).

So yes, you’re paying for transportation and multiple ocean stops, but you’re also paying for a structured day with energy. A lot of “cheap” trips save money by skipping the little comforts, like keeping drinks cold and having music running during the day.

Keep one cost in mind: lunch is not included. Each passenger must pay for lunch at the restaurant stop on the island.

Where to meet and how to time the day

The tour meets at Diajuan2 Av. Newball carrera 1, Muelle, cotton cay, in front of the police command in San Andrés. The start time is 10:00 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Because it’s near public transportation, you should be able to get there without stress, even if you don’t have a private car. And since the day is about 7 hours, I recommend treating it like a real plan, not something to squeeze in between other tours.

Also note that this is a popular option. It’s often booked about 21 days in advance, so if you’re traveling in a busier window, booking early gives you a better shot at your preferred date.

Old Point Red Mangroves and El Ojo with Jota

The first stop is designed to set the tone before the open-water part of the day. You navigate inside the Old Point Red Mangroves, and the guides explain the local fauna and flora at that location.

Then there’s a very specific, human touch: you take photos at El Ojo, a mural by artist Jota. That’s one of those small moments that makes the tour feel more like a story than a string of docking points.

What I like about this early sequence is that it gives you context. When you later look down into the water for fish spotting, you’ll understand this isn’t just “pretty sea,” it’s part of a coastal ecosystem.

Manawar Point, snorkeling, and a fish-spotting reality check

Next comes Parque Nacional Manglares de Old Point, with stops at areas listed as Manawar Point and Second Point. There’s also a bathroom stop built in, which matters when you have several water segments across the day.

The main water time here is snorkeling. The tour description frames it as a chance to spot fish of all colors, and it even calls out possibilities like starfish and sea cucumbers. There’s also a chance you’ll see a large manawar and huge seagulls if conditions allow.

A practical note: snorkeling experience quality depends on day-to-day conditions. Calm water helps. Visibility can vary. So approach this stop expecting good nature encounters, not a guaranteed underwater slideshow.

Still, this is a highlight type stop for many people because it’s one of the first chances to get in the water with structure, plus it’s paired with the park setting at Old Point.

El Palito pontoons, music, and the festive marine atmosphere

After the snorkeling portion, the tour shifts gears to a more party-friendly vibe at El Palito (also described inside Parque Nacional Manglares de Old Point). At this stop, the pontoons gather, and you get to enjoy music plus a festive marine atmosphere.

This is one of those “you don’t need to do anything special” segments. If you want to relax, socialize, and just enjoy being on the water, this is where you do it. If you want photos, this is also a good moment because the energy is upbeat.

The drawback to consider here is that this portion is more atmosphere than instruction. If you want nonstop facts about marine life, you may feel the day has peaks and quieter stretches.

Mundo Marino: the deeper swim stop with life jackets

Stop 3 is named Mundo Marino, and it’s described as the best point of the tour due to the variety of marine fauna. This is where you put on life jackets because the water is approximately 3 meters deep.

That depth detail matters. It signals that this part of the day is more “proper swim time” rather than shallow wading. If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll likely enjoy it more. If you’re nervous about depth, the presence of life jackets helps, but you should still take it seriously and go at your own comfort level.

I also like that the tour doesn’t pretend this is a gentle kiddie pool segment. It states the depth and provides the right safety gear, so you can decide how much to participate.

Cayo Acuario: lunch at Bibi’s Place and the photo-friendly beaches

You’ll reach Cayo Acuario and then split the experience into two distinct stops.

First is lunch at Bibi’s Place, described as a paradisiacal restaurant located in Haines Cay, one of the two islets of Cayo Acuario. Lunch is not included, so each passenger pays for their own meal here. Even so, this is a valuable break because it’s a real destination meal rather than just snack-and-go.

After lunch, you go to Instagram Beach. As its name suggests, it’s a strong photo spot. You can also spot manta rays from this area, depending on conditions.

This pairing works well. You get your food break with a change of scenery, then you head right into another visual and animal-watching moment.

Manta rays: swimming rules that keep it respectful

The manta ray segment is listed at Cayo Acuario under Manta rays. The tour description says you will swim with the manta rays, and there’s a clear rule: they do not touch or grab them, you only swim with them while they’re free.

That approach is important. It’s not about handling wildlife. It’s about sharing space respectfully and safely while you watch their behavior in the water.

One thing I’d take from the way the tour is described is that this isn’t framed as a “performance.” The goal is to swim alongside them, not interact physically. If you’re the kind of traveler who cares about animal welfare, this style fits better than tours where touching is part of the pitch.

White Watta and the floating bars finish line

Your last stop is White Watta. This is where the tour points out famous Ibiza and Raizal floating bars, and it positions this segment as the best music and atmosphere to end the day.

This is the wrap-up portion, so it’s less about snorkeling technique and more about the feeling of the day. If you liked the earlier festive mood at El Palito, you’ll probably enjoy this final “music zone” too.

Also, it’s a nice way to end so you’re not rushing straight from your deepest water segment to transportation. You get a transition moment where you can relax, take photos, and cool down.

Drinks, music, and the boat vibe (what you can plan around)

The tour includes alcoholic beverages described as free canned beers: 24 beers for the group, plus there’s an icebox to keep drinks cold. You also get a music system on board with Full HD sound and trending songs.

One practical perk: you can bring your drinks without restriction. That’s useful if you want options beyond canned beer.

I also like that the tour includes an onboard vibe plan rather than leaving everything up to chance. Music and drinks do not replace good guiding, but they help make the “travel time between stops” feel like part of the experience.

What to bring so snorkeling doesn’t get awkward

From the tour details, here’s what you should plan for:

• Bring your own snorkeling mask for the snorkeling activity due to biosafety protocols
• Snorkeling equipment use is not included, so plan on bringing your own gear or handling equipment separately
• Bring lunch money for the Bibi’s Place stop
• Plan for swimwear and towel-style comfort for multiple water moments

Also consider that the tour includes life jackets, which helps with safety, but it doesn’t remove the need to feel comfortable in the water. If you’re unsure, start with the shallower snorkeling opportunities and work up from there.

Finally, if language clarity is important for you, keep in mind that guide communication can be delivered in Spanish and may not be translated every time the same way. If you’re booking with someone who needs English instruction, it’s worth asking what language support will be available on your specific departure.

Who this tour fits best, and who might want something else

This tour is a strong pick if you want a full day on the water with a good mix of nature, photo stops, and actual swimming. The small group size helps if you hate crowded boats. The free drinks and music also make it a good match for friends and couples who want a relaxed Caribbean day.

It can be less ideal if your top priority is highly detailed instruction in English throughout. The tour does provide guide information, but the depth and language delivery can vary based on the crew and group mix.

It also may not be your best option if you already know you want a “one thing only” snorkeling trip. This itinerary includes multiple stops and some more social segments, like the pontoon music atmosphere.

Should you book this marine tour in San Andrés?

If your ideal day includes mangroves, a mural photo moment at El Ojo, snorkeling opportunities, and a serious manta ray swim where you don’t touch the animals, I’d book it. At $36, the included life jackets, drinks, and onboard music make it feel like a fair deal, especially with the max 16 travelers.

Do book with a clear expectation: lunch is extra, snorkel equipment isn’t included, and you should bring your snorkeling mask. If you’re okay with that, you’ll likely love the way the day flows from Old Point to Cayo Acuario and ends with the floating bar music vibe at White Watta.

FAQ

What time does the Full Day Marine Tour in San Andrés start?

It starts at 10:00 am and runs for about 7 hours, ending back at the meeting point.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is Diajuan2 Av. Newball carrera 1 Muelle, cotton cay, in front of the police command in San Andrés, Colombia.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at the stop on the island (Bibi’s Place) is not included, and each passenger pays for their own lunch.

Do I need a snorkeling mask?

Yes. Due to biosafety protocols, you must bring your masks for the snorkeling activity.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Use of snorkeling equipment is not included.

How deep is the Mundo Marino stop?

The tour notes that it is approximately 3 meters deep at Mundo Marino, which is why life jackets are used there.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time.