Marmows Full Day Private Boat Tour in San Andreas Islands

A smooth day on the water beats the crowded chaos. This full-day private outing in San Andrés Island mixes mangroves, snorkeling stops, and a classic Caribbean sunset setup with floating bars.

The two things I’d prioritize when choosing this tour are the private feel (you only share the boat with your group, up to 12) and the chance to get real water time with provided snorkeling equipment plus ice-cold drinks on board. You also get a crew that keeps things moving and answers questions in a practical way, including strong English from captains and guides like Mario and Juliana.

One thing to factor in: the tour price does not include the pier entrance fee you pay per person, and like most sea days here, the plan depends on good weather.

Key highlights you should care about

• Private boat for your group (up to 12), so you can stay longer at the spots you like
• Snorkeling gear and a water mat are included, which saves time and hassle
• Manglares de Old Point National Park stop gives you mangroves plus wildlife watching on clear water
• Cayo Acuario is the main snorkeling stop, with lots of fish life mentioned in the plan
• White “Seven Colors” pool time plus floating bars Ibiza and Raizal for sunset vibes
• Crew support is a big deal here, with hosts like Mario and Juliana known for friendly, attentive guidance

Entering San Andrés by boat, not by schedule roulette

San Andrés can feel touristy in the usual ways. This tour flips the script. Instead of hopping between crowded tours, you get a dedicated private boat day that lasts about 6 hours, with multiple water stops built in.

That matters because snorkeling and sea time are less about checklists and more about “can we stay until we get it right?” Private time lets you do just that. You’re not stuck watching other groups splash in and out on a tight timetable.

Price and logistics that actually affect your budget

The price is $390 per group for up to 12 people. That’s the headline, but value depends on your group size.

• If you have 6 people, it works out to $65 per person.
• If you have 10 people, it’s $39 per person.

Either way, compare it to paying separately for a day tour with limited water time and fewer stops. Here, you’re buying a full boat day plus snorkeling setup and a crew that helps you make the most of it.

One more cost to keep straight: the pier entrance ticket is not included. You’ll need to pay 5,000 COP per person for the pier entrance. That’s not a deal breaker, but it is an extra line item you should plan for.

When you meet, and how the day usually unfolds

You start at Muelle de la policia, Cra. 1, San Andrés. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the logistics easy.

The schedule runs in a window shown as 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (opening hours listed for the operation period). In practice, what matters most is that boarding has a maximum waiting time of 1 hour. So aim to arrive early, then relax. This is a “good day out” tour, not a “show up late and hope” tour.

Also remember: the tour is listed as private, meaning only your group participates. No random strangers boarding midway. That’s a quality-of-day difference, especially if you have kids or you want to keep the pace comfortable.

Stop 1: Manglares de Old Point National Park for birds and calm water

The first stop is the Manglares de Old Point National Park. This isn’t just a scenic pause. Mangrove ecosystems are where the island’s wildlife biology becomes visible at the human scale.

You’ll get time on the water to admire mangroves in their natural setting, and you can look for tropical birds and other animals around the clear waters. Even if you’re not the “nature encyclopedia” type, mangroves are one of those places where the shapes, colors, and small animal details keep your attention.

Practical tip: mangrove areas can be breezy and cooler than the open sun. Bring a light layer or at least something to cover up if you sunburn easily.

Stop 2: El Palito sandbar and the kayak or windsurf vibe

Next you head to the sandbar known as El Palito. This is the “white sand and crystal-clear water” stop that makes San Andrés look like the photos.

The plan includes Chamey’s Nautica, Kayak and Wind Surf, but the exact activity inclusions aren’t spelled out in the details you provided. So think of this stop as a sandbar hang plus possible water activities depending on what’s offered on site.

If your group likes options, this stop works well. If your group prefers just relaxing and swimming, it also does the job. And because it’s private, you’re not forced to move on at the exact moment someone else’s tour group is ready.

Stop 3: Cayo Acuario snorkeling, fish spotting, and lunch time

Cayo Acuario is the main snorkeling anchor in the plan. It’s described as an ideal place to snorkel and see a range of marine life, including fish like doctor fish, puffer fish, butterfly fish, plus rays, sea urchins, and sharks.

Now, two honest notes:

• You should treat wildlife sightings as “best chance,” not a guarantee of a specific animal every time. Visibility and sea conditions change.
• Snorkeling success often depends on comfort in the water and staying relaxed, so the crew’s help matters.

That’s where the hosting style pays off. In the feedback you shared, hosts like Mario are noted for making sure kids and inexperienced snorkelers feel comfortable, even when conditions are choppy.

This stop also includes time for photos on coral sand and a lunch break at local restaurants. Lunch is not included in the tour price, so you’ll pay that on your own, but the time window is there so you aren’t starving while you wait.

Stop 4 and 6: San Andrés Island reef time, then back for photos and rest

After Cayo Acuario, the tour continues with additional time around San Andrés Island, including another snorkeling and reef-focused segment. The plan mentions exploring a coral-rich underwater world with tropical fish and corals.

Then there’s the return to the boat with downtime and a chance for photographs of the coast and sea during the way back.

One reason this structure works: you’re not doing one quick look at the water. You get multiple windows to go in and out, which helps if you have different comfort levels in your group.

Stop 5: The white “Seven Colors” pool, plus floating bars for sunset

The “white wata,” described as a unique crystalline natural pool within the sea of 7 colors, is a signature moment in the plan. If you love that pastel-water look, this is where you’ll spend time.

The stop also includes two floating bars, named Ibiza and Raizal. That’s the sunset rhythm part of the day, the time when the boat day becomes a relaxed celebration instead of a nonstop activity cycle.

This is also where I’d bring a small plan: if sunset is a priority, protect your phone battery, and give yourself a little time to just watch before you start taking photos.

What you get onboard: ice, water mat, and snorkeling gear

This tour includes:

• A refrigerator with ice
• Bottled water
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• A water mat
• An assistant captain (crew support)

That combination matters more than it sounds. Ice and water keep people comfortable during a hot mid-day sun cycle. Snorkeling gear inclusion removes the “did we pack the right fins” stress. The water mat suggests you’ll have a stable, easier way to rest while you’re in and out of the water.

Also, the feedback you shared highlights that you can often bring drinks and food aboard. That is a practical perk. It turns the day into a “your group’s routine” rather than a forced buy-on-site situation.

What to bring so the day stays fun, not painful

The tour is mostly water time and sun time. You’ll want:

• Sunscreen (strong enough for Caribbean sun)
• Something for sun protection, like a long sleeve shirt if you burn easily
• A hat or cap
• A face covering if you like extra protection for bright glare

One note from the experiences you shared: the sun can cook you fast, even with sunscreen. So plan like you’ll be out for hours in strong light, not like you’ll just be near the water for 20 minutes.

Crew and communication: Mario and Juliana set the tone

A private boat day lives or dies on the crew’s attention. The feedback here consistently points to hosts like Mario and Juliana being respectful, responsible, and very good at making the day smooth.

A few practical ways that shows up:

• Clear instructions at each stop
• Help with snorkeling comfort, including for kids
• Quick communication, including English comfort noted in your details
• A willingness to adjust where you go, so you’re more likely to enjoy the best spots rather than just follow the crowd

If English matters to you, this is a strong point. One of the best travel upgrades is being able to ask questions without hand signals.

Value for money: private boat, multiple stops, and real time in the water

Let’s be blunt. You’re paying $390 for a group. If you’re traveling solo, this probably won’t be cost-competitive. But for families, friend groups, and small parties, the math changes fast.

You’re paying for:

• Privacy
• Multiple snorkeling and water stops during a single 6-hour block
• Included snorkeling gear and onboard drinks support via ice and water
• A crew whose job is to make you comfortable, not just drive

The “value” isn’t only price. It’s time quality. With a private boat, you spend less energy coordinating with other groups and more time actually enjoying the sea.

Who should book this boat day, and who might skip it

This fits best if you:

• Want a private group experience, not a crowded boat
• Plan to snorkel and want help getting comfortable
• Care about flexible time at each stop
• Like a mix of nature, snorkeling, and sunset stops with floating bars

You might think twice if you:

• Want a fully planned schedule with no weather dependency, since sea conditions matter
• Don’t want to manage the pier entrance fee per person
• Prefer a land-heavy day trip instead of a mostly marine-focused itinerary

Should you book Marmows full day private boat tour in San Andrés?

If you’re deciding between “a boat tour” and “the best version of a boat day,” this one leans into the best version. The combination of private boat time, included snorkeling gear, and a crew that handles comfort well makes it a smart choice for most groups.

My call: book it if you’re the type who wants more water time and fewer crowds, and you’ll remember the small details like sunscreen, pier fees, and arriving early. If your group likes active time, snorkeling, and sunset atmosphere at the floating bars, you’re going to enjoy this day.

FAQ

How long is the Marmows full day private boat tour?

It’s listed at about 6 hours.

What is the group size for this private boat tour?

It’s priced per group for up to 12 people, and it’s a private tour for only your group.

What snorkeling items are included?

The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment and a water mat, plus bottled water.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included.

Are there any extra fees not included in the tour price?

Yes. You need to pay 5,000 COP per person for the pier entrance ticket.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.