If you’re considering a private boat tour around San Andrés Island, Colombia, you’re probably after a relaxing, visually stunning experience that captures the essence of this beautiful archipelago. We’ve looked into the Luxury Private Tour Boat 6 in 1, a package offering a taste of the key islands, scenic stops, and the iconic sea of 7 colors—all in a neat one-hour ride.
What immediately catches your attention? First, the private group setting promises a more intimate experience, away from the crowds. Second, the guided bilingual service means you’ll get useful insights and help navigating this tropical paradise. But, on the flip side, some reviews flag the boat’s age and the overall value compared to expectations. So, this trip might be best suited for travelers looking for a flexible, quick overview of San Andrés rather than a luxury adventure.
If you love scenic water views, want to visit multiple key spots in a short time, and enjoy having a guide by your side, this could be an option. However, if you’re expecting top-notch luxury or specific spots like Rocky Cay to be included, keep reading so you can decide if it matches your vibe.
Key Points
- Private group offers a more personalized experience, avoiding large crowds.
- Boat features include sound equipment and Bluetooth, adding a fun vibe.
- Itinerary covers Johnny Cay, Aquarius, Cayo Haynnes, Mangroves, and the Sea of 7 Colors.
- Reviews highlight friendly guides and stunning views, but some mention the boat’s age and missing spots.
- Price around $481 for up to 12 people, offers decent value for a quick tour but not a luxury experience.
- What’s not included: lunch, dock taxes, or entrance fees for Johnny Cay.
The Experience: What You’re Getting Into
This tour sets out from the Police Dock at 10:00 AM and wraps up around 5:00 PM, giving you about 7 hours of water-based adventure. It’s a private tour—meaning no strangers—so you’ll be in a small group, which some reviews say makes for a more relaxed day.
The Route and Its Highlights
Your journey begins with a quick 15-minute sail to Johnny Cay, a favorite for many visitors. This island is known for its white sandy beaches, palm trees, and iguanas. You’ll spend about 1.5 hours here, perfect for a swim or just relaxing with a drink and some beachside snacks.
Next, the boat heads to Rose Cay, another secluded spot for roughly the same amount of time. This island is less crowded, offering a quieter vibe and more space for lounging or taking photos of the view.
Then, you’ll visit Faro Haynes Cay, where you get about an hour to explore or just enjoy the scenery. This spot often features a lighthouse or similar landmark, providing a good photo op and panoramic views.
The tour continues to the Mangrove Sanctuary at Old Point, where flora and fauna thrive. Expect to see crabs, mussels, and a variety of bird species—perfect if you’re into nature and wildlife.
One of the main attractions is the Sea of 7 Colors, a stretch of water famous for its vibrant blue tones. Here, you’ll get a chance to stop and swim in the middle of the sea, which is a real highlight for many. To clarify, the tour does not include lunch, but the stop at Cayo Haynes offers a restaurant with views, with prices starting from around 45,000 COP.
What the Boat and Guides Offer
The boat is described as a sporty vessel with sound equipment and Bluetooth, meaning you can enjoy music or listen to your guide comfortably. The guides are bilingual, which helps if your Spanish isn’t perfect or you want detailed explanations about the islands.
From reviews, we see that guides are generally friendly and helpful, making the experience more enjoyable. One review mentions that the guides were “amazing and very relaxing,” which adds to the overall positive vibe of the trip.
Real Talk: What’s Good and What’s Not
What travelers love:
– The stunning views and variety of stops, especially Johnny Cay and the Sea of 7 Colors.
– The friendly, knowledgeable guides that make navigating the islands easier.
– The flexibility in returning to a different hotel or beach instead of the marina, as mentioned by one traveler.
What’s a bit disappointing:
– The boat’s age and condition—some reviewers say it’s quite old and not “luxurious” as one might expect for the price.
– The missing spots—Rocky Cay and Haynes Cay, which some expect to be part of the tour, were not included according to one traveler.
– The lack of included amenities like snorkeling gear, drinks, or snacks onboard, meaning you’ll need to bring your own or purchase at stops.
– The costs for lunch and entrance taxes are extra, adding to the overall expense if you want a full experience.
Pricing and Value
At around $481 for up to 12 people, this tour isn’t cheap, but for a private, guided experience, it’s within a reasonable range. Keep in mind that this price doesn’t include lunch, entrance taxes, or any additional rentals like masks or water shoes. So, if you’re planning to snorkel or spend lots of time in the water, consider bringing or renting your own gear.
Based on reviews, some travelers feel the value is fair, particularly for the personalized attention and scenic stops. However, if you’re looking for a luxury boat or spots like Rocky Cay, you might find this tour somewhat lacking in those areas.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Johnny Cay
The entire experience kicks off with a visit to Johnny Cay, the highlight for many visitors. Known for its white sands and laid-back vibe, it’s a place to swim, sunbathe, or just soak in the atmosphere. One reviewer notes, “Johnny Cay is great but overcrowded,” which is worth keeping in mind if you prefer solitude.
Rose Cay
Less crowded and more tranquil, Rose Cay offers a peaceful escape. The calm waters and fewer visitors make it ideal for relaxing or taking photos of the natural surroundings.
Faro Haynes Cay
This small island is perfect for a brief stop—possible to enjoy the views or explore the lighthouse if present. It’s a good spot for a quick break to stretch your legs.
Mangroves at Old Point
The mangroves are a flora and fauna sanctuary. Expect to see crabs, mussels, and a variety of birdlife. It’s a neat nature stop that adds some diversity to the day.
Sea of 7 Colors
The main event—a stop in the interior bay where you’ll witness the sea’s striking blue hues. Swimmers can enjoy a dip in the middle of this beautiful body of water, an experience many rave about.
Lunch and Additional Stops
The tour’s lunch stop at Cayo Haynes offers scenic dining options, but you’ll need to pay separately. Prices start at around 45,000 COP. Other spots like Rocky Cay are not included, despite some expectations from reviews, which highlights that route details can vary.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re someone who values personalized service and wants to see the main highlights of San Andrés in a short, flexible trip, this could be a good pick. It’s especially suited for groups wanting to avoid crowded tours and prefer a bilingual guide to help navigate the islands smoothly.
However, if luxury and high-end amenities are your top priority, or you’re hoping for specific spots like Rocky Cay or extensive snorkeling gear, you might find this tour somewhat basic. It’s better for travelers who enjoy scenic water rides, natural beauty, and a laid-back vibe.
Travelers should also be aware that some reviews mention the boat’s condition and the absence of included food or drinks, which could impact the overall experience.
Final Thoughts
The Luxury Private Tour Boat 6 in 1 offers a quick, scenic introduction to San Andrés, emphasizing natural beauty and personalized service. While it’s not a high-end, luxury experience, it does provide a good opportunity to explore key islands with friendly guides in a relatively small group.
This tour is best for those who want a light, flexible day with beautiful water views and island stops, rather than a deep dive into the island’s more secluded or luxurious options. It’s a decent value for a private tour if you’re okay with the boat’s condition and extra costs for food and entrance fees.
If you’re after a moderate, guided water trip that showcases the highlights and allows some swimming in the famous Sea of 7 Colors, this tour could fit the bill—just keep expectations in check.
Luxury private tour boat 6 in 1
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, this tour can be suitable for families, especially since it’s a private group, offering flexibility. Just note the boat’s size and consider your children’s comfort, especially since snorkeling gear isn’t provided and some stops involve swimming.
Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included. The tour stops at Cayo Haynes where you can buy food, with prices starting from around 45,000 COP. If you want a full meal, plan to bring or purchase your own.
Are snorkeling masks or gear provided?
No, snorkeling gear isn’t included, so bring your own if you want to enjoy underwater. Some reviewers suggest bringing water shoes and masks for a better experience.
What’s the condition of the boat?
According to reviews, the boat is quite old and not luxurious. If you’re expecting a modern, plush vessel, this might be a disappointment, but it’s functional and equipped with sound systems for entertainment.
Are all the islands mentioned in the itinerary included?
Not necessarily. Some reviewers found that Rocky Cay or Haynes Cay weren’t part of their route, so routes can vary. Confirm with your provider beforehand if specific stops are important to you.
How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately a 7-hour trip, starting at 10:00 AM and ending around 5:00 PM, covering multiple stops and providing ample time to enjoy each.
If you’re after a personalized, scenic water adventure that hits the main highlights of San Andrés, this private boat tour could be a relaxed way to see the islands. Just keep in mind its limitations, especially regarding boat quality and included amenities.
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