Audio Guide of The Natural Pool on San Andrés Island

The Natural Pool is open all day, but it is recommended to visit between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for greater safety and natural light. The main access is by boat from the San Andrés pier, with tours departing frequently; alternatively, you can walk about 20 minutes from Spratt Bight Beach. For more details, check the official San Andrés tourism website at www.sanandres.gov.co.

Admission to the Natural Pool is free, as it is part of the island’s public natural areas. However, if you take a boat tour from San Andrés, the approximate cost is 20,000 to 30,000 COP per person, including transportation. Check updated prices with local agencies or on TripAdvisor.

It is recommended to set aside at least 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy the natural pool, including time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the crystal-clear waters. If you combine it with a tour, the total itinerary may extend to 4 hours. Plan with enough time to avoid rushing and make the most of the experience.

The Natural Pool is a unique natural formation where the Caribbean Sea filters through a channel into a protected lagoon, attracting the Raizal people, the island’s native population, for generations as a place for fishing and recreation. Its importance lies in representing the marine biodiversity of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, declared by UNESCO in 2000. It is a symbol of San Andrés’s Afro-Caribbean cultural heritage.

The best time is during the dry season, from December to April, when the sea is calmer and there is less rain. Choose early morning, around 9:00 a.m., to avoid crowds and enjoy clearer waters; late afternoon can be ideal for sunsets, but check the weather forecast.

The main access involves a short boat ride and some walking over uneven ground, which may be challenging for people with reduced mobility; however, many tours offer assistance or direct boat options to the pool. I recommend contacting agencies specialized in accessibility, such as those listed on Colombia’s inclusive tourism portal: www.mincit.gov.co.

Near the Natural Pool you will find Spratt Bight Beach, just 10 minutes away by boat, ideal for relaxing and enjoying turquoise waters, and Johnny Cay Natural Regional Park, with its lighthouse and wildlife, accessible in 15 minutes. You can also explore downtown San Andrés to shop for Raizal handicrafts. For a full itinerary, visit www.colombia.travel.

Bring sunscreen, snorkeling gear (or rent it on site for about 10,000 COP), water, and snacks, as there are no nearby commercial facilities; wear water shoes to protect yourself on the rocks. Respect the environment by avoiding plastics and follow the guides’ instructions so as not to damage the corals. If you are traveling with family, choose tours that include life jackets.