Around the Island in Chiva (Official Operator) San Andres Island

"Around the Island in Chiva" offers a captivating 360-degree tour of San Andres Island, showcasing its diverse attractions. From the captivating Island House Museum to the enigmatic Cueva de Morgan, this excursion promises an immersive cultural experience. With a maximum capacity of 50 travelers, the tour emphasizes inclusivity, catering to wheelchair users and welcoming infants. While entrance fees vary, the overall experience is well-reviewed, focusing on insightful cultural insights and breathtaking scenic views. Participants are advised to arrive 30 minutes early, as the tour’s unique itinerary may hold surprises that can’t be missed.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 360-degree city tour around the perimeter of San Andres Island using a Chiva (open-air bus).
• Four tourist stops available, including the Island House Museum and Cueva de Morgan.
• Entrance fees for attractions range from $2 to $7 USD, with the tour package covering the basic tour.
• Meeting point at Hotel Sea Flower, with a 30-minute early arrival requirement before the scheduled start time.
• Wheelchair accessible tour with a maximum capacity of 50 travelers, not recommended for those in delicate physical condition.

Tour Overview

The Around the Island in Chiva tour is a comprehensive 360-degree city tour that takes visitors around the entire ring road of San Andres Island.

This official tour offers four tourist stops, though entrance fees are optional. The tour duration isn’t specified, but travelers must arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with a maximum of 50 travelers. It’s not recommended for those in very serious or delicate physical condition.

Stops and Attractions

The Around the Island in Chiva tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore four distinct tourist sites on San Andres Island.

The first stop is the Island House Museum, where travelers can learn about the island’s history and culture.

Next, they’ll visit the Cueva de Morgan, a cave that’s open in the morning.

The West View provides panoramic vistas of the island’s stunning landscapes.

In the afternoon, guests can explore the Persistence Pirate Museum, which is closed on Saturdays.

Entrance Fees and Costs

Across the four tourist sites visited on the Around the Island in Chiva tour, entrance fees range from 8,000 COP ($2.00 USD) for the West View to 25,000 COP ($7.00 USD) for the Cueva de Morgan.

The Island House Museum and The Persistence Pirate Museum charge 15,000 COP ($4.00 USD) each. While the tour itself is included in the package, visitors have the option to explore these attractions at their own expense.

Some key considerations:

• The Pirate Museum is closed on Saturdays.
• Visiting the Blowing Hole may incur additional costs for consumables, around 30,000 COP ($8.00 USD) per drink.
• Travelers should arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour start time.

Meeting Point and Pickup

According to the information provided, the tour’s meeting point is Hotel Sea Flower, located at La Barracuda, Av. Las Américas #1b – 36 in San Andrés, Isla.

Travelers must arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. The tour will return to the same meeting point at the end.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but the wheelchair must be folded for boarding. The tour has a maximum capacity of 50 travelers and isn’t recommended for those in very serious or delicate physical condition.

Infants can attend the tour but must sit on their parents’ laps, and service animals are allowed.

Accessibility and Participants

The chiva tour is wheelchair accessible, though travelers must fold their wheelchairs for boarding. The tour can accommodate a maximum of 50 travelers, making it a sociable experience.

However, it may not be suitable for those in very serious or delicate physical condition, as the tour involves navigating the island’s roads and visiting various sites.

• The tour allows service animals, ensuring accessibility for all participants.
• Infants are welcome but must sit on laps during the journey.

The tour’s inclusive design caters to a diverse range of travelers, fostering an enjoyable and accessible experience.

Tour Duration and Schedule

The tour’s duration isn’t explicitly specified in the available information.

However, the tour is described as a 360-degree city tour around the entire ring road of San Andres Island. This suggests the tour likely lasts several hours, as it covers the entirety of the island’s perimeter.

The itinerary mentions four tourist sites that are included as stops, but the time allocated for each is unclear.

The tour seems designed to provide a rundown of the island’s main attractions, though the exact duration may vary depending on factors like traffic, time spent at each site, and the needs of the group.

Precise timing is likely communicated to participants closer to the tour date.

Reviews and Ratings

Based on the reviews available on platforms like Viator and Tripadvisor, this Around the Island in Chiva tour has earned an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Travellers have provided positive feedback, highlighting the excellence of the tour guide and the interesting nature of the overall experience.

However, some negative comments mention issues with the infrastructure at one of the attractions, the Pirate-themed site.

The tour seems to offer a well-rounded experience, with:

• Excellent guided commentary
• Diverse array of sites and activities
• Good value for money

Additional Information

Travelers interested in this Around the Island in Chiva tour will find that it offers wheelchair accessibility, with passengers able to board the vehicle as long as any wheelchairs are folded.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 50 travelers and isn’t recommended for those in very serious or delicate physical condition. Infants can join the tour, but they must sit on laps, and service animals are allowed.

The tour starts and ends at the Hotel Sea Flower in La Barracuda, with travelers advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but they should avoid consuming items that may be disruptive or interfere with the tour experience. The tour operator may have policies regarding outside food and beverages.

Do I Need to Book the Tour in Advance?

It’s recommended to book the tour in advance, as space is limited. Booking ahead ensures you have a spot and can secure the schedule that works best for your trip to San Andres Island.

Is There an Option to Join the Tour Midway?

Yes, there is an option to join the tour midway. Travelers can meet the group at designated stops along the route. However, they’ll need to pay the full tour price and may miss some of the earlier sites.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

According to the information provided, there don’t appear to be any advertised discounts or special offers for this tour. However, travelers may want to inquire with the tour operator directly to see if any promotions are available.

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit additional sites. While the standard tour includes 4 stops, travelers can work with the operator to add more attractions based on their interests and available time.

Recap

The "Around the Island in Chiva" tour offers an immersive 360-degree experience of San Andres Island. With diverse attractions, inclusive policies, and positive reviews, it provides an enjoyable and informative way to explore the island’s cultural and scenic highlights. Travelers can expect a well-organized excursion that caters to a range of participants, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a comprehensive introduction to San Andres Island.