Boat Tour to Johnny Cay & Aquarium in San Andres Island

Exploring the stunning beauty of San Andrés Island just got easier. Hop aboard a boat tour that’ll whisk you away to the pristine beaches of Johnny Cay and the vibrant marine life of El Acuario. With knowledgeable guides, refreshments, and seamless transportation, this adventure promises an unforgettable day in paradise. But there’s a catch – not everyone may be able to join the fun. Dig deeper to uncover the participant restrictions and find out if this tour is the perfect fit for your island explorations.

This experience made our list of the 9 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In San Andres.

Key Points

• Combines a visit to the scenic Johnny Cay islet and the renowned snorkeling destination of El Acuario in San Andrés Island.
• Johnny Cay offers soft, white sand beaches, local cuisine, and nature walks, with limited mobility options and entry restrictions.
• El Acuario provides guided snorkeling experiences to explore vibrant marine ecosystems, with equipment provided and water shoes recommended.
• Includes boat transfers, with a 15,000 COP dock tax per person, and departs at 8:30 am with a maximum capacity of 10 travelers.
• Certain restrictions apply, such as for pregnant women, children under 5, and adults over 65 at Johnny Cay, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour Overview

The tour combines two key destinations: Johnny Cay, an islet located just 7 minutes by boat from San Andrés, and El Acuario, an area east of San Andrés known for its abundant marine flora and fauna.

Johnny Cay features beaches, palm trees, and local restaurants serving typical island dishes.

El Acuario offers snorkeling opportunities to explore the rich underwater world.

The tour includes boat transportation, qualified personnel, an internal bay tour, food, and drinks.

Participants should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and has some entry restrictions for Johnny Cay.

Visiting Johnny Cay

A brief 7-minute boat ride from San Andrés takes visitors to the idyllic Johnny Cay. This small islet offers a picturesque escape, with pristine beaches, swaying palm trees, and local restaurants serving traditional island dishes. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities on Johnny Cay, from relaxing on the sand to exploring the lush natural surroundings.

Feature	Description
Beach	Soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters
Dining	Local eateries serving seafood and island specialties
Nature	Lush palm trees and diverse flora and fauna
Activities	Swimming, sunbathing, and walking along the shore
Accessibility	Limited mobility options, with restrictions for certain travelers

Exploring El Acuario

East of San Andrés, El Acuario is known for its abundant marine flora and fauna, offering visitors captivating snorkeling opportunities.

Travelers can enjoy the vibrant underwater world, exploring the diverse ecosystems teeming with colorful fish, coral reefs, and other marine life.

The tour includes a guided snorkeling experience, allowing participants to discover the wonders of this unique destination.

While snorkeling equipment is provided, visitors are advised to wear water shoes for the rocky areas.

With its stunning natural beauty and wealth of marine life, El Acuario is a must-see destination for those seeking an unforgettable adventure in San Andrés.

Boat Transportation and Logistics

The tour includes boat transportation to whisk visitors away to the tour’s two key destinations. The tour provides boat transfers, qualified personnel, an internal bay tour, food, and drinks. Visitors must pay a 15,000 COP dock tax per person. The meeting point is in San Andrés, with details shared via WhatsApp, and the tour departs at 8:30 am. However, there are some restrictions – the tour is not wheelchair accessible and has an upper limit of 10 travelers. Plus, certain groups like pregnant women and children under 5 are not permitted at Johnny Cay.

Tour Inclusions	Pricing	Meeting Point	Departure Time	Participant Restrictions
Boat Transportation	15,000 COP Dock Tax	San Andrés	8:30 am	– Not Wheelchair Accessible – 10 Traveler Max – No Pregnant Women, Children Under 5
Qualified Personnel		Shared via WhatsApp
Internal Bay Tour
Food and Drinks

Participant Restrictions and Recommendations

According to the information provided, the boat tour to Johnny Cay and El Acuario has several participant restrictions and recommendations. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers.

Plus, entry to Johnny Cay is restricted for adults over 65, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and children under 5. The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers.

For a smooth and enjoyable experience, the following is recommended:

• Wear water shoes for the rocky areas in El Acuario
• Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)
• Stay hydrated by bringing water
• Be prepared for wet conditions during the boat ride and snorkeling
• Familiarize yourself with the tour’s cancellation policy

Tour Reviews and Experiences

Fifty-seven reviews provide an overall rating of 4.0 for the boat tour to Johnny Cay and El Acuario.

Positive feedback highlights the tour’s beautiful waters, great snorkeling, and organized itinerary. However, some critiques mention issues with communication, boat comfort, and snorkeling equipment.

The tour is praised for its picturesque destinations, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant marine life of El Acuario and the tranquil beaches of Johnny Cay.

While the overall experience is quite positive, a few areas for improvement have been noted by past participants, such as better communication and more comfortable boat accommodations.

Cancellation and Booking Details

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Guests who need to cancel can do so with no penalties, providing them with flexibility in their travel plans.

Plus, the tour operator provides a confirmation upon booking, ensuring that all the necessary details are clearly communicated.

Some key points about the cancellation and booking process:

• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior to the tour
• Confirmation received at the time of booking
• Tour not suitable for individuals with mobility limitations
• Water shoes recommended for the rocky areas in El Acuario
• Maximum of 10 travelers per tour

Additional Tips and Considerations

For a smooth and enjoyable experience, travelers should pack sun protection essentials like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Plus, water shoes are recommended for rocky areas at El Acuario. The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility limitations, and certain restrictions apply for Johnny Cay.

Restrictions for Johnny Cay
Adults over 65	Pregnant women	Children under 5
People with disabilities

The tour has a maximum capacity of 10 travelers, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Travelers are advised to confirm all details upon booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour doesn’t offer customization options. It’s a pre-set itinerary visiting Johnny Cay and El Acuario. Travelers must adhere to the tour’s schedule and restrictions, which include entry limitations for certain groups at Johnny Cay.

Can We Bring Our Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Travelers can bring their own snorkeling equipment, but it’s recommended to use the equipment provided by the tour operator, as they ensure proper fit and maintenance for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Are Life Jackets Provided During the Boat Ride?

Yes, life jackets are provided during the boat ride. The tour includes qualified personnel who ensure the safety of all participants, including the provision of life jackets for the boat transportation portion of the excursion.

Is There a Limit on the Number of People per Tour?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers per group. According to the tour details, this participant restriction is in place to ensure a comfortable and personalized experience for all guests.

Can We Get a Refund if the Weather Is Bad?

The tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. If the weather is poor on the day of the tour, travelers can receive a full refund.

Recap

Discover the stunning natural beauty of San Andrés Island on this boat tour to Johnny Cay and El Acuario. Enjoy the pristine beaches of Johnny Cay, then explore the vibrant marine life through guided snorkeling at El Acuario. With experienced guides, refreshments, and convenient transportation, this tour offers an unforgettable day in paradise, though it may not be suitable for those with mobility limitations or certain entry restrictions.