Visitors wanting superb diving in crystal clear water, warm, white sandy beaches, exciting nightlife, colorful culture, a choice of full-amenity accommodations, relaxation and duty-free shopping head to San Andrés in the Caribbean.

Thanks to a vivid and multi-ethnic history, San Andrés offers a varied cultural experience, from the cuisine of the islands to the languages spoken. Spanish is the official language but people also speak English to the background of salsa and reggae.

The archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina, identified by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, is located 480 miles (720 km) northwest from the Colombian Caribbean Coast. It is made up of the islands of San Andres, Providence and St. Catherine, Bolivar and Albuqueque islets, Cotton, Haynes, Johnny, Serrana, Serranilla, Quitasueno, Rocky, and Crab cays and Alicia and Bajo Nuevo sand banks.

The islands' weather consistently averages 70-80+ F throughout the year with winds ranging from 5 mph to 15 mph.

The dry season is from January to May, with another less-dry season during August and September.

San Andrés is a duty-free port welcoming visitors to its lushly green landscape, isolated cays and almost private beaches. Most of the attractions of the islands come from nature and its history.

Island cuisine relies heavily on fish and local vegetables, accented with coconut, plantain, breadfruit and spices. Make sure to try rondón, made with fish, pork, conch, plantain and coconut milk, either in a restaurant or from a roadside stand.