If you’re dreaming of a day on the water around San Andrés with a touch of exclusivity, the Luxury Private Tour Boat 6 in 1 might catch your eye. While some travelers have found the experience a bit underwhelming for its price, many appreciate the opportunity to see iconic sites with a knowledgeable guide and enjoy spectacular views. This tour promises a combination of adventure, relaxation, and the chance to see some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful spots—all from the comfort of a private boat.
We love that this experience offers customizable private attention and visits to several must-see locations, making it more than a simple boat ride. The inclusion of a bilingual guide ensures visitors get background info and cultural insights, which enrich the journey. Plus, the music equipment and Bluetooth connection add a fun, modern touch, perfect for those who want to enjoy their favorite tunes while cruising.
However, a potential drawback is the overall boat condition and the lack of some expected amenities. Reviews indicate that the boat is not particularly luxurious and can be a bit small, which might limit comfort, especially for larger groups. Cost-wise, some feel the value doesn’t quite match the price, which could be a concern if you’re looking for a top-tier luxury experience.
This tour is best suited for travelers who prioritize seeing multiple sights in one trip and enjoy guided boat excursions. If you’re comfortable with a modest boat setup and want a private experience that covers key attractions, this could be a perfect pick.
Key Points
- Private and Guided: Enjoy a personalized experience with a bilingual guide who provides insights during the trip.
- Multiple Stops: Visit Johnny Cay, Aquarius, Cayo Haynnes, Old Point Mangrove, and the Sea of 7 Colors — a well-rounded tour of San Andrés’ highlights.
- Viewpoints & Waters: Expect spectacular views, crystal clear waters ideal for swimming, and photo opportunities.
- Boat Quality: Some reviews mention the boat isn’t particularly luxurious and is on the smaller side.
- Cost & Value: At $481 for up to 12 people, the price might seem high given the boat’s condition, but the route covers many iconic sites.
- Food & Extras: Lunch isn’t included, with options at Cayo Haynnes available at additional cost, starting around 45,000 COP.
What You Can Expect from the Tour
Starting Point and Overall Setup
You’ll meet at the Police Dock (Muelle de la Policia), a central location on San Andrés, making it convenient for most travelers. After a 15-minute boat ride, you’ll begin your exploration. The trip lasts roughly 7 hours, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, which allows ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
Johnny Cay (1.5 hours)
Your first stop is Johnny Cay, a vibrant spot famous for white sandy beaches, palm trees, and playful iguanas. While it’s a crowd favorite, some reviews mention it can get quite overcrowded, especially in peak season. Tour guides often share interesting facts about the island’s flora and fauna, making this a great spot for a quick swim or a beach stroll.
Rose Cay (1.5 hours)
Next, you’ll head to Rose Cay, another picturesque island where crystal waters and seagrass beds make for fantastic photos. It’s a peaceful spot ideal for snorkeling, as the waters here are noted for being transparente and teeming with fish. Some reviews mention bringing your own masks and snorkels to fully enjoy the underwater scenery.
More Great Tours NearbyFaro Haynes Cay (1 hour)
This small lighthouse island offers panoramic views and a chance to relax before heading to the lunch spot. The view from the lighthouse is a highlight, giving you a sense of how the sea’s different blue tones come together—hence the name, Sea of 7 Colors.
Cayo Haynnes & Lunch (approximately 1 hour)
The tour includes a stop at Cayo Haynnes, where a restaurant with a spectacular view awaits. Here, you can enjoy a meal, with prices starting around 45,000 COP. Keep in mind, lunch isn’t included in the tour fee, so you’ll need to budget for that. Many travelers appreciate the scenic setting, but some feel the meal options and pricing could be more transparent beforehand.
Old Point Mangrove (30 minutes)
This sanctuary is a highlight for animal lovers. It’s a great spot to see mussels, crabs, and migratory birds in their natural habitat. The mangroves provide a peaceful contrast to the busier beaches, and guides often share interesting facts about the local ecosystem.
Sea of 7 Colors (interior bay) & Swimming Stop
The star of the tour: the interior bay with its multiple blue shades. You’ll get to see the vibrant color variations of the Caribbean, and there’s an opportunity to swim in the middle of the sea—a memorable experience, especially for first-time visitors.
Rocky Cay (1 hour)
The final stop is Rocky Cay, a quieter beach with rock formations and clear waters, perfect for relaxing or a quick swim before heading back.
Return and Reflection
The boat ride back to the Police Dock caps off the day, giving you a chance to unwind and reflect on the sights.
The Experience in Practice
The Boat and Comfort Level
Multiple reviews mention that the boat isn’t exactly luxurious—many describe it as small and somewhat old. For some, this might mean less comfort and space, especially if you’re traveling with a larger group or want a more plush experience. The boat does come equipped with a sound system and Bluetooth, which can make the ride more fun if you’re into music, but don’t expect luxury furnishings.
Guides and Commentary
The bilingual guides are consistently praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and flexible. They seem genuinely interested in sharing information about the islands, marine life, and local culture, which adds value to the trip. As one reviewer pointed out, “the guides were amazing and so was the boat ride itself,” emphasizing how important good guides are in making this tour memorable.
Views and Photo Opportunities
This tour’s greatest appeal is the stunning scenery. The Sea of 7 Colors is exactly what you see in travel posters—vivid blue waters that change with the light and depth. The stops at islands provide lots of golden opportunities for photos, whether you’re lounging on the sand or snorkeling among the fish.
Snorkeling and Water Activities
While the tour doesn’t provide snorkeling gear, many travelers recommend bringing your own masks and fins. The waters around Aquarius and Rose Cay are known for their clarity and marine life, making them ideal for a snorkel. The chance to swim among fish in shallow waters is a real highlight, especially when the weather is sunny.
Value for Money and Criticism
At $481 for a group of up to 12, some travelers feel the cost is high given the modest boat condition and the fact that lunch isn’t included. However, others see it as a convenient way to see multiple attractions without booking separate tours or dealing with multiple vendors. It’s a private experience, which is a plus for those seeking more intimacy than a large group tour.
Review Feedback Summary
Most reviews agree that the guides are friendly and knowledgeable and that the views are stunning. Conversely, some mention the boat’s condition and overcrowding at popular spots as downsides. The lack of snorkeling gear and unclear upfront costs for food also come up repeatedly.
Who Should Book This Tour?
This experience is ideal if you value private, guided explorations and want to cover several important sites in one day. It’s suitable for families, couples, or small groups looking for a cost-effective way to see the island’s highlights. If you’re comfortable with a smaller, less luxurious boat and don’t mind bringing your own gear, this is a reasonable choice.
However, if you’re after luxury comforts or a more upscale boat, or if you want a tour with included meals and all amenities, you might want to explore other options.
Final Thoughts
The Luxury Private Tour Boat 6 in 1 offers a solid introduction to San Andrés’ most famous sights through a flexible and guided route. While it might not be the most plush experience, it excels in giving you a personalized adventure with direct access to beaches and marine environments that showcase the Caribbean’s natural beauty.
For travelers who enjoy small-group tours, scenic views, and knowledgeable guides, this tour provides good value and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Just come prepared with water shoes, snorkeling gear, and an open mind about the boat’s comfort level.
If you’re seeking a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation on the water, this tour could be a memorable part of your San Andrés itinerary.
FAQ
Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch isn’t included. You can buy meals at Cayo Haynnes, with prices starting around 45,000 COP.
How long does the tour last?
The tour runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, giving you about 7 hours to enjoy all the stops.
Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting point is the Police Dock (Muelle de la Policia), centrally located on San Andrés.
Is the boat comfortable?
Some travelers mention that the boat is small and not particularly luxurious; it’s more functional than fancy.
Is this tour suitable for children or babies?
It’s not suitable for babies under 1 year old, likely due to boat size and activity level.
What should I bring?
Beachwear, snorkeling gear if you have it, water shoes, and sun protection are recommended.
Does the tour include snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling gear is not provided, but bringing your own is suggested for better underwater fun.
How many people are in a group?
The tour is private for groups up to 12, making it a more intimate experience compared to larger tour boats.
In summary, this private boat tour offers a decent value for those wanting to see key sites around San Andrés with a personalized touch. Be prepared for a modest boat and some crowds at the popular spots, but enjoy the chance to capture incredible photos and learn from friendly guides. It’s a practical choice for travelers who prioritize flexibility, guided insights, and scenic beauty over luxury.
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