San Andres: Private San Andres Bay Tour by Luxury Speedboat

The sea changes color by the minute. This private six-hour boat trip gives you a polished way to see San Andrés, from Old Point mangroves to shallow snorkeling spots and White Watta Beach. I especially like the freedom of a private boat and the chance to bring your own drinks for the onboard cooler. The main catch is cost: at $450 per group, it is excellent value for a larger party but expensive for only two people.

I also like that the crew can adjust the day to your interests. Mario, the owner, meets you at the police pier, and guests have praised captains Luis and assistants Leider or Denner for being kind, helpful, and attentive without hovering. You should know that food, drinks, and the pier entry fee are extra, and the trip depends on sea conditions approved by Dimar.

Key points before you book

• Private boat for up to 10 people: The $450 group price makes the most sense for families or friends sharing the cost.
• Several very different stops: You move from mangrove habitat and birdlife to reefs, a shipwreck, shallow sand, and floating bars.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You receive equipment, life vests, and a water mat, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins.
• A comfortable boat day: The luxury speedboat has a professional sound system and a cooler with ice.
• Lunch is flexible but not included: You can eat at a local restaurant, including the Coco Bay or Haynes Cay area mentioned by guests, but you pay separately.
• Sea conditions matter: Departure is only possible when Dimar approves the water conditions.

Why a private boat changes the day

San Andrés has plenty of water-based outings, but a private boat gives you control over the pace. You are not locked into a large group schedule, and you can spend longer at a snorkeling site if the fish are active or move on when you have had enough sun.

That flexibility mattered to a couple who took the trip with just two people. They followed the suggested route but stayed longer at places they liked. For a full group of 10, the setup becomes even more appealing because the boat, crew, cooler, equipment, and six hours are shared among everyone.

The price is $450 per group, not per person. Ten people would pay about $45 each, before food, drinks, and the pier fee. Two people would effectively pay $225 each, so this is not the obvious choice for a small budget. Still, a private boat can be worth it if privacy, comfort, and control matter more to you than finding the cheapest way onto the water.

The boat includes a captain and assistant, professional sound equipment, a cooler with ice, life vests, snorkeling gear, and a water mat. You can bring your own drinks, a useful detail if you want to avoid buying everything at a beach bar. Bring beachwear, and remember that explosive substances are not allowed.

Meeting at the police pier

The tour begins at Muelle de la Policía, the police pier. Mario has met guests at the dock before the scheduled departure and handled the introduction to the captain and assistant. Communication before the trip has included WhatsApp, with key details sent the night before in at least one case.

That kind of contact is useful for a boat trip. You want to know where to stand, when to arrive, and whether the sea is calm enough to go. I would still allow time to find the pier and pay the entry fee, since that charge is not included.

The listed duration is six hours, although the exact departure time depends on availability. Confirm the start time when you book, especially if you hope to catch a particular light for photos or reach White Watta Beach late in the day.

Once underway, the speedboat gives you a broad view of San Andrés and the surrounding water. The advertised sea of seven colors is not a single postcard shade. Depending on depth, sand, coral, sunlight, and weather, the water can shift from pale turquoise to stronger blue. The boat is a fine platform for seeing those changes from offshore.

Old Point mangroves: a quieter opening

Old Point mangroves provide a useful contrast to the open sea. Here, red mangroves create a sheltered setting where you can look for exotic birds, iguanas, and other species that live in this habitat.

This stop is less about swimming and more about noticing the island’s natural variety. San Andrés is not only white sand and clear water. The mangrove area shows how important shallow coastal habitats are for birds and small animals.

You may want to keep your camera ready, but do not expect every bird or iguana to pose. The timing listed for the guided viewing is short, about 15 minutes, so this is a quick look rather than a long nature outing. The guide can help point out what you are seeing, with English and Spanish available.

Aquarium Key and the best fish viewing

Aquarium Key is the main underwater stop for many people. The water is suited to snorkeling, and you may see doctor fish, puffer fish, butterfly fish, rays, sea urchins, and sharks. The descriptions emphasize ornamental, colorful fish, while guests have also singled out the large number of fish and sightings of manta rays.

This is where the included snorkeling equipment earns its keep. You receive a mask and other gear, along with a life vest if you want extra support in the water. The crew stays with you to help throughout the day, while still giving you time to enjoy the site on your own.

A useful tip is to tell the crew what you care about. If fish are your priority, ask to stay as long as conditions and timing allow. One guest specifically advised spending as much time as possible at the sites with the most fish. Since the boat is private, you have a better chance of shaping the stop around that interest.

The site may be busy at times, but no fixed crowd level is promised. The water conditions can also affect visibility and the comfort of snorkeling. Keep your expectations flexible. Even a place known for fish will not look identical every day.

Rocky Key and the Nicodemus shipwreck

Rocky Key is a small rocky island with the stranded ship Nicodemus beside it. The vessel was a merchant ship that wrecked more than 50 years ago, giving this stop a bit of local character beyond the usual beach view.

The boat pauses here for photos, with one listed photo stop lasting about 15 minutes. This is not presented as a full wreck exploration, so think of it as a scenic stop and a chance to photograph the ship from the water.

The wreck adds a strong visual point to the route. Against the clear Caribbean water, a rusting ship beside a low rocky key makes a more memorable picture than another empty stretch of sand. If you want a photograph without people in every frame, tell the crew. A private outing gives you more control over when and where you position yourself.

El Palito for shallow-water snorkeling

El Palito is a shallow sand area where you can snorkel or simply enjoy the water. Look for starfish, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins.

This stop suits people who prefer calmer, shallower water and those who want a break from swimming farther offshore. It can also be a good place for less confident snorkelers to get comfortable with the equipment, although the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Please avoid touching the animals. Starfish and sea urchins are easy to spot, but they are still living creatures, and sea urchins can cause painful injuries if handled or stepped on. Wear the provided life vest if you need it, watch your footing, and listen to the crew’s instructions.

The shallow sand also makes a pleasant setting for photos. The water mat is included, so you can relax on the surface between swims rather than staying in the water the whole time.

Lunch and the white coral sand

The route includes time to enjoy the very white coral sand and eat lunch at a local island restaurant. Food is not included, so budget for your meal separately.

This flexible arrangement lets you choose an island-style lunch rather than eating from a fixed tour menu. Mario’s crew has taken groups to Coco Bay, and Haynes Cay has also been mentioned as a lunch stop. Those names are useful starting points, but confirm the day’s restaurant plan with the crew because the route can depend on conditions and timing.

Local seafood and island cooking are part of the appeal here, but you should not assume a specific dish or price. Ask what is fresh and check the menu before ordering. Since drinks are also extra, bringing your own water and other beverages in the cooler can help keep costs under control.

The white sand is a natural photo setting, but it is also where sun exposure catches up with you. You will be outside for six hours, often around reflective water and bright sand. Pack sun protection along with your beachwear, even though only beachwear is specifically listed as required.

White Watta Beach and the sea of seven colors

White Watta Beach is described as the only crystalline natural pool within the sea of seven colors. The water is the star here, and the setting gives you an easy place to float, take pictures, and enjoy the open Caribbean view.

Two floating bars, Ibiza and Raizal, offer drinks on the water. These are not included in the tour price, but they provide a distinctly social finish to the day. You can decide if the floating bar is worth the extra expense or simply stay on the boat and enjoy the scenery.

The schedule may allow a pleasant sunset here, depending on the departure time and sea conditions. Do not book this trip solely for a guaranteed sunset unless the operator confirms the timing. The tour lasts six hours, but starting times vary.

White Watta is likely to be one of the most memorable stops because it combines clear water, a natural pool, and floating bars. It also shows the tradeoff of a popular island attraction: the scene can feel less quiet than Old Point or El Palito. A private boat gives you a comfortable base even when the water stop has more activity.

Crew service and the comfort factor

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Mario has personally met groups at the pier, introduced the captain and assistant, and stayed involved in the arrangements. Captains Luis and assistants Leider and Denner have been praised for being attentive, friendly, and willing to adjust the route.

That matters on a boat tour because practical help makes a real difference. You may need assistance with snorkeling equipment, a safe way into the water, directions to a restaurant, or a better place for a photograph. The crew can help without taking over your entire day.

The feedback also points to a useful balance. The guides stay available throughout the outing, but they give you plenty of personal time. That is especially valuable on a private trip. You are paying for your own group, not for a nonstop lecture or a rigid program.

The boat itself is described as new, luxurious, comfortable, and matching its photos. The sound system adds a party option, while the cooler and water mat make the long day easier. Keep in mind that luxury here means a better private boat setup, not an all-inclusive service. You still pay for the pier, meals, and drinks.

Who should book this San Andrés boat tour?

I would recommend this tour to families, couples, and groups of friends who want their own schedule. It is particularly good for a group that plans to snorkel, take photos, visit several kinds of coastal scenery, and share the cost.

It also suits people who want English or Spanish guidance and prefer a crew that can assist in the water. The mix of mangroves, fish, rays, a shipwreck, shallow sand, white beach, and floating bars gives you more variety than a trip focused on only one swimming stop.

I would think twice if you are traveling alone or as a couple on a tight budget. The private rate is much easier to justify when divided among several people. I would also avoid it if you have a mobility impairment or are over 70, since the activity is specifically listed as unsuitable for those groups.

Sea conditions are another real consideration. The trip runs only when Dimar approves the water conditions, so keep some flexibility in your island plans. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your schedule is still shifting.

FAQ

How long is the San Andrés private speedboat tour?

The tour lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for the date you want.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at Muelle de la Policía, also called the police pier.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a captain, an assistant, a boat with professional sound equipment, a cooler with ice, life vests, snorkeling equipment, and a water mat.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can eat at a local island restaurant and may bring your own drinks for the cooler with ice.

Is the pier entry fee included?

No. The pier entry fee is an additional cost.

Can I book a private group?

Yes. The boat is for a private group of up to 10 people, with a total price of $450 per group.

What happens if the sea conditions are poor?

The trip takes place only when sea conditions are approved by Dimar. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this private speedboat tour if you can share the $450 cost and want a full, flexible day on San Andrés waters. The best reasons are the private schedule, comfortable boat, helpful crew, strong snorkeling stops, and variety of places visited.

For the best value, gather a group of friends or family, bring drinks for the cooler, and tell the crew that fish and snorkeling are your priority. If your budget is tight, you are traveling with only one other person, or you need an accessible activity, choose a different outing. For everyone else, this is a polished way to see the sea of seven colors without spending the day tied to someone else’s timetable.