Arrival from Cúcuta: The Start of Paradise

Our journey began early—7 a.m. out of Cúcuta, a short layover in Bogotá, and by 11:30 a.m., we touched down in sunny San Andres Isla, Colombia. The moment we stepped off the plane, I could feel that island breeze—soft, warm, and full of promise.

What I didn’t expect was the VIP-style welcome. A man stood holding a sign with my name on it—our ride from the Decameron Marazul All-Inclusive Resort. Apparently, transportation was included (something I didn’t realize until that moment). We loaded our bags, climbed into the shuttle, and took a short 20-minute ride through this colorful, vibrant island community. The ride was our first taste of the Caribbean charm—brightly painted homes, smiling locals, scooters zipping by, and flashes of turquoise sea around every corner.

Now, I’ll admit something. Before we left, I made the mistake of reading too many online reviews. You know how that goes—you’re excited, you book something, and then you start second-guessing yourself. Some guests complained about the food, others about the staff, or that the beach area was too small. It dimmed my expectations a little—but looking back, that might have been a blessing.

Because when we arrived, I saw what they meant—but I also saw something different. The place had character. It wasn’t fancy in a show-off kind of way, but it was beautiful, clean, full of music and life, and I was instantly glad we came.

We arrived at about 1 p.m. and check-in wasn’t until 3, but they kindly let us leave our bags and freshen up. We changed clothes, grabbed lunch at the buffet, and began exploring the property—already impressed by the view from the dock and the friendly staff. Later that evening, after checking in, we enjoyed our first dinner and entertainment show. The resort came alive with live music, dancing, and laughter—our first taste of Caribbean nightlife right on the property.

That was Day 1 of San Andres Isla, and the beginning of something special.

Day 2: Snorkeling and Paradise at the Aquarium

Our morning started with the smell of coffee and ocean air. We headed to the buffet for breakfast—eggs, tropical fruit, and fresh arepas. I sat out on the dock, sipping my coffee, watching boats glide across the water.

By 11 a.m., we were ready for our first adventure: a boat ride to “El Acuario” (The Aquarium). Normally, this tour costs extra, but it was included for Marazul guests. A small group of us boarded a boat and zipped across shimmering blue water to a little island surrounded by reefs.

It was postcard-perfect.

We spent hours snorkeling, floating over coral gardens, surrounded by fish of every color. My wife laughed every time I came up grinning through my snorkel. The water was warm, the sun was high, and the beer was cold—Club Colombia, my drink of choice for the week.

We stayed about two hours, taking photos, swimming, and soaking up paradise. Back at the resort, we enjoyed a lazy afternoon, a light bite at the cafeteria, and another evening of live music and laughter.

Day 3: Downtown, Rocky Cay, and Local Flavor

Day three took us into downtown San Andres Isla. My wife needed a new phone charger (because, well, island life happens), so we took a taxi into the center. It was a great excuse to explore—shops, street vendors, reggae music, and that easygoing Caribbean rhythm that seeps into your bones.

After picking up the charger, we decided to visit Rocky Cay, another beach connected to our hotel group. Free entrance, smooth taxi ride, and plenty of sunshine. The beach was everything we hoped—clear water, white sand, and a relaxed crowd.

A local man offered us an excursion to a nearby cay for snorkeling, and it turned out to be one of our favorite parts of the trip. We saw jellyfish, stingrays, and schools of tropical fish.

Lunch was simple but perfect—pescado frito (fried fish), coconut rice, and a cold beer. San Andres Isla-style. Then the sky turned gray, a tropical drizzle rolled in, and we sat under an umbrella watching the rain dance on the sea. It was one of those unexpectedly romantic travel moments you never forget.

Day 4: A Romantic Dinner and Caribbean Show

Saturday started with rain showers, but by midday, the clouds cleared. We decided to stay around the property, swim, relax, and enjoy resort life.

That night, we had dinner reservations at one of Marazul’s à la carte restaurants—a little upgrade from the buffet. We dressed up, laughed over good food, and toasted to our trip. 

One thing I have to commend the resort on: the entertainment staff. These weren’t amateurs killing time—they were professionals. Dancers, singers, and musicians who practiced every morning and delivered a real show every night. You could feel their energy, their pride, and it made every evening something to look forward to.

Day 5: The Chiva Bus Adventure

Sunday morning came with sunshine and another good breakfast. We decided to book the San Andres Isla Chiva bus tour—a colorful open-air bus that takes you around the entire island with music, laughter, and a local guide.

It was a blast.

We visited scenic viewpoints, beaches, and a small cultural museum that explained the mix of Colombian, Nicaraguan, and islander heritage that gives San Andres Isla its unique soul.

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We stopped for swimming, took plenty of photos, and had a few hiccups—like when my wife stepped on some coral and we had to do a quick bit of “island medicine.” Still, it was one of the most fun and informative days we had.

That night, we returned to the resort for our usual routine—dinner, drinks by the dock, and another lively show before turning in.

Day 6: Parasailing and Buggy Adventures

Monday was all about adventure. After coffee and breakfast, we rented a Kawasaki buggy from the resort and booked an excursion for parasailing.

Driving through town with the wind in our faces felt like freedom. We parked near the marina, strapped into our harnesses, and soon we were floating high above the Caribbean—just the two of us, gliding in silence with a panoramic view of paradise below.

Of course, no trip is without a little chaos. After we landed, I realized I had left a bag back at the parasailing dock. Cue a mad dash back through the rain, soaking wet but laughing the whole time when we found it untouched.

We grabbed lunch back at the hotel, then hit the road again with our buggy to circle the island on our own terms. My wife took the wheel for a while—a first for her—and she loved it. We stopped at small beaches and roadside bars, met locals, and admired the endless shades of blue in the water.

We returned the buggy by sunset, exhausted but happy, ready for one last night of music, drinks, and dancing at the resort.

Day 7: Paddleboards, a Little Fall, and One Last Island Day

Tuesday morning followed our ritual—coffee, breakfast, and the smell of ocean air. My wife decided to try stand-up paddleboarding, which isn’t her usual thing, but she took to it quickly.

While she was out on the water, I stayed back for a bit—then decided to meet her. On the way down the stairs, I took a pretty good spill. Luckily, no one saw it (or maybe that’s the unlucky part), but it was a solid reminder that being 64 with spinal stenosis doesn’t make you invincible.

Still, I walked it off—just a twisted knee and a bruised ego—and we went about our day.

We took a taxi to Spratt Bight Beach, one of the most popular spots on San Andres Isla. We wandered, shopped a little, and stopped for lunch at a small restaurant called Seaweed, which served surprisingly good burgers. Later, we hung out on the beach, listened to reggae music, swam, and soaked in our last San Andres Isla sunset.

That evening, we returned to Marazul, had our final drinks by the dock, we danced and enjoyed one last night of entertainment before packing our bags.

Day 8: Farewell to Paradise

Our flight was scheduled for 12:30 p.m., so we had just enough time for a relaxed breakfast and one final indulgence—a 45-minute couples massage. It was the perfect way to close out the trip.

We sipped coffee, thanked the staff who had treated us so warmly all week, and took one last look at that blue horizon before heading to the airport.

We didn’t make it to Providencia this time, but that just gives us a reason to come back.

Final Thoughts: Why San Andres Isla Stole Our Hearts

Every trip teaches you something—and this one reminded me that the best experiences often come when you let go of expectations.

San Andrés may not have five-star polish, but it has something better—heart. The music, the food, the people, many of whom had smiles or laughter on their face, the rhythm of the sea—it’s all woven into a slow, joyful way of life that’s easy to fall in love with. There definitely was a feeling of ease there.

Whether it was snorkeling in crystal waters, dancing under the stars, or laughing and arguing our way through little misadventures, this trip gave us exactly what we came for: connection, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.

Tips for Couples Visiting San Andres Isla

1. Stay All-Inclusive – Resorts like Marazul make life easy with included meals, drinks, and excursions.
2. Book Excursions Early – Parasailing, snorkeling, and island tours fill up quickly.
3. Bring Cash (COP) – Many taxis and small beach bars don’t take cards.
4. Expect Island Time – Things move slower here—relax and enjoy it.
5. Use Wi-Fi or an eSIM – Data can be spotty; Airalo’s “Chimba” plan worked great for us.
6. Don’t Skip the Shows – Resort entertainment is lively, local, and genuinely fun.
7. Plan a Return Trip – If time allows, visit Providencia, the smaller sister island known for untouched beaches and even calmer vibes.

San Andres Isla isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling.

Warm breezes, island rhythms, and simple joys that make you forget about time. For couples looking to reconnect or celebrate love, this Caribbean gem delivers something priceless: peace, laughter, and sunshine that stays with you long after you’ve gone home.

Check out more couples travel at: Amazing Peru Lima To Cusco: A 6-Day Itinerary – NomadicStan