Johnny Cay Regional Park San Andrés
A small, picturesque island paradise off San Andres, known for its white sands, clear waters, and vibrant marine life.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Johnny Cay Regional Park San Andrés
Best Time
Fewer tour groups

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small, picturesque island paradise off San Andres, known for its white sands, clear waters, and vibrant marine life.
"Beautiful island with really nice clear water but it’s pretty small and can be walked around in minutes."
🚤 Boat Access Adventure
Be ready to jump or be helped off the boat; no dock here! It's part of the fun.
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Essential for comfortable exploration in and out of the water.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pristine White Sand Beaches
Powdery white sand meets crystal-clear turquoise waters for a postcard-perfect Caribbean experience.

Vibrant Marine Life
Snorkel or swim among colorful fish and coral reefs in the shallow, clear waters.

Lush Greenery & Wildlife
Explore the island's interior with its green grass, palm trees, and resident iguanas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Scams
Island Access & Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚤 Boat Access Adventure
Be ready to jump or be helped off the boat; no dock here! It's part of the fun.
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Essential for comfortable exploration in and out of the water.
💰 Bring Cash
Island vendors and facilities may prefer cash payments.
🦈 Shark Sightings
Sharks are sometimes spotted; swim cautiously and be aware of your surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚤 Boat Access Adventure
Be ready to jump or be helped off the boat; no dock here! It's part of the fun.
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Essential for comfortable exploration in and out of the water.
💰 Bring Cash
Island vendors and facilities may prefer cash payments.
🦈 Shark Sightings
Sharks are sometimes spotted; swim cautiously and be aware of your surroundings.
📸 Drone Views
Capture stunning aerial shots of the island and surrounding waters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Johnny Cay for its beautiful white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, offering a classic Caribbean paradise experience. The island's natural beauty and opportunities for snorkeling are frequently highlighted. However, some find it to be small and overcrowded, with a commercialized atmosphere and inflated prices, leading to a feeling of being over-sold.
"Lovely beach, with a big area to rest on the sand or simply walk and enjoy the green grass with the nature and the iguanas."
Juan C. Alcaraz
"First when we booked the trip, they said we are going to stop at 3 islands and go to 1 resort. In the end was 2 islands and no resorts. When they had to pick us up, they said 5pm but came at 4pm so we missed our boat i asked 3 different people eho were driving the boat if it is 5pm. In the end they just went away at 4pm without us. We had to pay another boat to take us home.
Island It is not worth it. No privacy. Everything overcrowded. They put you on a boat and take you directly into a restaurant. They force drinks. Like it is just normal to come and go directly to a table and everything is already set for you to pay. and in the end they want to charge me double price. I took fish and 2 drinks and suddenly there is a coconut and commission and what not and I don't know what and it is 120.000 instead of 60.000. everything smells like a scam. Island is just an island, over commercialised. I've seen much better."
Jerko Jalsovec
"Beautiful island with really nice clear water but it’s pretty small and can be walked around in minutes. Not much to do after a short while"
MA TM
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Johnny Cay is accessible by boat from San Andres Island. Numerous tour operators and local boat services offer trips to the island. The journey is relatively short, offering scenic views of the Caribbean Sea.
The boat ride is part of the island experience. Be prepared for a unique disembarkation process as there is no dock; you'll either jump into the shallow water or be assisted by the crew.
Yes, many tour operators in San Andres offer day trips to Johnny Cay, often combined with visits to other nearby islands like Acuario. These tours typically include boat transportation and sometimes lunch.
Private boat rentals, including yachts and speedboats, are available for a more personalized experience to Johnny Cay and other islands. This offers flexibility in your schedule.
For a balance of convenience and experience, taking a shared boat tour is popular. For more privacy and control over your time, consider renting a private boat.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee to access Johnny Cay Regional Park. This fee helps with the park's maintenance and conservation efforts.
The exact cost can vary, but expect to pay an entrance fee. It's advisable to check current prices with your tour operator or at the San Andres port.
Be aware that while the entrance fee covers park access, there might be charges for using restrooms or other facilities on the island.
Tickets are typically purchased on the day of your visit, either directly at the port in San Andres or as part of a tour package.
Johnny Cay is generally open during daylight hours, as it's a natural park. Tour boats operate throughout the day, with the last departures usually in the late afternoon.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing on the white sand beaches, and exploring the island's natural beauty. You can also relax under palm trees and observe local wildlife.
Johnny Cay can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and midday. Visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours can offer a more relaxed experience.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, water shoes, snorkel gear, and cash for purchases. Staying hydrated is also important.
Yes, there are restaurants and food stalls on the island offering local seafood and drinks. However, prices can be higher than on the mainland.
While not guaranteed, sharks are sometimes spotted in the waters around Johnny Cay. It's advisable to swim with caution and be aware of your surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
The white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, palm trees, and the vibrant marine life are all fantastic photo opportunities. Drone shots offer a unique perspective.
Drone photography is popular and can capture stunning aerial views of the island and its surroundings. Ensure you are aware of any local regulations regarding drone usage.
A waterproof camera or action camera is ideal for capturing underwater shots while snorkeling. A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a good zoom can capture wildlife.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, be respectful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more picturesque scene. The golden hour before sunset is particularly beautiful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Johnny Cay: The Boat Experience
The journey across the Caribbean Sea offers beautiful views, but the real excitement begins upon arrival. Johnny Cay lacks a traditional dock, meaning you'll either need to be comfortable jumping into the shallow, clear water or rely on the boat crew to assist you ashore. This unique disembarkation is often described as a fun and memorable part of the island visit.
Island Life: What to Expect on Johnny Cay
Beyond the beaches, the island offers lush green spaces where you might spot iguanas and other local wildlife. While the natural scenery is a major highlight, be prepared for a commercialized environment. There are numerous stalls selling food, drinks, and souvenirs. Prices on the island are generally higher than on the mainland, so bringing some cash is advisable. Some visitors have noted that the island can become quite crowded, especially during peak hours, and the experience can feel over-commercialized to some.
Responsible Tourism and Park Management
There have been instances where misleading images circulated online, not reflecting the current reality of the park. This highlights the importance of relying on up-to-date information and being aware of the park's conditions. Visitors should be respectful of the natural surroundings, avoid littering, and follow any guidelines provided by park authorities to ensure the long-term sustainability of this beautiful destination.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit