El Acuario Rose Cay
Dive into the 'sea of seven colors' at El Acuario (Rose Cay), a natural paradise for snorkeling and exploring vibrant marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
El Acuario Rose Cay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into the 'sea of seven colors' at El Acuario (Rose Cay), a natural paradise for snorkeling and exploring vibrant marine life.
"The water is GORGEOUS!! But the island itself really just didn’t appear to be well-maintained."
📸 Photo Packages Available
Capture your memories with digital photo packages, often including 10 photos for around 30,000 COP.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Rental
Rent snorkel gear on-site to fully explore the underwater world and see the abundant marine life.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 689 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Floating Bridge
Connecting Rose Cay and Haynes Cay
Walk across the longest floating bridge in Latin America, offering stunning panoramic views of the 'sea of seven colors'.
+1
Crystal Clear Snorkeling Waters
Around Rose Cay
Immerse yourself in vibrant coral reefs and swim alongside a diverse array of colorful fish in shallow, transparent waters.
Rose Cay Island
El Acuario Natural
Explore this beautiful coral island, perfect for a day of swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the Caribbean paradise.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Respect Marine Life
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Packages Available
Capture your memories with digital photo packages, often including 10 photos for around 30,000 COP. +1
🤿 Snorkel Gear Rental
Rent snorkel gear on-site to fully explore the underwater world and see the abundant marine life.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun is intense! Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself while enjoying the island.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
While there are some structures, bringing your own water and snacks is recommended for a comfortable day.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Packages Available
Capture your memories with digital photo packages, often including 10 photos for around 30,000 COP. +1
🤿 Snorkel Gear Rental
Rent snorkel gear on-site to fully explore the underwater world and see the abundant marine life.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun is intense! Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself while enjoying the island.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
While there are some structures, bringing your own water and snacks is recommended for a comfortable day.
🚤 Consider a Boat Tour
Many visitors opt for boat tours that include visits to El Acuario, Johnny Cay, and other nearby islands.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtakingly beautiful, crystal-clear turquoise waters of El Acuario (Rose Cay), making it a prime spot for snorkeling and observing marine life. However, some find the island itself lacks amenities and can be overcrowded, with concerns raised about the ethical treatment of animals for tourist photos. +1
"The water is GORGEOUS!! But the island itself really just didn’t appear to be well-maintained. A few basic hut looking structures but not much else. I was ready to leave the “island” almost as soon as we got there. Don’t have any pictures of the island itself. Sunrise was beautiful!!"
Danielle Allen
"The main reason to visit San Andres Island. It is a must, it is the best place for snorkeling, the water is crystal clear, so you are able to see a lot of beautiful fishes."
Juan C. Alcaraz
"I’ve been really wanting to visit this place as I love snorkelling. However, after reading the reviews and seeing how crowded it gets, I feel very conflicted. It’s disheartening to see how some guides, who are meant to educate visitors on protecting marine life, allow practices that treat animals as entertainment props. Wildlife should never be handled for photo opportunities. Rays, for example, should be admired respectfully from a distance, not caught and passed around for amusement. It’s truly sad to witness this lack of care.
I hope more people choose not to go to support these activities and instead become a voice for sea animals to let them live in peace, observed from afar and treated with the respect."
Florie Lafon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
El Acuario (Rose Cay) is typically accessed via boat tours from San Andres Island. Many agencies offer tours that combine visits to El Acuario with other popular spots like Johnny Cay. You can also hire a boat independently.
Direct public transportation to Rose Cay is not available. Access is primarily through organized boat tours or private boat rentals from San Andres Island.
The boat trip to El Acuario from San Andres Island usually takes around 15-30 minutes, depending on the type of boat and sea conditions.
Yes, you can arrange to go to Rose Cay on your own by hiring a private boat. However, many visitors find organized tours convenient for visiting multiple attractions.
The 'sea of seven colors' refers to the stunningly clear waters around San Andres Island, which display various shades of blue due to different depths and coral formations. El Acuario is a prime location to witness this phenomenon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost can vary depending on whether you book a tour or hire a boat independently. Tours often range from 30,000 COP per person and may include access to multiple islands. +1
While not strictly required, booking tours in advance, especially during peak season, is recommended. You can also purchase tickets from street vendors or agencies upon arrival.
Tours often include boat transportation, access to Rose Cay and Haynes Cay, and sometimes snorkeling gear. Some packages may also offer digital photo services.
While there isn't a specific entrance fee for Rose Cay itself, the cost is usually bundled into the boat tour or transportation fee.
Tours typically operate daily, departing in the morning and returning in the afternoon. It's best to confirm specific timings with your chosen tour operator.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy snorkeling with abundant fish, walk across the floating bridge connecting Rose Cay and Haynes Cay, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and relax on the sandy shores.
Yes, El Acuario is renowned for its excellent snorkeling opportunities. The shallow, clear waters are teeming with colorful fish and marine life.
While rays are present, it's important to observe them respectfully from a distance and avoid tours that handle them for photos, as this can be harmful.
It's a 184-204 meter long floating bridge that connects Rose Cay and Haynes Cay, offering a unique way to explore the area and enjoy scenic views.
El Acuario can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and midday. Visiting on weekdays or earlier in the morning can help avoid the largest crowds. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The vibrant blue waters, marine life, and the floating bridge offer fantastic photo opportunities. Many tours offer professional digital photo packages. +1
Yes, the clear waters are perfect for underwater photography. Consider bringing a waterproof camera or a waterproof phone case to capture the marine life.
The floating bridge, the shallow turquoise waters, and the sandy shores of Rose Cay provide picturesque backdrops for your photos.
Yes, some tour operators provide professional photographers who can capture your experience, often offering digital photo packages for purchase. +1
Photo packages typically include a set number of digital photos showcasing your time at El Acuario, including snorkeling and enjoying the island. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit