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.
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'.
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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
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider booking a family-friendly tour that ensures a relaxed pace and includes opportunities for everyone to enjoy the marine life. Bringing plenty of sun protection and snacks is essential for a comfortable day out with little ones.
💰 Budget Travelers
Bringing your own snorkel gear and snacks can also help save money. Instead of purchasing expensive photo packages, focus on capturing your own memories with your phone or camera.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2Consider investing in a good waterproof camera or drone to get the most out of the photographic opportunities. Early morning visits can offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing stunning shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding El Acuario: Rose Cay and Haynes Cay
+2The most iconic feature connecting these two cayos is the floating bridge, which stretches for over 184 meters. This unique structure allows visitors to walk between Rose Cay and Haynes Cay, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding turquoise waters and the diverse coral reefs below. It's a popular spot for photos and a testament to innovative tourism infrastructure in the region.
+1While the natural beauty is undeniable, it's important to be aware of the environmental impact of tourism. Visitors are encouraged to practice responsible tourism, avoiding activities that exploit marine life and instead focusing on appreciating the ecosystem from a respectful distance.
Snorkeling and Marine Life at El Acuario
Many tours provide snorkel gear, making it easy for visitors to explore the underwater world. The abundance of marine life is a major draw, and the experience of swimming alongside schools of fish in such pristine conditions is often described as magical. It’s a fantastic activity for both experienced snorkelers and beginners due to the calm and shallow nature of the water.
However, there's a growing concern about the ethical treatment of marine animals. Some visitors have noted practices where guides handle rays and other creatures for photo opportunities. It's crucial for tourists to be mindful of this and opt for tours that prioritize the well-being of the animals, encouraging observation from a distance rather than direct interaction for entertainment.
Photography Opportunities
+1Many visitors take advantage of the opportunity to capture their snorkeling adventures. The clear waters allow for excellent underwater photography, provided you have the right equipment like a waterproof camera or phone case. Digital photo packages are also offered by some tour operators, allowing you to purchase professional shots of your experience, often including around 10 edited photos for about 30,000 COP.
Beyond the natural beauty, the vibrant atmosphere of the Caribbean island also lends itself to candid shots of local life and the general ambiance. Whether you're a professional photographer or just enjoy snapping photos with your phone, Rose Cay provides endless opportunities to create lasting visual memories of your trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit