Caribbean paradise: These islands belong to Colombia

Did you know that Colombia is home to over 70 islands? They are located in both the Pacific and Caribbean Seas . The Caribbean islands, in particular, are known for their stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. With a few exceptions, the small islands are easily accessible from the mainland. Cartagena, in particular, is a good starting point for an island tour. The San Bernardo Archipelago and the Rosario Islands lie offshore from the coastal city.

Although Colombia's Caribbean islands are all very small, there's plenty to experience. From snorkeling trips to the surrounding coral reefs and sunbathing on the beach to hiking to mountain peaks and visiting the small island villages. Find out which are Colombia's most beautiful Caribbean islands here.

Providencia Island is part of the San Andrés and Providencia archipelago. This paradisiacal island lies in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 800 kilometers off the coast of Colombia and 200 kilometers off the coast of Nicaragua . Providencia Island can only be reached from its neighboring island, San Andrés. The flight takes about 20 minutes, and the ferry crossing takes about 2.5 hours.

Although Providencia is only about four kilometers long and seven kilometers wide, there is much to discover on the island. Providencia is still considered unspoiled, enchanting with its untouched landscapes and lush forests. The palm-fringed beaches with turquoise waters are among the most beautiful in Colombia. Playa Manzanillo, or Southwest Bay, is at the forefront.

Providencia is also surrounded by a beautiful coral reef. On a snorkeling trip or a dive, vacationers can see the underwater world with their own eyes. Those who want to admire the island from above can climb the summit of El Pico. At 360 meters, it marks the highest point on Providencia – panoramic views included.

An old fishing dock on Isla de Providencia in Colombia.

Source: imago images/jkraft5

The island of Johnny Cay is only about 15 minutes by boat from San Andrés. It's tiny and can be circumnavigated on foot in about 20 minutes. Here, palm trees grow right up to the crystal-clear sea, and the dream beach invites you to laze in the sun.

If you're looking for a relaxing day at the beach, this is the place for you. If you're feeling a little peckish, there are beachfront snacks and cocktails available, too. If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to arrive at Johnny Cay early in the morning.

In addition to day-trippers from San Andrés, a few iguanas also roam the island. These blue, green, and yellow reptiles seem to enjoy sunbathing on the beaches of this Caribbean paradise just as much as we humans do.

This is what a Caribbean paradise looks like: The island of Johnny Cay off the coast of Nicaragua.

Source: IMAGO/Depositphotos

The San Bernardo archipelago comprises a total of ten small islands: Palma, Tintipán, Múcura, Boquerón, Ceycén, Panda, Cabruna, Mangle, Maravilla, and Santa Cruz del Islote. They are all part of a protected natural park and are home to approximately 1,500 people. The boat trip from Cartagena takes about 1.5 hours, and from Tolú it's only about 45 minutes.

All ten islands fulfill the expectations of a Caribbean paradise. They are surrounded by coral reefs , covered in mangrove forests, and lined with powder-white beaches. Some of them also offer overnight accommodation; hotels, for example, are available on the island of Múcura.

The island of Santa Cruz del Islote is somewhat out of the ordinary. It was created by human hands and is considered the most densely populated island in the world. Approximately 900 people live on the island, which is only about the size of two football fields. Colorful houses line up next to each other, forming narrow streets; there's also a school and a health center. A day trip offers a chance to immerse yourself in the lives of the island's inhabitants.

Hundreds of small houses are lined up next to each other and together form the island of Santa Cruz del Islote.

Source: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

The Islas del Rosario archipelago consists of over 20 small islands located about 40 kilometers southwest of Cartagena. They boast white sandy beaches, dense mangrove forests, and offshore coral reefs.

The main island of the Rosario Islands is Isla Grande. As the name suggests, it's the largest of the islands, but still small enough that everything is easily accessible on foot.

In addition to snorkeling and canoeing excursions, a visit to the village of Orika is a must. Located in the center of Isla Grande, it is home to around 750 locals. Here, you can experience the life of the island's residents up close and purchase handmade jewelry. On weekends, Orika also likes to party wildly – ​​tourists are welcome.

Picture-perfect beaches await guests on Isla Grande.

Source: IMAGO/Pond5 Images

Few tourists venture to Isla Fuerte, making it a bit of an insider tip in the Caribbean Sea . It is located 11 kilometers off the Colombian coast. The boat ride from the town of Paso Nuevo at the northern tip of Colombia takes about 30 minutes.

The east coast of Isla Fuerte is rather rocky and rugged, while the west side is lined with beautiful beaches. The island's main town is Puerto Limón, a colorful village with several shopping opportunities and shops. About three-quarters of the island's approximately 3,000 inhabitants live there. It's a great opportunity to experience everyday life on the island.

Centuries-old, giant sequoia trees are also scattered throughout Isla Fuerte. One of these is the La Bonga tree, just a few minutes from the church in Puerto Limón. Particularly impressive is the "Arbol que camina," or "the tree that wanders." Some of its branches reach the ground and then take root again, giving the appearance of the tree moving.

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