Marmows Full Day Private Boat Tour in San Andreas Islands

A full-day private boat outing around San Andrés is interesting because it mixes mangrove nature watching, beach time on sandbars, and snorkeling over coral reefs, all on one boat day. You get to set the rhythm more than you would on crowded group tours.

I especially love the personal pace the crew can manage, since you are not stuck on someone else’s schedule at every stop. I also like the hands-on guidance from captains and staff like Mario and Juliana, who keep things clear and easy, including for people who do not speak much Spanish.

One drawback to think about is extra costs and conditions. The $390 group price does not include the 5,000 COP pier entrance fee per person, and lunch is on your own. The tour also depends on good weather, since rough conditions can affect what is possible on the water.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel During the Day

• Private boat time with a small group (up to 12), so you can spread out instead of feeling packed in.
• Mangrove exploring at Manglares de Old Point National Park plus bird watching from calm waters.
• El Palito sandbar relaxation at Chamey’s Nautica, the kind of stop where you just want to chill in the water.
• Cayo Acuario snorkeling and coral-sand photos, with plenty of fish life around the shallows.
• The 7-colors natural pool stop, plus two floating bars named Ibiza and Raizal for sunset vibes.
• Strong crew presence and English support, including hosts like Mario and Juliana, plus other captains and mates you may meet (for example Wilson).

A Private 6-Hour Sea Day in San Andrés, Not a Rushed Schedule

This tour is built for people who want their day on the water to feel like it’s theirs. You are not sharing the boat with strangers, and that matters in a place where the sea day can go from relaxing to stressful fast if everyone is fighting for space.

With a duration of about 6 hours, the plan balances movement and downtime. You get multiple water moments across the day: mangroves, sandbar lounging, snorkeling time, and a final round over the coral area. If you are the type who likes to keep your schedule flexible, the best value here is that the crew can adjust based on your group and the sea conditions.

One practical point up front: the tour runs during a window of 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and you meet at Muelle de la policía, Cra. 1, San Andrés. Bring your sunscreen and your patience for the sun. San Andrés heat is real, and even people who think they are prepared can still get cooked.

Stop 1: Manglares de Old Point National Park for Mangroves and Wildlife

The day starts with a short but special nature stop at Manglares de Old Point National Park. Mangroves are not just pretty scenery. They act like nurseries for sea life and habitat for birds, and the shallow waters near them make wildlife spotting feel more personal.

This stop is timed for around 15 minutes, so think of it as your quick nature “wake up” rather than a long hike. The payoff is the mix of mangroves and wildlife you can spot from the water, including tropical birds and other animals that hang around the ecosystem.

If you want photos, this is where you get them. The mangrove edges give you that contrast of dark greens against bright Caribbean water, and the boatside timing helps you avoid the harsh midday glare later.

Stop 2: El Palito Sandbar From Chamey’s Nautica, With a Kayak and Wind Setup

Next comes one of the most classic “just let your shoulders drop” portions of the day: the El Palito sandbar stop. It’s known for white sand and clear water, and it’s the kind of place where you start daydreaming about being barefoot forever.

This section is about 1 hour, which is a nice length. Long enough to swim, wade, and take your photos without constantly checking the clock. Short enough that you do not feel like you lost the whole day to one spot.

The stop is associated with Chamey’s Nautica, and the activity listing includes kayak and windsurfing. Even if you do not plan to do that exact activity, the main value for most people is the sandbar itself and the chance to reset in the water.

A small reality check: conditions on a sandbar can change. If the sea is a bit choppy, you may need to be steady in the shallows. This tour’s crew tends to help people feel comfortable, especially families with kids, but your comfort still depends on how you handle boat water.

Stop 3: Cayo Acuario Snorkeling With Lots of Fish and Coral-Sand Photos

Then you hit the snorkeling portion most people book for. Cayo Acuario is ideal for snorkeling, and you get about 2 hours here. That’s the sweet spot because it gives time to get in the water, relax, and still have energy left after you come back up.

You can expect to see a lot of sea life. The plan calls out species like doctor fish, puffer fish, butterfly fish, rays, sea urchins, and sharks. You may not see every type every time, but the intent is clear: this is a real reef-and-rock snorkeling zone, not just a quick taste.

Cayo Acuario is also about the surface beauty. Coral sand is part of the reason people love it, and you’ll have time for photos on the bright Caribbean sand. This matters if you want pictures that look like the postcards without spending all day chasing them.

Lunch is mentioned as something you can enjoy at local restaurants on the island, but it is not included in the tour price. That means you should plan a lunch budget. The upside is that you can choose something that fits your appetite and timing, instead of eating a predetermined meal.

Stop 4: San Andrés Island Water Time for Colorful Fish and Corals

After the cays, the plan includes a stop at San Andrés Island with around 20 minutes of water time. It’s shorter than Cayo Acuario, so this is more about a quick snorkeling or swim moment than a full session.

This segment focuses on exploring a marine world with colorful tropical fish and corals. Think of it as a bonus stop. If you already found a favorite spot during snorkeling, this is where you can try to catch a different angle or see what else is passing by.

Because it’s brief, it’s also a good time to adjust. If you spent your first long snorkeling break testing your gear, you can use this shorter stop to get more comfortable with buoyancy and how you move through the water.

Stop 5: The 7-Colors Natural Pool and Floating Bars Ibiza and Raizal

This is the stop people often remember because it’s unusual. You reach a natural pool described as a crystalline sea formation with 7 colors. And yes, that sounds like a marketing line until you see how light hits the shallow water.

You get about 1 hour here, and part of the experience includes two floating bars named Ibiza and Raizal. This is a classic “soak in the view, then stay for a drink” setup, especially if you are aiming for sunset.

If you want photos, this is your golden hour target. The sea surface and shallow water give you color changes that are hard to replicate in other places. Even if you do not drink, this is a great stop for calm, scenic time.

Practical note: it’s still hot. People get comfortable, start chatting, then realize they have been in the sun too long. Bring and reapply sunscreen, and consider a long sleeve fishing shirt if you burn easily.

Stop 6: Coral Reef Time for One Last Snorkel Before Returning

The final stop is another reef moment, timed around 30 minutes. Once you reach the coral reef, you snorkel in crystal-clear Caribbean waters and look for tropical fish and colorful corals.

This segment is shorter, so it’s best used for a focused swim. If you already know you love snorkeling, use this last bit to go slow and enjoy the details rather than sprinting for the biggest fish. The goal is to leave with at least one memory that feels personal, not just photographed.

During the return trip, you also get time for photos of the coastline and sea views around San Andrés. It’s a nice way to finish the day, because you have energy left to enjoy it, not just survive it.

Boat Comfort and the Crew Style That Makes the Difference

The boat itself matters more than people think. When you are on the water for 6 hours, a comfortable ride changes everything: it helps you spend less energy bracing and more energy actually enjoying the sea.

This tour includes a few useful onboard basics like a refrigerator with ice, bottled water, and a water mat. It also includes snorkeling equipment, which means you do not have to track down gear before you arrive.

One of the most praised aspects in real-world experience is the crew approach. Captains and mates like Mario and Juliana tend to be attentive without hovering. Multiple hosts have strong English skills, which is a big help if you want to understand safety instructions and snorkeling tips quickly.

Another practical perk: you can bring your own drinks and food aboard. That gives you control over what you eat and drink during the long day, especially if you have dietary preferences or just do not love the idea of hunting for food at the wrong time.

If you have kids, this crew style can be a relief. There are situations where the water gets choppier, and the staff has a track record of helping children feel safer and more comfortable. That does not mean the day is risk-free, but it means the team knows how to manage the human side of a sea outing.

Price and the Real Costs: What $390 Covers, and What You’ll Pay Extra

The price is $390 per group, accommodating up to 12 people. When you compare private boat costs in island destinations, this can be reasonable if you travel with friends or family and split the group total.

What you get for that group price is not just transportation. You get:

• Snorkeling equipment
• A cooler setup with ice plus bottled water
• An assistant captain and onboard support
• The structured stop plan with multiple water moments

What is not included:

• Lunch
• The pier entrance ticket fee, which is 5,000 COP per person for pier entrance

That last one is the big “surprise” item if you do not budget for it. Plan to pay it at the pier, and treat it like a line item similar to park fees. Also, if you are budgeting for lunch, assume you’ll spend something on Cayo Acuario or nearby island restaurants.

If you are traveling as two people, the math depends on your priorities. You are paying for privacy and flexibility, not just for the route. If crowded boats drain your energy, it can still be worth it. If you are totally fine sharing a boat, you might find cheaper options. But if you want a calmer day and the ability to spread out, a private group can make the price feel like it shrinks.

Weather, Timing, and Sun Safety for a Hot San Andrés Day

This tour requires good weather. If conditions are not right, you should expect the operator to adjust, offer another date, or refund. Sea days can be weather-dependent anywhere in the Caribbean, so it pays to keep your calendar flexible.

Timing wise, you are out there for about 6 hours, so sun safety is not optional. One reviewer tip that matches what I see in tropical ports: bring sunscreen and cover up early. People sometimes rely on SPF once, then forget to reapply. A long sleeve fishing shirt helps a lot because you block the burn without cooking.

If you like gear upgrades, a neck gaiter or face buff can help with sun and wind while you snorkel. You do not need to overthink it, but being slightly more protected than you think you need is smart.

Also, note the boarding buffer: there is a maximum waiting time of 1 hour for boarding. Plan to arrive on time so the day starts smoothly.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Might Prefer Another Option

This is a good fit if you:

• Want a private boat experience in San Andrés with stops that mix nature, beach time, and reef snorkeling
• Prefer a smaller group, up to 12, where you can spread out
• Care about crew communication, especially with English support from hosts like Mario and Juliana
• Want flexibility, like spending a little longer in the water when conditions allow

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want a strict budget with no extra on-site fees (the pier entrance fee and lunch are extra)
• Have no interest in snorkeling or shallow-water stops at cays and sandbars
• Are traveling during a period when bad weather is likely and you cannot change dates

For couples, the sunset stop and photo-friendly pool time feel special. For families, the attentive crew approach and help for kids in rougher water can be a deciding factor. For friends, bringing snacks and drinks aboard turns it into a full-day hangout, not just an excursion.

Should You Book This Marmows Full Day Private Boat Tour?

Book it if you want a true sea day with multiple snorkeling chances, time at sandbars and cays, and a crew that focuses on making your group comfortable. The strongest reasons to choose this are privacy, the quality of onboard help from hosts like Mario and Juliana, and the mix of stops that covers nature, wildlife watching, and underwater time.

Skip it or reconsider if your trip budget cannot handle the extra pier fee and lunch, or if you are booking on a tight schedule when weather changes would ruin your plans. If you can be flexible and you want your day to feel calm instead of crowded, this tour has a lot going for it.

FAQ

How long is the Marmows Full Day Private Boat Tour in San Andrés?

The tour lasts about 6 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private boat experience, and only your group participates. The group size is up to 12.

What is included in the tour price?

Included items are a refrigerator with ice, an assistant captain, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and a water mat.

What is not included?

Lunch is not included, and pier entrance tickets are not included.

How much is the pier entrance ticket fee?

The pier entrance fee is 5,000 COP per person.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Muelle de la policía, Cra. 1, San Andrés, San Andrés y Providencia, Colombia.

What are the snorkeling stops during the day?

The tour includes snorkeling time at Cayo Acuario and at the coral reef later in the day.

What kinds of marine life might I see?

The snorkeling stops mention doctor fish, puffer fish, butterfly fish, rays, sea urchins, and sharks, plus colorful tropical fish and corals.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What time of day does the tour run?

The activity opening hours are 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.