Snorkeling on the west coast of San Andrés: an encounter with marine life

Tourist snorkeling on the west coast of San Andrés, surrounded by corals and tropical fish — one of the best spots for snorkeling in San Andrés.

Those who travel to the Caribbean dream of discovering life beneath the waves and seek out places to do so calmly and intimately. Many wonder where the best spot is for snorkeling on the west coast of San Andrés, and the answer lies in the destination's natural balance, where the water's clarity and the sea's silence invite you to surrender to its harmony.


Facing this horizon, The Providence Hotel Boutique offers a privileged starting point: a   beachfront hotel in San Andrés, designed for those who prefer the sound of the waves. From its gardens and terraces, the coast becomes a natural stage for exploring reefs, swimming among colorful fish, and contemplating the beauty of the Caribbean.

Best places to snorkel in San Andrés


Snorkeling on the west coast of San Andrés is a great way to experience the island's marine life. On this side, the sea is calmer and the waters remain clear even at midday. Among the best snorkeling spots in San Andrés are iconic destinations known for their biodiversity and easy access:


  • West View: a natural gem on the west coast, where the sea unfolds in vibrant hues and the visibility reveals a silent world of marine life. Swim among luminous fish and corals swaying in the current for snorkeling in San Andrés without the crowds.

Tips for snorkeling: equipment, times and safety

  • Big Mama: The area known as Big Mama Reef (in front of the reggae bar of the same name, on the west coast of the island) is next to the San Andrés Underwater Museum, a spot where underwater sculptures have been installed that can be observed by snorkeling or freediving.


  • The San Luis area and the reef caves: the most secluded stretch of the island, where the sun's rays pierce the water like golden threads. It's a peaceful spot for snorkeling, especially with a local guide and during calm seas.


Staying at a beachfront hotel allows you to enjoy the coast freely. From the comfort of your accommodation, you can choose when to go out to sea, take advantage of the calm morning, or go for a swim when the Caribbean light paints the water with turquoise reflections.

Diver snorkeling in San Andrés, exploring the reefs along the west coast.

Staying at a hotel near West View San Andrés makes it easy to access the main snorkeling spots, but also gives you the convenience of exploring at your own pace. Before you go snorkeling, here are a few tips:


  • Proper equipment: a well-fitting mask, a clean snorkel, and lightweight fins. If you're a beginner, choose a life jacket for added comfort; you'll always find friendly people willing to guide you and ensure your experience on the water is safe and enjoyable.


  • Best time for visibility: between 8:00 am and 11:00 am, when the sun illuminates the seabed and the waves are gentler.


  • Safety and respect: do not touch the coral or feed the fish; moving calmly is part of the experience. The Caribbean Sea rewards tranquility. It is always advisable to respect the areas marked by local guides.


  • After snorkeling: hydrate, rest and enjoy the sunset on the west coast of San Andrés, one of the most beautiful in the archipelago.


Staying at a hotel with a pool in San Andrés, like The Providence Hotel Boutique, allows you to continue the experience without leaving the water: going from the sea to the pool, from movement to rest, from sun to silence.


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Ocean view from The Providence Hotel Boutique San Andrés, a beachfront hotel with access to snorkeling areas and stunning sunsets on the west coast.

Between the sea and the calm: a day on the west coast


On the west coast, time finds its own harmony. In the morning, the sea beckons exploration; in the afternoon, the light transforms into gold, and the day ends against a serene horizon. If you're looking for a place to stay for snorkeling in San Andrés, The Providence combines both experiences: marine adventure and tranquility at the end of the day.


Proposed snorkeling sunset itinerary on the west coast:

 8:00 am Snorkel in West View or La Piscinita San Andrés.  

 11:30 am to 1:00 pm Light lunch by the sea.  

 2:00 pm Relax by the pool or enjoy hotel activities.  

 4:30 pm A short walk among the gardens or a visit to the hotel shop to choose some island souvenir.  

 5:30 pm Sunset in San Andrés, where the sky blends with the sea and the island seems to be suspended in calm.  

From this vantage point, each day feels different: the sun changes hue, the sea reveals its calm. It's the kind of scene only an adults-only hotel in San Andrés can offer: silence, a view of the horizon, and the tranquility of a sunset.


Book a hotel on the beachfront in San Andrés


Experiencing snorkeling on the west coast of San Andrés is discovering a different side of the Caribbean: tranquil, colorful, and authentic. From The Providence Hotel Boutique San Andrés, every dive begins just steps from your room and ends with a sunset that will stay with you forever.


Book  a stay at a hotel that combines design, serenity, and direct access to the sea. Make each day a pause amidst the blue of the Caribbean and the tranquility that only a boutique hotel on the San Andrés  beachfront can offer.