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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

San Andres And Providencia, Colombia

Clothing Recommendations

Focus on light, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking synthetics. These materials handle the humidity and dry quickly after swimming or sweating.

What to Wear

  • Daytime: Pack a variety of Swimsuits, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and sundresses.
  • Evenings: Light shirts, blouses, capris, or light dresses. A Lightweight rain jacket or Compact umbrella for rainy season.
  • Swimming/Snorkeling/Diving: Swimsuits are main. A rash guard is a strong recommendation for sun protection.

Cultural Dress Code

San Andres is a relaxed beach destination. Casual resort wear is generally accepted. When leaving the beach for town, restaurants, or shops, cover up your swimwear with a sarong, shorts, and a t-shirt.

Modesty & Activities

  • Religious Sites: When visiting a church, like the Baptist Church on La Loma, dressing respectfully (shoulders and knees covered) is always appreciated.
  • Exploring Town: Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals are suitable for town streets and general exploration.
  • Dining: Casual attire is fine for most restaurants. For nicer dining, a light dress or collared shirt and trousers are appropriate.

Footwear for San Andres

Beach & Casual

Flip-flops and Comfortable sandals are perfect for the beach and casual walking around your accommodation or the main town.

Easy & Relaxed

Water Activities

Water shoes are a must-have. Many beaches, especially snorkeling spots like Rocky Cay, La Piscinita, and West View, have rocky or coral-laden bottoms. Water shoes protect your feet from sharp objects and provide better grip.

Protection & Grip

Exploring & Walking

Comfortable Walking shoes or sneakers are advisable if you plan extensive walking, like exploring the commercial center or taking longer strolls.

Comfort for Discovery

Essential Documents

Important Travel Documents

Your valid passport is your main identification for international travel. It must have at least six months of validity beyond your intended departure date. Carry a printout and digital copy of your travel insurance policy details, including policy number and emergency contacts.

  • Passport and Visa Documentation: Include your Tarjeta de Turismo for San Andres.
  • Vaccination Records & Health Documentation: Yellow Fever card, prescription copies.
  • International Driving Permit (if applicable): For mainland car/scooter rental.
  • Printed & Digital Copies of Reservations: Flights, accommodation, pre-booked tours.
  • Emergency Contact Information: Family, embassy, travel insurance emergency line.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for Discounts (if applicable): May offer small concessions.
  • Secure Digital Copies: Store all important documents in a secure cloud service and email them to yourself and a trusted person.
  • Passport Validity: Must have at least six months of validity beyond your intended departure date.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

San Andres operates on 110V/60Hz, similar to the US and Canada. Plug types are Type A and Type B. Travelers from outside North America will need a Travel adapter. A Voltage converter is necessary for devices not compatible with 110V.

Mobile & Apps

  • Mobile Phone Compatibility: Most unlocked GSM phones work. Local SIM cards from Claro, Tigo, Movistar are available (passport needed).
  • Navigation: Google Maps is valuable. Download offline maps for San Andres.
  • Translation: Google Translate with offline Spanish language pack is helpful.

Photography & Charging

A Waterproof camera (like a GoPro) or a good quality Waterproof phone pouch is a strong recommendation for San Andres' water activities. A standard camera or your Smartphone camera works for general photography.

Charging & Backup

  • Portable Chargers and Power Banks: Valuable for keeping devices charged on excursions.
  • Backup Solutions: Regularly back up photos and documents to cloud storage or an External hard drive.
  • Communication: WhatsApp is widely used by locals and businesses for communication.

Secure Your Digital Life

Cloud Storage

Back up photos and important documents to Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud.

Email Copies

Email copies of essential documents to yourself and a trusted person at home.

External Drive

For large media files, an External hard drive offers a robust local backup.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A well-prepared health and wellness kit helps you address common travel ailments and respond to minor injuries. Carry all prescription medications in their original containers with clear labels. A copy of your prescription or a doctor's note is advisable.

Kit Contents

Sun & Insect Protection

The tropical sun in San Andres is intense. Protection is paramount. Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin. Mosquitoes are present, especially in the evenings and during the wet season, and carry diseases like Dengue.

Protection Essentials

Motion Sickness Remedies

Travel Sickness

  • Motion Sickness Medication: Very valuable for boat trips to Johnny Cay, El Acuario, or Providencia, where the sea can be choppy.
  • Hydrocortisone Cream: For soothing bug bites or minor skin irritations.
  • Aloe Vera / Anti-itch Cream: For sunburn relief and general insect bite relief.

Personal Hygiene & Specialty Items

  • Hygiene Essentials: Common products are available, but bring specific brands for sensitive skin, allergies, or hair care.
  • High-Quality Swimwear / Rash Guards: May be costly or limited in selection locally.
  • Specialty Food Items: If you have dietary needs (e.g., Gluten-free snacks), bring a small supply.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Diving Gear

If you are a certified diver, bring your own mask and Dive computer for comfort and fit. Other gear like BCDs, regulators, and tanks are rented from PADI-certified dive shops.

  • Personal mask and dive computer for comfort.
  • BCD, regulators, tanks are available for rent.
  • Many PADI-certified dive shops on the island.
  • Saves luggage space for rented bulky items.

Snorkeling Essentials

While Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) is available for rent, bringing your own set offers advantages for fit and hygiene. Your own mask ensures a proper fit.

  • Rentable gear is an option.
  • Own mask ensures proper fit and hygiene.
  • Fins are optional but assist with movement.
  • Bring your own for comfort and familiarity.

Beach & Water Protection

A Dry bag is extremely useful for protecting valuables during water activities. This Waterproof bag protects your phone, wallet, camera, and other valuables from splashes and immersion.

  • Protects valuables from water.
  • Useful for boat trips and kayaking.
  • Good for relaxing on the beach.
  • No uniquely San Andres-specific gear needed.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Items to Bring

  • Personal snorkeling mask for comfort and hygiene.
  • Dive computer (if you are a certified diver).
  • Dry bag for electronics and valuables near water.
  • Specialty medications or hygiene products.

Items to Rent

  • Full snorkeling sets (fins, snorkel, mask).
  • Bulkier diving gear (BCDs, regulators, tanks).
  • Golf carts, scooters, and bicycles.
  • Beach chairs and umbrellas.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

If your journey involves long flights, a Travel pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs can enhance comfort. Use TSA-approved luggage locks on checked luggage. A Money belt or secure anti-theft bag provides extra security for passport, cash, and cards. A Portable door lock offers additional protection in accommodation.

Essential Security

Sustainable Travel Items

This is notably relevant for island ecosystems where waste management can be a challenge.

Go Green

  • Reusable Water Bottle: Refill from purchased bottled water or filtered stations.
  • Reusable Shopping Bag: For duty-free shopping, groceries, or beach items.
  • Reusable Utensils: For street food.
  • Pack light: San Andres is a casual destination. This means easier movement and avoids excess baggage fees.

Items Difficult to Find Locally

Specific Brands

Bring if you rely on particular brands for sensitive skin, allergies, or hair care.

High-Quality Swimwear

Durable swimwear or Rash guards with good UV protection may be more costly or limited locally.

Specialty Food

If you have specific dietary needs, bring a small supply of snacks, as options may be limited.

OTC Medications

Your preferred brands of over-the-counter medications might be unavailable.

General Must-Haves

For Water Exploration

  • Snorkel mask for personal comfort.
  • Water shoes for rocky areas.
  • Rash guard for sun protection in water.

For Land Exploration

  • Sunscreen (reef-safe) and wide-brimmed hat.
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin.
  • Comfortable walking shoes/sandals.

Packing Pro Tip

Pack light. San Andres is a casual destination, and you will spend much of your time in swimwear or light clothing. This approach makes movement easier and avoids excess baggage fees.

Consider packing cubes to organize your luggage and compress clothing, maximizing space.