Boat Tour to Johnny Cay & Aquarium in San Andres Island

The great appeal of this San Andrés boat trip is simple: two beautiful cays and remarkably clear Caribbean water in one morning. You leave from Muelle Portofino at 8:30 a.m., ride out with a small group of up to 10 people, and spend most of the day swimming, snorkeling, eating, and enjoying the sea.

I like the long stops at Rocky Cay and the Aquarium, since you get roughly two hours at the first and three hours at the second instead of rushing ashore for a quick photo. I also like the small maximum group size and the attentive service often associated with guide Cecilia Forbes. The main catch is that this is not a full-time guided sightseeing tour, and weather or local authorities can prevent a visit to Johnny Cay.

Key points to know before booking

• The Aquarium is shallow and clear: Rose Cay has water close to one meter deep, making it easy to see fish from near shore.
• Rocky Cay is a beach stop: Expect rest, swimming, food, and drinks rather than a formal tour or many organized activities.
• Johnny Cay may not be available: Strong wind, rain, rough water, or an official closure can change the plan.
• Water shoes matter: The Aquarium is rocky, and walking barefoot can be painful.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear if possible: Equipment may be available for an extra charge, but one mask-and-snorkel setup was reported to lack a usable mouthpiece.
• Budget beyond the advertised price: The tour costs $39.50 per person, with a listed dock tax of 15,000 COP per person and food and drinks extra.

What this $39.50 San Andrés boat trip really offers

At $39.50 per person, this is priced as a straightforward shared boat outing, not a private charter or a highly structured marine excursion. Your fare covers boat transportation, qualified personnel, and an internal tour of the bay. It also includes admission to the listed stops.

That makes the price reasonable if you want the convenience of arranging both island visits at once. You avoid negotiating separately for a boat and have a planned morning departure. The small group limit of 10 is another useful feature, especially compared with crowded boats that can make boarding and getting into the water awkward.

Still, you should understand what you are buying. The operator describes the service as transportation between the cays with assistance, while several details indicate that you spend much of the time on your own. Do not book it expecting a guide to explain marine life every minute or lead a formal walking tour on each island.

The extra costs matter. Food and drinks are not included. A 15,000 COP dock tax per person is listed, and a separate 15,000 COP Rocky Key dock tax also appears in the cost information. Because the wording is not fully clear, ask before departure if both charges apply to your booking. That small check can prevent an unpleasant surprise at the pier.

Meeting the boat at Portofino Pier

The meeting point is Muelle Portofino, at Cra. 1 #2304 in San Andrés. The scheduled start is 8:30 a.m., and the trip ends back at the same place after about five hours.

You should allow enough time to find the pier and check in without rushing. The company may send guide details before the trip. In one well-organized case, Cecilia Forbes contacted the couple the day before with the meeting instructions, while another booking raised concerns about late tickets and unclear arrival information. The practical lesson is clear: keep your confirmation nearby and make sure you have the precise meeting instructions before the morning of departure.

The boat itself may be basic. Reports describe some boats as simple and uncomfortable, with spray reaching passengers on the way to the cays. On one trip, a backpack became soaked and salt water caused eye discomfort. Put phones, passports, towels, and other valuables in a dry bag or double plastic bags. Sunglasses can help, though the most important protection is keeping your belongings secure.

The ride is described as fairly quick, but conditions vary. On a calm day, the crossing may feel easy. In stronger wind or rougher water, boarding and getting off become less graceful. One account describes passengers jumping from the boat into the water when the tide was high. Ask the crew for help, hold your belongings securely, and wear footwear that can get wet.

Rocky Cay, about two hours among rocks and calm water

The first listed stop is Cayo Rocoso, better known as Rocky Cay. Its name refers to the rocky key itself, but the appeal is the surrounding water and beach setting. You have about two hours here, enough time to swim, sit in the sun, and find something to eat or drink at your own pace.

Rocky Cay works best if you want a relaxed beach break. You are not being hurried from one viewpoint to another. Bring sunscreen and use it often, because much of this stop is spent exposed to sun near the water. A hat can help too, though you will want to secure it in the boat.

Do not expect an extensive guided program here. The tour’s value comes from getting you to the cay and giving you time to enjoy it, not from a long lecture or a list of monuments. If you prefer independent beach time, that is a strength. If you want activities organized for you, it may feel thin.

The name Johnny Cay creates some confusion. The product is marketed as a boat tour to Johnny Cay and the Aquarium, while the detailed stop list identifies Rocky Cay and the Aquarium. In practice, local conditions and official decisions can affect the island visit. Johnny Cay has been closed by authorities on some dates, and strong winds or rain have also prevented boats from reaching it.

For that reason, confirm the exact first stop on the morning of your tour. If Johnny Cay is important to you, do not assume that the printed title guarantees access. The operator has described alternative arrangements, including another visit or a mangrove area, when weather blocks the planned route.

The Aquarium, or Rose Cay, for three hours in shallow water

Cayo Acuario, also called Rose Cay or the Aquarium, is the star of the outing for many people. The water is close to one meter deep, so you can wade through it and watch fish in clear conditions. You may feel as if you are walking across the sea, which is the unusual part of this stop.

You get about three hours here, the longest portion of the trip. That gives you time to swim, snorkel, sit in the water, and take breaks from the sun. The clearness can be excellent, with fish visible even from near the shore, so you do not need to be an expert swimmer to appreciate the setting.

The bottom is rocky. Water shoes are not optional for comfort, especially if you plan to walk across the shallow area. Bare feet can be sore, and rough water makes each step less steady. Bring footwear that fits securely rather than loose sandals that can float away.

Snorkeling can be very good when the water is clear. The area may also have stingrays and small, non-biting sharks. Treat all wildlife with care, keep a sensible distance, and listen to the crew’s instructions. The presence of animals is part of the attraction, but it is not a reason to touch or chase them.

Equipment is a point to handle carefully. Snorkeling gear may be offered for an additional 20,000 COP, but one visitor paid for equipment that could not be used because the mouthpiece was missing. I would bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. That also saves time and gives you equipment you already know fits.

The Aquarium can be busy and heavily used. The appeal is the water itself, not solitude. You will be sharing a popular shallow-water site with other boats and beachgoers. If you need a quiet natural setting, this may disappoint. If your priority is easy access to clear water and fish, it is the strongest reason to book.

Cecilia Forbes and the amount of guiding to expect

Cecilia Forbes is the guide most clearly associated with this outing. Her role appears to include meeting the group, explaining the plan, helping with changes, and offering practical advice about San Andrés. Several accounts describe her as attentive, organized, and helpful with suggestions for other places on the island.

You should not confuse that personal assistance with a continuous guided tour. The boat crew and guide get you to the cays, but you generally have free time once you arrive. That arrangement suits you if you want to choose when to swim, eat, or relax without staying beside a guide.

Language deserves a quick check. The operator says Cecilia speaks English, but one booking reported that no English-speaking guide was available. If you are booking specifically for English service, confirm this directly before the date rather than relying on an assumption.

Communication before departure has been uneven in the information available. Some arrangements included clear contact from the company several days before and a message the day before. Another booking involved missing tickets and unanswered phone calls, followed by a dispute over the contact details. Save all booking messages and verify the meeting point, time, guide name, and phone number in advance.

Weather can change the whole day

San Andrés sits in a setting where wind, rain, waves, and tides directly affect boat travel. This is not a minor footnote. Poor conditions can make the ride uncomfortable, make boarding harder, or stop the boat from reaching Johnny Cay.

A weather cancellation should bring an offer of another date or a full refund. The normal cancellation rule also allows you to cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, except that poor weather cancellation by the operator has its own refund or rescheduling provision.

A useful plan is to schedule this outing early in your stay, not on the final morning. That gives you a chance to reschedule if weather disrupts the route. The operator has also offered alternatives such as the Aquarium and a mangrove area when Johnny Cay could not be reached, but you should regard those as substitutes rather than an equal promise.

The trip may still go ahead in light rain, depending on conditions. Bring a light cover for your bag and accept that the sea may not look the same from one day to the next. Safety should take priority over completing every named stop.

What to pack for the five-hour outing

A few practical items will make a big difference:

• Water shoes for Rocky Cay and especially the rocky Aquarium
• Your own snorkeling mask and snorkel if available
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• A waterproof pouch or dry bag for phones and valuables
• A towel and a change of clothes
• Cash for dock charges, food, drinks, or optional equipment

Food and drinks are not included, so plan to buy them at the stops or bring what you need if permitted. The supplied information does not specify meal arrangements, so do not assume lunch is part of the package.

Use sunscreen more than once. The longest stop is three hours in shallow water, and the reflected sun can catch you even when you feel cool in the sea. Keep drinking water too, especially if you spend most of the time swimming.

Who will enjoy this San Andrés excursion most

I would recommend this boat trip to you if you want a simple route to the island cays, clear shallow water, and several hours of unhurried beach time. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families who can manage a basic boat transfer and wet boarding.

It is also a good match for people who value flexibility. You can swim when you want, snorkel when conditions allow, or simply sit by the water. The small group cap helps, though it does not guarantee a large or especially comfortable boat.

I would be more cautious if you need firm access to Johnny Cay, a polished vessel, or a detailed guided program. I would also think twice if you dislike boat spray, rough water, rocky footing, or changing plans. The tour is at its best when you see it as a convenient island transfer with generous free time, not as a luxury cruise.

Should you book this boat tour?

Book it if the Aquarium is your main goal and you want Rocky Cay or Johnny Cay included in the same half-day. The clear water, shallow swimming area, and chance to see fish close to shore offer good value for $39.50, provided you add the dock tax and personal expenses to your budget.

Before paying, confirm four things: the exact first stop, the current dock fees, the meeting instructions, and whether an English-speaking guide such as Cecilia Forbes will be present. Bring water shoes and your own snorkeling gear. With those expectations set, this is a practical way to spend a morning in San Andrés. If your heart is set only on Johnny Cay, wait for a weather-friendly day and understand that local closure decisions can override the advertised route.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour starts at Muelle Portofino, Cra. 1 #2304, San Andrés, San Andrés y Providencia, Colombia.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:30 a.m.

How long does the boat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours and returns to the original meeting point.

Which places does the tour visit?

The detailed plan lists Rocky Cay, also called Cayo Rocoso, and Cayo Acuario, also called Rose Cay or the Aquarium. The tour title refers to Johnny Cay, but weather and official closures can affect that stop.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $39.50 per person.

Are dock taxes included?

No. A dock tax of 15,000 COP per person is listed, and a separate 15,000 COP Rocky Key dock tax also appears in the cost details. Confirm with the operator whether both charges apply to your booking.

Is food and drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.