10 Best Islands In Colombia - Updated 2024

1. San Andrés (from USD 331)

Been itching to treat yourself to a much-deserved holiday? Visit Colombia and experience a South American adventure that you’ll never forget. San Andrés might be the destination for you. It is a stunning island in the Caribbean Sea that is popular for its gorgeous beaches. Tourists are taken to the underwater world filled with breathtaking coral reefs and different marine animals in San Andrés. Not only that, but aside from the bodies of water, this island offers a vibrant party scene, and it has numerous bars and dining spots. Grab a pina colada while dancing to reggae in San Andrés.

2. Tintipán Island (from USD 173)

For tourists who are planning to see the beauty of the Archipelago of San Bernardo, Tintipán Island should be on your list of islands to visit. Accessible by boat, this charming island has beautiful white-sand beaches where you can swim, play in the sand, and bask in the warmth of the South American sun to your heart’s content. Aside from those, watersports are popular activities on the island. The corals in Tintipán Island will take your breath away with their different colors and interesting shapes. Lots of hotels and hostels are scattered here, which makes it convenient for tourists.

3. Isla Grande (from USD 239)

Isla Grande is one of the most-visited islands in Colombia. From the shores, Cartagena’s tourists who plan to visit this island need only take a 45-minute boat ride from the city. This island is a vast paradise with stunning white-sand beaches, fields of palm, wetlands with mangroves, and a famous pink lake. It offers a lot of outdoor opportunities for tourists, whether you want to reconnect with the sea or explore the land. On the eastern side of the island is Laguna Encantada, a popular destination for plankton watching. When the moon slowly rises above the sky, the lagoon glows with the help of luminescent planktons. Be sure to see it as it is an experience that is one for the books.

4. Fuerte Island

Fuerte Island is a little coral island that nestles on Colombia’s northern coast. Compared to the bigger islands in the country, this small island is less popular and less visited by tourists, making it an ideal getaway destination for people who want some peaceful and quiet time away from the crowds. Sparkling blue waters, a tropical dry forest, and swampy areas with an abundance of mangroves attract people to visit this tiny slice of paradise. When you visit Fuerte Island, be sure to swing by La Bonga Tree and Walking Tree as these two are iconic landmarks on the island.

5. Gorgona Island

Situated in the Pacific Ocean, Gorgona Island is a beautiful paradise and tourist destination off Colombia’s Pacific coast. It is a sanctuary of biodiversity, home to lush tropical rainforest, migratory birds, gorgeous beaches, stunning coral formations, and an abundance of marine life. Lots of scientists and researchers are thrilled about the eco-system on the island. Those who are into nature are enchanted by Gorgona Island’s flora, fauna, and picturesque views. It also has scenic hiking trails that you can explore. Plus, the locals are friendly, and there’s always a celebration on the island.

Gorgona Island

Address: Pacific Ocean, Colombia

6. Malpelo Island

Your island-hopping adventure in Colombia would not be complete without a day or two on Malpelo Island. It is a small yet lovely island, located on the western end of the Colombian mainland. This destination is for adventure-seekers as it is not as well-trafficked as the other islands in Colombia. It features a rock formation with three towering peaks. Malpelo Island is known as the shark-diving capital of the world. It is home to the biggest population of sharks in the whole world.

Malpelo Island

Address: Eastern Pacific Ocean, Colombia

7. Tortuguilla Island

Tortuguilla Island is a paradise located off the Northern Coast of Colombia, on the Caribbean Sea. For tourists who want to visit this island, you’ll only need to go on a 9km (5.5mi) boat ride from the mainland. It is a breathtaking island that offers an abundance of outdoor activities, and it is home to lush vegetation, breathtaking beaches, and numerous coral reefs. Although there are no upscale hotels on Tortuguilla Island, tourists can stay in affordable hostels and Airbnbs that can be found in the area.

Tortuguilla Island

Address: Northern coast of Colombia

8. Isla Mucura (from USD 272)

If you are planning an exciting island-hopping adventure in Colombia, Isla Mucura should be one of the islands that you visit. Situated in the Archipelago of San Bernardo, Gulf of Morrosquillo, this coral island is a piece of heaven on earth. It is a popular tourist destination in the country as it is home to breathtaking beaches, and it has an abundance of world-class hotels and affordable accommodations. In the morning, you’ll be thrilled to swim in the waters. At night, you’ll be enchanted watching the plankton illuminate the waters. Also, the night is for partying as there are numerous local bars in the area that have live entertainment.

9. Tierra Bomba Island (from USD 158)

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Nestled off the coast of Cartagena de Indias, Tierra Bomba Island is a captivating island that is home to lovely little towns and a fort that features historic ruins with breathtaking views. For tourists who visit this island for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports, there are plenty of beaches for these activities. There is also a walking path that treats you to magical views of the Magdalena River. If you visit on a Sunday, expect entertaining shows and lovely live music.

10. Santa Catalina Island (from USD 44)

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Belonging to San Andrés y Providencia Department of Colombia, Santa Catalina Island is one of the many gorgeous islands in Colombia. Beside it is its sister island called Providencia Island, and these two islands are connected by a footbridge. Compared to the islands beside it, Santa Catalina Island is smaller in area. Aside from swimming, scuba diving is an ideal activity on the island as this destination is home to marvelous coral reefs. Tourists will not have a hard time vacationing in Santa Catalina Island as it has accommodations, eateries, and local shops.

Have an adventure in Colombia

Colombia is home to natural wonders that the world has to see, especially its enchanting islands with gorgeous beaches. Plan a vacation in Colombia and go on an island-hopping adventure. Remember this list of the best islands in the country by heart and try to visit as many of them as possible.