7 Best Sights in Colombia

As if lifted from a soft-drink commercial, Johnny Cay is a small, palm-fringed island surrounded by transparent aquamarine waters some 20 minutes by boat from San Andrés. (Any tour operator can fix you up with transport.) It's essential to escape to this deserted Caribbean island on an out-of-season weekday—on weekends the hordes descend upon the island's white sandy beaches and lather themselves in coconut oil. Meals and drinks are available at any one of the shacks set up along the beach, or they can be arranged by your operator. Be sure to bring extra cash to rent shade and loungers. Basic transport with a tour operator will cost around 25,000 pesos, and you can often combine this trip with visits to nearby Acuario and Haynes Key.

Leading to the ocean, Morgan's Cave is yet another spot where famed privateer Henry Morgan was supposed to have buried some treasure—a possibility that present-day islanders have seized upon in order to tap into the vibrant tourism market. (Don't count on getting rich here.) It's an obligatory stop on most island tours, but unfortunately, demands much of the imagination to see the beyond the rather lackluster presentation. It can be great for kids, but don't go out of your way to visit.

Housed in a traditional island dwelling, this little museum goes some way toward detailing the checkered history of San André and Providencia. Tales of pirates, slaves, and missionaries abound, creating the blend of cultures found here today. The stories make this quick visit worthwhile if you're passing by.