Boat Tour to Johnny Cay & Aquarium in San Andres Island

Blue water does the heavy lifting. This San Andrés boat trip links Rocky Cay and the Aquarium, two easygoing island stops with shallow water, bright beaches, and time to swim or snorkel. I especially like the roughly five-hour schedule and the small maximum group of 10, which should make the outing less hectic than a crowded boat transfer.

I also like that qualified staff handle the boat ride and bay tour, with guide Cecilia Forbes receiving repeated praise for her organization and helpful advice. The main drawback is that this is not a fully guided sightseeing tour. You may also face rough water, a basic boat, delayed departures, or a weather-related change of plan.

Key points before you book

• Two island stops: The schedule allows about two hours at Rocky Cay and three hours at the Aquarium, also called Rose Cay.
• Clear, shallow water: The Aquarium has water close to one meter deep, making it easy to see fish from near shore.
• Bring water shoes: Rocky areas and sharp surfaces around the Aquarium can make barefoot walking uncomfortable.
• Cecilia Forbes earns praise: She is noted for being attentive, organized, and helpful with practical advice.
• Extra charges apply: Bring money for the 15,000 COP dock tax per person and another 15,000 COP charge listed for Rocky Key.
• Weather controls the day: Strong wind, rain, or rough seas can close an island or cancel the trip.

What this San Andrés boat trip really offers

I would think of this as a scenic island transfer with beach time, not a traditional guided tour. The boat gets you from Portofino Pier to the cays, staff help organize the outing, and you receive time to enjoy each stop at your own pace.

That distinction matters. One unhappy customer expected continuous commentary and a more personal tour. The operator describes the service as a reservation and transport experience rather than a private guide service. If you want a guide beside you every minute, this may feel too bare-bones. If you want a straightforward way to reach two famous spots, the format makes sense.

The trip begins at 8:30 a.m. at Muelle Portofino, at Cra. 1 #2304 in San Andrés. It returns to the same meeting point. The listed duration is about five hours, although the day can run differently if departure is delayed or weather affects the route.

With a maximum of 10 people, the group size is a real advantage on paper. It should be easier to hear instructions, keep track of your belongings, and move between the boat and shore. Still, the boat itself may be basic. Several comments describe it as simple or uncomfortable, with spray reaching passengers and bags getting wet.

I would bring a dry bag or at least sealable plastic bags for phones, wallets, and spare clothing. This is not a luxury catamaran cruise. It is practical island transport, and the sea may make its presence known.

Rocky Cay: two hours of sand, rock, and downtime

The first listed stop is Cayo Rocoso, usually called Rocky Cay. The name fits: this is a small rocky key, and the appeal is the setting rather than a long list of activities.

You get about two hours here. That is enough time to sit by the water, swim, take photos, and enjoy the bright Caribbean color without rushing from one attraction to another. I like this part of the schedule because it gives you a proper pause after the boat ride.

Do not expect a formal tour of the cay. The experience is mainly about relaxing, eating or drinking if you arrange those items yourself, and spending time beside the water. Food and drinks are not included, so check what you want to carry before leaving the pier.

Conditions can change the plan. One trip could not reach Johnny Cay because authorities had closed it, while another used a different arrangement after rain and strong winds made the original route unsafe. Since the supplied schedule names Rocky Cay but the experience title refers to Johnny Cay, I would confirm the exact first stop with the operator before departure.

That small naming issue is worth taking seriously. San Andrés boat excursions often use similar names for different cays and routes. The description here lists Cayo Rocoso and Cayo Acuario, while several comments refer to Johnny Cay. Ask which islands are operating that day, especially if seeing a particular cay is the main reason you are booking.

The Aquarium, or Rose Cay, is the star stop

The second stop is Cayo Acuario, also called Rose Cay. The water here is described as close to one meter deep, which creates the unusual feeling of walking through the sea rather than swimming over deep water.

This is where the trip earns its price for many people. The water is clear enough to see fish from near shore, and snorkeling can be excellent when the sea is calm. One person described the visibility as good enough to spot fish without going far from land. You can spend roughly three hours here, so there is no need to cram everything into a short visit.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. A specific problem came up with rented snorkeling equipment: the mouthpiece needed to use it was not available. The safest plan is to carry personal gear, or ask before paying to rent equipment.

Water shoes are just as useful. Parts of the Aquarium are rocky, and walking barefoot can hurt. The bottom may also feel uneven when the tide changes. One outing had rougher water that made getting off the boat awkward, with people jumping into the sea. That is not necessarily the normal experience, but you should be ready for a wet, less graceful arrival.

The Aquarium is not a polished marine park. It is a natural shallow-water area where you swim, walk, look for fish, and enjoy the color of the sea. You may also see rays and small sharks, according to one account. Give wildlife plenty of space and listen to the crew’s safety instructions.

If the tide is too high for walking between areas, a glass-bottom boat may be offered or used as an alternative. One person enjoyed seeing the water that way when crossing on foot was not possible. The exact arrangements can change with sea conditions, so treat the shallow walk as a possibility rather than a guarantee.

Cecilia Forbes and the human side of the trip

Guide Cecilia Forbes is the name to remember. She is praised for being attentive, organized, and willing to explain practical details. She also helped with alternatives when weather stopped the planned route, including a visit to the mangrove area on one occasion.

That kind of flexibility matters in San Andrés. Wind and rain can change quickly, and a good guide can make an altered day feel worthwhile instead of simply disappointing. Cecilia is also reported to speak English, which is useful if you are booking an English-language experience.

Still, guide quality should not lead you to expect a full cultural tour. The main activity is enjoying the cays. Cecilia may offer tips and assistance, but much of your time will be independent beach time.

The staff receive credit for keeping the outing organized, though communication has not been perfect in every case. One customer had difficulty reaching the operator and was unclear about where to go. I would save the pier address, confirm the meeting point the day before, and keep the provider’s contact information handy.

The boat ride and the real comfort level

The boat is the weakest part of the package. Several accounts describe it as small, basic, or uncomfortable. Salt spray reached faces and bags on one ride, and another person felt the boat was overcrowded compared with other excursions.

That does not mean the ride is unsafe. It means you should dress for a wet trip. Wear swimwear or quick-drying clothing, bring a cover-up, and protect electronics. If your eyes are sensitive to salt water, sunglasses can help, though you should secure them well.

The short transfers work in the tour’s favor. Even with a simple boat, the journey to the cays is not the whole day. You spend most of the five-hour outing at the islands, where the scenery and water are the main event.

Departure timing may not be exact. One group left about 30 minutes later than expected, though the staff still made the day enjoyable. I would avoid booking anything immediately after the return time. Give yourself a cushion for weather, loading, and the group’s pace.

Is the $39.50 price good value?

At $39.50 per person, the outing can be good value if you want boat transport to both stops and several hours beside clear water. You are paying for the route, staff support, and a half-day on the cays rather than for a luxury boat, meals, or private guiding.

You also need to budget for the listed 15,000 COP dock tax per person, plus a 15,000 COP Rocky Key dock charge. The wording suggests these may be separate fees, so I would ask the operator to clarify the total before you go. Food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are not included.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors who want an easy package. You do not need to negotiate separate boat rides, and the schedule covers two well-known spots in one morning and early afternoon.

The value is weaker if you only want transportation. One person felt a different boat could provide a ride for about $4. That comparison leaves out staff coordination and the planned stops, but it raises a fair point: independent boat transport may cost less if you are comfortable arranging everything yourself.

I would choose this package for convenience, especially with a small group and a helpful guide. I would not choose it for onboard comfort, a meal-inclusive day, or detailed island commentary.

Weather, cancellations, and changing plans

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund.

Weather is not a minor footnote here. Strong wind, heavy rain, rough seas, or an official closure can prevent access to one of the cays. One couple had a useful alternative visit to the mangroves when Johnny Cay was not reachable, while another day was canceled completely.

I would book this early in your San Andrés stay rather than on your final morning. The experience is commonly booked about 20 days ahead, and an earlier date gives you room to reschedule if the sea refuses to cooperate.

The operator has handled some weather disruptions by changing the route, offering alternatives, or processing refunds. Still, communication can be uneven, so confirm the plan and keep written details of any changes.

Who will enjoy this most?

I think this trip suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families who want a relaxed half-day by the water. Most people can participate, and the long stop at the Aquarium gives you time to swim, snorkel, or simply sit in the shallows.

It is especially good for someone who values scenery over narration. The clear water is the reason to go. You will likely enjoy it less if you need a polished boat, guaranteed access to a particular cay, or a tightly timed professional tour.

Families should consider the boat transfer and sea conditions carefully. Getting on and off can be awkward when waves are high, and the rocky shore makes water shoes useful. Anyone with mobility concerns should ask the operator directly, since the available information only says that most people can participate.

Pack lightly, but pack smart:

• Water shoes
• Personal snorkeling equipment
• Sun protection
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch
• Extra water and any food you need
• Cash for dock fees and personal purchases

Should you book the Rocky Cay and Aquarium trip?

I would book it if your priority is clear water, two island stops, and a simple half-day at a reasonable price. The Aquarium is the strongest reason to go, and the chance to snorkel in shallow water makes it approachable even if you are not a confident swimmer.

I would book with realistic expectations. The boat may be wet and basic, the departure may run late, and the route may change with weather or official closures. Confirm whether your day includes Rocky Cay, Johnny Cay, or an alternative, then bring water shoes and your own snorkeling gear.

For a relaxed beach outing with strong scenery, this is a sensible San Andrés choice. For luxury, detailed guiding, or guaranteed access to every named island, spend more or arrange a private option.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

It 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 experience last?

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

Which stops are included?

The schedule lists Cayo Rocoso, also called Rocky Cay, for about two hours, and Cayo Acuario, also called Rose Cay, for about three hours. The experience title also refers to Johnny Cay, so confirm the exact route before departure.

Are food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, and snorkeling equipment is not listed as included.

Are there extra dock charges?

Yes. The information lists a 15,000 COP dock tax per person and a 15,000 COP dock tax for Rocky Key per person. Confirm how these charges will be collected.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.