San Andrés Johnny Kay Aquarium Small Group Boat Tour

The bay changes color as you sail through it, and the guide explains why.

A full-day boat tour limited to 12 people departs San Andrés at 9am for Johnny Kay island, two snorkeling sites and a tour of the color-changing bay. The boat includes a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese, stops for swimming in shallow waters, and entry to Johnny Kay. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day boat tour and snorkeling

• Meet at 9:00 AM
• Start tour at 9:30 AM
• Visit island and see reptiles
• Swim and snorkel at island beaches
• Snorkel at Rose Cay with guide
• Explore and rest at Haynes Cay
• Tour bay to see color changes
• Stop for swim in shallow bay waters
• Sail through main bay and learn island stories

The experience

The tour starts at 9am from San Andrés and runs 6.5 hours on a dedicated boat with staff on board. You visit Johnny Kay island first, where you can swim on its beaches, see iguanas in the central area, and snorkel in shallow water. From there the boat heads to the aquarium sector: Rose Cay, where a snorkeling guide takes you to the barrier reef to see fish and marine life, and Haynes Cay, a palm-fringed island where you arrive around noon and can rest, explore freely or take photos.

The color-changing bay is the tour's signature stop. As you sail through the stripe where the water shifts hue, the guide explains the phenomenon while you photograph it. Later, the boat anchors in shallow, calm water for a refreshing swim in the middle of the bay, with music playing from the boat. A final pass through the main bay shows you the departmental dock and working boats, with commentary on the island's history and current life.

The group stays under 12 people, so the boat feels intimate rather than crowded. Your guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese, and children from age 4 can join. Entry to Johnny Kay is included. Bring a camera for the color-changing waters and the island itself.

What’s included

• Entry to Johnny Kay island.
• snorkeling guide at Rose Cay.
• boat with dedicated staff for the full day.
• live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• swimming stop in shallow bay water with music from the boat.
• tour of the color-changing waters and the main bay.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 5 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Kramelo travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in San Andrés town. The 9am departure means no separate transport needed, and one boat covers Johnny Kay, the snorkeling sites, and the color-changing bay in a single day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years); Child (4 to 5 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What will I see and do at Johnny Kay island?

Johnny Kay island has a beautiful beach where you can swim and snorkel in shallow water. In the central area you'll see iguanas, and you can explore the palm trees and take photos freely on the beach.

How does the snorkeling work on this tour?

At Rose Cay in the aquarium sector, a snorkeling guide takes you to the barrier reef to see fish and marine variety. The water is shallow and calm, suitable for different experience levels.

What is the color-changing bay and why does the water change color?

The color-changing bay is a stripe in the water where the hue shifts noticeably. The guide explains the natural phenomenon that causes it while you sail through and photograph it.

What time does the tour start and how long does it run?

The tour starts at 9am from San Andrés (authorization by the coast guard begins at 9:30am) and runs 6.5 hours total, returning in the early afternoon.

Is the boat crowded?

The tour is limited to 12 people, keeping the group small and intimate on the dedicated boat with staff on board.