Have you ever wondered what life on a tropical island may be like? Are you feeling eager to discover the unique feeling by yourself? Organising your next trip to a tropical destination will bring the right dose of excitement and challenge you need. So, if you’re ready to embark on such an adventurous journey, we’re here to present you with one of the most suitable travelling destinations- San Andres, along with a list of the best hostels in San Andres where you can rest and unwind.
The capital San Andres is located in the northern part of the island, and in terms of population, it is estimated to be about 67,000 people. Today, we are going to take a glance into the best things you can do while you are visiting this incredible island and take a look into some of the best hostels in San Andres!
This article is part of our big guide to 43 awesome hostels in Colombia to choose from.
Our favorite hostels in San Andres are:
- Karibbik Haus Hostel - best for Female Solo Traveler
- Blue Almond Hostel - best for Solo Traveler
- Dreamer Beach Club - best for Couples
- Extra: Viajero Hostel San Andres - best for Solo-Traveller
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Karibbik Haus Hostel
2. Blue Almond Hostel
3. Dreamer Beach Club
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to San Andres
Average price for a bed: Hostels in San Andres cost 9$ – 31$ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around 28$ – 142$ per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Backpacking tips for San Andres:
Set your mind to blue! The azure and green that this island provides will leave you speechless! You have probably never seen colours like this before, so leave all electronics aside and let your eyes enjoy the view. You will be amazed by how many different hues nature can produce.
San Andres is known as the perfect destination for backpackers since it is incredibly easy and cheap to get to it from the major cities that surround it. In this case, all you need to do is ensure that you have the right means of transport and accommodation, and you are good to go!
Don’t forget your tourist entry tax! This is called the tourist card and should cost about 30 USD. If you are unsure where to buy it from, note that this is something you should get at the airport before you board your plane – the airport company you go with can help you with all the details.
For those who do not plan to stay a long time but want to experience everything this gem of an island offers, you can always take the island boat tour. This is the most cost-effective way to visit all the best beaches, coral reefs, and everything else. The ride lasts about seven hours, so you can make a day out of it.
There are plenty of bars to go around, so if you’re looking for an enjoyable nightlife experience, you can easily find it, especially around the town. Once you get to a bar, try ordering a signature cocktail – you will be amazed by the taste!
Now that you’re familiar with the basic tips that will make your trip enjoyable, take a look at the list of best hostels in San Andres, and pick the one that feels most suitable.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in San Andres are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in San Andres.
- Karibbik Haus Hostel – best for Female Solo Traveler
- Blue Almond Hostel – best for Solo Traveler
- Dreamer Beach Club – best for Couples
- Extra: Viajero Hostel San Andres - best for Solo-Traveller
These are our favorite hostels in San Andres. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Karibbik Haus Hostel
2. Blue Almond Hostel
3. Dreamer Beach Club
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Blue Almond Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Karibbik Haus Hostel |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Dreamer Beach Club |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Dreamer Beach Club |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Dreamer Beach Club |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Karibbik Haus Hostel |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Blue Almond Hostel |
1. Karibbik Haus Hostel
If you want to stay at a place with that full Caribbean vibe, then Karibbik Haus Hostel is one of the best hostels in San Andres for you. The property is specifically designed to meet guests’ needs with a warm welcome, a modern touch, and a tropical atmosphere.
There are plenty of things you can do if you choose to stay here. For example, you can relax and enjoy yourself in some of the common rooms that they offer or plan an adventurous activity such as scuba diving to get the most out of your day.
From on-site amenities, you will be provided substantial storage space, and there is air conditioning all over the property. You can also enjoy a tasty breakfast which comes at an extra charge. There is also video surveillance for all those who want to ensure that they have booked a stay at a place that offers the utmost safety.
Location: The property is located 6.2 km from The Hill, 6.8 km from San Luis and 6.9 km from Morgan’s Cave. Popular points of interest near Karibbik Haus Hostel include Spratt Bight Beach, San Andres Bay and North End. The nearest airport is Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport, 2 km from the accommodation.
The best choice in San Andres for
- Female Solo Traveler
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Blue Almond Hostel
Blue Almond Hostel is a place where you can find an exchange library, a DVD player and plenty of other common facilities that will make your stay more pleasant. You can cook your meal in the shared kitchen or use the BBQ facilities available on-site.
You can choose from single, double, and dormitory rooms, all of which have spacious wooden wardrobes and shared bathroom facilities.
If you want to do some activities, the staff can help you organise a tour, diving, or snorkelling activity. They can even help you book a golf cart, a scooter, or a bike (this way, you can explore the island on your own).
One of the things that help this property find its place on our list of best hostels in San Andres is that it offers free surfboards to all guests, which makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy water activities.
Location: Blue Almond Hostel is a 15-minute walk from the lively shopping district, and only a 20-minute walk from the main beach at San Andres Island.
A great choice for
- Solo Traveler
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Dreamer Beach Club
If you are looking for a place that can provide a little bit of lavishness while you are staying on this magnificent island, then Dreamer Beach Club is the accommodation for you! The property provides free parking spaces, an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, and a beautiful garden! Since it is a 4-star hostel, you can enjoy concierge service and karaoke, and the front desk is open 24/7.
Other than receiving your private bathroom, some of the rooms even have the option of a pool view and a balcony. Guests can also opt for a continental breakfast available each morning, and if you have some food preferences, you can choose a vegetarian or a dairy-free option.
On top of it all, this hostel provides many amenities you will surely enjoy, including a game of table tennis, darts, or billiards. All of this is what makes this hostel an incredibly popular pick among first-time guests and returning visitors, both.
Location: Dreamer Beach Club is set in San Andrés, 200 m from Spratt Bight Beach. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Los Almendros Beach, North End and San Andres Bay. The nearest airport is Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport, a few steps from Dreamer Beach Club.
This is one of the best hostels in San Andres for
- Couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
4. Viajero Hostel San Andres
Personally, we are big fans of the Viajero Hostels all over Colombia. We recommend them for various cities. However, the Viajero Hostel San Andres was our least favorite.
It is a solid hostel option, yes. But, it does not live up to the experience and expectation we had at the other hostels. Why is that? Well, the design overall was nothin special. The maintenance was also not well, and our room had a few, smaller issues. Again, this is being picky, yes. Yet, the Viajero Hostels are such awesome hostels, it is a pity when you see one of them lack the quality.
That being said, we noticed that they improved massively since we have stayed here. Therefore, keep an eye on them.
Location-wise, this one is TOP! The hostel is just a 2-3 minutes walk away from the main “center” of San Andres in the North.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in San Andres for Solo Travelers?
We think that the best hostel in San Andres is Blue Almond Hostel. You can read about it here.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth a mention here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
We love that you have come here and explored our list of suggestions. All we want to do is share some useful info about your next destination in the hope that you will choose some of the options we provided. Think about these best hostels in San Andres and book the one which is most up to your liking!
What about the cheapest hostels in San Andres?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in San Andres.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in San Andres
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of San Andres best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for San Andres?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in San Andres put on a map + sights
We’re listing all the three best San Andres hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
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Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Backpacking San Andres
San Andres is an island with an interesting historical and cultural background. Now a part of Colombia, the department has risen in popularity because of everything it has to offer. Nowadays, it is even declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known by the name Seaflower. This happened to make sure that the ecosystem on and around the island will be preserved.
This island is one of the best well-kept secrets from foreigners, so you are bound to have a wonderful time enjoying the unspoiled nature.
If you are looking for a convenient way to get around the island, you can hire a motorbike or a golf cart. Since the island is pretty small, you can drive around it in about an hour or so, which makes this the perfect means of transport you can get. Of course, this also depends on the vehicle you will choose, too.
When it comes to food, this region, well island, is known to offer a handful of traditional dishes that you simply have to try. If you don’t want to miss out on the unique culinary experience, make sure that you try at least some of the following specialities: fried fish platters, conch ball sandwiches, crab patties, Carimañola, or Arepa de huevo. These are also commonly regarded as street food, meaning that you will able to enjoy their delightful tastes while on the go.
Before we turn to the best hostels in San Andres, we share some extra information for those travelling there for the first time. Take a look at the following backpacking tips to ensure an enjoyable experience.
The best thing about this lovely island is that it is home to one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches you will ever see! They are located on two smaller islands, Haynes Cay and El Acuario, on the east side of San Andres. Heading there will allow you to enjoy the wonderful sea life, white beaches, and crystal clear water, immersing your visual senses in a palette of splendid colours that cannot be seen elsewhere.
The lush tropical vegetation is another thing you can enjoy on your trip here. There is a national, regional park called Johnny Cay, and it is probably one of the most popular attractions on the island. The white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters will delight your senses, but enjoying the view of coconut palm trees and the unique vibe will definitely allow you to feel something you’ve never felt before.
What’s more, you’ll have the opportunity to go scuba diving, visit the island botanical gardens, enjoy a cocktail on Cocoplum Beach, and go to the west side of the territory to experience the most magnificent sunset you have ever seen! At this time of the day, the colours change from whites and blues, and greens to yellows, reds, and all the fire colours that contribute to creating a spectacular view!
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Any questions about hostels in San Andres?
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Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to San Andres?
There are 4 domestic direct flights to and from San Andrés Island: Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín, and Cali. All domestic direct flights are under 2.5 hours and fly directly to Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport (ADZ) on the island.
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in San Andres.
As you know by now, Colombia has awesome backpacker places to stay. So, we have more guides for you:
- 43 Best Hostels in Colombia – full country guide + map
- Best Hostels in Cartagena
- Best Hostels in Cali
- Best Hostels in Medellin
- Best Hostels in Bogota
- Best Hostels in Salento
- Best Hostels in Santa Marta
- Best Hostels in Taganga
- Best Hostels in Palomino
- Best Hostels in Guatape
- Best Hostels in Minca
- Best Hostels in Popayan
Party hostels in Colombia:
- coolest party hostels in Cartagena de Indias
- coolest party hostels in Bogota
- coolest party hostels in Medellin
And around Colombia:
- best hostels in Quito, Ecuador
- best hostel in Guayaquil, Ecuador
You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this San Andres guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
