Night paddle board in San Andrés: what it’s like

At night, you can explore the sea of San Andrés too. On the night paddle board tour you paddle on a board with LED lights that light up the seabed, in a cove with calm water. Here’s what’s worth knowing.

What the night paddle board tour is

It’s a paddle board outing at dusk in El Cove, a cove of calm, crystal-clear water in San Andrés. Each person has their own board, with a paddle and LED lights that switch on when it gets dark, so you see the seabed lit up in colors as you paddle.

What the night is like

• Pickup, at 5:30 PM: you’re picked up at your hotel and head to El Cove just before the sun goes down.
• The lesson, around 6:10 PM: a certified instructor explains posture, the paddle stroke and the safety rules, and hands you the board, the paddle and, if you want one, a life vest.
• The lights, around 6:30 PM: you get into the water and the boards’ lights switch on.
• Exploring, around 7:15 PM: you paddle through the calmest areas looking for the marine life drawn to the light (colorful fish, sea urchins and, with luck, a ray), while the team takes photos and videos of you.
• The return, around 8:00 PM: you head back to shore, change and are taken back to your hotel. The photos and videos reach you on WhatsApp by the next morning at the latest.

Do I need experience or to know how to swim?

No. The tour is designed for beginners: before going into the water you get a lesson with a certified instructor, and the boards are wide and stable. The life vest is optional, for anyone who wants one. The minimum age is 5, so babies and children under 5 can’t do this activity.

What to bring

• Clothes for the water: your swimsuit on, or light sportswear that can get wet.
• Insect repellent: put it on before you start, because it’s at dusk and close to the sea.
• Waterproof case: if you want to take your phone into the water.
• Towel and dry clothes: for the ride back to your hotel.

Lockers aren’t included, so it’s best to bring only what you need.

Can I book for today?

Yes. Pickup is every night at 5:30 PM, and for that same night you can book until 3:00 PM. After that time your spot is no longer guaranteed, but you can book for the next day.

Other nights in San Andrés

If you want a party at sea, the White Night sails around the bay from 6:30 to 10:00 PM with a buffet dinner on board, an open bar of national drinks and a DJ, and the Party Yacht goes out from 8:00 to 10:30 PM with an open bar of national drinks, a DJ and a light show. Both run every night except Sundays. The rest of the island, day by day, is in our guide to things to do in San Andrés.