Hoyo Soplador San Andres Island
A natural blowhole on San Andres Island where ocean waves force water through a rock opening, creating spectacular sprays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Maximum spray power!
Hoyo Soplador San Andres Island
Best Time
Maximum spray power!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A natural blowhole on San Andres Island where ocean waves force water through a rock opening, creating spectacular sprays.
"Witness the raw power of the ocean as water erupts through a natural rock hole, creating a spectacular spray."
Check the Tides First! :ocean:
Visit during high tide for the most dramatic blowhole action. Reviews confirm this is crucial for the best experience.
Be Ready to Buy :moneybag:
Entry might seem free, but expect to purchase a drink or souvenir. Prices around 20-30k COP per couple are common.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Blowhole
Rocky coastline
Witness the raw power of the ocean as water erupts through a natural rock hole, creating a spectacular spray.
Ocean Views and Coastal Breezes
Surrounding area
Enjoy the stunning Caribbean vistas and feel the refreshing sea breeze along the rugged coastline.
Local Crafts and Refreshments
Nearby stalls
Browse unique souvenirs and enjoy a local beverage while soaking in the island atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Blowhole
Navigating Fees and Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check the Tides First! :ocean:
Visit during high tide for the most dramatic blowhole action. Reviews confirm this is crucial for the best experience.
Be Ready to Buy :moneybag:
Entry might seem free, but expect to purchase a drink or souvenir. Prices around 20-30k COP per couple are common.
Patience for the Spray :camera_with_flash:
Sometimes you need to wait for the perfect wave. Be patient, and you might capture an epic shot!
Wear Water-Resistant Gear :athletic_shoe:
You might get splashed! Consider clothing that dries quickly and shoes with good grip on wet rocks.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check the Tides First! :ocean:
Visit during high tide for the most dramatic blowhole action. Reviews confirm this is crucial for the best experience.
Be Ready to Buy :moneybag:
Entry might seem free, but expect to purchase a drink or souvenir. Prices around 20-30k COP per couple are common.
Patience for the Spray :camera_with_flash:
Sometimes you need to wait for the perfect wave. Be patient, and you might capture an epic shot!
Wear Water-Resistant Gear :athletic_shoe:
You might get splashed! Consider clothing that dries quickly and shoes with good grip on wet rocks.
Capture the Moment :iphone:
Get ready for fun photos and videos, but be mindful of your phone near the water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hoyo Soplador offers a unique natural spectacle, with visitors enjoying the powerful spray of water erupting from the rock. However, be prepared for an expected purchase of drinks or souvenirs, and understand that the blowhole's activity is entirely dependent on wave conditions. While some find the experience thrilling, others note mixed quality in refreshments and potential disappointment on calm days.
"Check the tide before coming and expect paying at least 20-30k per couple ITS NOT FREE even though they say it, they’ll charge anyway or you will not be allowed through, and after they secure your money then they will mention there was no wind/high tide
The worst part is that the drinks taste worse than hand sanitizer"
Gupi de Zavalia
"Proceed at your own risk. I went there, and the natives said it was free, but they will insist and persist that you buy a drink!!! When i went there was no wind. It was just a hole. If you end up going to the hole, they get very mad if you don't buy anything!!! Our piña coladas were not good."
Catbec
"This should be a quick stop to see the blowhole. It's not a most see but pretty interesting. The locals will make you buy something like a drink to take a photo with the blowhole. If you wait long enough, you could see a pretty big explosion of the sea through the hole. It's cool, but be prepared to wait in a line for a photo."
Teddy Onstott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hoyo Soplador is located on the southern tip of San Andres Island. You can reach it by taxi, rental car, or by taking a local bus or 'chiva' tour. Many island tours include a stop here.
It's about a 30-40 minute drive from the main hotel zone in San Andres town, depending on traffic and your mode of transport.
Yes, renting a scooter is a popular and flexible way to explore the island, including reaching Hoyo Soplador at your own pace.
Absolutely! Many 'chiva' tours and island hopping excursions include a visit to Hoyo Soplador, often combining it with other attractions.
Many visitors enjoy the scenic drive along the coast. Renting a scooter or taking a chiva allows you to see more of the island's beauty.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While often advertised as free, expect to be asked to purchase a drink or souvenir to access the area or take photos. This is a common practice.
Reviews suggest a cost of around 20,000 to 30,000 Colombian Pesos (COP) per couple, usually for a mandatory drink purchase.
Some visitors report being insisted upon buying something. It's best to be prepared for this expectation to avoid any friction.
Hoyo Soplador is a natural phenomenon, so it's accessible during daylight hours. However, the 'show' is dependent on wave conditions.
It's advisable to carry cash, as smaller vendors and drink stalls may not accept card payments.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour lighting for photos. However, the best time for dramatic spray is during high tide and windy conditions, regardless of the time of day.
Be patient and watch the waves. Stand at a safe distance and be ready to capture the moment the water shoots up. Some locals might offer to help guide you for a tip.
Yes, it's very likely you'll get splashed, especially if the waves are strong! Wear quick-drying clothes and protect your electronics.
Crowds can vary. Weekends and peak tourist seasons might see more people. Visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours can offer a more relaxed experience.
The area offers beautiful coastal views, small souvenir shops, and opportunities to enjoy local snacks and drinks.
🍽️ 🍹 Food & Drinks
There are usually small stalls selling drinks and snacks near the blowhole. For more substantial meals, it's better to eat in San Andres town or San Luis.
You can typically buy tropical cocktails like piña coladas and other refreshing beverages.
Reviews are mixed, with some finding the drinks to be not very good or tasting worse than expected.
It's often a requirement to buy a drink to access the area. While the quality might be questionable, it's part of the experience for many.
While not explicitly forbidden, the expectation is usually to purchase from the local vendors. It's best to check on arrival.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for the expectation of purchasing a drink, which can be a small treat for the children. The short duration of the visit makes it manageable for younger attention spans. However, if the blowhole isn't very active, it might not hold their interest for long. Consider it a quick, fun stop on a larger island tour.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different shutter speeds to freeze the water in motion or create a silky smooth effect. The golden hour light in the late afternoon can add a magical quality to your photos. Remember to protect your gear from the sea spray – a waterproof bag or a lens cloth is a must.
🚗 Independent Explorers
It's a great addition to a self-guided island tour, allowing you to stop at other scenic spots along the southern coast. Be aware of the potential 'purchase requirement' and have cash ready. Enjoy the scenic drive and the unique natural attraction at your own pace.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Hoyo Soplador Phenomenon
This spectacle is entirely dependent on the sea's conditions. On calm days, the blowhole might produce only a gentle puff of mist, or nothing at all. However, when the ocean is active, the sight can be quite dramatic and exhilarating. Visitors often gather around, anticipating the next 'blow,' and many share videos of their reactions to the powerful spray.
While the natural phenomenon is the main draw, the surrounding area also offers beautiful coastal views and a chance to experience a different side of San Andres Island away from the main beaches. It’s a unique geological feature that showcases the raw power of nature.
Navigating Visitor Expectations and Costs
The typical cost suggested is around 20,000 to 30,000 Colombian Pesos (COP) per couple, usually for a mandatory beverage. While some find this reasonable for the experience, others have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the drinks, describing them as tasting worse than expected.
To manage expectations, it's advisable to check tide times and wave forecasts beforehand. While the blowhole is impressive when active, a calm sea means a less dramatic show. Some reviewers suggest that if you are patient, you might witness a significant spray, making the wait and the purchase worthwhile.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit