This extremely quiet island, with its laid back set of hamlets and beautiful white-sand beaches shaded by palm trees, is the best combination for paradise on earth. The place is known for many things including the warm sea, the friendly locals and the beautiful landscape. It is located 90km north of San Andrés and covers about 17sq km. This island is much older than San Andrés, and it is located on a mountainous volcanic plain. Until today, tourism has not affected the beauty of the island; thanks to the strict zoning laws. There are many activities here, and the whole island can be covered within a day. The island’s local administration is on the northern tip, at Santa Catalina. The locals here speak English, unlike in San Andrés. Even the buildings here resemble much of the English-Caribbean style.

Around and closeby
Santa Catalina is the small island that faces Santa Isabel. The beaches here are deserted, but worth seeing. Don’t forget to look out for Morgan’s Head, which is a rocky cliff in the shape of a human face. There’s also an underwater cave here too. Don’t be surprised to see the beach disappear for the shoreline here is very much dependent on the tides. Santa Catalina is easily accessible by the pedestrian bridge across the shallow Canal Aury.

Sightseeing
The beaches here are small and narrow, but beautiful. There are three main ones, Bahía Aguadulce, Bahía Suroeste, and Bahía Manzanillo, which is the best of all. Parque Nacional McBean Lagoon is located in the island’s north-eastern side. It is only about 10sq km, but inside this small area there’s the coastal mangrove system and the islets of Cayo Cangarejo and Cayo Tres Hermanos. There are various species of mangroves here, which are home to a number of animals. The top of El Pico is the best place to go for hiking. The trails start in Casabeja. You can ask for guidance from the locals to get there. In June, there is a Cultural Festival, where you can enjoy the music and dancing, see a parade of motorcycles, and witness the unique iguana beauty contest. From May to June, you might get to see the crab migration.