Decameron Aquarium
Family-friendly resort in San Andres.
Amenities
Traveler Insights(78 discussions)
Decameron Aquarium earns its reputation on the strength of one of the Caribbean's most genuinely spectacular settings. San Andres Island sits in Colombian waters where the Caribbean displays itself in that impossible palette of turquoise shades - locally called the 'Sea of Seven Colors' - that looks like a screensaver until you're actually standing in it. The resort's circular tower architecture at Punta Hansa captures panoramic sea views from multiple angles, and the long dock extending into a natural sea pool gives guests direct access to snorkeling waters with visibility that would impress even seasoned Caribbean travelers. This is a property where the location does most of the heavy lifting, and the location is exceptional.
The resort itself is a solid mid-market all-inclusive that does enough things right to make the experience comfortable, with clear gaps that betray its price positioning. Staff quality is a genuine highlight - reviewers consistently describe genuinely warm, smiling service that gives the property a more personal feel than the Decameron chain's size might suggest. The six restaurants cover a reasonable range, and fresh Caribbean seafood is a particular strength given San Andres's fishing culture. The weak points are physical: rooms are dated and some show genuine maintenance issues including leaks and odors in a minority of units, and the extra charges for Wi-Fi and safes feel especially cheap at a property already charging premium all-inclusive rates. The main buffet food quality is described as adequate rather than inspired - better meals exist off-property in San Andres town at local restaurants.
Decameron Aquarium is the right choice for travelers who specifically want to experience San Andres Island - a Colombian Caribbean gem with a distinct Afro-Caribbean culture, cheap local food and rum, and snorkeling and diving conditions that rival anywhere in the broader Caribbean. The resort functions as a comfortable base for island exploration rather than a destination unto itself. Day excursions to Johnny Cay Park, the Mangrove Old Regional Park, and boat trips around the island's famous color gradients are where the real magic happens. Compared to equivalently priced all-inclusives in Cancun or Punta Cana, you're trading room quality and food variety for a destination that's genuinely off the beaten path for most international travelers.
Pros
- +Exceptional architecture with circular towers at Punta Hansa offering panoramic Caribbean Sea views that genuinely compete with any resort in the region
- +A long wooden dock leads directly to a natural sea pool and aquatic platform ideal for snorkeling - the underwater visibility in San Andres is world-class
- +San Andres Island itself is one of Colombia's most beautiful destinations, with turquoise water in multiple distinct shades that earn it the 'Seven Colors Sea' designation
- +Six restaurants offering everything from breakfast buffets to fresh Caribbean seafood, with a culinary range unusual for a mid-market all-inclusive
- +Non-motorized water sports (windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, surfing) are included in the all-inclusive rate, giving active guests outstanding daily options
- +Spratt Bight Beach - one of San Andres's most beautiful stretches - is just steps from the resort, offering access to public beach culture and the boardwalk
- +Staff described as genuinely smiling, attentive, and service-oriented, with the kind of warmth that makes a mid-range property punch above its category
- +San Andres is significantly less expensive to visit than equivalent Caribbean destinations in Mexico or the Dominican Republic, making the all-inclusive value compelling
Cons
- −Room decor is tired and worn - the accommodation quality is the property's weakest point relative to the spectacular setting
- −Wi-Fi and in-room safes cost extra, which is a frustrating nickel-and-dime at an all-inclusive property where guests expect basic amenities to be covered
- −No minibars in rooms, meaning guests who want a drink in their room need to go to a bar - inconvenient for a property this spread out
- −Potable water is not available from the tap, and some guests report no bottled water provided in rooms as a matter of course
- −A la carte restaurant reservations fill up quickly and the waitlist system frustrates guests who miss the booking window
- −Mediocre all-inclusive food quality at the main buffet compared to what's available at local restaurants just off property in San Andres town
- −Some guests report bathroom maintenance issues including roof leaks and sewer odors in certain room areas - quality control appears inconsistent
- −San Andres is a remote island destination with limited flight connections, making it harder and sometimes more expensive to reach than Mexico or Dominican Republic resorts
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“The resort is quite lovely and the staff is very helpful and friendly. We truly enjoyed the sun chairs on the dock and the kind staff, especially since we are still learning Spanish. Our food was delicious, especially at the seafood restaurant on t...”