Cayo Serrana is a fascinating atoll located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, specifically in the Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, administered by Colombia. This coral bank, shaped like a triangle, is made up of several sandy cays, such as Southwest Cay and North Cay, and is known for its rich marine biodiversity. However, despite its natural beauty, Cayo Serrana is a place that is not meant to be inhabited.
The name “Serrana” has a strong historical connection to the figure of the Spanish castaway Pedro Serrano, whose odyssey inspired the famous novel Robinson Crusoe. Serrano’s story, in which he survived for years on an uninhabited island, parallels the remote and isolated image of Cayo Serrana, which remains practically untouched and free of inhabitants.
This atoll is an ecological gem that forms part of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest marine protected areas in the Caribbean. Its ecological importance cannot be underestimated, as it hosts vital marine ecosystems that serve as habitats for an impressive variety of species. Scientists and ecologists have shown great interest in the atoll due to its uniqueness and its crucial role in preserving marine life.
Cayo Serrana: an uninhabitable place due to sharks
Despite being a paradise for biodiversity, Cayo Serrana is not a suitable place for human settlement. The main reason for this is the large presence of sharks in its surrounding waters. The Caribbean Sea, especially near Cayo Serrana, is known to be home to several species of sharks, making this atoll a dangerous place for humans. The number and variety of sharks that inhabit the area make any attempt to establish a permanent population unfeasible and risky.
Sharks, particularly larger ones, dominate the waters around Cayo Serrana, which makes any aquatic activity in the area, such as fishing or diving, subject to strict regulations. While these creatures are essential for the ecological balance of the place, their constant presence discourages the idea of living there, keeping Cayo Serrana as a natural refuge rather than a tourist or inhabited destination.
Access and use of the atoll
Although it cannot be inhabited, this place is not completely isolated. Occasionally, it is visited by researchers, scientists, and personnel from the Colombian National Navy to carry out ecological studies, environmental monitoring, and conservation activities. It also hosts a marine infantry outpost and a lighthouse tower, which serve for surveillance and guidance of vessels navigating the area.
Access to Cayo Serrana is limited and can only be reached through organized trips by the Colombian National Navy. These expeditions, usually from the island of San Andrés, are necessary due to the atoll’s remote location, which is more than 300 kilometers away. The boat journey can take more than 36 hours, depending on sea conditions, making access even more difficult.