Santa Cruz del Islote is Colombia’s most famous island city. Just over one hectare in size, it is one of the most densely populated islands in the world, with nearly 800 inhabitants. The island is part of the San Bernardo Archipelago in the Gulf of Morrosquillo, on the Caribbean coast, and has become a popular tourist destination in recent years.
How was Santa Cruz del Islote founded?
The island was created by locals who used materials such as coral, debris, and stones to reclaim land from the sea, taking advantage of the low tide coast. It is believed that the first settlement was established in 1870. Due to its small size, many of its inhabitants migrated to neighboring islands like Tintipan and Mucura. The island has four main streets, and unlike neighboring islands is fully urbanised. Currently, Santa Cruz del Islote has a population of nearly 800 people.
Most of the island’s inhabitants share familial ties, with only six surnames predominating among the population. The island’s main economic activity is fishing, which is complemented by tourism. Additionally, some inhabitants work in the hotels on the nearby islands of Tintipan and Mucura.
Regarding resources, the inhabitants of this island have limited access. They have a health post, some shops, a school, solar energy donated by Japan, and internet, which arrived during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 to allow children to attend virtual classes. Santa Cruz del Islote has no local police presence; security is not needed as there is no crime in the area.
Tourism on Santa Cruz del Islote
This small island is one of the most popular destinations for tourists due to its crystal-clear waters and rich local cuisine. The fastest way to reach this hidden paradise is by taking a boat from the municipality of Tolu in the department of Sucre, a journey that takes approximately 45 minutes. From Cartagena, the boat trip lasts about 4 hours.
Due to its small size, tourists can explore every corner of the island on foot, admiring its colorful houses, many of which are decorated with striking aquatic murals. Visitors also have the opportunity to interact with the local community and learn about their way of life. They can swim in the inviting crystalline waters and enjoy a small natural pool that residents have adapted to create an aquarium. For photography enthusiasts, this is an unmissable destination where they can capture stunning images of the colorful houses and charming alleys.