Hoyo Soplador, the Blowhole, is a natural geyser on the rocky southern tip of San Andrés island. Waves push air and seawater through tunnels in the coral and out of a hole in the rock, and when the sea is strong enough a jet shoots upward. Height ranges from a few metres to well over ten on a good day. Stand close and you get wet. There is no beach here, only rock, and a small village of drink and souvenir stalls sits beside the site. It lies about 12 km south of the town centre along the ring road.
How the blowhole works
Hoyo Soplador sits on the rocky coast at the southern end of San Andrés. Under the shore, tunnels run through the coral reef. When waves enter them, the air inside is compressed and pushed up through a hole in the coral rock, carrying seawater with it. The result is a jet that rises above the rocks and drops back as spray on anyone standing nearby.
How high it goes depends on the waves, the tide and the wind. Accounts of ordinary days range from about four to ten metres. In strong conditions the water is reported to reach as high as 20 metres. When the sea is running well, the jet repeats roughly once a minute.
On calm days the effect is much smaller. When the water is low, you can still feel strong air blowing out of the hole, but the high plume of water is not guaranteed. This is a natural process, so some visits will be better than others.
Planning around tide and swell
High tide combined with a bit of swell gives the best chance of a tall jet. Local knowledge helps here. Ask at your hotel or guesthouse which hours suit the tide on the day you plan to go, rather than picking a time at random.
The place is on many island tours, and it draws people who want a photo at the hole. A line can form for the best spot, so allow for waiting if you want a picture close to the water.
At the site
There is no beach at this point, only rock. A rope marks the area near the hole, and visitors who want the full splash stand beside it. Someone nearby may offer to film you in action. Water shoes are useful on the rock.
Beside the site is a small village with stalls selling drinks, food and souvenirs. Coco loco, a rum-filled coconut, is the local drink to try, and some shops sell water shoes and snorkels, which are handy for other stops on the island such as La Piscinita.
Vendors here are active and often ask visitors to buy a drink or coconut. Amounts quoted differ from one visitor to the next, so agree on any price before paying. Having cash ready makes this simpler.
Getting there
From the centre of San Andrés, the blowhole is about 12.2 km south along the Avenida Circunvalar. Road signs on the island are not always accurate, so check your route. The paved ring road is easy to travel by scooter, golf cart or bicycle, and many guided tours also stop here.
The south side is quiet compared with the rest of the island. You can pair the stop with Morgan's Cave or the snorkelling spot at La Piscinita on the same trip.
Perguntas frequentes
How far is Hoyo Soplador from the town centre?
It is about 12.2 km south of the centre of San Andrés, along the Avenida Circunvalar, at the southern tip of the island.
When is the best time to see the water shoot up?
Go at high tide when there is some swell. Ask your hotel or guesthouse which hours suit the tide that day.
How high does the water go?
It depends on the waves, tide and wind. On ordinary days the jet reaches roughly four to ten metres, and in strong conditions it can reach up to 20 metres. On calm days there may be little water.
Do I have to buy something to see the blowhole?
Vendors around the site sell drinks and coconut cocktails and often ask visitors to buy one. Quoted amounts vary, so agree on a price before you pay and carry small cash.
Should I bring water shoes?
Yes. The ground near the hole is rough rock, and the spray soaks anyone standing close. Shops nearby also sell water shoes.
Is there a beach at Hoyo Soplador?
No. The point is made entirely of rock, so it is not a place for swimming.
