Archipelago of San Bernardo

The Archipelago of San Bernardo is a group of small coral and mangrove islands in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Colombia. The islands lie in the Gulf of Morrosquillo and are administered from the Colombian mainland.

The archipelago offers shallow coral reefs, sandy cays and small fishing villages; typical activities are snorkeling, boat trips and short-stay beach visits. Several islands have basic tourist facilities and guesthouses, while others are sparsely inhabited or used seasonally.

Local fishing communities have inhabited the islands for generations and tourism has grown in recent decades. The archipelago has long served as a maritime hub for coastal communities in Sucre and nearby departments.

The islands sit in the Caribbean off Colombia’s Sucre Department, in the Gulf of Morrosquillo, reachable by boat from mainland ports such as Tolú and Coveñas.

• Access: Often reached by day boats from the coastal towns of Tolú and Coveñas, making it a common weekend destination for Colombians and regional tourists.
• Main islands: Contains several small islands including Múcura, Tintipán and Santa Cruz del Islote, with reefs suitable for snorkeling and diving.

What to See #

• Múcura: A small coral island with a settled village and tourist facilities that serves as a departure point for boat trips and snorkeling excursions.
• Tintipán: Features accommodation and small tourist services and is a common base for overnight stays in the archipelago.
• Santa Cruz del Islote: A tiny islet notable for its extremely compact settlement and dense clustering of houses, often cited among the world's most densely occupied inhabited islands.