Santa Cruz del Islote, Artificial island in San Bernardo Archipelago, Colombia
Santa Cruz del Islote is an artificial island in the San Bernardo Archipelago with roughly 100 homes built tightly together, housing around 1,250 people. Buildings are connected by narrow passageways, and boats serve as the main way to reach neighboring islands.
The island began in the 1860s when fishermen from Cartagena and Tolú established a base for rest and shelter from storms. This temporary refuge gradually transformed into a permanent settlement that grew over generations.
Residents maintain strong community bonds through fishing traditions and shared meals on the narrow streets. Children play openly throughout the island while families gather together, making daily social connection visible everywhere.
The island operates with solar power and has a school on site, though daily services rely on nearby islands. Visitors should expect to rely on boat travel for reaching the island and accessing resources from other settlements.
Mosquitoes are absent from this Caribbean island because of the artificial structure lacking beaches and mangrove areas. This makes it an unusually comfortable place to visit compared to other tropical islands where insects can be troublesome.
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