Insular region of Colombia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Insular region
Ecology
Realm	Neotropic
Biome	Marine, Mangroves, Coral Reefs
Geography
Country	Colombia
Oceans or seas	Caribbean Sea, Pacific Ocean
Climate type	Tropical

The Insular Region of Colombia is a special part of the country. It includes all the islands that are not directly connected to the main land. Think of them as Colombia's islands in the big oceans!

These islands are found in two main areas:

• The Caribbean Sea: Here you'll find the famous San Andrés and Providencia islands, which are closer to Central America. There are also many smaller islands along Colombia's Caribbean coast.
• The Pacific Ocean: In this ocean, you can find Gorgona Island and Malpelo Island.

The plants and animals on these islands are often similar to those found on the nearby mainland. For example, Gorgona Island has a tropical rainforest, just like the lowlands of mainland Colombia that are close by.

Islands of the Pacific Ocean

These are some of the islands Colombia has in the Pacific Ocean:

• Gorgona Island (Isla Gorgona): This island is about 35 km (22 mi) off the coast of the Cauca Department. It is near the town of Guapi.
• Gorgonilla Island (Isla Gorgonilla): This is a smaller island right next to Gorgona Island.
• Malpelo Island (Isla Malpelo): This island is much farther out, about 500 km (310 mi) from the Colombian coast.
• Palm Island (Isla Palma): You can find this island at the entrance of Málaga Bay (Bahía Málaga).

Islands of the Caribbean Sea

Cities of San Andrés and Providencia

A beautiful beach in San Andrés (Caribbean island), Colombia.

A map of Archipelago of San Bernardo

The Caribbean Sea is home to many of Colombia's islands, including:

• San Andrés and Providencia: These are some of Colombia's most well-known islands, famous for their beautiful beaches and clear waters.
• Archipiélago de San Bernardo: This is a group of islands that includes:
  • Boquerón Island
  • Cabruna Island
  • Ceycén Island
  • Mangle Island
  • Múcura Island
  • Palma Island
  • Panda Island
  • Santa Cruz del Islote: This is a very small artificial island where many people live.
  • Tintipán Island
  • Maravilla Island
• Islas del Rosario: Another popular group of islands known for their coral reefs.
• Fuerte Island
• Barú Island
• Tortuguilla Island
• Tierra Bomba Island

Protecting the Islands: Natural Parks

Many of Colombia's islands and their surrounding waters are protected areas. This helps keep their unique ecosystems safe. Some of these important natural parks include:

• PNN Uramba Bahía Málaga: This park protects a bay area on the Pacific coast, including Palm Island.
• PNN Isla Gorgona: This park protects Gorgona Island and its amazing rainforest and marine life.
• SFF Malpelo: This is a special wildlife sanctuary for Malpelo Island, known for its incredible sharks and other ocean creatures.
• PNN Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo: This park protects the coral reefs and islands of the Rosario and San Bernardo archipelagos.
• PNN Old Providence McBean Lagoon: This park protects a beautiful lagoon and coral reef system around Providencia Island.

See also

In Spanish: Región insular de Colombia para niños

• Caribbean natural region
• Natural regions of Colombia
• Pacific/Chocó natural region