December 26, 2025, 7:30 am | Read time: 4 minutes
On the artificial island of Santa Cruz del Islote in the Caribbean Sea, about 20 kilometers northwest of the Colombian coast, around 900 people live in nearly 100 buildings. The population density is approximately 75,000 inhabitants per square kilometer—more than any other island can offer.
The mosquitoes are to blame. They bothered people on the other islands so much that the fisherman from Barú, who was the first to come to Santa Cruz del Islote, initially noticed one thing: their absence. The reason is likely the wind, which here—unlike on the other nine islands of the archipelago—is too much for the lightweight pests to handle.
There were also no people on the small island when that fisherman landed there in search of new fishing grounds. But that was about to change. After waking up relaxed and happy after a mosquito-free night, he decided to stay here permanently—but not alone. And so the settlement of the small island called Santa Cruz del Islote began. At least, that’s how the legend goes.
Playing Soccer Not Possible
The fact is, soon as many people lived here as could possibly fit. The island is completely built up. According to a report by “ntv,” about 900 islanders currently live in around 100 buildings. This would result in a population density of about 75,000 inhabitants per square kilometer–three times more than Manhattan and more than any other island can offer. The largest public space is the size of half a tennis court. If the residents want to play soccer, they have to go to one of the neighboring islands.
Life on such a crowded island demands a lot from its residents. Drinking water is delivered by the navy in large canisters only every three weeks and is used sparingly, as reported by the British newspaper “The Guardian.” Electricity is only available through solar panels on the roofs and a single generator that produces power for only a few hours a day. And anyone needing a doctor will search in vain here, just as tourists will for a beach.
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For the Residents, Santa Cruz del Islote Is a Paradise
But anyone who thinks the residents of Santa Cruz del Islote must be unhappy is mistaken. There is no violence on the island, residents told a journalist from a British daily newspaper, and there is no need for police. The fact that the local school has a security guard is only because it is a requirement for Colombian schools. No one needs to lock their doors here, and in the evenings, people like to sit together and watch soap operas. Life on the island is calm and pleasant. For many, it is even paradise.
Some cannot imagine a life beyond the packed island and want to stay there forever. However, eventually, even the most loyal island resident must leave: The deceased are buried on the neighboring island. Because, of course, there is no room for a cemetery on Santa Cruz del Islote.
Getting There
The islands of the San Bernardo Archipelago are very popular with tourists, and many people on Santa Cruz del Islote make their living from the tourist trade. Most tourists come from the port city of Santiago de Tolu. From there, Santa Cruz del Islote is about a 45-minute boat ride away. There is even a small hostel on the island—for those who want to spend a night on the world’s most crowded island.