All about Providencia: What to do and tips
About Providencia
Providencia is a Caribbean island located some 800 km north of Colombia and 150 km east of Nicaragua. Where neighboring island San Andrés is a popular vacation island among Colombian tourists, Providencia is a lot quieter. The island, which has 5,000 inhabitants in an area of 17 km2, is mostly visited by travelers who come to dive, snorkel and relax at one of its beautiful beaches. Most locals live in the capital Santa Isabel in the north of the island. In Providencia, you can listen to reggae at one of the beach bars while enjoying a tropical cocktail and a freshly caught fish. In short; all the ingredients for a true island feeling are present on Providencia.
Afro-Caribbean culture
With a past as English colonies, Providencia and San Andrés are an “odd duck”. One of the population groups on the islands is the Afro-Caribbean “Raizal,” who speak an English-Creole language. The English influence is still very noticeable: the names of villages and beaches are mentioned in English, and Creole English is spoken alongside Spanish. Many locals feel more Caribbean than Colombian, and there are many Rastafari on the island.
The sea of 7 colors
The sea around the islands is called the “Mar de los 7 colores,” because of the colors in all variations, from aqua to green. The coral reefs around Providencia are part of the 3rd longest coral reef in the world, part of which belongs to the Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Natural Park. Turtles, sharks and rays, among others, are found here.
In this travel guide we share information and tips for fun things to do in Providencia, the most beautiful beaches + the nicest hotels to stay in. You will also find practical information and useful tips for your stay on the still relatively unknown Caribbean island of Providencia. If you want to know more about other destinations on the Caribbean coast, read on here.
Our tips
What to do in Providencia?
What to do in Providencia. From snorkeling, to climbing the island’s highest peak, here are our tips.
1. Snorkel at the small island of Crab Cay
Crab Cay/Cayo Cangrejo is part of McBean Lagoon National Park, a 10km2 nature reserve. At this coral reef with its clear water, you can spot turtles, among other things. The island itself is 500m2 in size and from the highest point at 30 meters, you have a beautiful view. There is no beach, but you can buy a cold drink. Entrance fee is COP21,500 / $5 (2023) You can kayak to the park, catch the boat in Maracaibo bay or book a tour at Pelagic tours. Check their Instagram for more info. Tip: It can get very crowded, so go as early as possible.
2.Hike to the highest point of Providencia
At 360 meters, The Peak/ El Pico is the highest point in Providencia. You walk through the rainforest until you reach the spot with the best view of the island. The trail starts in Bottom house (Casabaja) and takes about 2-3 hours in total (there and back). It is a steep climb, best done early in the morning because of the heat. A guide is mandatory and costs COP70,000 per person. Depending on your pace, the hike takes 3-4 hours. Bring plenty of water and a snack.
3. Walk across the "lovers bridge" to Santa Catalina island
The bridge runs from Santa Isabel to Santa Catalina island. According to legend, walking with your lover across the “Puente de los Enamorados” guarantees eternal love! On Santa Catalina island you can rent a kayak, explore deserted coves and kayak to the popular snorkeling spot Morgan’s head. This is a rock in the shape of a face, named after English pirate Henry Morgan. You can also hike to Morgan’s head. The hike takes about half an hour and on the way you will pass Fort Bay Beach, a quiet beach and cool place to snorkel.
4. Enjoy a tropical cocktail on the beach
Two popular bars are Roland Roots bar (Manicheel Bay) and La Sirenita Sunset (South west bay). At Roland’s, the reggae music creates a nice Caribbean atmosphere. The popular Coco loco is served in a coconut. Each bartender makes their own version of the cocktail, but at least it contains: rum, lime juice, coconut milk and coconut water, possibly topped with tequila and vodka. La Sirenita’s specialty is the Mojito.
5. Take an introductory dive
With warm water, little current and clear water, Providencia is a fine place to do your first dive. Even if you want to do the PADI Open Water Diver course, there are several diving schools that can certify you, such as the well-regarded Felipe Diving Center and Sirius Dive shop. Even if you have dived before, diving on Providencia is worthwhile. The coral reef is part of the third largest coral reef in the world and has been designated a Biosphere reserve by UNESCO. There is a great diversity of fish and other marine animals, such as sea turtles and stingrays. For an extra touch of adventure, you can dive to one of the shipwrecks. The price for an introductory dive, is around COP200,000/$54 For an PADI Open water certification you pay around COP1,000,000/$270. This is a 4-day course.
These are some of Providencia’s best dive sites:
Manta’s place
This dive site includes stingrays and sea snakes
Felipe’s Place.
Here you will find beautiful corals and many species of marine animals
The Spiral
Dive site with the greatest biodiversity in Providencia
Santa Catalina Slope
Santa Catalina island is known for shark spotting
How to plan your trip to Providencia
How to get there.
How to get to Providencia?
Providencia is much more isolated than San Andrés, 90km away, because there are no direct flights from mainland Colombia. Currently (July 2024), Satena is the only airline flying from San Andres to El Embrujo airport in Providencia. The flight takes about 20-30 minutes and is operated by small planes. Due to the limited number of seats, the flights fill up quickly and early reservations are necessary. You can buy a ticket from about 125 euros. (Satena) Note: You are only allowed 10 kg of luggage for free and 5 kg of hand luggage. airport tax is COP35,000 (2024). Flights to San Andres depart from Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Barranquilla and Cali, among others. Flights to Andres can be booked from $90 for a return ticket from Cartagena with low-cost airline Wingo.
Cab from the airport
A ride from the airport costs between COP25000/$6 and COP40,000/$10 depending on your destination
Tourist map
For San Andrés / Providencia, you need a tourist card, which you can buy at the airport gate where you board your flight to San Andrés. It costs COP124,000 / $31 (2024) and is valid for 3 months for both San Andrés and Providencia. You’ll also need the tourist card again when you leave the islands! Be sure to have this money cash on hand, as you can’t always pay by credit card
Catamaran
There is a catamaran crossing from San Andres 6 times a week. The trip takes about 3.5 hours and can be very rough. Check the Conocemos Navigando website for more information. The price is between COP 300,000-COP400,000 / $75-$100 (return) Update 2024: the catamaran service is currently unavailable due to maintenance
Transportation in Providencia
There is only 1 major road on the island and a convenient way to explore the island is by scooter. Scooters and baby carriages can be rented at several hotels for about €20. In about 45 minutes you can drive around the entire island. You can also rent a baby carriage from about €35, or a bicycle. Here you have to take into account the heat and cycling uphill. If you don’t plan to arrange your own transportation, you can use moto-taxis. A ride costs between COP5000 and COP12000 / $1.35-$3.The hotels can help you arrange moto-taxis.
Climate and best time to go
Climate
The island has a tropical climate with an average temperature between 25 and 30 degrees. There is high humidity. The best time to visit Providencia is from mid-January to April, the dry season. The period from May to October is the hottest and most humid. October and November see the most rainfall. The island is located in the southern part of the hurricane belt. Hurricane season runs from June to November, but hurricanes are most common beginning in August. Check the current weather forecast for Providencia at Windfinder Providencia.
*Hurricane Iota, update 2023:
On Nov. 17, 2020, Hurricane Iota destroyed 98% of Providencia’s infrastructure. It was one of the worst hurricanes Colombia has ever experienced. A lot has since been rebuilt and the roads are in good condition. If you drive across the island, you will probably still see places where construction is still going on, but you can travel to Providencia just fine. Besides, the locals live off tourism and you as a visitor are more than welcome!
High season
Semana Santa (Easter week), August and the Christmas period are favorite periods to travel for Colombian tourists. If you can, avoid this period as prices are higher. If you do travel during this period, book your hotel and flight well in advance.
Special Events
April-July:
Migration of the crabs
If you are in Providencia between April and July, you have a chance to see the migration of the crabs. During a two-week period, the adult black crabs migrate to the beach to lay their eggs. After this, they migrate back into the mountains. A few weeks after, the young crabs follow in their footsteps. During this period, roads are partially closed to traffic to protect the crabs.
June:
Cultural Festival
During the last week of June, Providencia’s most important cultural event takes place. It is a festival with music and dance, a beauty pageant and a parade of motorcycles.
How many days of Providencia?
If you come to snorkel and enjoy the beautiful beaches, about 3-4 days is fine for Providencia. If you want to do a diving course, then you need a week.
The beaches of Providencia
Providencia’s most popular beaches are on the south coast of the island.
Southwest Bay is an elongated beach on the southwest side and one of Providencia’s most popular beaches. Horse races are held here on Saturday afternoons. You will find a number of restaurants serving delicious seafood and bars including El Divino Niño restaurant and la Sirenita cocktail bar.
Freshwater Bay is located not far from Southwest Bay. Here you will find a number of popular restaurants such as Caribbean Place Donde Martin and Restaurante Miss Elma.
Almond Bay is a relaxed beach with calm and clear waters, which is located in the northwest. Because the beach is a 5-minute walk from the main road, there are not very many visitors. There is little shade on the beach. There are a few simple stalls selling drinks, such as the Coco loco.
Manicheel Bay is a somewhat rougher beach, with strong currents, on the south coast. The beach has become best known for Rolands Roots bar, where you can enjoy reggae music and Coco loco cocktails.
Where to stay in Providencia?
Where to stay in Providencia?
Don’t expect super-deluxe accommodations in Providencia. Many hotels are simple but comfortable posadas run by local families.
You can choose to stay in the quiet northern part of the island, near Mc Bean hill, Maracaibo Bay and the car-free Santa Catalina island. A wooden boardwalk takes you from the capital Santa Isabel, to the island.
Most hotels are located in the south of the island on the main road along the coast, near the beaches of Southwest Bay and Freshwater Bay. This is also where most of the restaurants and bars are.
Much of the interior is undeveloped and is mostly nature reserve. There is 1 main road across the island and with a scooter or baby carriage you can drive around the whole island in about 45 minutes. So no matter where you stay, you are never really far away from the beach.
Read on here for our hotel tips in Southwest Bay, Freshwater Bay, Manicheel Bay, the north and Santa Catalina Island.
$ price range up to $50
$$ price range $50 – $75
$$$ price range above $75
Southwest Bay, Freshwater Bay, Manicheel Bay
North, northeast and Catalina island
Practical info A-Z
Is Providencia safe? What should I bring with me? What about withdrawing money in Providencia? How exactly does the tourist card work? Is Providencia expensive? Check here for practical information and useful tips for your trip to Providencia.
Food
It’s fish and seafood what counts in Providencia. A specialty of the islands is Rondón, “a coconut-based seafood stew. This is also the national dish of Providencia. For a quick snack, there is “pan de coco,” coconut bread; airy buns with shaved coconut. At Big Mama’s Sweet taste, on Santa Catalina island, eat breakfast and lunch on her porch. The favorite with locals is Steve’s Jerk Chicken, with chicken, spare ribs and potatoes from the BBQ.
Budget
Providencia is not a low-budget destination. You will spend more for hostels and hotels than on mainland Colombia, and because most items have to be imported, groceries and eating out are more expensive. Added to this is the extra flight or boat trip from San Andrés, which will cost you extra. A lunch of fish will cost you around $10. If you want to save money on groceries, you can bring some perishable items from the mainland.
Drinking water
The water from the tap is not drinkable
Cash withdrawals
You can use debit cards in Santa Isabel, but to be safe, bring cash as well
Medical
The Hospital local de Providencia is located in Santa Isabel.
Packing List
- Anti-mosquito spray
- Sunscreen
- Airy clothing
- Swimwear
- Sandals/ flip flops and hiking boots
- Snorkeling gear (also available for rent on the island)
Language and locals
Afro-Caribbean culture
With a past as English colonies, Providencia and San Andrés are an “odd duck”. One of the population groups on the islands is the Afro-Caribbean “Raizal,” who speak an English-Creole language. The English influence is still very noticeable: the names of villages and beaches are mentioned in English, and Creole English is spoken alongside Spanish. Many locals feel more Caribbean than Colombian, and there are many Rastafari on the island.
Tourist card
For San Andrés / Providencia, you need a tourist card, which you can buy at the airport gate where you board your flight to San Andrés. It costs COP124,000 / $31 (2024) and is valid for 3 months for both San Andrés and Providencia. You’ll also need the tourist card again when you leave the islands. Without a tourist card you won’t get into the islands! Be sure to have this money cash on hand, as you can’t always pay by credit card
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination is not required for Providencia
Safety
Providencia is one of the safest destinations in Colombia.
Transportation
There is only 1 major road on the island and a convenient way to explore the island is by scooter. Scooters and baby carriages can be rented at several hotels for about €20. In about 45 minutes you can drive around the entire island. You can also rent a baby carriage from about $35, or a bicycle. Here you have to take into account the heat and cycling uphill. If you don’t plan to arrange your own transportation, you can use moto cabs. A ride costs between COP5000 and COP10000 / $1.35-$2.70. The hotels can help you arrange moto cabs.
Wifi and telephone
Most hotels have free wifi for their guests, but don’t expect high-speed Internet. For around 30,000COP you can buy a SIM card with data.
