Providencia

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Renowned for its diving and the quality of the seabed that surrounds it, Providencia is a paradise island lost in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. But honestly, Providencia is more than just that.

This island has all the characteristics to make your stay unforgettable:

  • No big hotel resorts are allowed
  • There is no mass tourism because the island is “difficult” to access and the tourist infrastructure is modest.
  • By renting a golf cart or a scooter you have the freedom to move anywhere on the island at any time.
  • There are beaches and sumptuous spots…
  • This island is all in relief and luxuriant vegetation covers its mountains.
  • The atmosphere on the island is unique and still very authentic.
  • It is located on the third-largest coral reef in the world.
  • You’re going to enjoy the delicious Caribbean specialties…

The island is divided into different neighborhoods that have different characteristics. Choose carefully the location of your stay:

  • Old town: this is the main town. There is no beach and it is a rather noisy area. It is also the cheapest neighborhood.
  • Freshwater: it’s a nice area with a nice beach and some shops and restaurants.
  • SouthWest bay: the trendy side of Providencia. Big and beautiful beach with bars and restaurants.
  • Manzanillo: it’s a beautiful white sand beach. There are not many accommodations nearby.
  • Bottom House: quiet residential district. The view is beautiful. However, there is no beach.
  • Maracaibo: Most of the high-end hotels are in this area. The view is beautiful, but there is no beach.
  • Santa Catalina: The island of Santa Catalina is almost stuck to Providencia. You can get there only by taking a damaged wooden pedestrian bridge which, despite its condition, offers a unique and beautiful passage. On this island, it is absolutely calm because vehicles are forbidden.

To get to Providencia, you must first land in San Andres, pay an entrance fee of 112,000 COP, and then take another short flight. Buy your tickets in advance, as seats are limited and flights are few and far between.

Important: there are no ATMs in Providencia. Withdraw everything you need before coming.

Getting to Providencia?

You must first arrive in San Andres. There are flights from Cali, Cartagena, Bogota & Medellin.

From Cali to San Andres:

  • By plane: there are 2-3 direct flights per day from Cali airport | Airline: Latam | Duration: 1h50

From Medellín to San Andres:

From Bogotá to San Andres:

  • By plane: there are many direct flights every day from Bogotá airport | Companies: Avianca & Latam | Duration: 2h15 |

From Carthagène to San Andres:

  • By plane: there are 2 direct flights per day from Cartagena Airport | Company: Latam | Duration: 1h30 |

From San Andres to Providencia:

  • 2 – 3 flights per day. Book at least 1 week in advance with San German Express. | San German | 15 min
  • Boat trip with a Catamaran. The experience is quite unpleasant when the ocean is rough. | Conocemos Navegando | 3 hours

Where is the airport?

El Embrujo airport of Providencia is located on the eastern part of the island. It is the most comfortable way to get to Providencia.

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Where to stay in Providencia

There are various little districts spread on Providencia and one road that encircles the island. Rent a scooter or a golf car to move around. You can also pay for a moto-taxi, but it's not very practical. There is no beach on the Eastside of Providencia. Because it's far from everything, most of the hotels don't offer good value for money. Fortunately, we found some cool places.

  • El Encanto

    Freshwater Bay - $$

    El Encanto

    The rooms are basic but clean. Helpful staff. 2 min on foot from the beach and restaurants.
    Get the best price
  • Miss Elma

    Freshwater Bay - $$$

    Miss Elma

    Private cabins with direct access to the beach. Delicious restaurant. Clean. Nice staff.
    Get the best price
  • Frenchy's

    Freshwater Bay - $$$

    Frenchy's

    Lovely and friendly owner who rents apartments. Great view. Great tips. Always clean.
    Get the best price
  • Miss Francia

    Santa Catalina - $$$

    Miss Francia

    Excellent value for money and warm-hearted owner. Delicious food. Great atmosphere.
    Get the best price
  • Sun. Paradise

    Santa Catalina - $$

    Sun. Paradise

    Lovely and helpful owners. Great view and peaceful place. Rooms spacious and clean.
    Get the best price
  • Maracaibo view

    Maracaibo - $$$

    Maracaibo view

    Modern and pleasant apartment. Stunning view. Great host. Excellent value for money.
    Get the best price
  • Deep Blue

    Maracaibo - $$$$

    Deep Blue

    Luxury hotel and excellent customer services. Delicious food. Stunning views. Activities.
    Learn more
  • M. del Viento

    Maracaibo - $$$$

    M. del Viento

    Luxury house with top-notch personalized services. Mind-blowing spot. Delicious food.
    Learn more
  • Airbnb

    Apartments

    Airbnb

    Staying at a local's place is an excellent way to enjoy your stay in Providencia. Do it. ;)
    Get the best price

Things to do in Providencia

All tours in Providencia are pricey, except for diving. Most of the activities are water activities. You can fish, take a boat ride around the island, snorkeling, travel to a secluded atoll. A pleasant thing to do is to rent a scooter and move from places to places.

  • Lay back

    All day long

    Lay back

    Best beaches are in Manzanillo, Freshwater, and Southwest. Order a cocktail and enjoy.
    Learn more
  • El Pico

    4 hours | $

    El Pico

    El Pico is the highest point on Providencia. 2h to get to the summit. Stunning views.
    We recommend
  • Santa Catalina

    All day long

    Santa Catalina

    Santa Catalina is a lovely and peaceful neighborhood on the other side of the bridge.
    Learn more
  • Morgan's head

    2 hours | Free

    Morgan's head

    Departure from Santa Catalina. 30 min walk to reach this beautiful viewpoint. Easy.
    Learn more
  • Boat tour

    5 hours | $

    Boat tour

    The island is beautiful from the ocean. Most tours include a stop at Crab Cay. 5 hours.
    Learn more
  • Crab Cay

    1 - 3 hours | $$

    Crab Cay

    It's a rock that stands in the middle of the ocean. Mind-blowing view. Paid entrance.
    Learn more
  • Snorkeling tour

    4 hours | $$

    Snorkeling tour

    There are beautiful coral reefs around Providencia: Paradise, Marguerita, Morgan's head.
    We recommend
  • Diving

    4 - 5 hours | $$

    Diving

    There are 7 dive centers in Providencia and it's affordable. There are exceptional spots.
    We recommend
  • Snorkeling

    2 - 3 hours | Free

    Snorkeling

    Swim from Fort Bay beach to Morgan's head. It takes 30 min. Excellent snorkeling spot.
  • El Faro

    8 hours | $$$$

    El Faro

    A 2h30 boat ride to reach a beautiful atoll where you can dive, fish and cook on the sand.
  • Fishing

    4 - 6 hours | $$

    Fishing

    Go fishing with locals and eat what you catch: Trolling and spearfishing.
    We recommend
  • Cotton tree

    1 - 4 hours | $$$

    Cotton tree

    Beautiful SPA on SouthWest beach. Different options and packages. Great massages.
    Learn more
  • Horse riding

    2 hours | $

    Horse riding

    Ask for Rodolfo and plan a 2h expedition from SouthWest to Manzanillo. Great views!
    We recommend
  • Kayak

    4 - 8 hours | $

    Kayak

    Rent a Kayak for a couple of hours in front of the Deep blue and head to Crab Cay.

Where to eat & drink?

For us, good restaurants and exciting nightlife are important when traveling. We gathered our favorite picks on an interactive Map. Download the APP "Mapstr" and look for "Colombia Insider"!

Download it for free <3

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