Overview
Providencia, Colombia
The small island of Providencia is part of the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina. With around 17 square kilometers and only 5,000 inhabitants, the island is really small and can be circumnavigated in under an hour, even by scooter.
Compared to San Andrés, Providencia is still an undiscovered gem and has not yet been discovered by the masses. Fortunately, you won’t find any souvenir stores, annoying beach vendors or large bunk beds. This makes Providencia the perfect destination for anyone looking for a quiet and relaxed stay away from the crowds.
The situation after the hurricane
In November 2020, Providencia was hit hard by hurricane “Iota” and more than 90% of the infrastructure was destroyed within no time. An unimaginable catastrophe for the habitants. With the help of the military and aid organizations, the island was rebuilt.
In February 2023, at the time of my visit, most of the infrastructure had been restored. The roads were back on track, many pousadas and restaurants had been rebuilt, the supermarkets were open and there was a better telecommunications network on the island than ever before. There were no more disruptions for visitors.
Nevertheless, some beaches have almost disappeared and the vegetation is nowhere near as lush as it once was. It will certainly take years for all the palm trees and trees to grow back and for nature to recover. Some pousadas and hotels no longer exist as they have not been rebuilt and reopened.
Highlights on Providencia
As a relatively remote Caribbean island, Providencia is an experience in itself and the beach of South West Bay is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia. In addition to great beaches and relaxed island vibes, there are also a few highlights for active vacationers, such as The Peak viewpoint or great diving spots.
The most beautiful beaches on Providencia
South West Bay
An absolute highlight is the beach South West Bay, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia. The beach is extensive and lined with crystal-clear water and white sand, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Until the hurricane a few years ago, the beach was probably surrounded by lush vegetation, but today there are only a few shrubs and fewer palm trees. Nevertheless, the beach is beautiful. The great thing is that there is no mass tourism and the beach is therefore never overcrowded. Here you can still relax on the beach and sip a cocktail in a peaceful and chilled atmosphere.
On Saturdays, South West Bay also hosts a local horse race directly on the beach. A real highlight for the locals. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to experience it myself.
Playa Manzanillo
Another great beach is Playa Manzanillo. It is located in the south-east of the island and is, in my opinion, the most beautiful beach on Providencia. This beach is even less crowded than Southwest Bay and you can really enjoy some peaceful moments. There are a few small beach bars and restaurants.
Roland’s Beach Bar is a real institution on the beach. The evening parties are well-known on the island and popular amongst locals and tourists likewise. You should definitely try the island’s famous drink Coco Loco, coconut with rum.
Other beaches: Almond Bay and Fresh Water Bay
The two beaches of Almond Bay and Fresh Water Bay are both not particularly large and no longer very beautiful due to the hurricane.
The beach at Almond Bay is not particularly large and is located a few hundred meters from the road. As a result, there is usually very little going on here, although there is a small beach bar on site. However, I wasn’t convinced by the beach, but it was perfectly fine for a short stop and a quick swim. If you’re not paying close attention, it’s easy to miss. You can park by the pink octopus at the side of the road and the path leads down to the bay from there.
The beach at Fresh Water Bay is almost directly on the road, so it’s hard to miss. Unfortunately, the beach has been badly affected by the hurricane. Where there used to be a white sandy beach and palm trees, there is now only a beach to be seen at low tide and the palm trees are unfortunately gone. For this reason, the beach is unfortunately not particularly beautiful at present (March 2023).
The Peak
The hike up to ‘El Pico’, also known as The Peak, is one of the highlights of Providencia and an active alternative to the beaches. The mountain is the highest point on Providencia and can be reached with a local guide. From the summit, you have a great panoramic view overlooking the entire island. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach the summit. Due to the high temperatures and humidity, it is advisable to set off early in the morning. A local guide is mandatory. You should also take enough water with you.
- Costs: 70,000 COP (~ approx. 13.60€)
Santa Catalina Island
The small island of Santa Catalina is located in the north of Providencia and is connected to it by a small footbridge. This means that Santa Catalina can only be reached on foot or by boat. After the hurricane destroyed the old wooden bridge, a beautiful new bridge now connects the two islands. There are a few small pousadas and a handful of restaurants on Santa Catalina. There is also a small path in the south that leads to Fort Warwick and a small path down to Fort Bay beach.
When I was there, the steps down to the beach were damaged and you could only get down via a small path. Perhaps one reason why I had the bay to myself. If you’re looking for peace and quiet and want to swim and snorkel, this is the place for you.
Cayo Cangrejo
Crab Cay, also known as Cayo Cangrejo, is definitely one of the highlights of Providencia. It is a small rocky island about 1 km off Providencia. It can therefore only be reached by canoe or boat. The water around the island shimmers in the most beautiful shades of blue.
Snorkeling along the coral reefs around Crab Cay is wonderful. Although this can be quite strenuous due to the current.
Snorkeling & Diving
Providencia is a real paradise for divers and if you have a diving license, you should not miss out on the underwater world off Providencia.
If you don’t have a diving license, you should definitely go snorkelling on Providencia. There are many tour operators that take you to the most beautiful spots, including Crab Cay and Morgen’s Head close to Santa Catalina.
- Snorkeling trip: 100.000 COP (~20,50€)
Eating out in Providencia — The best Restaurants and Cafés
Providencia is known for its fresh seafood and Caribbean cuisine. The choice of restaurants on the island is manageable, but good.
El Divino Niño
A must for anyone who wants to try the local cuisine is the restaurant El Divino Niñowhich is known for its fish and seafood dishes and authentic Caribbean flavors. The restaurant is located directly on the beach in Southwest Bay and is well known on the island. There are also a few meat options and vegetarian options on request.
Café Studio
A highlight on Providencia is the Café Studio. In addition to delicious fish dishes, there are also fine pasta dishes and incredibly tasty homemade cakes. The lemon cake is highly recommended, but the fruit shakes and cappuccino are also delicious.
Restaurante, pizzeria y Bar Soonys Cave
Soonys Cave Restaurant is still relatively new. The restaurant serves pizza and pasta dishes. The prices are absolutely fine and there are many vegetarian options. The restaurant also delivers on the island.
Accommodation in Providencia
If you are looking for luxury resorts on Providencia, you will be disappointed. Tourism in Providencia is quite limited and that is a good thing. Instead, there are countless authentic and great guesthouses, so-called pousadas.
In 2020, Hurricane Iota also destroyed the majority of all hotels and accommodation. Some were rebuilt, others were not. Therefore, when booking, check the latest reviews to see if the accommodation is still available.
Posada Enilda
For travelers looking for an authentic experience, I recommend Posada Enilda, a local guesthouse with affordable prices and a friendly atmosphere. The rooms are nice and big and clean and the breakfast is delicious.
The Posada is located in the south-east of Providencia. Although the accommodation is not directly on the beach, Manazilla beach can be reached in just a few minutes by scooter. For me personally, the location was only of secondary importance and the price-performance ratio was decisive. To explore the island, I rented a scooter at the accommodation anyway and was able to reach all the beaches and places at any time of day or night without any problems.
Book your accommodation here: Hotel Posada Enilda*
Nothing available, not available or too expensive? Then simply look directly for suitable accommodation on Providencia at booking.com*.
Arrival and transportation Isla Providencia and San Andres
The journey to Providencia is not the easiest, but it is worth it. Like San Andres, the island is remote and geographically closer to Nicaragua than to Colombia. The only way to Providencia is therefore via San Andres.
From San Andres, you can then continue to Providencia either by ferry or by plane. Most people choose the option of flying as it is quicker and more comfortable.
Anyone traveling to San Andres or Providencia needs a tourist card, which can be obtained at the airport of departure. The possession of the tourist card is checked before boarding to San Andres, as well as when entering San Andres and Providencia. The one-off cost of the tourist card is COP 124,000 (~€25).
Flight to San Andres
The journey to Providencia is always via the island of San Andres, 90 kilometers away. San Andres is served by many larger cities in Colombia and by various airlines, for example from Medellín, Cartagena or Bogotá. Many tourists stay on San Andres, which is why there is always a lot going on here.
- Cost: from 50 € (one-way)
Flight San Andres to Providencia
The only airline (Status Feb. 2023 ) that flies to Providencia is Satena. It offers three to four flights a day from San Andres. The flight takes about 25 minutes. The maximum free baggage allowance for checked baggage is 10 kg plus a maximum of 5 kg hand baggage.
- Duration: approx. 25 minutes
- Costs: from 35 €
Luggage storage San Andres Airport
Since, as mentioned above, a maximum of 10 kg of checked baggage can be taken to Providencia, any excess baggage must be left in San Andres. There are two options for luggage storage , depending on your travel plans, you can either store your luggage at your accommodation in San Andres or at San Andres airport .
When you enter the airport at the departures area, you will find the baggage storage area quite inconspicuously under the stairs on the right-hand side. Here you can easily leave your luggage for several days in a small room. The price per day for a piece of luggage was COP 8,000 (~€1.64).
By boat to Providencia
Alternatively, there is a ferry connection between San Andres and Providencia. Although the ferry is a little cheaper, it is also significantly longer and more turbulent. I have heard from many other travelers that the sea between San Andres and Providencia is often very rough and many passengers have to vomit on the crossing. In addition, the ferry is very dependent on the weather and cannot sail in bad weather, which can lead to delays or cancellations of individual trips. The ferry currently runs from San Andres to Providencia on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. from San Andres.
- Duration: about 3.5 hours
- Cost: 200,000 COP (~ 41 €), one-way
Arrival in Providencia
Both at the port and at the airport, local cab drivers are already waiting in Providencia to take you to your desired accommodation. The prices are usually the same for all drivers, so you can simply take the next driver. I paid COP 30,000 for my journey.
- Costs: 30,000 COP (~ 5.80 €)
Out and about on site: rent a scooter or golf cart
There are various ways to get around the island of Providencia. As the island is relatively small, it is easy to get from one place to another. The most independent way is to hire a golf cart or a scooter . Both can usually be hired very easily from your accommodation.
Golf carts are very common on Providencia and are a convenient way of getting around. Golf carts are particularly suitable for families or those who cannot drive a scooter.
Alternatively, you can also use scooters can be rented. This is a cheap and easy way to get around the island and explore it. By the way, there are no helmets, but there is virtually no traffic. This means that traffic accidents with others are rather unlikely, but you should not overestimate your driving skills without a helmet and drive carefully.
By the way, you can also bicycles but they are nowhere near as fast and it is always quite hilly and certainly strenuous at 30°.
- Golf cart: 200,000 — 300,000 COP (~ 43€) per day
- Scooter: 85.000 — 100.000 COP (~ 18,00 €) per day
- Bicycle: 35,000 — 50,000 COP (~ 8.00 €)
If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can also cabs use. However, it is of course nowhere near as flexible and spontaneous as a golf cart or scooter. It is also significantly more expensive.
Providencia costs
The prices on the island of Providencia, as on San Andrés, are somewhat higher than on the Colombian mainland. The reasons for this are of course understandable and can be attributed to the costly delivery of all products and foodstuffs.
Many prices in Providencia are non-negotiable and the same everywhere, regardless of the provider. This applies, for example, to boat trips, scooter hire or the cost of a cab ride. These are agreed and usually leave little or no room for negotiation. Although this is sometimes annoying and relatively expensive for tourists, it is understandable from the point of view of the local population. After all, in order to protect their island paradise, as many of the local population as possible should be able to make a living from tourism.
- Accommodation: 20 — 100€/night
- Cocktail: 4 €
- Restaurant: 9 — 15€/ person
- Scooter: 10 — 15€/ day
- Cab ride: approx. 6€
Best time to visit Providencia
The best time to visit the Colombian island of Providencia is between December and April or July and August, when the weather is dry and sunny. During these months, nothing stands in the way of a perfect beach vacation. But a visit is also possible during the rest of the year, as the temperatures are around 28°C all year round, although it can be a little rainier.
A special natural spectacle is the migration of the black crabs, which takes place between April and June. Within two weeks, the crabs make a pilgrimage from the mountains and forests inland to the beaches to lay their eggs before migrating back to the mountains. About 10 days later, the newly hatched baby crabs follow them. During this time, there is a state of emergency on the island, as there are no cars and everyone wears black. As I said, it is an extraordinary spectacle, but also comes with some restrictions.
My conclusion about Providencia:
I really liked Providencia! Compared to San Andrés, the island is simply nice and quiet and very untouristy. Although it is relatively small, it still has a lot to offer and you can easily spend a few days or weeks here without getting bored. With its Caribbean vibes, great beaches and friendly locals, time flies by here. The island is very safe, at any time of day or night, and I had a lot of fun exploring the island by scooter. Of course, the island is especially popular with couples, but I also met and got to know great people here as a single woman traveler and backpacker.
Although most of the island was destroyed by the hurricane in 2020, I was pleasantly surprised at how well the infrastructure on the island has been restored. Today, there is even a mobile phone network available almost everywhere.
