Providence, Colombia

Description — Providence, Colombia

Providencia is a mountainous island in the south-western part of the Caribbean Sea, opposite the Nicaraguan coast. Administratively, it belongs to the Colombian department of San Andrés y Providencia. Maximum elevation above sea level is 360 meters. Area is 17 sq km. According to the 2005 census, 4,147 people live on the island. It is part of the San Andrés and Providencia archipelago, located 750 km north-west of Colombia’s Caribbean coast and 230 km east of Nicaragua.

The archipelago consists of thirty coral islands surrounding the largest islands-San Andrés and Providencia. Countless unusual coral reefs, rich marine life, convenient sandy beaches, and clear and transparent Caribbean Sea water-everything makes the archipelago very attractive for tourism.

Providencia, unlike San Andrés, has not yet been greatly affected by the tourist boom. Here the island traditions, pastoral customs, and a quiet, measured way of life have been preserved almost unchanged. The natural environment is more natural, and the diving conditions are more varied than on San Andrés (Freshwater Bay is the most popular in this regard).

Climate

The island has a tropical climate with a dry winter and a rainy summer, bordering on a tropical monsoon climate. The north trade winds begin to blow at the end of October and last throughout November and December until mid-January; in addition, an easterly wind from the Caribbean Sea may blow. The average air temperature throughout the year is +28°C. The rainy season lasts from September to December and also from May to June; naturally, even if there is no rainfall at this time, the humidity level is quite high. The wettest months are October and November.

Overall, the climate on Providencia Island is very pleasant-you can spend a great time here swimming and sunbathing on the beach.

o. Providence, Colombia
Providencia Island
Providencia Island
Providencia Island
Beaches of the island
Beaches of the island
To get around the island, you can rent a golf cart.
Bridge of Lovers
Santa Catalina Island
Macbin Lagoon National Park
Coral Island, Crab Cay
Coral Island, Crab Cay
Snorkeling and scuba diving

What to see

McBean Lagoon National Park

To protect the local unique nature, in particular the amazing coral reefs, a 10-kilometer area in the north-east of the island was turned into a National Reserve. This happened in 1995. The protected area included mangrove forests and the coastal strip, including the coral islands of Crab Cay and Cayo Tres Hermanos. This mysterious place is where the branches of mangrove trees bend toward the water, shimmering in all shades of blue.

Santa Catalina Island

Santa Catalina is a small island near Providence, connected to it by a long and beautiful bridge called the Bridge of Lovers. On the island, there is a shop, several restaurants, and many beautiful, cozy beaches. One of the local natural attractions is Morgan’s Head Rock, named after the famous pirate who used the islands as a base. Here you can enjoy a peaceful getaway on one of the tiny secluded beaches. The island also has the ruins of several old forts and a cave where, according to legend, Henry Morgan once hid his treasures.

Beaches of the Island

Fine white sand and turquoise sea - the beaches of Providencia are truly idyllic. Construction on the island is strictly controlled, so in the beach areas there are no buildings - only coconut palms, mangrove thickets and countless little bars and restaurants. Rest assured that your peace will not be disturbed by any pesky salespeople - the only ones who can interrupt your relaxation are stingrays or turtles swimming in the local waters, but they are quite friendly toward tourists. The most beautiful beaches are Bahia Suroeste, Bahia Manzanillo and Almond beach.

Recommended excursions

Boat excursion to the Barrier Reef

Around Providence, the third-largest barrier reef in the world stretches. This is a wonderful place for boat excursions, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Another plus is that the sea is almost always amazingly calm. During the excursion, you will visit the small coral island of Crab Cay. The water here has the most beautiful turquoise shade, and the sea is as clear as a tear.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can view them after booking your cruise in your “Customer Personal Account”.