Providencia Island is a hidden paradise in the Caribbean sea, truly one of the most unique places to visit in Colombia. A stark contrast to the resort-lined beaches of nearby San Andres, Providencia is a tranquil piece of paradise, where locals embrace the true essence of island life. Add in stunning nature, delicious food, and plenty of reggae music, and it’s a must-add to any Colombia itinerary.
But visiting Providencia Island isn’t as straightforward as other destinations on the Colombian coast. Tourist infrastructure on the island is still fairly basic, especially following major destruction in the wake of Hurricane Iota. However, I would argue this off-the-beaten-path quality is a part of Providencia’s charm, making it well-worth the extra effort to get there. In fact, it’s my favorite place I went in the department of San Andres!
In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know to plan your own trip to Providencia Island, from transportation options to the best places to stay. So grab your sunglasses and let’s go!
QUICK NOTE: I visited in October 2023, post Hurricane Iota, and am glad to share that much of the island has recovered from the events of the hurricane. In fact, one of the best things we can do to support the local economy in rebuilding is by visiting the island – just in case you needed another excuse to visit!
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How to Get to Providencia Island
Providencia Island is quite remote, located 90 kilometers from San Andres Island, an already fairly isolated landmass in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. Despite being a part of Colombia, this archipelago is actually geographically closer to Nicaragua – but close is a relative term!
The isolation of Providencia Island is certainly part of its charm, with traditional island life and community very much the heart of the island. However, its distance from the nearby mainland means getting there is not a straightforward process.
The only way to get to Providencia Island is from San Andres Island. While certainly different, San Andres is worth a visit in and of itself. I’ve actually written a whole guide to the island (including how to get there!) which you can check out here.
Once on San Andres, there are two options to get to Providencia, by boat or by plane. Below, I break down the pros and cons of both.
By Plane
If you’re looking for the most time-efficient option, the plane to Providencia Island is the best choice. With a total flight time of around 20 minutes, you’ll barely make it to cruising altitude before you can see Providencia’s peaks in the distance.
While there are a few airlines that technically operate flights between San Andres and Providencia, Satena is the most reliable option. This government-owned airline is the most popular amongst locals and tourists alike, operating 2-4 flights per day depending on the season. They reliably have a 7:20AM flight and a 4:00PM flight from the San Andres airport.
Flights vary in price depending on the season, but are usually around 250,000-400,000 COP ($63-$102 USD) roundtrip. I highly recommend booking early if you know your travel dates – not only can you find cheaper prices, but with only about 20 seats on the plane, you can ensure your spot on your chosen dates.
Flights can be booked on the Satena website or via a travel agency in San Andres. Click here to view the latest prices on WayAway.
By Boat
The alternative to flying is taking the ferry from San Andres to Providencia.
Here’s the thing – with a price tag of 440,000 COP ($112 USD) for a round-trip ticket, it’s really not any cheaper than flying, and with a timeline of 3.5 hours, it’s the much longer option. However, taking the ferry can certainly be a unique experience, so it’s an option for those seeking an adventure.
Ferries between San Andres and Providencia are operated by Conocemos Navegando. It’s important to note that they only operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so make sure to plan your trips back and forth on one of those days. There is 1 ferry a day from San Andres, leaving at 8AM, though passengers are required to be at the dock by 6:30AM. Return trips from Providencia leave at 2PM.
While we opted for the plane ride, we heard from a few other travelers that the waters between San Andres and Providencia can at times be rough – if you’re prone to seasickness, I highly recommend going for the plane ride!
WATCH: Colombia has CARIBBEAN ISLANDS! | SAN ANDRES & Providencia – 3/32
How to Get Around Providencia Island
At only 17 square kilometers, one could theoretically walk around Providencia Island in a matter of hours! Most locals get around the island using motorbikes or scooters, which is the most popular mode of transportation among tourists as well. Here’s everything you need to know to rent a moto in Providencia
Where to Rent Scooters
There are a few places around the island that rent scooters to visitors, most of which are located around the small town center in the north of the island. However, our posada owner helped us rent a scooter from Hotel El Pirata Morgan, which is located in the San Felipe neighborhood on the west side of the island.
Our scooter cost 100,000 COP ($25 USD) per day.
Necessary Rental Documents
Rental requirements are pretty lax in Providencia. Most rental agencies will ask to take a photocopy of your passport, but in our experience, proof of license was not a requirement.
However, if you are concerned about driving restrictions, tourists are legally allowed to drive in Colombia with their foreign license for the duration of their stay.
Driving Safety Concerns
Driving a motorbike is certainly not a risk-free activity, so it’s important to be aware of safety concerns. First and foremost, most rental companies do not provide helmets. I wish I could say it’s as simple as just asking for one, but we didn’t see a single helmet during our time in Providencia, so it’s hard to say for sure if they even exist.
Second, it’s important to be aware of road hazards like speed bumps and potholes while navigating the island. The main road encircling the island is paved and fairly well maintained, although there are a few speed bumps near the center of town. As long as you’re careful and stick to the speed limit you’ll be fine.
Travel Insurance
I highly recommend getting travel insurance if you plan to ride a scooter. Visitors Coverage offers a variety of different plans and I also highly recommend Safety Wing Nomad Insurance for anyone who’s constantly on the go!
Other Ways to Get Around Providencia
If driving a moto yourself isn’t your speed, there are a few other ways to get around the island. If you want to be in control of your own transportation, there are a few places in the center that rent bikes without motors! There are also a few places that rent golf carts, including Hotel El Pirata mentioned above.
If you don’t mind riding on a moto, there are plenty of moto taxis that regularly circle the island and can give you a lift around. Rides usually cost around 3,000-5,000 COP (~$1 USD).
The Best Things to do on Providencia Island
Despite its small size, there is plenty to do on Providencia Island! Hikers and beach bums alike will find plenty to love about this tropical paradise.
1. Hike to El Pico
As the highest peak on Providencia at a staggering 360 meters above sea level (remember – we’re starting at sea level!) El Pico is the pride and joy of locals on the island. The 3-4 hour hike is of moderate difficulty, but rewards you with stunning panoramic views over the entire island.
The starting point of the hike is located in the Bottom House neighborhood, just past the giant lizard statue. After a short walk through the neighborhood, you’ll encounter a booth where you’ll be required to register your names and passports numbers as well as connect with a guide. Guide services cost 70,000 COP ($18 USD) per person.
The hike itself is moderately difficult, but filled with stunning flora and fauna (including a few fresh mangos along the way!) The most challenging element for us was the heat – I recommend getting an early start and remembering to bring plenty of water and snacks!
The total hike is 6km and takes about 3-4 hours depending on your pace.
NOTE: Guides have been required at El Pico following Hurricane Iota as much of the trail was damaged. We were originally a bit peeved about this – after all, 70,000 COP is far outside the average backpackers budget. However, our guide Eusebio was extraordinary, telling us stories of the island and introducing us to local plants. Having a guide is one of the most direct ways to support locals who have suffered in the aftermath of the hurricane, so if you want to hire Eusebio directly, you can contact him on Whatsapp at +57 317 3883428
2. Relax on Manzanillo Beach
My favorite beach on the island, at Manzanillo Beach the jungle meets the sea, with towering palm trees providing shade to the colorful beach shacks along the shore. While the water on the eastern side of the island might not be as clear as the west, this was still my favorite beach in Providencia, due mainly to its laid-back, local feel.
Playa Manzanillo is also home to the famous Roland’s Reggae Bar and the delicious Ms. Julia’s Restaurant (read more about both later in this post!) so it’s certainly the perfect spot to spend a day (or night!) in Providencia. Grab a coco loco from one of the beach shacks and enjoy an afternoon beach bumming on the shoreline.
3. Try Rondon at Ms. Julia’s Restaurant
One of the oldest restaurants on Providencia Island, Ms. Julia’s Restaurant on Playa Manzanillo is a local staple serving fresh seafood on the daily. Make sure to try rondón – a seafood stew with a coconut base that’s the national dish of the department.
The owners of Ms. Julia’s, Ferma and Genaro, actually ran the posada we stayed at and are absolutely lovely. Ferma is a true matriarch of the island – make sure to ask her all about the island’s history as you enjoy the best food on the island!
Recommended Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Salento — Colombia’s Coffee Town
4. Dance all night at Roland’s Reggae Bar
Also located on Manzanillo Beach, Roland’s Reggae Bar is the talk of the town amongst locals and tourists alike. With live music practically every night – complete with Roland himself breaking it down on the dance floor – it’s the best place on the island to spend a night out.
Live music generally starts around 9PM, but Roland’s is open all day long on Playa Manzanillo, serving up coco locos and ice cold Poker. Stop by during your beach day and say hi!
Recommended Reading: The Best Things to do in Cali, Colombia — The Salsa Capital of the World!
5. Take it slow at Almond Bay
If you’re looking for the most laid-back beach on the island, look no further than Almond Bay. With crystal clear waters and stunning views of the peaks of Providencia, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon lazing at the beach. Pack your book and sunglasses and prepare for ultimate relaxation.
Almond Bay is accessible via a short walk down a path past the Octopus statue located right off the main road of Providencia Island. Keep an eye out for Lagarto Azules (blue lizards) on the walk down, a species unique to San Andres and Providencia.
The beach’s relative distance from the main road keeps it quiet, though that doesn’t mean you can’t pick up a coco loco from the small shack located on the water’s edge!
6. Cross the El Puente De Los Enamorados
Stretching between Providencia Island and nearby Santa Catalina Island, El Puente de Los Enamorados (Lover’s Bridge) is foot-traffic only, making the island of Santa Catalina even more tranquil than already chilled-out Providencia. The bridge covers a small channel between both islands, allowing boats to pass underneath.
Local legend says that crossing this colorful bridge leads to everlasting love, so grab someone special and head out on a romantic stroll. I recommend a sunset walk – think extra romance vibes and cooler temperatures!
7. Explore Fort Bay Beach
Located on Santa Catalina Island, Fort Bay was actually my favorite beach we visited on our trip. Due to its relative isolation from Providencia Island you’ll likely have this beach all to yourself, meaning you can snorkel amongst the colorful coral to your heart’s content.
To access the beach, simply cross the Lover’s Bridge from Providencia to Santa Catalina and turn to the left. After a short 10 minute walk, you’ll reach some stairs, leading to a viewpoint known as Fort Warwick. Enjoy the stunning views out over the sea of seven colors before continuing down the stairs to Fort Bay.
One of the coolest things we discovered while snorkeling at Fort Bay was an underwater cave located just to the left of the main beach. While I don’t recommend going in – cave diving is a highly dangerous, specialized skill – it’s still a cool place to admire the diversity of colorful fish that call it home.
8. Visit Morgan’s Head
Just Past Fort Bay is Morgan’s Head, a popular snorkeling, and for adventure seekers, cliff-jumping spot. This massive rock jutting out of the water resembles one of Providencia’s most infamous residents – Captain Henry Morgan himself.
There are a few options to reach Morgan’s Head. First off, you can hike yourself from Fort Bay, a walk of about 20 minutes through the jungle landscape of Santa Catalina. Another popular option is to rent kayaks along the main road of the island and kayak to Morgan’s Head, spotting colorful fish along the way. Finally, plenty of locals on Santa Catalina and Providencia offer boat tours, which can be a unique way to get to know the islands. More info on that in the next section!
9. Take a boat tour of the island
A boat tour of Providencia Island is the perfect way to see it through the eyes of a local. Luckily, there are plenty of local operators who love showing visitors around, visiting everything from little-known-coves to popular snorkeling spots like the aforementioned Morgan’s Head.
You’ll likely encounter plenty of locals along the main beaches offering boat rides, but two highly reviewed official operators are Lookiaa Tours and Betitas Acuatic Service. Betitas even offers tours with a glass-bottom boat, so you’ll be able to see the diversity of Providencia’s water right below your feet!
Recommended Reading: How to Visit Shark Island – Khorfakkan’s Best Snorkeling Spot!
10. Go scuba diving
The waters surrounding Providencia island are home to world-class scuba diving, the site of the third-largest coral reef in the world. Divers flock from around the world to explore the shores of Providencia, so there’s no better place to get underwater whether you’re an experienced diver or a total newbie.
Sirius Dive Shop is one of the most highly-rated scuba schools on the island, offering a number of activities from introductory courses to advanced open water certification. They are PADI certified and take safety seriously, so it’s one of the best places to try scuba not just on the island, but in the world.
Sirius Dive Shop also offers a number of other water activities, such as horseback riding and snorkeling. Check out their full list of offerings on their website.
Where to Stay on Providencia Island
During our time on Providencia Island we stayed in Posada Machineelroad, run by local couple Ferma and Genaro. Located on the southern side of the island, it was only a 10-minute walk from Playa Manzanillo, my favorite beach. The posada (guesthouse) comes with breakfast included and the food is delicious – Ferma and Genaro actually own Ms. Julia’s restaurant on the nearby beach, my favorite place we ate on the island!
The posada had air conditioning and was walking distance from a number of attractions on the island, so I highly recommend it. Plus, Genaro helped us organize our scooter rental right away, our first taste of island hospitality!
It’s important to note that there aren’t traditional hostels on Providencia Island, rather a mix of guesthouse-style posadas and traditional hotels. Here are a few other recommended places to stay on Providencia Island.
Guesthouses on Providencia Island
Posada Lkjay | Complete with a pool, a large kitchen, and epic beach views, Posada Lkjay is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the tranquility of Providencia Island. Located near the town center of Providencia, it’s walking distance from grocery stores, restaurants, and even the airport, making it easy to get around.
Posada Sweet Anashly | Located on the southern end of the island, Posada Sweet Ashley has the best of both worlds – a big yard and beach access! Enjoy your morning sipping coffee and overlooking the tropical flowers in the garden before heading down to laze the day at the beach.
Posada Old Town Bay | If you want to be right in the middle of the action (being a relative term on a laid-back island like Providencia) look no further than Posada Old Town Bay. Located walking distance from Providencia town as well as the tranquil Almond Bay, you can have the hustle and bustle of town and all the laid back beach vibes.
Hotels on Providencia Island
Southwest Bay Cabanas | This stunning cabana is the peak of relaxation (note: hammocks on every porch!) Located walking distance from Southwest Bay, one of the most popular beaches on the island, it’s a great place to unwind while staying close to the action.
Hotel El Pirata Morgan | One of the only truly traditional hotels on the island, Hotel El Pirata Morgan is right outside of the popular Southwest Bay area, complete with a pool and a typical American-style continental breakfast. If you’re looking to kick back and forget your responsibilities, look no further than the spacious rooms and sunny porches of this hotel.
Blue Lizard Studio | Located just outside of Southwest Bay, this studio apartment has everything you need to feel right at home on Providencia Island. It’s a great place for couples or those staying longer term on the island – after one dinner on the balcony, you’ll never want to leave!
Why Visit Providencia?
Providencia Island is a true island paradise yet to be overtaken by megahotels and yacht tours. Its slower pace and island-time-lifestyle are respite from the outside world, and the joy and deep pride of its locals are clear in every action. It’s truly one of the most unique places I’ve visited not only in Colombia, but the entire world.
If you’re looking for a unique experience yourself on your Colombia trip, making time for a trip to Providencia is essential. It’s worth every ounce of extra effort it takes to get there and trust me – you’ll have forgotten about the bumpy plane ride by the time you’re sipping a coco loco on Manzanillo Beach!
If you want to learn more about life in Providencia, I highly recommend checking out my full video on the department of San Andres and Providencia, part of my 32 Departments of Colombia series! Regardless of size it’s an island full of stories, and certainly one worth exploring.
If you want to learn more about planning a trip to Colombia, you can read all of my Colombia articles here.
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Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.
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