Hands down one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it is no wonder UNESCO declared this a marine protected area.
Your Guide to Providencia Island and Santa Catalina
Your Guide to Providencia and Santa Catalina – Highlights
- One of the last untouched islands in the Caribbean provides visitors a glimpse to the past and natural beautify of how these islands and most nature were around the world before tourism and infrastructure development took over. Visiting the islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina are truly the experience of a lifetime!
- The island is closer to Nicaragua but it is technically part of Colombia in the Caribbean. The presence of Colombian Air Force was seen during our visit most likely conducting drills and training nonetheless exciting and interesting to watch.
- As a remote island in the Caribbean access to supplies is limited and this under development makes it one of the most beautiful islands in the world and contain some of the most untouched natural beaches in the Caribbean. There are not even street lights on all areas of the single road that circles the island so at night it can get pitch black. A little scary when the crabs patrol the roads and can be bigger than your fist.
- The tiny 1 square kilometer island of Santa Catalina is an old pirate safe haven and the site of some of the most beautiful snorkeling and scuba diving one can do in their lives boasting the third largest coral reef in the world! You can climb to the top of the island though it is quite a trek, but the views (some pictures below) are worth it!
Your Guide to Providencia Island and Santa Catalina – Where to Stay and Eat
- The charm is that the island is not touristy with the only accommodations on the island being guest houses and restaurant options very limited. Likewise the food options at those restaurants are limited to what is caught on the island. The locals enjoy fried plantains, coconut rice and freshly caught fish.
- The best restaurant on Providencia is run by husband and wife team and is called Cafe Studio. As well, both Miss Elma which has local cuisine and generous cocktails (ask for the Lulo juice!) and Restaurante Caribbean are popular.
- Monasteries del Vieto has 4 separate suites and provides guests the most resort feel on the island with a multitude of hammocks and lounge areas. Guests can also enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner if they choose on or facing the beach and can easily say this is the most relaxed option on the island. Quoted as being the best kept secret of the Caribbean.
- Deep Blue is the most luxurious hotel on the island which has a sweet water pool overlooking the ocean, with standard western style rooms with air conditioning and large king size beds. Truly an island retreat!
Your Guide to Providencia Island and Santa Catalina – Things to Note
- There are a couple daily flights operated by Satena for about 75 USD each way. The flights are quite bumpy in a small 20 seater propeller plane that leave from San Andres. It is usually not possible to buy tickets online but can be easily purchased in San Andres in person.
- Getting to the island is no easy feat, it is safe to say it would take the average person at least 3 separate flights to arrive. For example we flew into Bogota, Colombia then onto San Andres and finally on the 30 minute flight to Providencia.
- The locals speak creole which is a mix of Spanish, English and French.
Your Guide to Providencia Island and Santa Catalina – Photos
