Tucked away in the Caribbean Sea near Nicaragua, San Andrés and Providencia form a cultural archipelago unlike anywhere else in Colombia. These sister islands offer travelers crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and the fascinating Raizal culture – an Afro-Caribbean heritage with 300-year-old English roots. While Providencia maintains its Creole charm (complete with melodic English-based patois), San Andrés buzzes with duty-free shopping and lively beaches. Both islands share one irresistible feature: some of the most spectacular coral reefs and dive sites in the Caribbean.
Providencia travel guide
Exploring San Andrés: Beaches, Biking, and Blowholes
Shaped like a seahorse, San Andrés pulses with Caribbean energy. While San Andrés Town greets visitors with bustling streets and tax-free shopping, the real magic lies beyond the city. Rent a scooter or bicycle to discover the island’s natural wonders along its coastal ring road:
Must-Visit Coastal Gems
Johnny Cay – This picture-perfect island just offshore delivers classic Caribbean fantasies: powdery white sand, swaying palms, and curious iguanas. Daily boats (COP$20,000 roundtrip) depart from San Andrés Town beach starting at 9am.
Acuario – Combine your Johnny Cay trip with this sandbar paradise (combined tours ~COP$50,000) where water clarity will make you question if you’re swimming in a giant aquarium.
Piscinita – For just COP$2000, feed tropical fish by hand at this unique west coast snorkeling spot south of El Cove.
Hoyo Soplador – At the island’s southern tip, watch nature’s performance when tides transform a rocky crevice into a 20-meter water geyser.
San Luis Beaches – Escape the crowds on the east coast’s windswept stretches of perfect white sand.
Underwater Wonders: Diving in the Colombian Caribbean
San Andrés and Providencia share a crown jewel – their spectacular coral ecosystems. Whether you’re a first-time diver or seasoned underwater explorer, these warm Caribbean waters offer unforgettable encounters:
Top Dive Sites
Cantil de Villa Erica – Swim with turtles and manta rays southwest of San Andrés (12-45m depths).
Palacio de la Cherna – Brave divers can explore this dramatic wall plunging 300m+ near San Andrés, home to reef sharks and enormous crabs.
Tete’s Place – Southwest of Providencia, this vibrant reef teems with parrotfish, schoolmasters, and goatfish.
Manta’s Place – Despite the name, Providencia’s stingray ballet features southern stingrays rather than mantas.
Trusted Dive Operators
San Andrés:
Banda Dive Shop – Central location with friendly service (Av Colombia)
San Andrés Divers – Highly professional outfit (Av Circunvalar Km9)
Providencia:
Felipe Diving Shop – Aguadulce-based experts
Sirius Dive Shop – Convenient Southwest Bay location
Top image © Jess Kraft/Shutterstock
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