A 20-minute flight north from the island of San Andres lies Providencia. This small, tear-drop-shaped island is the heartland of Afro-Caribbean Raizal culture in Colombia. Beaches are few compared to San Andrés; however, there are several sites of interest, most of which are accessible by hiking. Don't miss
Fort Warwick, reached via a short uphill trail from the tiny town of
Santa Isabel. Also, try to time your arrival for Saturday afternoon when locals have horseback races on the sands of the
Southwest Bay.
Providencia is world-renowned for diving, and most sites are within a 10-minute ride from
Southwest Bay. The highlight is
El Planchón, which features an old German shipwreck. You can also explore
Parque Nacional Natural Old Providence & McBean Lagoon, a protected area of mangroves and turquoise lagoons abounding with marine life. This national park is noteworthy because it protects a portion of the third-largest barrier reef in the world. If you have the interest, you can rent a canoe in the hamlet of
Maracaibo, located on the northeast side of the island, and paddle around McBean, too.
Read the ultimate guide for island hopping to learn more about
exploring San Andres and other Colombian islands.
