Known also as the sea of the 7 colors, the island of Providencia is the perfect place to take a break.
When you are on a full full travel schedule, a few days put aside for some time on the beach is like a blessing for batteries recharge. I am not a big fan of doing nothing but staying on the beach the full day but this weekend getaway was just perfect!
It's important to know that Providencia is currently going through a rebuilding after being destroyed by a hurricane in 2020.
Getting there
This is not an easy one. Providencia is an island in the San Andres Archipelago which, on the map, is actually closer to Nicaragua than to Colombia (you can imagine some territory discussions over this). Being an island and so far away you don't really have a lot of options to get there.
As a first bit you need to reach San Andres. This is actually not that complicated as you can fly from Bogota or Medellin in 2-2.5h. Before boarding the plane, keep in mind that you will need to pay an entrance fee to San Andres archipelago of about 125.000 COP (Feb 2023).
From San Andres you need to take a flight with Satena in an ATR (the small propeller flights) which will bring you to the tiny airport of Providencia. This bit of the flight is gorgeous as you have a beautiful view over the several shades of blues of the sea.
Getting around
The best way to go around is by scooter, but you can also call a taxi or walk. We did a mix between the 3 actually and worked out fine.
Day 1
We arrived in the afternoon and as soon as we dropped out our things at the accommodation we went to the beach (South West Bay).
On our way we ended up at Sony's, one of the diving centers on the island as one of my friends who is has and advanced diving certificate wanted to go the next day and see if he can swim with the sharks (friendly sharks).
Although in high doubt, I have been convinced to also give diving a chance but of course this was super beginner version.
After arranging everything for the next day, we continued our way to the beach, accompanied by some stray dogs which seem to be everywhere on the island.
We finished our day watching the sunset over a mojito and some bachata vibes, followed by a fish feast for dinner at El Divino Nino.
Day 2
The next morning, our friend went for his diving trip and me together with my other friend went to the beach (magical...as there was no one ... well almost no one) as we were going for our diving class at 13:00.
I don't have photos, mainly because the go pro of the diving instructor did not work, but it was for sure a very interesting & colorful activity.
From there we went to Manzanillo Beach to change the angle and By the time we went back we were literally starving and finished our evening with ... you guessed it .. sea food dinner at Sonny's Cave :)
Day 3
Our last full day in Providencia, we went to Santa Catalina Island (which is connected by a bride to Providencia) and spent a few hours on one of the tiny beach places over there
From there we went to Almond Bay and in the evening back for a cocktail to South West Bay.
We had fancy dinner reservations at Donde Martin so we had to go back to shower & change before going to our last restaurant for the day. Make sure to book, as the place gets packed especially during weekends.
Day 4
This was a super crazy day for us, and I am super grateful all ran smoothly as we were travelling all the way to Salento.
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