Things To Do In Isla De Providencia: Explore Colombia’s Hidden Caribbean Gem

A view of the clear blue waters at the island, best thing to do in Isla De Providencia.

Isla De Providencia, which was earlier known as Old Providence, is a Caribbean mountain island, lying between Costa Rica and Jamaica. There are many things to do in Isla de Providencia to explore the rich marine life, beautiful landscapes and historic buildings. This place is known for its rich variety of marine life and lush green surroundings. The marine areas are protected by UNESCO, which has some of the world’s best and largest barrier reefs. It is an amazing place to explore the pristine beaches, relax at the beaches and participate in watersports.

Top 10 Things To Do In Isla De Providencia

Here are some of the best things to do in Isla de Providencia that offer an amazing experience of exploring nature with many adventurous activities:

1. Explore The MacBean Lagoon Park

A view of the crystal-clear waters, a relaxing thing to do in Isla De Providencia.

Photo: Felviper / Wikimedia Commons

MacBean Lagoon Park, located on the northeastern side of the Isle de Providencia, is one of the best places to explore. This national park is one of the three in the Colombian Caribbean that has coral reefs in its territories. This park was opened in 1995 and is located in an area of 9.95 square kilometres. This national park is famous for its variety of ecosystems, like mangrove forests, coral formations, marine grass beds, tropical dry forests, and more. There are different types of mangrove trees along with nearly 74 species of birds and many more that are rich in flora and fauna.

Location: Isla de, San Andrés y Providencia, Colombia

2. Try Diving

Colourful corals found while diving, an adventurous thing to do in Isla De Providencia.

Photo: jkosorio / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Diving in Isla De Providencia is one of the best and most adventurous things to do. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are various local locations that provide diving options with safety and security along with training for both beginners and experts. It allows you to dive into the water to explore the colourful coral reefs, different species of fish, sea turtles, crabs and many more. The barrier reef at this place in Isla De Providencia is the third largest in the entire world. This offers a stunning view of the rich marine life at the island.

Location: Multiple including Crab Cay, Morgan’s Head, The Wall, Lighthouse Reef, Basalt Columns

3. Enjoy Snorkelling At Crab Cay

Crab Cay Island ideal for snorkeling, an amazing thing to do in Isla De Providencia

Photo: Javier Malta / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Crab Cay is a small island that is a part of a few others located in MacBean Lagoon Park. This island is known to have turquoise and crystal-clear waters that are rich in marine life. It is one of the best places for snorkeling in Isla De Providencia. The waters around this island are surrounded by various coral formations, colourful species of fish, and sea turtles. It has one of the best places to explore the beauty of the underwater world. It is recommended by many tourists at Crab Crayo. There are several tour operations for the training of snorkelling that are cost-effective and with safety and security.

Location: Crab Cay, Colombia

4. Relax On The Southwest Bay Beach

A view of various trees around the beach, a relaxing thing to do in Isla De Providencia

Photo: Rodrigo.Argenton / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Southwest Bay Beach is one of the best places to sit and relax in Isla De Providencia. It is known to have a calm atmosphere that is ideal to slow down life for some time. You can just sink into the sand, cheer to the reggae tunes and enjoy some amazing food at the seashore. This place is covered with wooden houses colored in yellow and red and surrounded by palm trees. This place has clear waters with small fishing boats going around. This beach offers stunning views, especially during sunset, with a soothing feeling. There are also many dining options with seaside views providing delicious local cuisine.

Location: South West Bay, Providencia and Santa Catalina Islands, San Andres and Providencia, Colombia

5. Visit The Santa Catalina Island

The landscape of Santa Catalina Island, an amazing thing to do in Isla De Providencia

Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Santa Catalina Island is one of the small Colombian islands that is a part of the Caribbean Sea. This place is the northernmost island of South America and also has two bays that are John Bay and Eliza Bay. This island is known to have a diverse variety of ecosystems along with coastal scrub, oak woodlands, grassland and a rich coastal marine environment. This place is also home to various local spices. It is the best place to visit for a large family gathering or with friends to enjoy many entertainment options in exploring the stunning views of the beautiful ocean.

Location: Santa Catalina Island, San Andres and Providencia, Colombia

6. Watch The Sunset At Manzanillo Beach

A beautiful view of the coastline of the Manzanillo Beach located in Columbia, South America.

Photo: JuanJavierTG / Wikimedia Commons

Manzanillo Beach, which is a part of the Caribbean Coastal Road, is located in a small fishing town that is known for its amazing views of the beachside. This is the best place for sunbathing, swimming and also sitting and relaxing during the sunset that offers stunning views. This beach is known to have calm and crystal clear waters with white sand that is located at a stretch of 4 kilometres. There are also turtle nesting tours during the nesting season that can be explored with guidance. There are also a few restaurants nearby to enjoy a delicious dinner with a view of the beachside.

Location: Manchaneel Beach, Providencia, San Andrés y Providencia, Colombia

7. Hike The El Pico Mountain

A stunning view of the peak point of El Pico Mountain located here.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

El Pico Mountain, which is also known as The Peak, is the highest point of Isla De Providencia Island. This mountain peak is situated in the Caribbean over a height of 360 meters above sea level. This peak is also a part of the El Pico National Region Park that offers a beautiful view of landscapes of the entire island and also the surrounding areas of the Caribbean Sea. There is a moderately difficult trail to hike to reach this place, which requires certified training. This place is also rich in its flora and fauna, with many species in the forest that you can come across while hiking.

Location: Alto El Pico, Providencia and Santa Catalina Islands, San Andres and Providencia, Colombia

8. Walk Across The Lovers Lane Bridge

A view of the colourful lovers Bridge built on an artificial canal.

Photo: Taxiarchos228 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Lovers Lane Bridge is one of the most famous places to take a walk on, located in Isla De Providencia. This bridge joins the islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina. It is a picture-perfect and colourful floating bridge that helps inhabitants of the island of Santa Catalina to cross the sea and get access to the City Centre School and hospital. This bridge is located on the artificial canal that was developed by the pirates in the 17th century. Small wooden benches that are decorated with crabs and lanterns that are lit in the evening.

Location: Puente de los Enamorados, San Andrés, Providencia, San Andrés y Providencia, Colombia

9. Visit The Morgan Head

A view of the rock formation of the Morgan Head that resembles a real human head

Photo: Felviper / Wikimedia Commons

Morgan Head is a famous rock formation that is located on one of the small islands in Isla De Providencia. This rock is named after a 17th-century pirate named Henry Morgan. This rock also resembles a human head, where there are many local legends that are talked about. There are also legends that there is hidden treasure by Morgan on the island. It is a famous destination for both locals and tourists that offers amazing views of the entire sea and the surrounding landscapes. It is one of the most iconic symbols representing the pirate history of the island.

Location: Providencia, Providencia and Santa Catalina Islands, San Andres and Providencia, Colombia

10. Experience Shark Diving

A view of encountering a shark while diving which is an adventurous activity in the island

Photo: Sharkcrew / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Shark diving is one of the most adventurous activities in Isla De Providencia. It is an unforgettable experience that is available at a remote Caribbean island, which is a part of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve. This place has crystal clear waters with rich marine life. The healthy coral reef life at this place provides access for the environment with many sharks, rays and fish species. Experienced dive operators come along with the participants to ensure safety and responsibility to spot and encounter the sharks. This diving experience is available for both beginners and experts.

Location: Bajo Tranquilo, Blue Hole, Crab Cay

There are many things to do in Isla De Providencia that offer stunning views of the natural beauty. There are also various adventure activities to do at many small islands that are a part of this place. These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences for the tourists. This destination is one of the top places in the world to explore the underwater world.Plan with TripXL to have this enriching experience.

Cover Photo: Felviper / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Isla de Providencia is a Caribbean mountain island that is located between Costa Rica and Jamaica.
Isla De Providencia is famous for its natural landscapes with pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and rich ecosystems.
Some famous things to do in Isla De Providencia are diving, snorkelling, hiking, exploring the national park and many more.
The best time to visit Isla de Providencia is between the months of December to March. It is ideal for exploring the rich marine life and various other adventurous activities.
Some famous places to visit in Isla De Providencia are Morgan Head, Lovers Bridge, El Pico Mountain and many more.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month