San Andres and Providencia are two paradisiacal Colombian islands in the Caribbean Sea, located off the coast of Nicaragua. They boast a very distinct culture from mainland Colombia due to their unique historical background. The main languages spoken are San Andres Creole, English, and Spanish.
San Andrés is the larger and more visited island, conveniently reachable by plane from major Colombian cities. This enchanting place spoils visitors with its idyllic beaches, tantalizing seafood offerings, and warm hospitality.
Providencia and nearby Santa Catalina are smaller and less developed in terms of tourism infrastructure compared to San Andrés. These islands offer a more secluded and off-the-beaten-path experience for travelers seeking tranquility and untouched natural beauty. Accessible by either flight or boat from San Andrés, reaching these gems requires a bit more effort, but the journey is well worth it.
Photo by jkraft5, Providencia & Santa Catalina
There are a lot of interesting things to do inside and outside “the sea of seven colors” in both San Andrés and Providencia; many activities are possible on either island.
San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina are the perfect Caribbean paradises with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Among the numerous fantastic beaches of San Andrés, I particularly liked Rocky Cay in San Luis. It’s a great spot to take a swim, relax, indulge in a good book, and watch incredible sunsets.
On Providencia Island look for the beautiful secluded beaches Manzanillo, South West Bay, Freshwater Bay, Almond Bay or Manchaneel Bay.
Photo by tifonimages, San Andres Beach
Colombians totally love San Andrés, but when I initially arrived, I was somewhat taken aback by the noise in the main city near the airport. However, my perception changed when I discovered San Luis, another part of the island. As soon as I got there, I instantly fell in love with San Andrés, too. San Luis is much quieter, and you’ll find numerous small guesthouses where you can stay with super-friendly local families.
Photo by Travelhapp, Impressions of San Luis, San Andrés
Photo by Travelhapp, Beach in San Luis, San Andrés
Visit some of the fascinating ecological treasures in an around San Andres, like West View, a natural pool, La Piscinita, a natural aquarium, or Morgan’s Cave, which was supposedly used by the famous welsh pirate Henry Morgan as a hide-out. In a short boat ride from San Andres you reach Johnny Cay Natural Regional Park, a small, uninhabited island with idyllic beaches and immerse natural beauty.
Photo (mod.) by Joao Carlos Medau, Johnny Cay, CC BY 2.0
Dive into mesmerizing coral gardens and encounter fascinating marine life in San Andres’ and Providencias’s incredible underwater worlds. Encounter turtles, nurse sharks, rays, barracudas and other tropical fish in the warm waters of the Caribbean sea. A night dive is an absolutely magical experience, as it feels like the elusive underwater creatures have granted you a rare permit to visit their illuminated homes.
Photo (mod.) by Joao Carlos Medau Snorkeling in San Andrés, CC BY 2.0
San Andres offers a range of thrilling water sports activities such as jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
On Providencia, you can paddle through mangroves, explore hidden coves, and enjoy beautiful views of the sea and the coastline while kayaking around the islands.
Photo (mod.) by Joao Carlos Medau, Kayaking in San Andrés, CC BY 2.0
San Andres and Providencia have a unique culture due to their historical context. The ancestors of many inhabitants of the islands were African people who arrived as slaves during the colonial period. Between the 17th century and Colombia’s independence in 1822, San Andres and Providencia were occupied by the British and with the years a unique, beautiful Creole language has formed on the islands.
In Providencia, wander through the narrow streets of colorful and charming “Pueblo Viejo” and enjoy the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.
Photo by Nancy Mora, Girl in Providencia, CC BY 2.0
The cuisine of San Andrés and Providencia features a unique fusion of Afro-Caribbean, English, Spanish, and indigenous elements. Indulge in fresh seafood dishes by the sea, taste Caribbean specialties like “Rondón” (a stew), and sip fresh fruit juices any time of the day.
Photo by Travelhapp, Lunch by the sea on San Andrés Island
Photo by Travelhapp, Seafood, San Andrés Island
The small, uninhabited island of Crab Cay (Cabo Cangrejo) is located just a short boat ride away from Providencia. From the island’s viewpoint, you enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the turquoise Caribbean sea and the picturesque lush-green coastline. The coral reefs around Crab Cay are perfect for snorkeling.
Photo by jkraft5, Crab Cay, Providencia Island
Embark on a challenging hike up to El Pico, the highest peak on the Providencia island. This gorgeous trail rewards you with awe-inspiring panoramic views of Providencia and Santa Catalina.
Photo (mod.) by Jose Rafael Luna Lopez, View of Santa Catalina from Alto El Pico, Providencia, CC BY-SA 3.0
The flight to San Andres takes about 1,5 to 2 hours depending on where you start from. If you get a good offer and have some extra days, do it! San Andres and Providencia have some of the best beaches of Colombia and the Afro-Colombian Caribbean island culture is truly unique, including the music styles.
As everywhere in Colombia, apply your usual precautions when walking around alone. Have a look at our safety tips for solo travelers in Colombia. Nature activities like hiking are better done in a group and/or with a local guide.
Join our Colombia Solo Travelers Facebook Group to find people to team up with.
Read more:
Colombia Travel Inspirations: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems
Colombia Travel Tips: General Information and Travel Advice for Solo Travelers
Colombia Slow Travel Itineraries: Discover Colombia by bus and overland
Best Places to Visit in Colombia: Ideal Bases for Solo Travelers