San Andrés and Providencia are two islands that are part of the Colombian archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea that is known for its white sand beaches and coral reefs. They are destinations that combine the enjoyment of nature and a relaxed atmosphere that makes them special places to enjoy an unforgettable vacation.
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Some interesting facts…
It is known as San Andrés and Providencia but the archipelago is also made up of Santa Catalina Island. One of the things that surprises the most is the past of pirates and privateers and the numerous names in English. In reality, numerous peoples have shaped the culture of the archipelago: Africans, British, Scots, Dutch, Irish, French, Spanish and Colombian Creoles.
Three characters have had to do with its story:
:: The pirate Henry Morgan, who made the islands the central command of his piracy activities in the Caribbean Sea.
:: The first Spanish governor Tomás O’Neille.
:: Frenchman Luis Aury, who supported independence causes throughout the Caribbean basin from the islands.
The archipelago has been an area of enormous geostrategic importance throughout its history. Apparently it was discovered on Columbus’s first voyage in 1492 and it is also likely that Columbus himself visited it on the occasion of his fourth voyage. Since 1510, Spain took possession of the islands, so it was considered part of the extensive region called the Province of Veraguas. But the first European settlements date back to 1630 and are English settlers who arrived from Bermuda and Barbados and settled in Santa Catalina and Providencia. Pirate bases and refuges were formed, from where they attacked ports or cities of the Spanish Empire. The War of Independence, whose events took place during the first two decades of the 19th century, had the Caribbean Sea as one of the main scenarios and attracted numerous enemies of Spain ready to support the independence causes of the former Hispanic colonies. In 1821 the Colombian flag was raised for the first time in the archipelago.
San Andrés island
It is the main and largest island of the archipelago. It is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life. Here you can enjoy activities such as diving, snorkeling, sailing and fishing.
The most famous beach in San Andrés is Spratt Bight Beach, which has a wide range of restaurants and shops. Other places of interest include La Loma, a hill from which you get a panoramic view of the island, and La Cueva de Morgan, a historic cave linked to the famous pirate Henry Morgan.
Dreaming in the Caribbean…
San Luis Beach
It is a long beach with just over 1 km, and one of the most popular in San Andrés. Unfortunately, after the July 2021 hurricane, the sand strip shrank considerably.
Rocky Cay
It is reached from San Luis beach. Walking inward with caution, about 200 meters away you could reach a small islet, Rocky Cay. Keep in mind that you can’t always walk there, and sometimes you have to swim a distance. There are also boat services that take you to and from the beach. Rocky Cay beach is ideal for entering the sea with water up to your waist. The sea is calm, shallow and transparent. From this islet you can see the famous stranded ship of San Andrés (photo) very close.
Johnny Cay Island Beach
It is about 10 minutes by boat from San Andrés and is the postcard that you will see hundreds of times. It can truly be called paradisiacal, although it is always exposed to too many visitors. If you have the chance to visit it during the weekend, the experience will surely be perfect.
Aquarium or Rose Cay
The only way to get to the key is by boats that leave from the Portofino dock located in the center of San Andrés. It is Interesting if you like snorkeling and seeing fish. It is usually very busy.
La Loma Viewpoint
It is at the highest point of the island which is 120 m above sea level. Ideal for you to get great photos.
Providencia
It is a smaller, quieter island than San Andrés and is noted for its pristine beaches and relaxed atmosphere. One of the main attractions of the island is the Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Natural Park, which is home to great marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Here you can do activities like diving, snorkeling and kayaking to explore the coral reefs and crystal clear waters. The Lovers’ Bridge, a wooden walkway over the sea, is another emblematic place in Providencia.
Morgan’s Head
In the 17th century, the pirate Henry Morgan, in the company of his henchmen, devastated every ship that sailed the Caribbean, making the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina his personal refuge. Therefore, it is not surprising that stories circulate about its hidden treasure in the Caribbean.
Freshwater Bay
It is where you will find the most restaurants and accommodations in Providencia. There are around six hotels and the same number of restaurants, this area is popular for being the “tourist area” of the island. The coast here is around 150 meters long and although it is a beautiful coast, very few visit it when they are passing through Providencia.
Maracaibo Bay and Crab Cay
Located on the east bank of Providencia, the charming Maracaibo Bay has possibly the most beautiful view of the island. You will find McBean Lagoon and the charming McBean National Park that you should not miss if you come to the beach. Next to this coast is Cayo Cangrejo and you can reach it by kayak. The calm and transparent waters of Maracaibo Bay and Cayo Cangrejo are two perfect places for kayaking and snorkeling. The color of the sea in Crab Cay is charming. The east beach of Providencia is possibly the most expensive area of the island. Also along the coast there are small beaches, however the largest coasts are located to the south and west of the island. It is important to know that the Crab Cay islet is part of the McBean Lagoon National Park, where you can see the arrival of boats.
Manzanillo Beach
It is probably the most beautiful beach in Providencia and it is a 300 m bay that is located to the southeast. To get to the beach you will have to take a long walk, but it is worth it because this beach is spectacular with its transparent waters. It is one of the few places to enjoy at night on Providencia Island, it has only one rustic-style bar-restaurant that serves drinks and seafood.
