Things to do & places to visit in San Andres and Providencia Department, Colombia

San Andres and Providencia Department cover image

San Andres and Providencia Department #4 destination in Colombia 2023. The average rating score is 4.05 based on 39.1k traveler reviews, of 58 attractions. Timezone: America/Bogota, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 0:53.

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Crab Cay-Cayo Cangrejo (1.002 reviews)
- Breathtaking Experience
Spent More than 3 hours Islands

Crab Cay and surrounding reefs are an incredible experience! I would recommend coming here to anyone, families with children, teenagers, solo travelers, older couples, etc. Breathtaking views and beautiful, turquoise waters to snorkel in. We got to see beautiful schools of fishes and sea turtles. We came here with Alejandro who charters his own small boat and takes you to great snorkel spots (attached his number for those who want to try it out!), followed by an amazing lunch on Southwest beach - my boyfriend and I shared a sampler plate with lobster, tostones (fried plantain), salad, squid, a while fish, coconut rice, and conch for about $14 USD, and it was BIG! See more..
5.0 The Dive Shop Old Providence (89 reviews)
- Great Dive in Southwest Bay
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

Amazing experience diving out of Southwest Bay with Alejandro and Amelie! I took my family to Providencia, and although the island was an unspoiled, charming, and friendly paradise, diving was the highlight! We did two dives in one day and dove through a great reef, saw a lot of sea life, and Amelie took some great photos. In our group, we had both experienced and first-time divers, and Alejandro and Amelie led us perfectly and safely and without compromising the experience for any of us. I would definitely dive with them again. Thanks Alejandro and Amelie! Dave W See more..
5.0 Mare (60 reviews)
- Stunning beach and view!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Its a must visit! One of the best beaches in Colombia, getting here is not hard but you need to ask the locals. They also have the best restaurant in the island here Devino Nino Jesus! See more..
5.0 Anda Di Wata Dive School (50 reviews)
- Wonderful!
Scuba & Snorkelling

This is a terrific dive operation! Sandra and Halpert were wonderful and extremely helpful during my stay. All of my dives were outstanding, especially the deep dives on the west side of the island where we saw a LOT of sharks. They are a great resource for other details around the island as well. This is a very professional and efficient family run business. I highly recommend them and can't wait to return! See more..
5.0 Entre Mares Dive Center (46 reviews)
- Fantastic diving guide in Providencia
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Shark Diving • Eco Tours

Entre Mares is a great option for diving in Providencia. Marcus knows the sites well and is an excellent guide and dive lead. We did 6 dives with him around several sites, all beautiful and each one different with something special to see. He was very careful to check what we wanted to do with the dives and find things that would entertain us. Come dive with him and help rebuild entre mares and Providencia See more..
5.0 Native Horses (38 reviews)
- Wonderful experience
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

I had a lovely time on the horse and especially with the guide Edalbert from Native horse I had the best time, he’s so nice and humorous, and explains all about nature and life on san andres. Drinking out of a coconut and eating mangoes on the way, enjoying the view.. just a wonderful experience to keep as a lovely memory. I would have loved to galopp a bit, but it was all just so nice, i didn’t mind so much. See more..
5.0 Ocean Paradise Scuba Diving (8 reviews)
- Support this great new shop!
Sunday: Scuba & Snorkelling

The owner worked for another shop on the island but broke off recently and started his own gig, which is why there are not many reviews. Reviews I read on other dive shops on the island said they fed sharks to increase the close encounters, which I do not support. That coupled with miscellaneous negative reviews on other shops led me to take a chance on this new shop...and I am glad I did. 2 days, 4 dives. Equipment was new and well maintained, friendly professional staff and smaller groups than I saw on other boats at the dive sites. We stayed at Deep Blue hotel (which was excellent) and this shop was a short motorbike ride down the street...they even picked me up. Take cash, as for most places of the island, credit cards machines are either not accepted or work sporadically. I highly recommend this shop. As for the dives themselves...good visibility, minimal current and multiple sharks species on every dive..what's not to like. See more..
5.0 Fort Bay (4 reviews)
- Beautiful and historical place.
Beaches

This is a historical place where the colonists put the island defense with cannons because the strategy was to shot to enemies ships with wide range. See more..
4.5 Johnny Cay (6.887 reviews)
- paradise island
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Islands

no hay palabras para expresar. la belleza naturall un regalo de Dio para mankind's the beach the great body of water the. sand so white the birds the eguanas so beautiful See more..
4.5 Playa de San Luis (3.411 reviews)
- Very nice beach
Beaches

I loved this beach, it has fewer crowds, with couple of restaurants. Food was nice , drinks are available till night. Just 100 meters from the beach, there are couple of supermarkets on the main road, barber and some more bars. However, bus access to centre isn't frequent and can take time to the centre. See more..
4.5 Cayo Acuario (2.847 reviews)
- A wonder of Colombia
Islands

Was a good experience, I traveled to San Andres with my parents and we visited Acuario Cay, is a aquarium in the sea, there are cabins on the sea, to go there is necessary a boat that start the route from the island. In this aquarium there are a lot fishes and stingray, my dad could take in his hands the stingray, and I took a starfish. I have many photos about this day, I like this place because the San Andres sea is beautiful, is clean and see the marine life is really great. I recommend visit all places of the San Andres because is a wonder of Colombia. I traveled to San Andres three years ago but are incredible memories. San Andres is the first in my list of the better vacations. See more..
4.5 Cayo Rocoso (2.093 reviews)
- Very nice island
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Very beautiful view, take your time to see and admire the landscape. It's worth visiting it during your stay in San Andres See more..
4.5 Cayo Bolívar (1.897 reviews)
- Worth every penny!!!
Islands

I don't get the people complaining about bumpy ride, being splashed by water and island being far away. Thats the whole point. You are in the middle of the sea traveling by open speed boat! If you want to stay dry, put the slippers on, stay at the hotel and watch TV. For people who are more adventurous, don't wait, book the boat, take sun protection, hat, snorkeling equipment and enjoy your trip. The ride itself is fun, it definitely gives you decent shot of adrenaline. Island - one word, paradise! White sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise blue water. In the middle of the island is bunch of palms in case you want to run away from the sun. In one corner of the island there is place were young sharks lives. You can literally touch them when they passing by. Have your waterproof camera ready. The trip includes unlimited soft drinks and beer also lunch, fish or chicken with rice and salad. Don't listen to the moaners. Be brave, do something different and go to Cayo Bolivar. See more..
4.5 West View (1.592 reviews)
- The place is simple but your kids that know how to swim will love it
Reefs

I was there with my 2 kids. The 7 years old one didn't want to leave. he swims well and love the water slide, the 3 year old went to the see with us and like it. I cheap so go there and have a good time... See more..
4.5 Playa de Spratt Bight (937 reviews)
- Beautiful but busy beach.
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

Beautiful beach right on the hip strip with lots of dining and shopping options nearby! Th beach is very busy, and you need to get out early if you want to purchase a small cabana but beware, if you buy it for the day and leave, they will sell it to someone else and place you somewhere else when you return. Not sure if it was just a mistake or if this happens all the time just beware to have someone there at all times. See more..
4.5 Morgan's Head (261 reviews)
- Beautiful spot and great snorkeling
Spent 1-2 hours Geologic Formations

Must do! We loved this spot! Nice, easy hike. Beautiful water. Rocks to jump off of from about 1 to 4 meters high. And really great snorkeling! We found the most sea life snorkelling around the head to the left. See more..
4.5 The Peak Forestry Reserve (237 reviews)
- Beautiful hike in the tropics
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The peak is the tallest mountain in the island of Providencia. The hike is about 14k (with return), and getting up will take you around 90 minutes or less if you are in good physical condition. It is a challenging walk, and the rocks can be slippery. Bring your hiking shoes/sandals. It is also quite warm and humid, so be sure to be hydrated at all times. Our guide Conroy was kind, patient, and very knowledgeable about plants and nature, provided us with histories about the island and its people and showed us some interesting points in our way up like "pozo azul". Once you get to the peak, you are rewarded with the most amazing view of the Island, the ocean of the 7 colours and you can fully appreciate the 30+ Ks of reef surrounding the island. Totally worth it! See more..
4.5 Felipe Diving Center (213 reviews)
- Great Place to Dive in Providencia
Scuba & Snorkelling

Thanks to Filipe and his team of professionals, I had some of the most memorable diving experiences ever. First of all the team, while the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly these guys are pros. They have safety top of mind always looking out for the well being of divers. Then there are the sights, with 26 degree water at depth and up to 30 meter visibility, there is loads to see. Coral is healthy and varied. If you're into pretty shoals with a huge variety of marine, Filipe knows the sights. Great sting rays. If you're into deep blue and loads of sharks, Filipe knows the sights. Check out NX for thrills you won't forget. This place is one of the best in the Caribbean. See more..
4.5 Sonny Dive Shop (170 reviews)
- Highly recommended
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

Diving in Providencia is very good. They have dive spots for all levels. I use Sonny Dive Shop when I dive in Providencia, and couldn't found a better dive shop. So far, I have 60 dives with them, all very good and without any kind of problems. When you dive with the owner, Gerardo, you know you are safe. His first priority is to give you a good experience. You will never se him try to expose him self, he is there for you....all the time. Gerardo is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, so he can certify you for many different specialities. He speaks both spanish and english. His staff is also very good, always smiling and always there for you. They are located next to the Hotel Morgan. They have a web site under construction. Until it's up and running, you need to contact them by phone or by direct attendance in the dive shop. They accept both Visa and MasterCard. They can also help you to book accommodation. See more..
4.5 McBean Lagoon National Natural Park (132 reviews)
- Amazing place, nice view from the top
National Parks

I visited this place because of a recommendation of the native people. The turquoise water are the most beautiful one that I have seen on my entire life. I Snorkel around the cay and I went to the top to watch the best 360º view of Providence and Santa Catalina. Also you can drink cocktails ($12.000) and you can rent a snorkel if you do not have. I Totally recommend this place, because it is like a piece of heaven on earth. See more..
4.5 Almond Bay (111 reviews)
- Great swimming beach with friendly beach bar
Beaches

Beach was clean, nice calm swimming area, good music from rustic beach bar, and great service for drinks. See more..
4.5 Sirius Dive Center (101 reviews)
- Amazing Dive Center
Scuba & Snorkelling

I loved diving with Sirius Dive Center. I was on Providencia for 5 days and dove everyday. 8 morning dives and one night dive. I saw amazing animals and the dive masters I dove with were great. I always felt safe and supported but also relaxed. Thank to Andres for being awesome as well as everyone else on the team. I for sure recommend diving with Sirius and or getting your certifications here. They have an air-conditioned classroom and top equipment. See more..
4.5 Bahía del Cove (67 reviews)
- BAHIA paradise!
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

Great place to go if you are in San Andres Island. Don't forget to get a snorkeling or diving experience in this corner of Paradise. Enjoy. See more..
4.5 Santa Catalina (49 reviews)
- Nature at its best
Islands

It's a small island that can be reached by walking through the small "Los Enamorados" bridge from downtown Providencia. This island is not very urbanized, so you can get in touch with a true natural environment. I recommend walking to Morgan’s Head, a big human-head-shaped rock named after pirate Henry Morgan. On your way to this place (about an hour if you take the time to contemplate and, why not, take pictures) you will get to appreciate the natural beauty of this island: pristine waters, palm trees, tropical forests and local fauna. See more..
4.5 Lighthouse Providence (42 reviews)
- Stunning views, delicious ( and different) food, art classes!
Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Rides & Activities

Terrace with view over the sea where you can enjoy edutainment activities. The most popular are the 6 to 8pm - 30 minutes film projections about the islands, which are hold every day. The space offers a cafeteria service along with the activities, with veggie options. The terrace has a permanent reference library and an Intranet with local services information. Welcome! See more..
4.5 Bahía Cocoplum (38 reviews)
- Best beach on the Island
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

Touring the island we found it the best beach! It has a wide stretch of white sand, it's not busy and you have several places to get food and drinks from. You can opt for renting sunbeds too, or else placing your towels at no cost on the sand. It's also close to rhe city, under 15min drive. See more..
4.5 Playa Charquitos (25 reviews)
- Nice spot to stop for a while
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Beaches

It is a nice stop when you have been around with the golf car, some members of my family thought there were too many seaweed, it was not an issue for me. Es una buena parada cuando has estado con el carro de golf, algunos miembros de mi familia pensaron que había demasiadas algas, no fue un problema para mí. See more..
4.5 Playa Manzanillo (4 reviews)
- Playa Manzanillo y Restaurante de Emid
Beaches

La playa Manzanillo es un paraíso... arena blanca y agua cristalina. El mar es tranquilo ideal para los niños. Fuimos a comer al último puesto a orillas de la playa, el restaurante de Emid, donde nos atendió ella y su familia. Comimos pescado a las brasas y langostas.... exquisito todo y la atención excelente. Recomiendo cien por ciento este lugar. See more..
4.0 La Piscinita (4.885 reviews)
- Dive and swim
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Fantastic place to dive/swim. Outstanding clear water. Its like jumping into an aquarium. Was here in april 2010 See more..
4.0 Coco Loco Disco Bar (383 reviews)
- Beautiful club with sea view
Bars & Clubs

Great club to end the night. Only busy around the weekend in low season. System at bar is a bit slow (where you pay is different from the ones making your drink). Nice terrace over the water. Latin beats and some house. Girls are some nights for free. See more..