San Andrés and Providencia Islands Colombia

San Andrés and Providencia Islands are an archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Colombia. This beautiful tropical paradise offers stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and plenty of activities for adventure seekers.

San Andrés and Providencia Islands Colombia Summary

Attraction: San Andrés and Providencia Islands
Country: Colombia
Continent: South America
Capital Name: Bogotá
Language: Spanish
Currency: Colombian Peso
Nationality: Colombians (Spanish: Colombianos)

Why must you visit San Andrés and Providencia Islands Colombia?

San Andrés and Providencia Islands Colombia is a tropical paradise located off Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It’s one of the most popular vacation spots in the area and offers an array of activities for all ages.

Travelers can enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, fishing, kayaking, and much more. Beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters make it a great spot to relax and take in the stunning views. The relaxed atmosphere and incredible culture make it easy to explore and relax. It’s a great destination to escape the cold winter months or get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. San Andrés and Providencia Islands Colombia is a fantastic destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, beachgoers, and honeymooners alike.

Tell Us About San Andrés and Providencia Islands Colombia

San Andrés and Providencia Islands are part of the Archipelago of San Andrés, located in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Nicaragua and between Jamaica and Haiti. The islands constitute the 19th department of the Republic of Colombia.

San Andrés and Providencia each possess a unique history, culture and language. San Andrés island is mostly known for its duty-free shops, luxury resorts and white sand beaches. The main language spoken there is English, although Spanish is also spoken. Providencia island is less developed than San Andrés and is home to the Raizal culture and its own variation of English called “Cayman”.

The main attractions of the Islands are its white beaches, crystal clear waters and coral reefs. Activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and deep-sea fishing are popular among tourists. The islands are also an important place for nature tourism due to the presence of numerous endemic species of flora and fauna.

The best time to visit the Islands is during the dry season, which is from December to May. However, being located in the tropics, the Islands experience hot and humid weather year-round.

What are the Things to do in San Andrés and Providencia Islands Colombia?

San Andrés and Providencia Islands Colombia are located in the Caribbean Sea, a stunning paradise for tourists. With a pristine natural environment and sunny year-round warm weather, this archipelago offers many activities for leisure and adventure.

Below are the things you can do here:

Explore beaches of coral sand: One of the most popular activities is to explore among the paradisiacal beaches of coral sand. These are characterized by their remarkable turquoise and crystal-clear waters. Popular beaches include the Spratt Bight beach in San Andres, and Johnny Cay in Providencia.
Explore the mangrove and coral reefs: In Providencia, visitors can also explore the mangrove channels and the spectacular coral reefs where snorkeling and diving are a must. When diving, visitors can observe the diversity of an impressive marine fauna that inhabits these areas.
Hiking trails: Nature lovers can find hiking trails throughout the San Andrés and Providencia islands, where it’s possible to find some of the endemic species of plant and animal life. For those who prefer to relax while admiring the landscape, several points offer spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. These include the Paseo de los Corales, the Balcón de los Pescadores, and the viewpoint of La Piscinita.
Explore the culture: The cultural offerings of these islands must not be missed. Visitors can explore the capital city of San Andrés where they can appreciate its traditional style. Yearly festivals such as the Festival Folclórico showcase the culture and folklore of the island. Here traditional dishes, music and dances are popular activities for tourists and locals alike.

San Andrés and Providencia Islands offer a variety of activities for all ages, with its pristine natural environment, cultural offerings and the hospitable people who inhabit these paradisiacal islands.

What are the Best Foods at San Andrés and Providencia Islands Colombia?

Some of the best foods at San Andrés and Providencia Islands Colombia include:

Langosta: Langosta, or spiny lobster, is a popular dish throughout the San Andrés and Providencia Islands of Colombia. It is usually cooked with garlic and tomato sauce, which makes it particularly flavorsome.
Caribbean Stew: Caribbean stew is a warming, comforting stew made with beans, cassava, root vegetables, and a variety of fish found in the tropical waters around the San Andres and Providencia Islands, including grouper, barracuda and snapper.
Fish Cakes: San Andres and Providencia fish cakes are a local favorite. The cakes are made with fresh fish and mashed yucca, then crisped and served with a dipping sauce of coconut milk, lime and cilantro.
Coconut Rice: Coconut rice is a popular side dish made of long grain rice cooked in coconut milk and sweetened with fresh tropical fruits like pineapple, mango and native bananas.
Plantain Chips: Plantain chips are widely available on the San Andres and Providencia Islands. The chips are made from boiled and fried green plantains and served with a variety of topping options and sauces, from simple garlic and onions to more complex creations like chili and mango.

What are the Best Hotels to Stay in San Andrés and Providencia Islands Colombia?

The best hotels to stay in San Andrés and Providencia Islands Colombia are:

Decameron Aquarium – Located right next to the beach at Johnny Cay, this hotel offers beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea, as well as comfortable accommodations.
Sonesta Hotel Ocean Point Resort – This beachfront resort has a full-service spa, a large pool and a private terrace with a view of the ocean.
Casablanca Resort & Spa – This stunning beachside retreat is set right next to the ocean and offers luxurious accommodations and top-notch amenities.
El Almirante Hotel – Providencia Island: This oceanfront hotel has a swimming pool and docks for recreational activities.
El Milenio Hotel – Providencia Island: This hotel offers luxury accommodations with ocean views and is just steps from the beach.