They offer the third largest coral barrier in the world and an unforgettable experience under water.
News Caribbean.
Can you imagine a sea of seven colors, full of corals, bright fish and even sharks, but not San Andrés? Although it seems surprising, there is an even more magical and less busy destination where the Colombian Caribbean displays all its beauty: the islands of Providencia and Santa Catalinaauthentic hidden jewels on the world diving map.
Located north of San Andrés, these sister islands are a paradise for lovers of the underwater world. Its waters are not only crystalline and warm throughout the year, but also hide the third largest coral barrier on the planetextending for more than 32 kilometers. You don’t need to be an expert diver to marvel at you: marine life surrounds you hardly your head underwater.
Dive between sharks, shipwrecks and dream reefs
From mantarrayas and giant turtles to octopus, crabs and reef sharks, Providencia offers a difficult underwater show. Biodiversity is such that more than 400 marine species live in its reefs. And for those who seek more intense emotions, shark diving is a unique experience, which mixes adrenaline with respect for marine life.
Do pirate stories attract you? These waters also have them. Some immersion points surround old shipwrecks, remains of boats that, they say, were victims of privateers in past centuries. Diving here is immersing not only in nature, but also in history.
One of the great attractions of providence is that their conditions are perfect for those who want to start diving: little current, high visibility and pleasant temperatures. Various certified schools offer classes and teams for all ages, ensuring a safe, fun and educational experience. Do you already have a diving license? Then you can access the deepest points or venture in longer tours with local guides.
How to get to the Caribbean Paradise
Although Providencia and Santa Catalina feel like a separate world, reaching them is not complicated. From San Andrés you can take:
- Satena flight: Only 20 minutes separate San Andrés from Providence by air.
- Catamaran: If you prefer to navigate, there are three -hour crossings that allow you to enjoy the sea before diving in it.
Once in Providencia, crossing Santa Catalina is as simple as lovely: a 150 meter floating bridge called «Puente de los Enamorados» Connect both islands. Tradition says that those who cross him holding hands, consolidate his love forever. A perfect fact for adventurous couples.
And if you want to explore more …
Colombia does not stop in Providencia when it is about diving. Other outstanding destinations include:
- Malpelo Island: A marine sanctuary in the Pacific, famous for its hammer shark benches. Ideal for advanced divers with certification and specialized equipment.
- Santa Marta and Tayrona Park: A mixture of mountain, jungle and sea, where beaches like Taganga or Bahía Concha offer crystalline waters and unique landscapes.
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