Providencia Island travel guide

Snorkelling and boat trips

Recommended snorkelling sites include the waters around Santa Catalina, where there are many caves to explore as well as Morgan’s Head and lots of starfish; Hippie’s Place, which has a little bit of everything; and El Faro (The Lighthouse), the end of the reef before it drops into deep sea,

some 14 km from Providencia.

Getting around

Chivas circle the island at more or less regular intervals, the standard fare is US$1.60. Colectivos can also be found on the island and charge much the same.

Getting there

Visitors can arrive by air from San Andrés or by sea on one of the cargo boats that ferry goods over to Providencia three times a week.

Vehicle and bicycle hire

Mopeds can be hired for US$27 per day from many of the hotels (eg Posada del Mar in Aguadulce) and golf buggies are a lso available for US$83 per day.

Banks

Banco de Bogotá, Santa Isabel, Mon-Thu 0800-1130, 1400-1600, Fri 0800-1130, 1400-1630, exchanges cash; and Banco Agrario, Santa Isabel, exchanges cash. An ATM is tucked away just before the Lover’s Bridge, on the road to Santa Catalina. Exchange rates from shops and hotels are poor.

Emergencies

Police: T2.

Internet

Bodycom, in CC Newball, next to super- market Hamilton.

Medical services

Ambulance, T514 8016 at hospital;

Medical emergencies, T11.