BootsnAll Travel Community

I'll have to find out when Brian was last down there. The reason he is so interested in the model of Coralina is because it operates without politics or influence. He is in discussions with CNN to do a special on Coralina and show that this is the only model that will work. If politics and influence are allowed to play a part, then the results will not be the same - there will be comprimise.

I gotta tell you about this trip Im planning. And I would love if people get interested.

We go on a fishing trip with a friend of mine named Boongoosh and his brother mike. There are some reefs off to the north of the Colombian Marine territory. the place is called Queena Reef.

The trip for five of us will cost about One million pesos (roughly 400 dollars) for six to seven days. Now this trip is not for soft stomachs.

we will be sleeping on the boat, and we will be taking the essential to survive. The idea is to come back with a bounty in ocean products.

I forgot to tell you guys. When I go to the islands, I work with them as a fisherman, this is why Im sharing this with all of you.

What we do is not on an industrial level. AS you all know it IS NOT ALLOWED to extract coral from the OCEANS AROUND THE WORLD. and this trip is done with the sole intention of getting fish, congs, and lobster, nothing else. The selling will bring money to survive for a month to each of us.

But here's the interesting part. This place has no dry Land. You will get to spots in which the water will reach below your knees.

The place is nothing but life. Starting with Sharks , reef sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks, white tip sharks, etc. Moreels in every crack, all sorts of fish, huge groupers, snappers, dolphins on the way, ocean turtles, etc. Not to mention Spiny lobster, Ocean crab, and Congs, all around.

Fishermen dont go there every day, since there is a need to balance what you take and how fast it grows back. There are seasons in which we are allowed to fish certain species. But the most impressive thing is to see real fishermen (i'm just an amateur if you hadn't figured this by now) that will tell you what they will get before they get it out of the ocean and they will most certainly tell you where to find which species in the vast ocean.

Now I've gone through all this just to extend an invitation. I have spoken to Boongoosh and he is willing to take people out there on shorter trips, so you can get to a unique place in the world, were you will see nature at its best!

PM me for further information.

Here's another Idea for when you get to providence...

You can do this during the morning or after 3 pm (you dont want to get a lot of sun).

Take your snorkeling gear and go to The Lover's cove Bridge. Once there go to Santa Catalinas small and Protected beach. While you get up to see the little beach appear in front of you, take a look aht the old cannons that once protected the Catalina Bay. They were brought by the Providence Company (merchantile company that belonged to Count Warwick). It has been said that they were also used by Pirate Francis Morgan to defend his treasures from annoying spaniard vessels. Once you are at the beach, get ready to snorkel...

Oh one thing I forgot to mention. Take an islander with you. for obvious reasons, and one that knows his way around Catalina. And take some comfortable shoes too. (slippers will do)

you will be able to snorkel all the way to Morgan's Head (about two hundred meters. Make sure you look in every crack, for there are lots of octopi , small lobsters and sea crabs. On the way you will be able to stop and Drink some fresh coconut water and eat some sugar mangoes. No extra charge. Once you are about thirty meters from Morgan's head you will see a volcanic formation with a couple of caves ( about three meters deep - 10 feet Tops) if you feel like it, adventure in.

Morgan's head is a volcanic rock formation carved by the breeze and the water. Go around it and stay there in that natural pool for a while. It wont be long before you see large barracudas and schools of Jack swim close to you. After that its up to you if you decide to use morgans head to jump in to the water, people like those jumps. If not, then just climb out (its not hard at all), and walk your way back to the bridge that connects Providence and Catalina (there is where the islander comes in handy).

You will be able to see a wild vegetation (relax, the only snakes in providence are Boa constrictors, and they definately get away from islanders who like beheading them.)
you will see iguanas, lots of Black crab (only to be found here) from which you can make a wonderful soup. or eat its crab claws with garlic sauce. to sumthis up, it is a wonderful plan to relax, and SAVE MONEY!

Its the best time of the year for Providence. Long summer evenings with great parties! its time for the "Iguana Carnival" It is a three day holiday in which you will be able to expreience an authentic culture in the middle of the caribbean. Lots of dances, great music, all with a great afro/caribbean flavor.

The language is not a problem since all islanders practice use their caribbean accented english! There's no chance of missing out on something because of that language barrier.

Get ready to wine and dine, and wine a bit more!

You can't miss it. It has to be something to do in the future. This island is one of the few paradises left in the caribbean.

Always enjoy your informative posts. I actually looked earlier this morning to see if you had posted anything new. I can't wait to get down there - looks like October. I think our marine biologist friend is coming to Key West this week for some diving with us - maybe we will firm up details then.

That sounds wonderful. I only wish I could be there with you guys. It is a little paradise you only share with people who are ready to enjoy something true and I can't wait for you guys to get there.

I already spoke to Boongoosh and told him that there is a possibility of you guys coming over in october. He told me that he will be ready as well as all the island! You will have a great time.

Good to hear from you again.

I'll keep you guys posted. bye!

Paul

Thanks!

Kent

We planned on flying in through Panama becuse we are nervous about flying through the mainland of Columbia. The State Department warns against American tourists in Colombia. What do you think? If you advise flying through Colombia, what destination would you recommned? We will fly from Miami.

I understand the Department of State issuing these warnings. I have dug a bit into the web, and to answer a previous question you asked about why more canadians fly to colombia and seem to know more about it... well basically its becasue their counsulate offices here, keep their warnings updated. There you will find that Cartagena is a perfectly safe place for Foreigners, as well as cities like medellin (yes, the old Pablo escobar's medellin emporium), that has been totally transformed and has a tourism infrastructure that most would envy, or Bogota.

I would base my decision one one single fact: what is cheaper and what gets me faster to Old Providence. If you have a couple of days to spare( and plan on spending a little extra for the pleasure of knowing a different place), I would most definately consider Miami-Cartagena or Miami-Bogota. Cartagena for its historical position in the caribbean with some of the best preserved Spaniard Ruins. bogota, because Im here and I would enjoy showing you a little about this town, just before you go there. If definately you want to get there, the important thing is finding out about connections and the possibility of spending the least time in airplanes.

Let me know. Oh, by the way I can also find out about pricing, with the sole purpose of you establishing a comparison. All I need to do is contact the owner of the travel Agency I use (who used to be a professor of mine the university) and I can get a tentative itinerary with prices.

Just let me know!

Keep in touch!

I just thought you should know. I posted a forum on
colombia. Maybe you want to check it out. the idea is to let people know that Colombia is a place worth visiting. And it might ease your mind in terms of having to come here to go to Old providence.

currently I have some american contractors, who are friends of mine, from the US. I will be talking with them pretty soon, to see about the possibility of getting their thoughts about Colombia.

Im sure that you will hear all kinds of stories. But the truth is that the media will never show the right side of things around here...

Thanks. Good to know your thoughts on Colombia.

Where ever we fly through we want to spend a couple of days either b4 or after Providencia and the opposite end, just fly straignt throug. Flying through Panama requires an overnight stay to make connections, perhpas through Colombia we can make it all in one day. Will let you know.

Kent,

I'll be here. Just tell me whatever is best for you, and I will gladly help you out.

Just another piece of good information in terms of getting to this paradise. The State Airline has recently started a direct flight from Bogota to Providence. I think the airplane is a FOkker (it carries around 47 passengers and takes two hours and 15 minutes). This will favor the island in terms of opening the possibilities for ecotourists to visit old providence. At first I was a little scared since more flights mean more people, but there is a lot of pride from the islanders to keep their islands safe, and laws are rally strict around there, so it means a better chance to get to this little island.

Carnival Confirmed. Starting on June 23 and all the way to Junen 26. The weather right now promises a deep blue sky, constant ocean breeze and very calm waters until the end of this month. After this the weather will change, the wind will be sronger and it will be a perfect time for Kite surfing (yeap its something people are doing there now).

Very appropiate time for deep sea fishing too. And by this time of the year, a lot of sailboats reach the island coming back from the upper caribbean on their way to Panama (for the pacific). Others are on their way to Isla mujeres or Roatan in honduras.

This is the time of the year that the sun hits real nice, with nights that go beyond all senses! A new invitiation to visit this incredible paradise.

Both Scuba Town and Felipe's dive shops, are getting ready for this season in which the warm waters offer the best of Old Providence's underwater wildlife.

Sounds like a great time to be there.

Hi there! I would appreciate some help on how to properly place a picture in this thread. I feel pictures could really do some good, and awaken the intrest of people towards these islands...

thanks a lot!

I just heard from the islanders, that the wind is blowing nice and steady around there. According to the weather reports. It will be a windy June and July, but safe fromthe paths of Hurricanes. Its been more than 40 years since the last hurricane hit the island.

Good for us.

The fishing is good and since the currents have changed lots of deep see snappers are getting closer to the islands. Its a perfect time for fishing!!!

Hi everyone... I have done some research in the web, trying to find good pictures of Old Providence, and I have this address for you all...

http://groups.msn.com/BigJuicesSanAndresIsland/oldprovi...catalina.msnw?Page=1

There are several pictures and I Think you will find them very attractive. the pictures named Morgan's Gun, Capt, Morgan's defense and Santa Caltalina, are located in Santa Catalina, and all that coast you see there is where you can snorkel until you get to Morgan's head.


I hope these pictures work out for you guys, and I will try finding some more...

Boom! we are into the Hurricane season. I have continously spoken to my friends and relatives in Old Providence Island, and just like last year by this time, the weather has changed, in terms of water currents, and stronger Breeze (do not think of 20 mile winds!!!)

the days are hot and sunny, and the fishing is good. Just Yesterday, an uncle of my wife, went out fishing, and came back with about 60 pounds of Yellow tail!

So this is one new invitation for those who still have not decided to come visit. And those who are already planning to visit, there is no need to worry!!!

Cheers!

Hi everyone!

Here's a bit more about this islands. It was found in some documents that Both Coralina (the government regional corporation) and Conservation international released in early 2003 on the Island's facts:

The islands of Old Providence and Santa Catalina possess a number of attributes that greatly enhance their value for ecotourism. All three major marine ecosystems, coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves are represented and are in relatively good condition. The windward barrier reef, with a length of 32 km is the second largest barrier reef in the Caribbean, and covers a total area of 255 km2. The lagoon enclosed by the barrier reef has extensive seagrass beds with three species of seagrass. There are six major mangrove swamps and four species of mangrove are present in most locations. Old Providence and Santa Catalina have five main beaches and a number of small, more isolated beaches.

The built-up area of OP/SC is relatively small. Most of the land (about 70%) is covered by shrub vegetation. The dry tropical forest covers just over 7% of the land area and contains both mainland and Antillean elements. It is among the best preserved dry forests in the Caribbean and the number of species – more than 60 species per 1,000 m2 – indicates that it is an important center of biodiversity (Gentry, 1993; cited in CORALINA, 1998). The dry
forest appears to be approaching climax stage. Endemic species include 2 species of fish (one freshwater and one marine species) and 15 species of birds, most of which are endemic subspecies. Four of the endemic subspecies are restricted to Old Providence and Santa Catalina. Seventy-six (76) species of migratory birds have been recorded in the islands.

That's something important to consider if you are really planning on a good vacation...