BootsnAll Travel Community

The Bluff area overlooks the reef pool created by the reef and the Island, on the Eastern side of the Islands. Recently Tropical Storm Beta moved very close to the reef on this side towards the north and became a Hurricane Class one after 23 hours of hitting Old Providence with all it's strength. It's a wonderful place that holds Crab cay, a small coraline formation that is surrounded by life, and Three Brother's Cay which is a Bird Sanctuary in which the Man o' War find places to nest and reporduce!

Paul

Split Hill. The story says that the devil was flying above the Caribbean and when he saw the beauty of Old Providence and Santa Catalina he got closer, and started flying over the Islands. He was admiring the beauty of the islands and forgot about looking to his front and he hit the mountain. He split it and he blew up in pieces. It is said that every place a piece of the devil landed a plant of Cock Spur was born. This plant has very hard thorns that are inhabited by deviled angry ants that really get a kick out of human flesh....

Lovers cove! This is the bridge that connects Old Providence With Santa Catalina. Before, it was just a very shallow place that was normally crossed by small boats, but when the bay was developed it was deepened to allow for bigger boats to pass through. Currently there is a high spot right in the middle of the bridge which is used by the small fishing boats, saving them the trouble of going all around Santa Catalina. It is a wonderful place to look for Small eagle rays and baby barracudas. It has Red and White Mangrove on both sides of the bridge. and It's a favorite place for islanders on Sundays to cool down their temperatures with a joyful plunge from the Bridge!

Paul

This is a great view of the Catalina Bay, and the Brigde that connects Santa Catalina to Old Providence. The "Taru" is a boat that gets to the island every 15 days filled with goodies from continental Colombia. One of the greatest treasures it brings is quite a large amount of BEER for such a small island!!!

This picture was taken from the road to "the Camp", a small sttlement located on a hill, on the road to Freshwater bay, one of the most important Hotel areas in the Island.

Paul

Old Providence's Catholic Church, located in Free Town. The islands' inhabitants inherited their master's religions. One of those was the Catholicism. Some other relgions that are present in the island are Baptism (with a vast majority) and Javeh witnesses (with a very very reduced group). Old Providence is an Island that lives it's culture with a lot of passion and no matter if it's catholicism or Baptism, people will go to sunday school and sunday church, weraring their best clothes and willing to participate in the ceremonies.

Paul

Old Providence is having Presence in the Anato gathering to be held in Bogota this year. The idea is to promot the Island not only as a national destination but also as an international destination that can offer a fresh option for Vacations. Not only the environment is attractive in this Island, but also its cultural and muscial samples and the Island's cuisine promise an unforgetable experience for all those who decide to go!

Paul

hey Jamie!

you're most welcome to this Island!!!!

Paul

Bonja:

hope your trip marks this Island as well. you'll find a lot of new things in here!!!!

Paul

For all the guys taking their PADI Diving course in Tanganga (Santa Marta), Old Providence is the next spot. You are more than welcome!

Paul

Clarity in its waters. That´s what you´ll get in Old Providence. The Catalina Bay offers smooth waters that are ideal not only for diving, but also for Snorkeling and Kayaking.

Feb 15.17/2007
a Swedish Vessel named GUnilla Spent three days in the island. May the crew have the best of memories from this wonderful Island.

Paul-
As I have been doing research for my coming trip to Colombia you have been one of my greatest resources. I really appreciate everything that you have written about your country and your island and I am extremely excited to get there. I plan on visiting Old Providence for at least a week and wonder if you could reccomend a few places to stay, dive outfits, or really just anything. I get to Bogota on the 13th of march and won't be up north until close to the end of the month I think. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks

RastaPaul, I have been scouting these islands for some time now. Do they get any trade wind swell in the ocean?

Im a surfer looking for uncrowded waves. How are the waves here on this island?

I know the carribean side of Costa Rica and Panama have excellent waves, but for these Islands it depends on many things. Let me know please, thank you

TX surfer:

The waves around Old Providence are not big enough to surf. In fact, the island is well protected by the second largest reef and there´s no surfing spot around it. The reef pool is quite mellow, so I guess this is not the right island for uncrowded waves, but diving is the best. You are more than welcome!

Stretchaholic:

the first recommendation is, once you get to Bogota on march 13th, get your ticket at once. You can check on tourist agencies for the Decameron plans. Let me see what I can find about prices at the hotels here. I know that all hotels will offer good accommodation, but just keep in mind that the architecture of the island is restricted to preserve the culture so you will not find something really big. Instead, you will find very comfortable cabins, and a lot of nature around you.

Diving is best with Felipe Diving, located in the tourist area of Freshwater Bay (NAUI) or Scuba Town located in Old town area (PADI). I live between these two areas. I know all the instructors and I can say that they are very safe and they´ll take you to really great places.

Let me know what else you need.

Paul