Isla Providencia, Columbia

Isla Providencia 

Our time on Isla Providencia has been wonderful. With it’s population of only 4,800, this island is a tropical paradise unspoiled by tourism. 

We are anchored in Santa Catalina Harbor, with a beautiful snorkeling site just off of our swim step. The coral reef is amazing with many colorful fish. Morgans head an outcropping of various rocks and amazing snorkel site welcomed us into the harbor. We snorkeled in the clear waters that are dotted with dark caves along the bank. 

Providencia is connected by a low wooden foot bridge off its NW corner to a smaller hilly Isla Catalina. We took the walk through the jungle to the end and enjoyed the view of Morgans Head from the land side. Captain Morgan was a pirate that frequented this area years ago. There are stories of buried treasure on the island. The warm breezes and clear blue waters are treasure enough for me.

This little buy enjoyed my apple core

The cannons that sit on the hilltop of Santa Catalina that protect the point provide cool shade for the many lizards that live here.

We hiked up to “The Point”, a beautiful walk up to a high peak that allows a picturesque view of the island and surrounding Caribbean. It took several hours to work our way to the top. Along the way we encountered many lizards, some a bright blue color. They scamper through the dry leaves as we walked along the trail, making an interesting hike.

The preferred mode of transportation on the island is motor bikes. Last night Bill and I climbed on a  honda 100 with our driver to visit “Rollies”, a fun outdoor night club.  I asked myself more than once on the half hour ride, what the hell am I doing sandwiched between a sweaty kid with dreadlocks and Bill tickling me from behind? We dodged cars, trucks and other crazy cycle drivers on our half hour joy ride. When we arrived to the ocean front bar we danced to Ragaee music around a bonfire with Bob Marley look a likes, and had a wonderful time. Our return trip was even more eventful as we had a obstacle course of crabs to avoid. They migrate into the jungle to mate and then return to the ocean to lay their eggs. Unfortunately for the crabs the paved streets are in their path. Many of the roads are closed in the evenings to allow the crab to migrate without threat of being crushed my vehicles. Our adventure back to the boat was met with many detours and starts and stops and I thought Costa Rica had creative drivers.

Their is another Nordhavn in our anchorage, JASDIP a N47. When I asked John the owner what his boat name represented he smiled and answered, Just another shitty day in paradise... Very well said for The Caribbean, every day is paradise.