Grand South America 2017: Isla de Providencia

As early as the 1600’s, Puritans from England established a colony on what is sometimes called “Old Providence” island. Their attempts at colonization failed and the Dutch gave it a try, also throwing up their hands and abandoned their efforts. It was French pirates who really found use for the island in the 1700s and much later the island was annexed by Columbia, although it is geographically much closer to Nicaragua. Providencia’s isolation has turned out to be a blessing. While many other Caribbean islands suffer from overdevelopment, this island is the way the Caribbean used to be: pristine beaches with crystal clear waters, safe, clean villages and a completely laid back pace of life. Just under 5,000 people live on Providencia and the island retains influences of all the cultures that have been part of its history. English is widely spoken, but the Columbian and Spanish influence is felt in the cuisine, heavy on local seafood, cooked simply and deliciously. The tourists who do make it to this island do so for the world class diving along the world’s third largest barrier reef, home to sea turtles and exotic tropical fish. The idyllic stretches of white sand beaches are minimally developed, often with a beach bar where locals and visitors gather to listen to live reggae. Horseback riding and hiking to the “The Peak” reward the adventurous with incredible views and cool sea breezes. Just across the “Loves Bridge” Santa Catalina island begs to be explored, with its ruined fort and cannons and the treasure cave once used by legendary pirate Captain Morgan, who frequented the island.

We took the tender over to Isla de Providencia. The tender ride was about 35 minutes as the ship could not come in any closer. As we got off the tender, there were dancers and a band playing. They were decked out in their local clothes. We walked across the bridge to Santa Catalina island where there was a lovely path along the water. We then climbed 81 steps to see the two canons that were used by Captain Morgan. There was not much in the town, as this is a very small island, about 12 miles around.

Tomorrow (1/7) we will be in Costa Rica.

As I mentioned when we got off the ship we were greeted with some muscians and dancers as well as their Christmas decorations.

Then we crossed the Lovers Bridge to Santa Catalina island.

As we walked along the path we saw a very interesting restaurant that was not open till 4. We assumed they opened it after everyone had come back from fishing.