"Excellent Snorkeling and Colombia's Best Diving" Isla de Providencia Sports & Outdoors Tip by mircaskirca

With the world's third largest barrier reef (at about 255 square kilometres) Providencia is Colombia's top diving destination. This area is relatively unknown, yet offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean, with an immense amount of underwater biodiversity, warm tropical waters and excellent underwater visibility for almost all the year. The waters around Providencia have been designated a protected area by UNESCO and are now known as the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve. There are more than 30 dive sites and over 20 snorkeling sites, and none of which are spoiled by overcrowding.

There is a great diversity of different dive sites - cliffs, caves, blue holes and many sunken pirate ships. Providencia is suitable fol all divers, whether novice or experienced. The local diving operators are professional and equipment is of a high standard. Apart from the sites around the offshore belt near the islets of Cayo Tres Hermanos and Cayo Cangrejo, most of Providencia's finest dive spots are located on the island's western side. Almost all of them are easily accessible by boat, no more than half an hour away, several even only 5 to 10 minutes away. Divers are likely to spot turtles, lobsters, rays, barracuda and red snappers.

Snorkeling can be done on just about any part of the island where you can access the water. The snorkel areas are comprised mainly of rocky cliffs where you can find crevices and caves full of fish and coral formations. Some of the better spots to snorkel are Santa Catalina and Morgan's Head, Mc Bean Reserve, Cayo Tres Hermanos and Cayo Cangrejo.

Snorkeling and scuba tour companies primarily operate out of Aguadulce, with a choice of half and full-day tours.

Equipment: In case you don't bring your own snorkeling gear you can always rent some. Usually it is necessary to wear water shoes because at some places there are lots of rocks and coral formations. You can rent them as well.

Crystal clear waters make underwater photography popular so bring at least a disposable waterproof camera to capture Providencia's stunning seabed views.

Theme: Scuba Diving