San Andres/Providencia Colombia

[floridafish]

Hello,
I am looking into a trip to San Andres and Providencia. Has anyone been diving there? What is the condition of the reefs and fishlife? What operator would you recommend?

As you can see, any and all info will be appreciated. This trip is just in the "possible" stage, so your answers will help make up my mind!

Thanks,

Floridafish

[tadeotadeo]

I have dove both Islands, the reefs and walls are somewhat similar there is just 10 times more reefs to dive on Old Providence and the reefs are generally healthier there with less pollution and tourism. Although it is apparent global warming has taken some effect on the reefs.
San Andres Island has a spectacular wall on the windward side of the island, the downfall is it is usually not accessible duo to rough weather. If u r there for a week to 10 days you might get a chance to dive it. The rest of the diving is also great but not a spectacular as the Blue Wall. There is numerous shallow dive/snorkel for the not so experienced. A really cool shipwreck in the sand at about 35 feet and at low tide the mast pears out above the waves, great for fotos. Topside there is nightlife, casinos, zip line, and a good population of people to mingle with.
Old Providence Island has numerous walls caves and caverns, more than you could see in a week’s time. Snorkeling and shore diving in abundance to the patch reefs around the Santa Catalina and Three Brothers Island. With a small and eco-friendly population the reef are some of the healthiest in the Caribbean. There is one German shipwreck that I have not dove yet. Topside not much to do but hike, horse back ride, relax, take a motto ride tour around the island, Have a beer with some locals and get to know the people. All of the resorts are small mom and pop cabanas, not big resorts or casinos.
I have an article by “Nature” on the health of the reefs around OPI, I also have an article from Sport Diver on OPI, comparing the walls similar to Little Cayman. I can make available if you’re interested.
I have connection on both islands. Contact me if you want more info.
ciao
Tad

[floridafish]

Tad,
Thanks so much for giving me the info. If you can give me the link to the 2 articles that you mentioned, I would certainly be interested reading them.

In looking into the trip, my inclination was that OPI would be the best diving, and your reply confirms it. We are experienced divers, and also enjoy a good snorkel, so Santa Catalina/Three Brothers sounds interesting. We are photographers, so if the divemaster has an appreciation for photo folks, it would be a plus. Thanks for the link to the dive op--

We usually like to do 2 morning dives, and either an afternoon/evening dive, or sightsee. If the cabana is located close to the dive boat, and on the beach, with restaurant it would be great.

We probably wouldn't be going until the Spring 2009. What would be the best time of year to go considering reliability of weather and best viz?

Thanks again for your time--

Linda

[tadeotadeo]

Hey Linda
The articles I have in PDF format so they will have to me e-mail to you.
The DO's will mostly take you where you want to go but as all DO, they have to take into consideration all the divers. That being said the boats are rarely crowded. My last trip in May we had 1 days with a full boat (10) and 5 days with just 2 divers so we were able to do and go when and where we wanted. If you go in the off season March-May, Aug-Nov chances are will have this luxury.
The Hotels, restaurants, grocery, dive boats, are all right in the Agua Dulce (Sweet Water) section of Old Providence and all within walking distance, one end to the other is maybe a.
Best time to go I think is the winter months but the vis can be low with the northerly winds that time of year, 80 degree weather with a cool breeze, winters can also be crowded, well crowed for OPI standards. Remember there are strict regulations on OPI for environmental protection, so they regulate everything including tourism.
Spring is good, vis gets better unless there is a storm, it’s before the hurricane season, even though OPI is mostly out of the hurricane belt there are a few storms that brush the area, this is low season so you have the island to yourself per-say.
Summer is hot not much of a breeze, vis is good, tourism is also at it peak in the summer months
Fall is a lot like spring
The rainy season are between Spring and Summer and and between Fall and Winter.
So the best time to come depends on what you want no crowds, Spring or Fall, best vis summer.
I do 2 annually trips, Memorial Day week and Labor Day week if you are considering spring 2009.
Ciao
Tad

PS: the link is to my web page

[TheScout]

I spent a week in Old Providence, all arranged by Tad. Superb.

TC
Morristown, NJ
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