How to Get to Providencia from San Andres: Colombia
Updated for 2026: After Hurricane Iota in 2020, Providencia has spent several years rebuilding. Tourism has returned, although transport operators and schedules have changed over time. I've kept my personal experience of visiting the island while updating the practical information throughout this guide.
With no doubt, Providencia is Colombia's best-kept secret. Located closer to Nicaragua than to Colombia, it forms part of the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina.
Only those who really reallly want to go make it there.
I love a good desert island, and when I first heard about Providencia, I became intrigued to the point that it sounded too good to be true. Travelling through Colombia, I just had to find out for myself.
With pristine, unspoiled beaches, void of cruise ships and hordes of tourists, crystal clear turquoise waters, snorkelling hotspots and a breeze that sweeps through your hair as you sip on a cold beverage, forgetting any worries, Providencia is a dream destination.
There's no hot water in most accommodation options, little to no Wi-Fi, and mosquitoes and sand flies roam during prime hours.
But Providencia is the kind of island you don't come across all too often, a place where you truly can switch off, relax and enjoy the beautiful Caribbean beaches all to yourself!
In this post, we'll be going through how to get to Providencia from San Andres. It's worth booking in advance as tickets are limited given the small planes. The boats get booked up quickly too.
Providencia Colombia
The busiest beach on the island
Step 1: Get to San Andres from mainland Colombia
To get to Providencia, you'll have to fly from mainland Colombia or Panama to San Andres. When you board your flight to San Andres, the airline will ask you to pay a tourist tax.
You'll receive an entry card which entitles you to enter San Andres and Providencia. Make sure you keep this card safe! It'll be checked upon arrival and exit to both San Andres and Providencia!
There are direct flights to San Andres daily from Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena.
San Andres is a popular destination for Colombian tourists, so don't be surprised if prices are higher during Colombia's peak holiday season.
Step 2: Travel from San Andres to Providencia
This is often where the confusion begins. At least it did for me :)
There are two ways to get to Providencia from San Andres.
By boat
By plane
Travel by boat
I didn't take the boat because every account I heard about the crossing sounded pretty intense. If you're prone to seasickness like me, you may want to seriously consider flying instead.
Ferry services between San Andrés and Providencia have changed over the years, and operators and schedules can be difficult to confirm in advance. The previous provider, Conocemos Navegando, no longer appears to operate the route, so I’d recommend checking the latest options locally in San Andrés before travelling. There may be a new provider called Susurro B, which started operating in December 2025, although that’s up in the air too according to local sources.
If you do decide to take the boat, be prepared for a potentially rough crossing. From what I heard, passengers are required to wear seat belts, seasickness medication is commonly provided before departure, and crew members are on hand with sick bags for passengers who need them.
If you have strong sea legs and the ferry is running during your visit, it can be a cheaper alternative to flying. However, for anyone who struggles with motion sickness, the short flight is likely to be the more comfortable option.
Note: Let me know if you do find a ferry company in the comments below, and I’ll update the article :)
Travel by air
After going around in circles, there are different options when booking a flight to Providencia. I'll take you through each of them.
The flight from San Andres to Providencia is 20 minutes each way, so booking this flight will probably be one of the most expensive flights you've booked given the distance.
You'll be in a tiny aeroplane that carries 19-20 passengers, so it's probably going to be the fastest boarding you've also done!
Depending on the airline, luggage limits can vary.
The views over the lagoons are stunning!! It’s been one of my favourite plane journeys I've ever taken!
Here's how you can (and can't) book your flight online.
The flight to Providencia
1. Book with Satena
The best-known airline; you'll need to book in advance as the planes become fully booked. Prices range from $250,000 COP one-way to $310,000 COP.
The planes are operated by Searca (I'll get to this in a minute).
You can check out flights, schedules and prices for Satena here.
2. Book with Searca directly
Searca operate several flights to Providencia, so it would make sense to book with them directly.
The only thing is that their booking platform involves filling out a form and awaiting a response. Not ideal.
Personally, I'd avoid this option, but if you still want to have a look, here's the link.
3. Grupo San German
This is the option I went with, but unfortunately the company has gone out of business.
Handy tips when flying
Expect strict baggage limits. The aircraft are very small, so checked luggage allowances are much lower than on most domestic flights. Check your airline's baggage policy before you travel.
Don't be surprised if you're weighed too! When I flew, the airline weighed not only my luggage but also me with my backpack on my back. It's standard practice on these small aircraft to help distribute weight safely. That's just how small the place is!!
Book ahead during peak season. I booked around a week before travelling and still found availability, but flights can fill up quickly during holidays and busy travel periods.
The views are incredible. Grab a window seat if you can. Flying over the Caribbean Sea and seeing Providencia's turquoise waters from above was one of the highlights of the journey.
Inside the aircraft
Searca Plane Providencia… Boarding the flight
In summary...
Out of the options, if you have a steady stomach, the boat may be for you.
Having heard so many stories about the ferry crossing, I decided to fly, and I'm really glad I did. The journey was quick, comfortable, and the views over the Caribbean Sea were incredible!
If you're travelling during busy periods, I'd recommend booking your transport well in advance, whichever option you choose.
Important notes:
When you go through immigration in Providencia, they'll ask to see your return ticket. As much as a one-way ticket to paradise is tempting, be sure to have a return flight!
They'll also ask you to show the tourist card that you paid for when you entered San Andres.
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With that... Hope you enjoy your trip to Providencia, Colombia!!
