PBH / colombia (travelguide, pictures) / post

boat from San Andres to Providencia

We are planing on going to both islands in August and I was wondering if it is still possible to take the boat from San Andres to Providencia. Peter wrote in the travel guide section that the boat used to leave usually on Wednesdays and Fridays. Is this still accurate?
Anyone done this? Any tips on where to stay in Providencia and San Andres, nothing fancy, backpacker style. Thanks!

here's what Peter writes in the travel guide section:

"Boat.

An alternative way to Providencia from San Andres is by boat. We didn't take the boat but did the research anyway. It's not listed in the popular travel guides like Lonely Planet, so it's pretty much off the beaten track.

A few times a week (Wednesday and Friday at the moment but check) there's a cargo boat going to Providencia that takes passengers. You basically sleep outside on the boat on a mattress. Vomiting is quite possibly part of the trip.

The boat is called the Dona Olga. To arrange a trip, go to Maritime El Cove del Muelle, Av. Newball 2 - 40, which is a pier with boats on the east side of San Andres town. Just go inside and talk to the people there. The trip should cost 40,000 pesos per person (US$ 20), one way."

By jonas on Jun 24, 2008, 12:43 in Friendly Talkzone.

jonas says on Jun 24, 2008, 12:43:

bump

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

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Peter (Moderator) says on Jun 24, 2008, 12:51:

It's definitely off the beaten track. I think it should still be possible, but the only way to know is to go there and ask.

Poor but snappy

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jonas says on Jun 24, 2008, 12:55:

just hoping someone here may have done it or know...
cheers

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Cheers Terry says on Jun 24, 2008, 15:58:

I am going to rock your world.

This guy is a very good buddy of mine and he's the King of Providence. He knows everything and he's a straight shooter.

http://boards.bootsnall.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/591098755/m/32100691216

Cheers,
Terry

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Papi de Alejo says on Jun 24, 2008, 20:02:

I found this site some time ago but never used it. Perhaps, it might be of use to you.

http://www.karibikdiver.com/hostel.htm

PdA

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jonas says on Jun 25, 2008, 14:52:

cheers guys. contacted the above. I will let you know when I get news.

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Brian858 says on Jun 26, 2008, 03:00:

Any word on the Boat? I took a flight and it was scary as hell. The plane didn't have any seat belts and you could see the pilot from your seat. Here is a photo:

http://public.fotki.com/Nacira/colombia_82004/san_andres__provide/colo...

password = maggie

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jonas says on Jun 26, 2008, 07:29:

Brian, nice picture, funny looking airplane. That airline had their last crash a couple of years ago in Venezuela and has been shut down afterwards.

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jonas says on Jun 26, 2008, 07:31:

So the boat Doña Olga still does the runs to Providencia but there is no schedule and one has to go check what day they leave.

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viajero123 says on Sep 1, 2008, 04:21:

How long does the boat take from San Andres to Providencia? Has anyone actually taken it?

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