Info needed on Providencia (Provo)

[sprogell]

I am thinking about spending the last week of March on Providencia, and can find very little info about the island. I would love to know a number of things:
1) I am using a frequent flyer ticket on American Airlines to Bogata, but then what?
2) What accomodations are there, which is the best one, and how do I make reservations?
3) Is snorkeling good there? Is the good snorkeling near-shore, or must we take a boat?
4) Is the diving good? Can we rent equipment there?
5) Is there windsurfing, and is there decent equipment for rent?
6) Are there sandflies and/or mosquitoes?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Rob

[bonniejoy03]

Hi. Do you mean Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos? It is sometimes referred to as Provo. If so, I can then help if not, please tell me where it is.



Thanks.

[sprogell]

many thanks for your reply.
being a luxury link virgin, i was so excited about what a terrific resource this community is-- and how much fun being a member is going to be-- that i was more than a bit hasty in putting together my first post. i shoud have known that "Provo" is Provodenciales in Turks and Caicos, thanks for that help.
In response to your reply, i did some further googling, this time for San Andres, the archipelago belonging to Colombia but closest i think to Nicaragua, of which Providencia is one island. and finally some websites came back at me.
still, i'd love to know if any members have actually been there and can answer my questions.

[bonniejoy03]

Hi Sprogell and WELCOME. You will enjoy LL. Thanks for clarifying the location. Wow...don't know this place. I have been to Nicaragua a few times and can't place where the islands would be located. Could it be near Venezuela? (islas roques?) I would love to learn more. Please share any info! THANKS!!!

[sprogell]

bonniejoy03 thanks so much for keeping at it with me-- it's easy to see how you earned your VIP status!
Ok, well i am darned persistent myself, and i finally hit the motherload. Providencia is an island right next to San Andres island (pronounced ANDreas i believe), and they belong to Colombia, even thought they appear to be closest to Nicaragua.
i still haven't found out too much about Providencia (sometimes referred to Old Providence i think) but here's a website devoted to SAI (San Andres Island) where you spend a HUGE amount of time reading posts by loads of people who basically just gush about the place.

http://groups.msn.com/BigJuicesSanAndresIsland

check out the message board.

anyway, it is a pleasure to introduce a world traveler such as yourself to a virtually unknown place. mabye that will earn me VIP contributor status! just kidding. and guess what, my partner and i have decided to punt and go instead to our tried and true Bonaire, where we know the windsurfing is the best. do you have any insights into an accomodation that we might not be familiar with?

again many thanks, and i look forward to "consulting" with you on another destination in the future.

[bonniejoy03]

Hi Sprogell. Thanks so much for the update. Will need to look into this place! Well, sounds like you are headed to Bonaire. I heard the snorkelling/scuba is wonderful there. I don't think we have seen to many posts on the property. I am not too familiar with the accomodations. Have you thought about renting a villa? Which property do you usually stay at?