Frequently Asked Questions

PROVIDENCIA

  • What languages are spoken in Providencia and Santa Catalina islands?

    Most people here speak both English and Spanish. Local people communicate in the great majority in Island Creole, a local variation of English that makes the islands even more special.

  • What’s the weather like in Providencia and Santa Catalina islands?

    The Providencia and Santa Catalina islands enjoy a tropical climate, which means it is warm and sunny throughout the year.
     
    Temperatures usually range from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C), with an average of 82°F (28°C). Sea breezes make it comfortable even on warmer days.
     
    The rainy season in Providencia Island is mostly from May to November, with the heaviest rain between October and mid-November. Even then, rain rarely lasts all day. Showers are often brief and happen in the afternoon or at night, so you can still enjoy sunshine during the day.
     
    There is plenty of sunshine year-round, which is perfect for diving and relaxing on the beaches.

  • Where are Providencia and Santa Catalina Islands, and how do I get there?

    Providencia and Santa Catalina are green, hilly islands in the Caribbean Sea. They sit about 775 km northwest of mainland Colombia and 93 km northeast of San Andrés Island. These islands are part of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, an archipelago known for its rich history and diversity.
     
    To reach Providencia, you first need to travel to San Andrés Island.
     
    Four domestic airlines—Avianca, Latam, Wingo, and JetSmart—fly to San Andrés from different cities in Colombia.
    If you are traveling internationally, Copa Airlines offers flights from Panama.
     
    After you arrive in San Andrés, you can take a 20-minute flight with Satena to reach Providencia.
    For more information, please see our travel guide.

  • Is it possible to get there by sea?

    Currently, there are no passenger boat services to the island.

RESERVES

  • Do I need to make a reservation?

    Yes, we work with small groups and offer personal service, so spots fill up fast. To secure your place, please book in advance. You can reserve in person at the dive resort, on our website, or by phone or WhatsApp. A 20% deposit is required.

  • How can I pay the deposit?

    To reserve your spot, you need to pay a deposit. You can pay in cash or by credit/debit card at the dive resort, or use a payment link, bank transfer, PSE, or QR code.

  • Can I reserve the day before I want to take the service?

    If you want to book a diving activity less than 24 hours before it starts, please call or message us on WhatsApp to check availability.

  • Can I change my reservation?

    We understand that plans can change. If you let us know at least 24 hours before your diving activity, we will reschedule you at no extra cost, subject to weather and availability.

  • Do I receive a refund if I cancel?

    For any service except group diving, customers may cancel up to 30 days before the scheduled service to receive a full refund of the deposit. If you cancel between 15 and 29 days before the reserved date, 50% of the deposit will be refunded. If you cancel between 24 hours and 14 days prior to the diving day, or if you fail to show up, the deposit will be non-refundable and non-transferable to another person. No credits will be applied to future reservations.
    For more information, you can visit our terms and conditions website page.

  • What occurs if The Dive Shop Old Providence cancels a dive?

    The Dive Shop Old Providence reserves the right to cancel any dive if conditions are deemed unsafe. This includes, but is not limited to, rough seas, heavy rain, poor visibility, or strong currents. In such cases, customers will not be charged for the dive and will have the option to reschedule or receive a refund of their deposit, unless otherwise specified in the terms and conditions.

  • Do I receive a refund if I arrive late?

    We understand that sometimes things happen; however, please keep in mind that our diving tours run on a schedule and, for logistical reasons, if you are running late, we will do our best but may not be able to wait for you. If you arrive late and your tour has already left, the deposit is non-refundable, non-transferable to another person, and no credit will be given toward future reservations.

  • Do I receive a refund if I don’t complete the activity?

    If a diver chooses not to complete the full activity, no partial refund will be given. If a diver chooses not to complete a dive course, any partial refund given will be at the discretion of The Dive Shop Old Providence.

  • Do I receive a refund if I decide to cancel any certificated course?

    • If a student withdraws after the course materials have been sent, only the cost of the course materials will be charged, which corresponds to the 20% deposit.
    • No refunds will be issued once the course has started, unless otherwise stated in these terms. However, if a student wishes to finish the course elsewhere, a transfer form valid for 12 months can be issued, allowing them to continue at another PADI Diving Center. The student will be responsible for any additional fees at the new diving center.

PRICES, ORDERS, AND PAYMENTS

  • Do you offer discounts or package prices?

    We do not offer discounts because our prices reflect the quality of our service and equipment. We focus on small groups and personal service. We pay our team fairly to give you the best experience, and we focus on providing excellent diving rather than competing on price. Thank you for understanding.

  • When do I have to pay the balance of my reservation?

    Your reservation balance is payable in full during check-in.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We accept major Debit/Credit cards and other payment methods, such as bank transfer, QR, payment link, PSE, or cash.

  • What currency are the prices listed in on your website, and do they include taxes?

    All prices on our website are in COP and include applicable taxes unless otherwise stated. We reserve the right to change prices at any time.

  • What is the cost of diving gear rental?

    The prices listed include all necessary dive equipment, such as a tank, BCD, regulator, weights, fins, mask, and wetsuit, if desired.

  • Do you offer insurance?

    The Dive Shop Old Providence is committed to safe diving practices and injury prevention. It is not mandatory, but we recommend that if you intend to go scuba diving, you have an insurance policy that covers this activity. If you would like to purchase diving insurance, we can offer it through our partner Divers Alert Network (DAN).
    • DAN’s Short Term Dive Accident Coverage is available to divers between the ages of 8 and 70 who are certified divers, divers in training, freedivers, and freedivers in training. You can register and pay for your own Short Term Dive Accident Coverage through this link.
    • You can get one-year coverage with DAN’s Dive Accident Assistance Packages at this link.
    • Student Medical Coverage – Entry level: Our Open Water Diver students will be enrolled in DAN’s Student Medical Coverage. They will be covered for injuries sustained during their entry-level training.

FUN DIVES

  • How long does a typical dive last?

    Depending on air consumption and depth, a normal dive can last between 35 and 45 minutes.

  • How many dives a day do you do?

    Normally, we do two dives in the morning.

  • Do I need a wetsuit?

    The water temperature averages between 27-30°C (80-86°F) year-round, so it really depends on your comfort level! If you’re someone who gets chilly easily, we’d definitely recommend wearing a wetsuit. Enjoy your time in the water.

  • How big are the group sizes?

    We’re excited to welcome up to 8 divers. To make sure everyone has a great experience, we’ll divide into 2-3 groups based on your experience and certification levels.

  • What are the depths of the local dive sites?

    The diving depths at local sites vary by certification level. Participants in Discovery Scuba Diving (DSD – Minicourse) can dive to a maximum depth of 12 meters. Open Water Divers can go to 18 meters, while Advanced Open Water Divers and those with higher certifications can dive up to 30 meters.
    In Providencia, there is a wide range of depths for diving, from 9 to 40 meters (approximately 30 to 130 feet).

  • How do you choose the dive sites you’re going to?

    We choose our dive sites every morning, taking into account the weather and our divers’ experience levels. This way, everyone can have the best possible experience.

  • What is the minimum age to dive?

    We understand that exploring the underwater world is such an exciting adventure, and it’s wonderful to know that children can start their journey early. The minimum age for Discover Scuba and Junior Open Water Diver certification is 10 years old. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn and experience the ocean.

  • I don’t have a certification. Can I still dive?

    You can dive without a certification by participating in a Discover Scuba dive, which includes one or two tanks along the reef under the direct supervision of an instructor.

  • When is the best time to dive in Providencia?

    Diving conditions are good throughout the year. However, it can get crowded during Colombian holidays, particularly Semana Santa. Since there are no large rivers on the island, visibility remains excellent even during the rainy season.

  • Is it safe to dive if the weather forecast looks unfavorable?

    Weather apps are often inaccurate for such a small island, while wind forecasts tend to be more reliable. If it’s too windy, we may not receive permission to go out. We get this information from the Coast Guard, usually on short notice.

  • Can I use alcohol or drugs before or between dives?

    Please refrain from consuming any alcohol or drugs before diving between dives. These substances can impair your judgment, reaction time, and coordination, significantly increasing the risk of accidents underwater. This includes marijuana, even in locations where it may be legal. This policy is in place to protect your well-being and ensure a safe diving environment for everyone. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
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