In Old Providence and Santa Catalina, nature still rules, so activities such as hiking, observing fauna and flora are part of the booklet for tourists and travelers. It also has one of the 59 national parks of Colombia.
McBean Lagoon National Park
McBean Lagoon is a natural reserve of 1300 hectares of which 905 are marine. It was declared a National Natural Park in 1996. Its land portion is formed by a small isolated hill known as Iron Wood Hill, which rises to 150 meters above sea level and a flat alluvial basin where the McBean mangrove grows.
In its marine portion, the barrier reef that protects the coasts of the island of Providence, which is the second largest in the Caribbean, after Belize, stands out. This great coral reef, with its varied formations, together with the reef lagoon that forms in front of the McBean mangrove, give the sea a spectacular range of colors ranging from deep blue to translucent aquamarine green. It is thanks to this unique color that the sea of Providence is known as "The Sea of Seven Colors". Part of the Park are the Crab Cay and the three brothers where hundreds of frigates now nest.
The boat tour around the island includes a visit to the park that has a cost for nationals and foreigners. In its route, you can visit Crab Cay, which not only offers a majestic view of the sea that surrounds it, but also allows you to practice snorkeling.
Within the terrestrial part of the park there is a path that can be traveled by tourists and travelers.
Forest Reserve The Peak or the Peak
The path that leads to The Peak or El Pico, is the most important on the island of Providence. It is taken in the Botton House or Casabaja sector. It is recommended that travelers and tourists get advice from a good guide, not only to avoid getting lost, but also because they can tell the stories and legends and describe the flora and fauna.
The Peak is the highest point of Providence, it reaches 360 mt above sea level and 360º view when it reaches its peak. From there, you can admire the immense sea and the power of the barrier reef. In this place are born the sources of water that nourish the territory with fresh water. Its vegetation is representative of the dry forest. In addition, it is a bird and reptile observation point. Going up and down takes about 3 hours. It is suggested to visit the observation point early in the morning and dress comfortably.
Salt Creek
This trail starts in the area known as Lazzy Hill or San Felipe and it aims to reach the Salt Creek waterfall. The first part of the ascent to the fall of water is done through the ravine of the area, and then you cross fields where you can see the orchids of the islands. For this route it is necessary to have a guide who can also take you to the other side of the island.
Paths Between Bays Southwest y Manchineel
From the Bay of Manchineel you can reach the bay of Southwest or vice versa. This trail can be traveled on foot or on horseback. In its route are fossils of coral origin, large ceibas, cedars and other timber trees. In addition, easy to observe migratory and endemic birds, as well as the lizards of the territory. Its main attraction is the whisper of the sea that accompanies the walker throughout its journey.
Path to the Head of Morgan
After crossing the boardwalk of lovers, to the left, you have the Santa Catalina Mall that will take you to the stairs to the Fort Warwick; the first of the forts built by the English for the defense of the islands. There is also the virgin who serves as watchman to the tomb of the pirate Louis Michel Aury. When descending from the fort we find Fort beach and from there on the path that leads to the famous Morgan´s Head begins, a huge rock that looks from the sea, on the route from Providence to Santa Catalina, recalls the pirate's face and finally a great cliff view from the mountain itsef.