WHAT TO DO

Both San Andres and Providence offer great diving and several dive shops and operators. But when you have to take a break, there's an incredible array of activities to keep you busy--especially on San Andres. On San Andres, most hotels offer all-inclusive rates so activities may be included in the package price.

For more on what to to in San Andres or Providence click here.

Some of the activities include:

• Sailing
• Water skiing
• Windsurfing
• Snorkeling
• Parasailing
• Taxi tours
• Jet ski rentals
• Golf-cart rentals
• Motorbike rentals
• Bicycle rentals
• Extreme shopping
• Dancing/nightlife

Your hotel can provide information on the various tours available, or you can contact a tour operator on your own.

Providence is less developed and as a result, fewer amenities are available, however that is one of its main charms. Local attractions include diving, snorkeling, hiking and the beaches.

ECO TOURS

The islands are quite small, and can be traversed in a matter of hours. Eco-tour operators are generally associated with hotels, but some of them offer dolphin watching tours, boating trips to some of the outlying cays and beaches, and island tours via taxi services.

Some of the interesting sights on San Andres include:

• The First Baptist Church
• Johnny Cay Regional Park
• Captain Henry Morgan's pirate cave and museum
• Mangrove forests
• The Pond - a fresh-water lake in the middle of the island that is home to the "little alligator"
• Camping on Haynes Cay

Interesting things to see and do on Providence:

• The Biosphere National Park Reserve

• The Peak – The island's tallest point, a scenic 45-minute hike

• Lover's Bridge – Take a walk on this small bridge connecting Santa Catalina Island with Providence

• Crab Cay – a small uninhabited island that is a favorite for snorkeling

For more information on San Andres activities, visit the official website at www.sanandres.com or about.com.