No pico mais alto da ilha
1 / 10

Crab Cay (Cayo Cangrejo)

4.8
·57 reviews·, Colombia

A national park gem with crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning summit views. Perfect for snorkeling and relaxation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning (9 AM - 12 PM)

Beat the crowds, see turtles

CrowdLow
Loading map...
No pico mais alto da ilha

Crab Cay (Cayo Cangrejo)

Best Time

Morning (9 AM - 12 PM)

Beat the crowds, see turtles

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A national park gem with crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning summit views. Perfect for snorkeling and relaxation.

4.8
(57 reviews)

"This place is a must-visit if you made it to Providencia! Paradise."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Go Early for Turtles

Arrive by 9 AM to increase your chances of spotting sea turtles and avoid the midday rush.

💰 Boat Trip Cost

Expect to pay around 40,000 COP for a round trip boat ride from Deep Blue.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Snorkeling with Turtles

Snorkeling with Turtles

Around the island

Dive into crystal-clear waters and swim alongside sea turtles and vibrant fish. A true underwater spectacle!

Island Summit Views

Island Summit Views

Top of the cay

Hike to the island's peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Unforgettable vistas await.

Relaxing on the Pier

Relaxing on the Pier

The main pier

Secure a spot on the pier, soak up the sun, and gaze at the mesmerizing shades of blue. Pure island bliss.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Arrive early, ideally by 9 AM, to beat the crowds and maximize your time. The island is a national park, so expect an entry fee. Plan for about 3 hours to fully enjoy snorkeling, exploring, and relaxing.

Getting There & What to Bring

Boats to Crab Cay typically depart from Deep Blue and cost around 40,000 COP for a round trip. Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it, though rentals are available. Don't forget a towel and sunscreen!

Best Times

When
Morning (9 AM - 12 PM)
Why
Beat the crowds, see turtles
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon (1 PM - 4 PM)
Why
Quieter after lunch rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

TOP 5 restauranres en San Andrés🏝️ Esta vez me dejé llevar por sus sabores y descubrí 5 lugares que todo viajero debería conocer: 1️⃣ Las Fair Tables (📍Toda la isla) Mesitas rraizalescon empanadas, caracol, langosta y tortas de banano 💛 2️⃣ Miss Lidia (📍San Luis) - @restaurant_lydia El mejor rrondón, además de fish ballsy empanadas de cangrejo 🍲 3️⃣ Arnold’s Place (📍San Luis) - @placearnols Pescad...
@dqbillos
19.3K likes • 232.3K views

🎯 Go Early for Turtles

Arrive by 9 AM to increase your chances of spotting sea turtles and avoid the midday rush. Reddit

💰 Boat Trip Cost

Expect to pay around 40,000 COP for a round trip boat ride from Deep Blue. Reddit

🤿 Snorkel Gear

Rentals are available, but bringing your own snorkel can save time and ensure a good fit. Reddit

☀️ Pack Essentials

Don't forget a towel, sunscreen, and a hat for a comfortable day in the sun. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Go Early for Turtles

Arrive by 9 AM to increase your chances of spotting sea turtles and avoid the midday rush. Reddit

💰 Boat Trip Cost

Expect to pay around 40,000 COP for a round trip boat ride from Deep Blue. Reddit

🤿 Snorkel Gear

Rentals are available, but bringing your own snorkel can save time and ensure a good fit. Reddit

☀️ Pack Essentials

Don't forget a towel, sunscreen, and a hat for a comfortable day in the sun. Reddit

⏳ Time Your Visit

Allocate about 3 hours to fully explore the island, snorkel, and relax. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(57 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Crab Cay is widely praised as a must-visit spot in Providencia for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its clear waters perfect for snorkeling with turtles and colorful fish. Visitors love the panoramic views from the summit and the relaxing atmosphere. Some find the costs for boat transport and entry a bit high, and sightings of turtles are not always guaranteed.

"If you're on Providencia you MUST visit this place. Top tips below:

- Go early, it opens at 9am and gets busy quickly
- Head to Deep Blue and aim to arrive for 9am
- It costs about 40,000 COP per person for a return trip to the island
- You can rent a snorkel on the island
- There's a small shop to buy drinks, snacks and beers
- Bring a towel and get a spot at the end of the pier
- you'll probably want about 3 hours (the guy who takes you will ask how long you need)

There are turtles to be seen here, but you have might to wait around until someone sees one.

Snorkel around the island, walk to the top of the island... and spend some time chilling in the sun, staring out at the beautiful blue water.

We'd also recommend heading back to Deep Blue for lunch."

David Edwards

"This place is a must-visit if you made it to Providencia!"

Louie Abu Warda

"Great views but a bit overrated
This is a great place to snorkel and kayak around and see the different blues of the Caribbean Sea, but be aware it can be really expensive: boats there are quite expensive, rent kayaks is not cheap either and once you get there you have to pay another entry fee.
I recommend to rent a kayak (if you negotiate you can get it for 30k), paddle there and spend a bit of time kayaking and snorkelling around. Apparently you can see wildlife around there (we only see big fish) but you probably need to get there before all the tourist boats.
If you are willing to pay the entry fee to the cay you can hike for 5 minutes and get to the top of it to see a panoramic view of the Caribbean see, but there are other places on the island where you can see similar views."

O S

What People Like

Incredible snorkeling
Beautiful turquoise waters
Panoramic island views

What People Dislike

Can be expensive
Turtle sightings not guaranteed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach Crab Cay is by boat, typically departing from Deep Blue. The round trip usually costs around 40,000 COP per person. Some visitors suggest negotiating kayak rentals as an alternative, though this can be more physically demanding. Reddit

Deep Blue is frequently mentioned as the primary departure point for boat trips to Crab Cay. It's advisable to head there early in the morning. Reddit

Yes, it's possible to kayak to Crab Cay. Some travelers recommend this as a way to potentially save money if you can negotiate a good price for the kayak rental. However, be prepared for a more strenuous journey. Reddit

The boat trip itself is relatively short, usually just a few minutes across the clear waters. The main consideration is the time spent on the island. Reddit

While boats are the standard, some adventurous visitors might consider kayaking. Public transport doesn't directly service Crab Cay as it's a small island within a national park. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, Crab Cay is part of a national park, so there is an entry fee. Be prepared to pay this in addition to your transportation costs. Reddit

Crab Cay typically opens around 9 AM. It's highly recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds and have a better chance of seeing wildlife. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for Crab Cay. You pay for your boat transport and the park entry fee upon arrival or departure. Reddit

The entry fee grants you access to the island, allowing you to explore its trails, enjoy the beaches, and snorkel in the surrounding waters. Reddit

Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's best to inquire locally about any potential concessions. Reddit

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

The main attractions are snorkeling to see turtles and colorful fish, hiking to the island's summit for panoramic views, and simply relaxing on the pier or beach. Reddit

Yes, Crab Cay is known for its sea turtle population. While sightings aren't guaranteed, going early and being patient increases your chances. Reddit

You can expect to see a variety of colorful tropical fish in the clear waters around Crab Cay. Reddit

Most visitors recommend spending around 3 hours on the island to comfortably enjoy snorkeling, exploring, and relaxing. Reddit

Yes, Crab Cay can be a fun experience for families, especially for snorkeling and enjoying the natural beauty. Ensure children are supervised, especially near the water. Reddit

🍽️ 🥤 Food & Dining

There is a small snack shop on the island where you can buy drinks, snacks, and beers. For full meals, it's recommended to eat before or after your visit. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally a good idea to bring your own water and snacks, especially if you have specific dietary needs or preferences. Reddit

Many visitors recommend heading back to Deep Blue for lunch after their trip to Crab Cay. Reddit

The snack shop typically offers basic items like drinks, snacks, and beers. Reddit

Prices at the snack shop are generally reasonable for convenience items. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic views from the island's summit are spectacular. The vibrant turquoise waters, the pier, and the marine life while snorkeling also make for great photos. Reddit

Yes, it's generally safe. However, always be mindful of your belongings, especially when snorkeling or swimming. Consider a waterproof camera or case for underwater shots. Reddit

Morning light is often ideal for capturing the vibrant colors of the water and the landscape. Midday sun can be harsh, but still offers good visibility. Reddit

No specific photography restrictions are commonly mentioned for Crab Cay. Enjoy capturing the beauty! Reddit

With good visibility, you can capture shots of colorful fish, the seabed, and potentially sea turtles if you're lucky. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Crab Cay is a fantastic destination for families looking for a fun and educational day trip. The shallow, clear waters make it ideal for children to try snorkeling for the first time, with plenty of colorful fish to spot. The short boat ride is also an adventure in itself! Reddit

Recommendations for families:
* Arrive early to avoid the busiest times and ensure calmer waters for little ones.
* Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and towels.
* Consider bringing kid-friendly snacks and extra water, as options on the island are limited.
* Supervise children closely, especially near the water and on the pier. The hike to the summit is short and manageable for most kids who enjoy a little exploration. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While Crab Cay can be perceived as a bit pricey due to boat and entry fees, there are ways to manage costs. Negotiating the kayak rental instead of taking a boat can be a more budget-friendly option if you're up for the paddle. Reddit

Budget tips:
* Pack your own food and drinks to avoid purchasing from the snack shop.
* If you have your own snorkel gear, bring it to save on rental fees.
* Consider visiting during off-peak hours, though prices are generally fixed. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Underwater World of Crab Cay

Crab Cay is a snorkeler's paradise, renowned for its exceptionally clear turquoise waters teeming with marine life. Visitors often report seeing a variety of colorful fish darting amongst the coral formations. The highlight for many is the chance to swim alongside sea turtles, a truly magical experience. While sightings are not guaranteed, arriving early in the morning and being patient significantly increases your chances. Remember to bring your snorkel gear or rent it on the island to fully immerse yourself in this vibrant underwater ecosystem. Reddit

The clarity of the water at Crab Cay is consistently praised, making it easy to spot marine creatures even from the pier. The shallow areas around the cay are perfect for beginners, while slightly deeper sections offer more diverse coral and fish species. It's a fantastic opportunity to witness the natural beauty of the Caribbean Sea up close. Reddit

Pro Tip: If you're serious about underwater photography, consider bringing a waterproof camera or a waterproof phone case. Capturing the vibrant colors of the fish and the serene presence of turtles can create unforgettable memories. Reddit

Exploring the Island and Its Views

Beyond its underwater allure, Crab Cay offers a chance to explore a small, picturesque island. A short hike to the summit of the cay rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Caribbean Sea. The different shades of blue are mesmerizing, offering a perfect backdrop for photos and quiet contemplation. Many visitors enjoy simply finding a spot on the pier or a quiet patch of beach to relax, soak in the sun, and admire the stunning scenery. Reddit

The island itself is part of a national park, which contributes to its pristine condition. While it's small, there's a charm in its simplicity. The presence of a small snack shop provides basic refreshments, making it convenient for a few hours of exploration and relaxation. The overall atmosphere is one of tranquility and natural beauty. Reddit

Key takeaway: Don't rush your visit. Allow yourself ample time to not only snorkel but also to ascend to the top for the views and to simply unwind on the island. The experience is as much about the serene environment as it is about the active exploration. Reddit

You may also like