
Crab Cay (Cayo Cangrejo)
A national park gem with crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning summit views. Perfect for snorkeling and relaxation.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, see turtles

Crab Cay (Cayo Cangrejo)
Best Time
Beat the crowds, see turtles

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A national park gem with crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning summit views. Perfect for snorkeling and relaxation.
"This place is a must-visit if you made it to Providencia! Paradise."

🎯 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
The main pier
Secure a spot on the pier, soak up the sun, and gaze at the mesmerizing shades of blue. Pure island bliss.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting There & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
🤿 Snorkel Gear
Rentals are available, but bringing your own snorkel can save time and ensure a good fit.
☀️ Pack Essentials
Don't forget a towel, sunscreen, and a hat for a comfortable day in the sun.
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.
💰 Boat Trip Cost
Expect to pay around 40,000 COP for a round trip boat ride from Deep Blue.
🤿 Snorkel Gear
Rentals are available, but bringing your own snorkel can save time and ensure a good fit.
☀️ Pack Essentials
Don't forget a towel, sunscreen, and a hat for a comfortable day in the sun.
⏳ Time Your Visit
Allocate about 3 hours to fully explore the island, snorkel, and relax.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Advance booking is generally not required for Crab Cay. You pay for your boat transport and the park entry fee upon arrival or departure.
The entry fee grants you access to the island, allowing you to explore its trails, enjoy the beaches, and snorkel in the surrounding waters.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's best to inquire locally about any potential concessions.
🎫 🐠 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.
Yes, Crab Cay is known for its sea turtle population. While sightings aren't guaranteed, going early and being patient increases your chances.
You can expect to see a variety of colorful tropical fish in the clear waters around Crab Cay.
Most visitors recommend spending around 3 hours on the island to comfortably enjoy snorkeling, exploring, and relaxing.
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.
🍽️ 🥤 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.
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.
Many visitors recommend heading back to Deep Blue for lunch after their trip to Crab Cay.
The snack shop typically offers basic items like drinks, snacks, and beers.
Prices at the snack shop are generally reasonable for convenience items.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
No specific photography restrictions are commonly mentioned for Crab Cay. Enjoy capturing the beauty!
With good visibility, you can capture shots of colorful fish, the seabed, and potentially sea turtles if you're lucky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Underwater World of Crab Cay
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.
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.
Exploring the Island and Its Views
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.
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.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit