Margarita Island in Venezuela isn’t usually on the bucket list of many tourists. Turns out not many have heard about this small Caribbean island. But don’t let that put you off – Isla Margarita is a perfect place if you want a quiet escape from typical tourist crowds.
It may be tricky to find, but Margarita Island offers a lot.
Why is Margarita Island famous?
Margarita Island is famous because it is the largest island in Venezuela, known since Columbus discovered it in the 15th century. Back then, Isla Margarita became famous for pearls and the slave trade. Now, Margarita Island is a fantastic place for windsurfing and also kitesurfing. Not long ago, it was one of the top tourism and cruise ship destinations.
Isla Margarita is also famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and also tropical beauty. Margarita Island is a secret gem with a rich history and unusual traditions.
If you want to discover a laid-back island with a South American vibe, Isla Margarita should be on your bucket list.
What’s the sand colour in Margarita Island?
The sand colour in Margarita Island is soft white. The shore of this pretty island has fine, pale sands. Light-coloured grains and crystal-clear waters
attract holidaymakers from all over the world.
Where is Isla Margarita?
Isla Margarita is the largest one of the three islands that make up the state of Nueva Esparta in Venezuela. This Caribbean island lies off the northeastern coast of Venezuela – not far from Trinidad and Tobago. Margarita Island consists of two islands connected by a narrow stretch of land.
Did you know that the most developed part of Isla Margarita is on the eastern side of Porlamar? A quieter part of the island is on the northern coast.
How far away from Venezuela is Isla Margarita? Isla Margarita lies approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the nearest point on the mainland’s coast of Venezuela.
The climate on Margarita Island, Venezuela
The Caribbean has a tropical climate and hot and muggy weather all year round. And Isla Margarita is no exception. But did you know Margarita Island sits well outside the hurricane belt? For this reason, there is only a low chance of tropical storms.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The best time to travel to Margarita Island in Venezuela is from late February to late March. These are the driest months but expect occasional showers at night. Isla Margarita has low rainfalls all year, and the trade winds cool off the island.
And the best of all? Margarita Island offers a holiday in the Caribbean for a fraction of the cost compared to the neighbouring ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao).
What are the best things to do in Isla Margarita, Venezuela?
Many visitors see Isla Margarita only as a beach destination. However, this island had a turbulent history. Isla Margarita has a beautiful landscape and many forts. The Spaniards built them to protect their shores from pirates during colonial times.
If you are planning to visit this island and want to see the best attractions on Isla Margarita, you are in the right place. Read along to find out the top things to do on Isla Margarita.
Explore the island on a jeep safari tour, hike through the mountains or visit one of the national parks. Additionally, snorkel in crystal clear waters and get familiar with the local marine life.
Things to do on Margarita Island for beach lovers
One of the main reasons why tourists flock to Margarita Island is its picture-perfect beaches. Yes, that is right, this tiny island has numerous beaches perfect for swimming and surfing. In fact, there are at least 70 beaches on the island. You will find everything from secluded beaches with calm waters to sands ideal for surfing.
The Best beaches on Isla Margarita Venezuela
1. PLAYA EL AGUA, Isla Margarita
Playa El Agua is one of the best beaches on Isla Margarita because it is the most famous beach on the island. Don’t forget – this beach is gorgeous, but it is also the busiest beach. Playa El Agua is perfect for everyone who loves the golden sand beach lined with palm trees and restaurants. There are also various shops for locals and visitors.
Did you know the largest beach on Margarita Island has excellent conditions for surfing?
Playa El Agua, one of the best beaches on Margarita Island, Venezuela
2. PLAYA EL YAQUE, Isla Margarita
Another popular beach on Isla Margarita is Playa El Yaque because this beach is a popular place for water sports. Playa El Yague has strong and consistent winds. The locals and tourists flock here because windsurfing and kitesurfing schools offer lessons on this beach. This beach is also perfect for families because it has shallow waters.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Playa El Yaque lies in the northeastern part of Margarita Island – only 10 minutes from the airport. This beach has various restaurants, bars, café and accommodations for tourists.
3. PARADISE BEACH, Margarita Island
If you are after relaxation, Playa Paraiso could be a perfect fit for you. This beach is famous for its calm waters and powdery white sand. You can find it just a short distance from the port terminal.
4. PLAYA PARGUITO
It’s easy to see why Playa Parguito is one of the best beaches on Isla Margarita. This beautiful beach has plenty of palm trees and offers breathtaking views. However, the main reason why everyone flocks here is different. Playa Parguito is a famous beach because sea turtles come to lay their eggs in April and May on this playa.
5. ISLA DE COCHE near Margarita island
If you do not know, Isla de Coche is an island that lies south of Isla Margarita. Even though it is small, this quiet fishing island is home to some of the best Isla Margarita beaches.
But that is not all – Isla de Coche offers perfect opportunities for snorkelling, diving and windsurfing. You can stay here overnight or take a day tour of the island and enjoy its quiet atmosphere.
Best things to do on Isla Margarita for history lovers
2. Fort of Santa Rosa, La Asuncion
It is perhaps no surprise to say that the Fort of Santa Rosa in La Asuncion should be on your list of things to do on Margarita Island. La Asuncion is a colonial town. It is famous for its beautiful mountains and fortress.
For many years, the Fort of Santa Rosa was a symbol of independence for the locals. The Fort of Santa Rosa is also one of the most important historical symbols of the island. The locals call it Castillo de Santa Rosa or Santa Rosa Castle.
If you do not know, the Spaniards built the Fort of Santa Rosa because they tried to protect the island from pirates. Today, this colonial castle with several cannons is full of history. Because of that, the Fort of Santa Rosa is one of the top attractions in Isla Margarita, Venezuela.
views from Santa Rosa
A day trip to La Asuncion is a perfect idea if you are looking for cultural heritage and breathtaking views.
3. Basilica Virgen del Valle, Margarita Island
If you want to learn more about the traditions of Venezuela, visit Basilica Virgen Del Valle.
A visit to Margarita Island would not be complete without a visit to the Basilica Virgen del Valle. This pink and white church is one of the top attractions on Isla Margarita because it honours the Virgen del Valle. She is the patron of Venezuela.
Visiting the Basilica Virgen del Valle is the best thing to do in Isla Margarita for the cultural experience.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can find the Basilica Virgen del Valle in El Valle del Espiritu Santo town. After visiting the basilica, don’t forget to go to the local market. There is also a museum next to the market.
TIP:
Thousands of pilgrims are coming to the town every year for the festival in September (8th September). Make sure you visit this town if you are on the island.
4. Porlamar
Don’t forget to visit Porlamar, the largest and most famous city on the island. Porlamar has a wide selection of shops and restaurants and two city beaches. It is also a central hub of nightlife on Isla Margarita.
The best things to do in Margarita Island for nature lovers
5. Laguna de la Restinga, Isla Margarita
Laguna de la Restinga, Isla Margarita
If there is one place you must visit when exploring Isla Margarita, it’s the Laguna de la Restinga. The Laguna de la Restinga is a small national park on the northern coast. A long strip of land unites the eastern part of the island with the western Peninsula de Macanao.
Exploring the Laguna de la Restinga is one of the best things to do in Isla Margarita because this park is home to wetlands and a lagoon. Even though it is small, it has a diverse range of flora and fauna. Yes, that is right, this lagoon is home to all kinds of habitats, including sea horses, red snappers, cormorants, flamingos, and many other birds.
Once here, take a guided boat tour of the mangrove channels of the lagoon. It is a perfect way to learn more about endemic species of wildlife and flora. Because of that, the Restinga Lagoon National Park is one of the best attractions in Isla Margarita, Venezuela.
6. Punta Arenas, Margarita Island
peaceful La Carmela
Want to experience a day in the virgin surroundings on Isla Margarita? If yes was your answer, then head to Punta Arenas. You can find it in the western part of the peninsula de Macanao. People flock here because this area has calm waters, desert wilderness and a laid-back charm.
Moreover, Punta Arenas and La Carmela are famous for their quaint atmosphere and plenty of cacti. Besides, they both have beautiful white sandy beaches. Even though it is a long trip from Porlamar (70km, 43 miles), it certainly is worth it.
Playa Galera, Juangriego Bay
7. Margarita Island Horseback riding
If you need a break from the beaches, consider horseback riding. It is an unforgettable experience and one of the best things to do in Isla Margarita.
When you book a horseback riding tour, you can decide where you want to go. You can choose between the beach or in the mountains.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLA MARGARITA
As you can expect, Margarita Island is significantly different from the times when Christopher Columbus discovered it. This Venezuelan island became a mecca for domestic tourism throughout the centuries. It is mainly tourists from countries in South America who keep exploring the island.
SAFETY ON MARGARITA ISLAND IN 2023
As you probably know, crisis-wracked Venezuela has a high threat from violent crime. Food and medicine shortages also affected Margarita Island, which was once a favourite port of call for cruise ships.
Security concerns have also caused a massive drop in tourism in Isla Margarita.
Years of unrest in Venezuela have frightened off most tourists. Because of that, Margarita Island had to approach survival mode tourism. But in January 2023, Isla Margarita welcomed the first European cruise ship in 15 years (German operator Phoenix).
GOOD TO KNOW:
If you want to travel to Margarita Island in Venezuela, check for current travel alerts and warnings before booking a trip. And don’t forget – try your best to blend in. Also, stay away from danger to avoid landing yourself in any trouble.
HOW TO GET TO ISLA MARGARITA
To get to the island, fly into either Caracas or Barcelona in Venezuela. Alternatively, fly to other countries and get a direct flight to Porlamar on Margarita Island. Venezuelan airlines (Avior or Estelar) service Porlamar. Flights from Caracas are inexpensive during the week because the island is a popular weekend destination for the locals.
New Direct flight to Margarita Island in 2023
Did you know there are new direct flights from Moscow and Poland to Margarita Island? Rainbow Tours launched direct flights from Katowice Airport to Porlamar (as of November 2023). There are also new direct flights from Trinidad and Tobago. Looks like there is a new phase of the renewed tourism drive.
You can also catch a ferry to Isla Margarita from the north coast of Venezuela. A company called Conferry provides this ferry service.
CURRENCY IN MARGARITA ISLAND
When it comes to the currency in Margarita islands, carry US Dollars. With widespread shortages and skyrocketing hyperinflation, prices in Venezuela are extremely vulnerable to change. The devaluation of the introduced bolivar soberano (BsS), which replaced the bolivar fuerte in 2018, caused Venezuelans to use the US dollars. The locals use the US dollars for transactions and savings despite the exchange control established by the Maduro regime.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Bring cash US dollars to Margarita Island in Venezuela and use a parallel market locally. The black market can provide much higher exchange rates. Never use ATMs or official exchange offices due to the low exchange rates.
You should know it is illegal to advertise the black market exchange rates.
Now you know what the best things to do on Isla Margarita Venezuela are!
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Have you been to Isla Margarita? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below.
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Last updated: 17/11/2023
Wow, look at all the beautiful places you’ve been to! With such a warm and pleasant climate and with those beautiful palm trees gently swaying in a breeze, it would be a dram place to explore one day. Thanks for sharing yet another beautiful post from your travels. Wishing you a lovely weekend. Love, Aiva xxx
Thank you Aiva for stopping by! Isla Margarita is definitely a true hidden gem in the Caribbean and we hope the crisis in Venezuela will not destroy this lovely island. Have a lovely weekend sweetie. x x x
Would love to visit!!
I enjoyed reading about Margarita through your eyes. I hadn’t even known the island existed until two years ago when I was getting to know my current boyfriend and he listed the island as one of the plaes he has visited. I was so surprised then because I thought I’d known all the islands of the Caribbean having lived here my whole life! I’d love to check it out one day after all the current Venezuelan tensions settle of course. Thanks for sharing.
A lot of people don’t know about Isla Margarita, it is a true hidden gem in the Caribbean! It is such a shame what has happenned to Venezuela. Hope one day it will be safe again to travel to this beautiful country.
It looks like paradise. It is so sad about the situation in Venezuela, hope it gets better soon, because this place looks like a true gem. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you very much for stopping by! Isla Margarita is definitely a true gem in the Caribbean. We hope the situation in Venezuela calms down and more travellers will have an opportunity to visit this lovely island.
It does looks amazing and all those beaches took my breath away! But every-time I read Margarita in your article, I imagined to drink the actual margarita on Margarita island 😀 😀 If I do Caribbean next year, I am making sure this tropical paradise is in my list! Karina x
Current situation is so sad. In the mid ’90s the island had a huge marketing campaign in Manhattan and direct flights from NYC. My friends and I went down for a week and it couldn’t have been a better place to just chill on the beach.
I was raised on this island! You did such a good hob here. My husband finally gets to see a good representation of where I’m from! I’ve been looking in to traveling there from Aruba by boat charter. Just a thought for those determined to make it there.
Lucky you!! Isla Margarita is such a lovely unspoilt island. Would love to come back one day, maybe like you said from Aruba. Sounds like a perfect option!
Thank you!!. I’ve just been down memory lane. I LOVE Margarita! In the late 80s and 90s I spent any available holiday I had on the island. I remember dancing the night away and walking up & down Playa El Agua during the day with a “cocada” in hand.
I’m so sad my country is in ruins!
I dream of spending a few months in Margarita unfortunately I’m literally in the other corner of the planet and last time I went It took me 37 hours by plane.
But for all of you close by … give it a go! Margarita is truly amazing!…and the people!!!! The people are lovely, warm, sweet, sassy, funny and beautiful.
I recommend the oysters, lobster and of course, the cocadas. Super cheap and devine.