Located in the Caribbean Sea, this Venezuelan island draws visitors with its 50 white sand beaches, duty-free shopping zones, and year-round temperatures of 84°F (29°C).
Margarita Island lies 35 minutes by air from mainland Venezuela, stretching across 934 square kilometers of Caribbean waters. You'll find fishermen grilling fresh catch on Playa El Agua, windsurfers riding waves at Playa El Yaque, and small boats weaving through mangrove tunnels in La Restinga National Park. The 171-kilometer coastline includes more than 50 beaches, while historic structures like the 17th-century San Carlos de Borromeo Fortress watch over the shore. With 320 sunny days per year, you can swim, surf, and explore year-round.
Getting to Margarita Island
Fly to Del Caribe-Santiago Mariño International Airport, with 35-minute flights from Caracas. Regular ferries connect the island to mainland Venezuela from Puerto La Cruz, Cumaná, and La Guaira, taking about two hours. The ferry service accepts vehicles, making it convenient to bring your car for independent exploration.
Weather and Climate
Temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) to 37°C (99°F) throughout the year. The dry, sunny climate sees minimal rainfall, while steady trade winds create good conditions for wind sports. The island's location outside the Caribbean hurricane belt means you can visit any time of year.
Beaches and Water Activities
Along the 171-kilometer coastline, you'll find more than 50 beaches. Local vendors walk Playa El Agua selling fresh seafood while you swim or surf. Learn windsurfing or kitesurfing at one of several schools on Playa El Yaque. For quieter spots, head to Playa Parguito or Playa Caribe, where small restaurants serve grilled fish and Venezuelan dishes.
La Restinga National Park
La Restinga National Park connects the two parts of Margarita Island across a narrow isthmus. Take a boat through the lagoon's mangrove forests, where water channels wind between the trees. Watch for pelicans and herons during your ride. Near the park, hike the Tetas de Maria Guevara, two hills rising 135 meters above the desert landscape. Look for desert lizards and rabbits among the cacti and rocks.
Main Towns
Walk through local markets and eat at seafood restaurants near the beach in Porlamar, home to 85,000 residents. In Pampatar, explore shopping centers and climb the San Carlos de Borromeo Fortress for bay views. La Asunción, the state capital, has a pink cathedral and the Santa Rosa de la Eminencia castle perched on a hill.
Transportation and Safety
Local buses connect the main towns, while taxis take you to specific destinations. Renting a car gives you more flexibility, but you'll need a 4x4 for remote areas. Carry small denominations of local currency and stay alert, especially at night or in less populated areas.
