Packing for a Caribbean vacation is a lot like packing for any other tropical destination: bringing protection from the sun and heat is key! Below you’ll find some tips on things to bring, as well as things you may forget to bring.
1. Make sure you have all of your travel documents in order, as well as secured in a safe but accessible place. This includes a valid passport, driver's license, airline tickets and/or boarding passes. A pocketbook or outside pocket of your carry-on bag is ideal for holding these, since you'll need easy access at the airport and upon arrival at the hotel. Also, be sure to pack copies of prescriptions for medications, which should be carried in their original containers.
2. In your carry-on bag, pack your toiletry bag and at least one change of clothing, as well as a bathing suit. In the case that your luggage gets lost, being able to slip on a swimsuit and wait poolside for your bags beats sitting in your room. Also, bring some small bills for tips and cash for cabs and other services.
3. In your toiletry bag, besides the usual, don't forget to pack lip balm (hot sun equals chapped lips), bug spray (especially useful for hikes or other inland activities), etc.
4. Within reason, pack light. The less you pack, the less you have to carry. Most clothes appropriate for the Caribbean are lightweight to begin with, and can be worn more than once on a trip. Don’t forget to bring: socks and underwear, at least two pairs of cotton, khaki, or linen pants (these are lightweight and dry quickly; leave your denim jeans home), plenty of shorts (can double as a swimsuit in an emergency), and t-shirts. For the evening or excessively air-conditioned hotel lobbies and restaurants, bring a light sweater or jacket.
5.For the beach, pack at least two swimsuits (nothing is more annoying than putting on a soggy bathing suit, which dry slowly in the muggy tropics), multiple pairs of UV-rated sunglasses, waterproof sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum), a brimmed hat (to protect your head, face, neck and ears from the sun), and a sarong or wrap (for women). Also, don’t forget to bring some aloe vera to soothe the inevitable sunburn you’ll most likely get.
6. Bring a small backpack or cloth bag along to throw your stuff in when you head to the beach or off on an excursion.
7. Don’t forget to pack a camera! Bring plenty of film and/or digital media from home, as these can be expensive in the islands. Also, don’t forget to pack your film in your carry-on to prevent damage from heavy-duty x-ray machines used to inspect checked bags.
8. If you plan to snorkel, bring your own: this is one item you won’t want to rent, but probably won’t think about bringing until it’s too late. On the other hand, you may find it easier to rent golf clubs or tennis racquets than to pack your own.
9. And lastly, don’t forget to leave some space for souvenirs you plan to buy. It’s better to under pack a bigger suitcase than to have to carry around shopping bag(s) through the airport on the way home.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Learn About the Area of Isla Margarita
Orientation
Isla Margarita is 43 miles long and is actually two islands connected by a narrow Isthmus. The other Island, Peninsula de Macanao, is largely unpopulated compared to Isla Margarita.
The most important town on Isla Margarita is Porlamar, which is made up of a population of 100,000 people. It was originally given the name ‘Puerto de la Mar’ but was eventually shortened to Porlamar. This town has been very important to Isla Margarita due to its urban and commercial growth over the last 15 years. The area has changed from a quaint fisherman’s village to a larger lifestyle full of skyscrapers, night clubs, many hotels, and amazing restaurants.
There are actually two distinct sections of Porlamar. As you first enter the city limits you will notice a very crowded living environment filled with local residents, stores, houses, and cars. As you continue on you will reach the tourist based area in the city. The tourist area is dominated by two streets: Avenida Santiago Marino and Avendia 4 de Mayo. These areas are usually crowded with stores selling international goods and fast food restaurants. You will also find many recognizable stores here such as Nike, Ralph Lauren, Polo, Lindt, and more.
History
Christopher Columbus discovered Isla Margarita in 1498 during his third voyage to America where local islanders welcomed him and his explorers with open arms. It was not until the Spaniards discovered large amounts of pearls on the island that everything changed. This is where the name ‘Pearl Island’ originated from. Once these pearls were found, the Spaniards conquered the island and held the islanders as slaves.
Upon the discovery of these pearls, pirates began attacking the island which resulted in the Spanish building many fortresses which were used to prevent these attacks. Some of these fortresses still remain today and have become popular tourist attractions where visitors can experience the Spanish architecture left behind. It was not until 1841 that the islanders fought back and reclaimed their territory, making Isla Margarita the first independent territory.
Today, the feelings of hospitality that this island once felt toward visitors is still alive and Isla Margarita welcomes all visitors to come experience their spectacular surroundings.
Must Visit Tourist Spots
Santuario de la Virgen: The legend says that this sacred image was found in the Cueva del Piache, in the former Valle Charaima, now called Valle del Espíritu Santo.
Isla de Cubagua: During colonial times Cubagua boomed due to its rich pearl fisheries, which were soon exhausted. An earthquake eventually destroyed the town, but it’s now visited because of it quiet waters.
Isla de Coche: An island off of Isla Margarita that is devoted to fishing, salt mining, and tourism.
Laguna Las Marites: A lovely lagoon ideal for water-skiing, fishing and boating.
Bahia de Pedro González: A quaint fishermen's village offering quite waters.
Isla Margarita is 43 miles long and is actually two islands connected by a narrow Isthmus. The other Island, Peninsula de Macanao, is largely unpopulated compared to Isla Margarita.
The most important town on Isla Margarita is Porlamar, which is made up of a population of 100,000 people. It was originally given the name ‘Puerto de la Mar’ but was eventually shortened to Porlamar. This town has been very important to Isla Margarita due to its urban and commercial growth over the last 15 years. The area has changed from a quaint fisherman’s village to a larger lifestyle full of skyscrapers, night clubs, many hotels, and amazing restaurants.
There are actually two distinct sections of Porlamar. As you first enter the city limits you will notice a very crowded living environment filled with local residents, stores, houses, and cars. As you continue on you will reach the tourist based area in the city. The tourist area is dominated by two streets: Avenida Santiago Marino and Avendia 4 de Mayo. These areas are usually crowded with stores selling international goods and fast food restaurants. You will also find many recognizable stores here such as Nike, Ralph Lauren, Polo, Lindt, and more.
History
Christopher Columbus discovered Isla Margarita in 1498 during his third voyage to America where local islanders welcomed him and his explorers with open arms. It was not until the Spaniards discovered large amounts of pearls on the island that everything changed. This is where the name ‘Pearl Island’ originated from. Once these pearls were found, the Spaniards conquered the island and held the islanders as slaves.
Upon the discovery of these pearls, pirates began attacking the island which resulted in the Spanish building many fortresses which were used to prevent these attacks. Some of these fortresses still remain today and have become popular tourist attractions where visitors can experience the Spanish architecture left behind. It was not until 1841 that the islanders fought back and reclaimed their territory, making Isla Margarita the first independent territory.
Today, the feelings of hospitality that this island once felt toward visitors is still alive and Isla Margarita welcomes all visitors to come experience their spectacular surroundings.
Must Visit Tourist Spots
Santuario de la Virgen: The legend says that this sacred image was found in the Cueva del Piache, in the former Valle Charaima, now called Valle del Espíritu Santo.
Isla de Cubagua: During colonial times Cubagua boomed due to its rich pearl fisheries, which were soon exhausted. An earthquake eventually destroyed the town, but it’s now visited because of it quiet waters.
Isla de Coche: An island off of Isla Margarita that is devoted to fishing, salt mining, and tourism.
Laguna Las Marites: A lovely lagoon ideal for water-skiing, fishing and boating.
Bahia de Pedro González: A quaint fishermen's village offering quite waters.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Check Out These Fun Activities When Visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort
MUSIPAN
If you are looking for a way to entertain your children during your visit to Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, on Isla Margarita, be sure to visit The Kingdom of MUSIPAN.
The Kingdom of MUSIPAN is a tourist based theme park based on the descriptions of Benjamin Rausseo, who is a well-known humorist of the area. The theme park offers its guests a variety of different swimming pools, waterslides, and restaurants to enjoy. The park also offers an animal farm, children’s play area, theater, and cinema.
While there, don’t miss the professional greased pig capturing contest, which is the official sport of the kingdom.
Isla Margarita Golf Club
For the avid golfer visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, on Isla Margarita, you will be happy to know that there is in fact, one golf course currently on the island, the Isla Margarita Golf Club.
The course features 18 holes and is a par 70 course. This course does not offer tee times, instead it works on a first come, first serve basis. However, there is usually no problem getting on this course except during busy national holidays like Christmas and Easter. During the low season months of April, May, June, October, and November you will most likely even have the course to yourself.
Parque El Agua
This is a fairly extensive and well-maintained water park with an assortment of pools, slides, and rides.
This park has the tallest waterslide in Venezuela at 18 meters, Angel Waterfall. All slides at the park have Indian names and Angel Waterfall, the indigenous name of the "Salto Angel", is appropriate for this slide, suitable only for the more daring. And while this slide is more suitable for older children and adults, this water park offers something for everyone. In addition to Angel Waterfall, there are four other slides that cater to different ages.
The attraction that is suitable and enjoyable for all ages is the lazy river that circles the park and goes through different places and sources of water.
Also for children, there is a very suitable area with mini-slides. And in this area is another major attraction, a huge barrel that discharges 2000 gallons of water to cool you down!
The park is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Diverland
Diverland is a combination of an amusement park and water park, with a wide range of attractions and rides to choose from. Here you'll find typical amusement park rides, such as a ferris wheel and roller coasters, as well as go-karts, a petting zoo, and batting cages. They also have trained dolphin and seal shows, as well as a swim-with-the dolphins program.
Diverland is open from 10am to 11pm daily throughout the high season and most weekends the rest of the year. Operating days and hours are much more limited during the week and low season. Admission is $9.30 for adults and $4.65 for children for unlimited use of the rides and pools. Some features and exhibits, such as swimming with dolphins, have additional fees.
If you are looking for a way to entertain your children during your visit to Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, on Isla Margarita, be sure to visit The Kingdom of MUSIPAN.
The Kingdom of MUSIPAN is a tourist based theme park based on the descriptions of Benjamin Rausseo, who is a well-known humorist of the area. The theme park offers its guests a variety of different swimming pools, waterslides, and restaurants to enjoy. The park also offers an animal farm, children’s play area, theater, and cinema.
While there, don’t miss the professional greased pig capturing contest, which is the official sport of the kingdom.
Isla Margarita Golf Club
For the avid golfer visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, on Isla Margarita, you will be happy to know that there is in fact, one golf course currently on the island, the Isla Margarita Golf Club.
The course features 18 holes and is a par 70 course. This course does not offer tee times, instead it works on a first come, first serve basis. However, there is usually no problem getting on this course except during busy national holidays like Christmas and Easter. During the low season months of April, May, June, October, and November you will most likely even have the course to yourself.
Parque El Agua
This is a fairly extensive and well-maintained water park with an assortment of pools, slides, and rides.
This park has the tallest waterslide in Venezuela at 18 meters, Angel Waterfall. All slides at the park have Indian names and Angel Waterfall, the indigenous name of the "Salto Angel", is appropriate for this slide, suitable only for the more daring. And while this slide is more suitable for older children and adults, this water park offers something for everyone. In addition to Angel Waterfall, there are four other slides that cater to different ages.
The attraction that is suitable and enjoyable for all ages is the lazy river that circles the park and goes through different places and sources of water.
Also for children, there is a very suitable area with mini-slides. And in this area is another major attraction, a huge barrel that discharges 2000 gallons of water to cool you down!
The park is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Diverland
Diverland is a combination of an amusement park and water park, with a wide range of attractions and rides to choose from. Here you'll find typical amusement park rides, such as a ferris wheel and roller coasters, as well as go-karts, a petting zoo, and batting cages. They also have trained dolphin and seal shows, as well as a swim-with-the dolphins program.
Diverland is open from 10am to 11pm daily throughout the high season and most weekends the rest of the year. Operating days and hours are much more limited during the week and low season. Admission is $9.30 for adults and $4.65 for children for unlimited use of the rides and pools. Some features and exhibits, such as swimming with dolphins, have additional fees.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Take a Tour during Your Stay at Caracola Beach and Spa Resort
Walter’s Tours are some of the most well known tours on the island. Below are just a few of his exciting tours.
Trekking Tour
Isla Margarita’s trekking tour will have you hiking up Margarita’s highest mountain, Copey (3,200 ft) where you will be wonderfully surprised by the lush, tropical vegetation you’ll encounter.
A certified, English speaking guide will then have you traveling through a river bed along jungle trails from the breathtaking view of Copey peak to a wonderful plantation. Your guide will also be able to point out a lot of interesting creatures for you to catch a glimpse at on the way.
At the plantation, you will find different kinds of tropical flora along with exotic fruits you will be able to try. The plantation will also offer fruit juices, soft drinks and cold beer for the ride back to your hotel.
Fallen trees, rocks, and a little bit of climbing distinguish this trekking tour from a normal walking tour. This tour includes the transfer from and to your hotel.
Prices for half a day tour
-Regular - $55 per person
-If booked online - $50 per person
-4 persons or more - $35 per person
Coche Island
This tour will have you sailing to Coche Island, which is a little island southeast of Isla Margarita.
Pick up for this tour is 8am. From there, you will enjoy a two hour trip sailing in a Catamaran to the island while you soak up the sun in the beautiful weather. A light breakfast and drinks will be served during your ride to Coche Island. At Coche Island you will continue your day with an open bar and lunch while you enjoy the area. While on the Island, you can choose to take a banana boat ride, play volleyball on the beach or simply relax on the beach and in the water. You can even enjoy a mud bath!
Upon departure, you will arrive back on Isla Margarita around 5:30pm. The price of this tour is $65 and up.
Horseback Riding
Enjoy the beautiful scenery on Isla Margarita while horseback riding. The Cabatucan Ranch will pick riders up from their hotel between 8am – 8:45 am for a morning tour and 2pm – 2:45pm for an afternoon tour. Once at the ranch guests can enjoy welcome drinks at the open bar before receiving riding instructions from English speaking tour guides. Guests will then spend two hours riding through the mountains and by the sea. After the tour, guests will arrive back at their hotel by 1:30pm for the morning tour and 7:30pm for the afternoon tour.
Beginners are welcome and children ages 3 to 6 years can only ride with a tour leader. Regular price for the horseback riding tour is $50 per person or $45 per person if you book online.
For more information on these tours or others, please visit: http://www.margaritaislandguide.com/walters_tours.htm.
Trekking Tour
Isla Margarita’s trekking tour will have you hiking up Margarita’s highest mountain, Copey (3,200 ft) where you will be wonderfully surprised by the lush, tropical vegetation you’ll encounter.
A certified, English speaking guide will then have you traveling through a river bed along jungle trails from the breathtaking view of Copey peak to a wonderful plantation. Your guide will also be able to point out a lot of interesting creatures for you to catch a glimpse at on the way.
At the plantation, you will find different kinds of tropical flora along with exotic fruits you will be able to try. The plantation will also offer fruit juices, soft drinks and cold beer for the ride back to your hotel.
Fallen trees, rocks, and a little bit of climbing distinguish this trekking tour from a normal walking tour. This tour includes the transfer from and to your hotel.
Prices for half a day tour
-Regular - $55 per person
-If booked online - $50 per person
-4 persons or more - $35 per person
Coche Island
This tour will have you sailing to Coche Island, which is a little island southeast of Isla Margarita.
Pick up for this tour is 8am. From there, you will enjoy a two hour trip sailing in a Catamaran to the island while you soak up the sun in the beautiful weather. A light breakfast and drinks will be served during your ride to Coche Island. At Coche Island you will continue your day with an open bar and lunch while you enjoy the area. While on the Island, you can choose to take a banana boat ride, play volleyball on the beach or simply relax on the beach and in the water. You can even enjoy a mud bath!
Upon departure, you will arrive back on Isla Margarita around 5:30pm. The price of this tour is $65 and up.
Horseback Riding
Enjoy the beautiful scenery on Isla Margarita while horseback riding. The Cabatucan Ranch will pick riders up from their hotel between 8am – 8:45 am for a morning tour and 2pm – 2:45pm for an afternoon tour. Once at the ranch guests can enjoy welcome drinks at the open bar before receiving riding instructions from English speaking tour guides. Guests will then spend two hours riding through the mountains and by the sea. After the tour, guests will arrive back at their hotel by 1:30pm for the morning tour and 7:30pm for the afternoon tour.
Beginners are welcome and children ages 3 to 6 years can only ride with a tour leader. Regular price for the horseback riding tour is $50 per person or $45 per person if you book online.
For more information on these tours or others, please visit: http://www.margaritaislandguide.com/walters_tours.htm.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Helpful Travel Tips When Visiting Isla Margarita
Transportation: Rent a car! “Gringo Rent-A-Car” offers an English speaking staff, exceptional customer service, documents in both English and Spanish, and an online booking service. When you reserve a Gringo Rent-A-Car you will be assured that your car will be waiting for you at the airport or at your hotel, depending on your preference.
Communication: You will find many public phones spread throughout airports, hotels, restaurants, and streets. These phones operate with prepaid phone cards, which can be bought in any library, drug store, newspaper stand and many other kinds of shops. Looking for a cell phone to rent? Gringo Rent-A-Car will lend you a phone to use free of charge. The phone will provide you with access to a bilingual customer service representative, which is an invaluable service should you be stopped by the authorities for any reason or need assistance with your vehicle.
Water: The consumption of tap water is not recommended, instead drink mineral or filtered water.
Currency: US dollars are widely accepted in the commercial establishments, as well as traveler checks and credit cards. Almost any foreign currency is negotiable in banks or an exchange house, as well as in hotels.
Communication: On the island you can find newspapers, both regional and national; they have five TV channels as well as 9 broadcasting AM and FM stations. Isla Margarita has direct international calling, but if you prefer, you will be able to access an operator for assistance by calling 122. You can also find companies offering many types of communication services such as; fax, e-mails, satellite access, etc.
Documentation: In order to enter, it is necessary to have a valid passport, a tourist visa, or a tourist card that is given in the port of origin.
Tipping: At the bottom of the restaurant and bar bills, you will notice a percentage added for service. Apart from that, and naturally depending on your satisfaction with the service, it’s custom to leave around an additional 5%. Tips are also very welcome at tourist excursions, bellboy services at the hotel, etc.
Communication: You will find many public phones spread throughout airports, hotels, restaurants, and streets. These phones operate with prepaid phone cards, which can be bought in any library, drug store, newspaper stand and many other kinds of shops. Looking for a cell phone to rent? Gringo Rent-A-Car will lend you a phone to use free of charge. The phone will provide you with access to a bilingual customer service representative, which is an invaluable service should you be stopped by the authorities for any reason or need assistance with your vehicle.
Water: The consumption of tap water is not recommended, instead drink mineral or filtered water.
Currency: US dollars are widely accepted in the commercial establishments, as well as traveler checks and credit cards. Almost any foreign currency is negotiable in banks or an exchange house, as well as in hotels.
Communication: On the island you can find newspapers, both regional and national; they have five TV channels as well as 9 broadcasting AM and FM stations. Isla Margarita has direct international calling, but if you prefer, you will be able to access an operator for assistance by calling 122. You can also find companies offering many types of communication services such as; fax, e-mails, satellite access, etc.
Documentation: In order to enter, it is necessary to have a valid passport, a tourist visa, or a tourist card that is given in the port of origin.
Tipping: At the bottom of the restaurant and bar bills, you will notice a percentage added for service. Apart from that, and naturally depending on your satisfaction with the service, it’s custom to leave around an additional 5%. Tips are also very welcome at tourist excursions, bellboy services at the hotel, etc.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Experience All of Margarita Island on a Jeep Tour
When visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, an exciting way to experience Isla Margarita is by a jeep tour. One of the best jeep tours on Isla Margarita is Cruisin-N-Style. Tours run from 4 to 8 hours and although there is a typical route in place, outlines can be adjusted according to preference.
Basic outline for a 4 hour tour: ($90 U.S. Dollars Total)
• Visit a historic castle
• Stop at an old fort (not necessarily for the historical value but for the scenic view)
• Visit a few famous churches
• Stop by La Sierra (El Copey), which is the highest mountain peak that can be driven to on the island
• Visit Botanical Gardens
• Stop at Margarita's most famous beach known as Playa el Agua
• Mini flea market shopping
• Drive through Juan Greigo (known for sunsets, shopping and beautiful beaches)
• Drive around the northern tip of the island where you can take scenic pictures
Basic outline for a 6 hour tour: ($110 U.S. Dollars Total)
Includes what is stated in a 4 hour tour plus:
• Stop for lunch or snack (not included in price)
• Downtown shopping or flea market shopping
• Visit La Restinga National Park
-30 minutes or 1 hour boat tour (not included in price)
Basic outline for an 8 hour tour: ($130 U.S. Dollars Total)
Includes what is stated in a 4 hour tour plus:
• Stop for lunch and try Margarita's authentic food (not included in price)
• Downtown shopping or flea market shopping
• Visit La Restinga National Park
-30 minutes or 1 hour boat tour (not included in price)
• Visit Boca de Rio's Marine Museum
• Beach time
-1 or 2 hours at a nice beach of your choice or a recommended one
Basic outline for a 4 hour tour: ($90 U.S. Dollars Total)
• Visit a historic castle
• Stop at an old fort (not necessarily for the historical value but for the scenic view)
• Visit a few famous churches
• Stop by La Sierra (El Copey), which is the highest mountain peak that can be driven to on the island
• Visit Botanical Gardens
• Stop at Margarita's most famous beach known as Playa el Agua
• Mini flea market shopping
• Drive through Juan Greigo (known for sunsets, shopping and beautiful beaches)
• Drive around the northern tip of the island where you can take scenic pictures
Basic outline for a 6 hour tour: ($110 U.S. Dollars Total)
Includes what is stated in a 4 hour tour plus:
• Stop for lunch or snack (not included in price)
• Downtown shopping or flea market shopping
• Visit La Restinga National Park
-30 minutes or 1 hour boat tour (not included in price)
Basic outline for an 8 hour tour: ($130 U.S. Dollars Total)
Includes what is stated in a 4 hour tour plus:
• Stop for lunch and try Margarita's authentic food (not included in price)
• Downtown shopping or flea market shopping
• Visit La Restinga National Park
-30 minutes or 1 hour boat tour (not included in price)
• Visit Boca de Rio's Marine Museum
• Beach time
-1 or 2 hours at a nice beach of your choice or a recommended one
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Isla Margarita Has a Lot to Offer Its Visitors
If you are looking for the complete Isla Margarita experience, be sure to visit some of the attractions listed below.
Cities and Towns
Porlamar- This is the biggest city on Isla Margarita and is known for its commercial center. It has a wide variety of shops and restaurants, sure to appeal to every taste. Boulevard Guevara, a narrow, store-lined road, is the best place to shop at good prices. Porlamar has the highest concentration of shops, restaurants, bars, and dance clubs on Margarita.
Pampatar- This is about 6 miles northeast of Porlamar but is much more picturesque and calm. Founded in 1535 around the island's most protected deep-water harbor, Pampatar still retains much of its colonial-era flavor and architecture. The main attraction here is the Castillo de San Carlos de Borromeo, which was constructed entirely of coral and built on the waterfront of the town center to protect the bay of Pampatar. Across from the fort, you'll find the Iglesia de Santísimo Cristo del Buen Viaje, a church of great importance to the sailors and fishermen of Isla Margarita.
La Asuncion- This is the oldest city on Isla Margarita and is the capital of the Federal State of Nueva Esparta. It is also the center of the commercial and manufacturing industries, which include the growing of cotton, sugarcane, coconuts, and cassava. The city's church, La Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, is said to be the oldest in Venezuela. A few minutes from the center of town is the Castillo de Santa Rosa, another of the island's historic and battle-worn forts.
Beaches
Playa El Agua - A long, broad, straight stretch of white sand with moderate surf, backed by palm trees and a broad selection of restaurants and shops.
Playa Parguito - Has begun to rival El Agua in terms of popularity. Both of these beaches can get packed on weekends and during peak periods.
Manzanillo – One of the least developed beaches, meaning it is often quite deserted. It also offers a great place to watch sunsets.
Playa Pampatar - One of the least attractive beaches on the island, but quite popular with locals. It is lined with a string of simple restaurants set on the sand, just a few yards from the sea.
National Parks
La Restinga National Park - This 26,429-acre park encompasses an area of mangroves, marshland, sandbar, and coral-sand beaches making a natural land bridge between the two islands that today are Isla Margarita. A visit to the park usually involves a boat tour through the mangroves, followed by some beach time on the 6-mile stretch of beach that forms the isthmus uniting the two sides of Margarita. You'll find some simple beachside restaurants and souvenir stands here as well.
Islas Coche & Cubagua - The entire state of Nueva Esparta is made up of Isla Margarita and two much smaller neighboring islands, Isla Coche and Isla Cubagua. The pearl beds off these two islands were major sources of wealth during the colonial period. Both islands are popular destinations for day cruises, which bring folks to their pristine and nearly deserted beaches. Isla Coche has some development and rolling hills, while Isla Cubagua is mostly barren, flat, and undeveloped.
Cities and Towns
Porlamar- This is the biggest city on Isla Margarita and is known for its commercial center. It has a wide variety of shops and restaurants, sure to appeal to every taste. Boulevard Guevara, a narrow, store-lined road, is the best place to shop at good prices. Porlamar has the highest concentration of shops, restaurants, bars, and dance clubs on Margarita.
Pampatar- This is about 6 miles northeast of Porlamar but is much more picturesque and calm. Founded in 1535 around the island's most protected deep-water harbor, Pampatar still retains much of its colonial-era flavor and architecture. The main attraction here is the Castillo de San Carlos de Borromeo, which was constructed entirely of coral and built on the waterfront of the town center to protect the bay of Pampatar. Across from the fort, you'll find the Iglesia de Santísimo Cristo del Buen Viaje, a church of great importance to the sailors and fishermen of Isla Margarita.
La Asuncion- This is the oldest city on Isla Margarita and is the capital of the Federal State of Nueva Esparta. It is also the center of the commercial and manufacturing industries, which include the growing of cotton, sugarcane, coconuts, and cassava. The city's church, La Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, is said to be the oldest in Venezuela. A few minutes from the center of town is the Castillo de Santa Rosa, another of the island's historic and battle-worn forts.
Beaches
Playa El Agua - A long, broad, straight stretch of white sand with moderate surf, backed by palm trees and a broad selection of restaurants and shops.
Playa Parguito - Has begun to rival El Agua in terms of popularity. Both of these beaches can get packed on weekends and during peak periods.
Manzanillo – One of the least developed beaches, meaning it is often quite deserted. It also offers a great place to watch sunsets.
Playa Pampatar - One of the least attractive beaches on the island, but quite popular with locals. It is lined with a string of simple restaurants set on the sand, just a few yards from the sea.
National Parks
La Restinga National Park - This 26,429-acre park encompasses an area of mangroves, marshland, sandbar, and coral-sand beaches making a natural land bridge between the two islands that today are Isla Margarita. A visit to the park usually involves a boat tour through the mangroves, followed by some beach time on the 6-mile stretch of beach that forms the isthmus uniting the two sides of Margarita. You'll find some simple beachside restaurants and souvenir stands here as well.
Islas Coche & Cubagua - The entire state of Nueva Esparta is made up of Isla Margarita and two much smaller neighboring islands, Isla Coche and Isla Cubagua. The pearl beds off these two islands were major sources of wealth during the colonial period. Both islands are popular destinations for day cruises, which bring folks to their pristine and nearly deserted beaches. Isla Coche has some development and rolling hills, while Isla Cubagua is mostly barren, flat, and undeveloped.
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