Home › Destinations › Margarita Island
Margarita Island, Venezuela - Things to Do in Margarita Island

Things to Do in Margarita Island

Margarita Island, Venezuela - Complete Travel Guide

Margarita Island, known as 'Isla de Margarita' in Spanish, is Venezuela's largest Caribbean island and premier beach destination, located just 40 kilometers north of the mainland. This tropical paradise in the state of Nueva Esparta boasts over 50 pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a year-round warm climate that attracts visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure. The island combines natural beauty with rich colonial history, featuring charming towns like La Asunción and Pampatar alongside modern resort areas. As a duty-free zone, Margarita Island offers excellent shopping opportunities, making it popular with both international tourists and Venezuelan mainlanders. The island's diverse landscape includes everything from desert-like terrain in the east to lush mangrove forests, while its waters provide world-class conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and deep-sea fishing. With its blend of pristine nature, water sports, historical sites, and vibrant nightlife, Margarita Island serves as an ideal Caribbean getaway that remains more affordable than many other regional destinations.

Top Things to Do in Margarita Island

Explore Playa El Agua

Visit the island's most famous and longest beach, stretching over 4 kilometers of golden sand and calm Caribbean waters. This Blue Flag certified beach offers excellent swimming conditions, beachfront restaurants, and various water sports activities. The beach is well-developed with amenities while maintaining its natural beauty.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but parking costs around $2-3. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Beach chair and umbrella rentals cost $5-8 per day. Choose established restaurants for meals to ensure food safety.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing at El Yaque

Experience world-class wind conditions at El Yaque Beach, considered one of the top windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations globally. The consistent trade winds and shallow, flat waters create perfect conditions for both beginners and advanced practitioners. Multiple schools and rental shops line the beach offering equipment and instruction.

Booking Tip: Beginner lessons cost $40-60 for 2-3 hours including equipment. Best wind conditions are December to July. Book lessons in advance during peak season. Look for IKO or VDWS certified instructors for quality assurance.

Historical Tour of Pampatar

Discover the colonial charm of Pampatar, home to the impressive Fortín de la Caranta fortress built in 1664 to defend against pirate attacks. Explore cobblestone streets, visit the beautiful Iglesia del Cristo del Buen Viaje church, and browse local craft markets. The town offers insight into the island's rich maritime history and colonial architecture.

Booking Tip: Fort entrance is free and open daily 8am-5pm. Guided tours cost $10-15 per person and provide valuable historical context. Visit in the morning to avoid afternoon heat. Combine with shopping at nearby duty-free stores.

Mangrove Kayaking in Laguna de La Restinga

Navigate through Venezuela's largest mangrove forest in this protected national park, home to diverse wildlife including flamingos, herons, and iguanas. The peaceful waterways wind through tunnel-like passages created by intertwining mangrove roots, offering a unique ecological experience. The tour typically ends at a pristine beach accessible only by water.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $25-35 per person including boat transport and guide. Morning tours offer better wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures. Bring sunscreen, hat, and water. Book through established operators who follow park regulations.

Cable Car Ride at Cerro El Copey

Take a scenic cable car ride up Margarita's highest peak for panoramic views of the entire island and surrounding Caribbean Sea. The journey passes through different climate zones, from arid coastal vegetation to cooler mountain forests. At the summit, enjoy hiking trails, a restaurant, and spectacular photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost $8-12 per adult, $5-8 for children. Operating hours are typically 9am-5pm, weather permitting. Bring a light jacket as temperatures drop at elevation. Check weather conditions before visiting as fog can obscure views.

Getting There

Margarita Island is accessible primarily by air through Santiago Mariño Caribbean International Airport (PMV), which receives direct flights from Caracas, Miami, Panama City, and other regional destinations. Flight time from Caracas is approximately 45 minutes. Ferry services operate from Puerto La Cruz and Cumaná on the Venezuelan mainland, with journey times of 2.5-4 hours depending on the service. The ferry is more economical but less convenient for international travelers. Private boats and charter flights are also available for those seeking more flexibility.

Getting Around

The most convenient way to explore Margarita Island is by rental car, with numerous agencies available at the airport and major hotels. Taxis are widely available but can be expensive for longer distances; always agree on fares beforehand. Public transportation includes 'por puestos' (shared taxis) and buses that connect major towns and beaches, though routes may be confusing for first-time visitors. Many hotels offer shuttle services to popular beaches and attractions. Motorcycles and scooters can be rented for short trips, though traffic can be chaotic in busy areas.

Where to Stay

Playa El Agua
Porlamar
Costa Azul
Pampatar
Juan Griego
Playa Parguito

Food & Dining

Margarita Island's culinary scene centers around fresh seafood, with specialties including cazón (baby shark), corocoro fish, and various shellfish preparations. Beachfront restaurants, called 'toldos,' serve grilled fish and cold beer with your feet in the sand. Porlamar offers the widest variety of dining options, from upscale international restaurants to local 'areperas' serving traditional Venezuelan corn cakes. Don't miss trying 'empanadas de cazón' and fresh tropical fruit juices. Many restaurants accept both bolívars and US dollars, though prices in dollars may be more favorable due to currency fluctuations.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Venezuela

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Sempre Dritto Ristorante

4.6 /5
(1243 reviews) 2

Aprile

4.6 /5
(968 reviews) 3

Restaurante Da Guido

4.5 /5
(924 reviews) 2

Pasticho - Chacao

4.6 /5
(771 reviews)

Sottovoce Ristorante

4.5 /5
(741 reviews) 4

Pazzo Ristorante

4.6 /5
(587 reviews) 3
all dining options →

When to Visit

The best time to visit Margarita Island is during the dry season from December to April, when rainfall is minimal and trade winds provide ideal conditions for water sports. Temperatures remain consistently warm year-round (26-30°C/79-86°F), but humidity is lower during these months. The wet season (May to November) brings occasional heavy showers but also fewer crowds and lower prices. Hurricane season (June to November) poses minimal risk as the island sits south of the typical hurricane belt. For windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts, December through July offers the most consistent wind conditions.

Insider Tips

Bring US dollars in small denominations as they're widely accepted and often preferred over bolívars, especially for tourist services and restaurants
Download offline maps and translation apps before arriving, as internet connectivity can be unreliable and English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas
Stock up on sunscreen and basic medications before your trip, as these items can be expensive or difficult to find due to import restrictions

Explore Activities in Margarita Island