Margarita Island; Final Summary of Attractions
Margarita offers more choices for fun than most Caribbean Islands, and even though I have already mentioned quite a few of those attractions, I would like to briefly summarize.
Dining: Not only are the prices extremely reasonable in Margarita (as compared to all the other Caribbean Islands), but the extremely wide variety of restaurants and types of dishes served will allow the visitor to experience local cuisine as well as gourmet fare. There are literally hundreds of places to eat, but the very best are generally located in either Porlamar, Juan Griego, or near some of the most popular beaches such as Playa El Agua, El Yaque, or Playa Caribe. Ask other tourists you encounter for the most current recommendations.
Shopping: For a very high-class shopping experience, visit the Sambil Mall, the Roatan Mall (near Diverland), or tour the shops located on 4 DeMayo. If you are interested in souvenirs, clothing (knockoffs such as various name brands of jeans, etc), or hand-crafted items, visit the huge flea market located near the outskirts of Porlamar. Be sure to bargain with the vendors if you do not like the prices.
Craft Shops: Many of the small towns in the interior of the island feature local arts and crafts. Check at the International Airport information booth for a free map and advice on where to go for your particular treasure. I am not giving recommendations here as the locations of various artists/crafts-people change from time to time. For example, when we stayed at the Allegro Lagunamar resort, Tuesday evenings featured many of the local artisans and their various wares. Be advised that could change however.
Surfing: While Margarita does not offer really good surfing conditions regularly, there are times when the surf is fairly decent on the northeastern side of the island.
Windsurfing: El Yaque beach features (as we noted in one of our previous chapters) some of the best windsurfing in the world, and conditions are generally ideal for ten to eleven months out of the year. Contact one of the resorts at El Yaque for recommendations before booking your trip.
Parasailing: Several companies offer parasail flights on the island. Best bet is Playa El Agua.
Ultra-light Flights: While I cannot actually recommend these (due to the many accidents that have occurred in various places including Margarita Island), there ARE vendors at Playa El Agua who will take you for a flight for about $40 U.S.
Sailboat and Catamaran trips: There are several companies who offer such trips daily. The most people destination is Coche Island which is only a couple of miles offshore from Margarita, but still offers a very fine strand of beaches and other amenities. One other popular trip is to the rocky islets off the northeastern coast of the island. Those offer extremely good snorkeling during most of the year.
Beaches: There are over a hundred miles of beaches, and you can choose between tourist resort crowds to stretches of fine sand that reveal NO human footprints.
Fishing: Margarita is a hot-spot for fishing. Check at the marinas at Porlamar to inquire about prices and details on fishing trips.
Mountain Climbing: Check out the mountain range near San Francisco on the Macanao end of the island (west).
Mountain Drive: La Sierra, a wonderful mountain-top park can be reached via a paved access road that runs out of La Asuncion (the State capital) not far from the main government buildings.
Flights to Angel Falls: These can be arranged through many travel agencies on the island such as several located at Playa El Agua. You might also try asking at the International Airport.
Bowling: Check out 4 De Mayo in Porlamar. There is also word that a large bowling alley is going in next to the Rattan Depot.
Amusement Parks: Diverland… Roller coaster, ferris wheel, swim with the dolphins, etc. El Agua Water Park…
Fast Food Restaurants: Choose from Wendy’s, McDonalds, Subway, various pizza places, etc. Most of those are in Porlamar.
Water Park; Lagoon Boat Tour: Visit La Restinga on the narrow part of the island as you enter the Macanao peninsula. Boat tours are available and are reasonable in price.
Jeep Tours: Most travel agents can book one of these for you. Everyone we have spoken with who has taken one has really loved it. They generally go to the Macanao Peninsula.
Ancient Forts: There are several on the island. Be sure to get a local map for directions to each one.
Scenic Tour: A MUST SEE ROUTE is the northern road that runs along the coast on the northeastern end of the island.
Sunshine: Margarita has some nearly every day of the year. ENJOY!
If you visit the Island, be sure to drop me a line and let me know how you liked it and what your favorite part turned out to be.
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