Cruises from Isla Margarita

Isla Margarita, or Margarita Island, is a tropical Caribbean paradise located just off the coast of Venezuela. It is best known for its beaches and water activities and has 320 days of sunshine each year.

Isla Margarita, while not as well-known, offers pretty much the same holiday amenities as most other Caribbean island retreats, including beautiful white sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts, upscale hotel properties, superb golfing, loads of water-sports opportunities and a varied nightlife, but all at a fraction of what you would pay on other Caribbean islands.

The official currency is the Venezuelan Bolivar Fuerte. Be aware that due to prevailing government regulations, you cannot change the Venezuelan currency back into dollars, so only exchange your money a little at a time, as you need it.

Isla Margarita is served by both air and cruise ships, so getting to the island is easy.

Daytime temperatures range from about 78° to 88°F (26° to 31°C) and nighttime temperatures will run about 4° to 5° cooler. The island is very informal, so casual wear will be fine, even in the evening.

There are lots to see and do on Isla Margarita and for daytime fun try the new water park near Playa Parguito. Called Parque El Agua, it is chock full of toboggan rides and water-based activities that are sure to please all ages. There is also “Diverland”, which is located just outside of Porlamar. This is an amusement park with a Ferris wheel, roller coaster and pools housing both dolphins and seals.

Golfers will enjoy the Isla Margarita Golf Course at the Hesperia Isla Margarita Hotel. Green fees are between $40 and $80 US, depending on the season.

Of course, there are always the beaches and Isla Margarita has some of the best. Many offer a full range of amenities, including open-air restaurants and bars, as well as kiosks where water toys can be rented or parasailing and similar activities can be arranged.

There are also tours of Los Roques National Marine Park, where the famous Angel Falls is located. There are plenty of other touring options too, such as jungle and round-the-island type jaunts. Another option is to take a day sail by small cruise ship. These are especially attractive for visitors staying on the mainland who want to spend a day in Isla Margarita. The boats used for these tours, which cost from $35 to $70 per person, are comfortable and offer beach chairs with umbrellas on deck. They also serve a continental breakfast, buffet lunch and there is an open bar with lots of organized fun.

The evenings offer loads of options too, with beachfront restaurants and bars offering live music and dancing or casinos where you can try your luck at a variety of table games and as slot machines. In addition there are discos and movie theatres, not to mention a variety of eateries in and around the centre of the island.

Because Isla Margarita is nowhere near as well known as some of her Caribbean neighbours the price of most things tend to be far lower. Because the island is far less crowded than others, it is possible to have a truly relaxing Caribbean holiday.