Isla Margarita Things to Do

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A town not far from Porlamar. There's a small cathdral on the edge of Plaza Bolivar which was built in the 16th century and one of the oldest colonial churches in the country. There's also a museum on the northern side displaying some of the region's history.

A 10 minute walk away from the plaza of Castillo de Santa Rosa, built to protect from pirate attacks. You can still see some of the cells and old armoury on display. Great views from the top and free to get in.

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This small town is home to the island's patroness - Virgen del Valle. A big plaza at one end a sweet looking church, reminisent of something in a Disney fairy tale. The statue of the virgin sits in this church surrounded by a number devotees.

We arrived in El Valle 3 days after the Virgin's Day 8th September and was still full of visiters and stalls selling souveniers and statues of the virgin. I'm not sure what it would be like during the rest of the year - still pretty busy I think.

There's lots of stalls around selling empanadas, doughnuts and drinks. In the plaza there was a band playing music. Great atmosphere, a beautiful place.

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Playa Caribe was the best beach we found on the island, with the right vibe for us. It was less busy than El Agua and much more chilled out. There are a few beach bars along the beach which charge around 10 bolivars for sunbeds and no hulking hotels in sight. The best of the beach bars is probably the biggest run by the Argentinean Carlos. He his really friendly and the food is some of the best I've had on the island.

About 15/20 min taxi ride from El Agua for around 35 bolivar and around 5 minute taxi ride from Jaun Griego.

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We'd heard about this trip last year and looked forward to including it in our plans for this year.

Another full day tour that included transfers to and from your hotel to a small port on the south end of the island, a morning snack as soon as we cast off, fresh fruit tray mid-morning, a swim/snorkel stop along the way, travelling around the entire Isla Croche within visual distance of the Venezuelan mainland, lunch at the beach and refreshments. Whew!!

There were two choices of vessel - sail/motor catamaran or just motor. The sail/motor option was what we opted for, which was a few dollars more but was more intimate and comfortable. Our cost was $45 each.

There is shade available on board, as well as washroom facilities.

Bring a water-proof bag to protect any electronics in case of rough weather (it was a little rough on the way home).

If I have left any information out, please feel free to message me.
If you are not staying at Playa El Agua and would like to get information, Rudi at Isabela Tours would be more than happy to help you or give you direction.

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We enjoyed last year's tour so much and my sister and husband were with us this time that we wanted to do the jeep tour again. This time around we booked our tour through Isabella Travel and enjoyed a similar experience with a few differences. This trip took us up through the jungle-like mountain and down into Ascenscion which was not included last year. I found our lunch location and fare much better last year (see previous tip for company).
The cost for this trip was less expensive than last ($25 USD ea) and included being picked up at your hotel, a briefing at Isabela Tours office and a tour guide.

As before we enjoyed a tour of the Lagoon National Park, seeing mangrove trees, sea sponges, starfish, sea horses and a fun boat ride. I recommend you give your boat driver a tip ~ whatever you feel comfortable with.

Our driver this year certainly sought out rougher areas for 4x4 driving, which was a little more exhilirating. He also took more scenic routes and less highway travel which was more enjoyable. We also tipped the driver and guide at the end of the day.

Feel free to message me for any information I have not thought to include.

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Monday took us to our snorkeling trip. Neither of us had gone snorkeling so we were happy with what we got. I think if you have been to someplace bigger, like Cozumel, you would be disappointed. As I said, we were happy with it. Saw lots of big blue fish, black & yellow striped fish, multi-coloured fish, sea urchins, etc. The only downside to the day was the lunch – it was quite disappointing and the “Hacienda” where it was served was swarming with flies. Other than that it was great. We got some good pictures of pelicans at that spot and we saw a school (?) of dolphins go by. OH – by the way, I wish I had swam with either a t-shirt on or had a lot of water resistant sun block – yep, you guessed it, another place on my body sunburned – my back. Still – it was well worth it :D [$30 USD each]

This was our second visit to Margarita Island and the second time we used Isabela Tours for our two activities ~ Catamaran Tour and Jeep Tour. It is helpful that Rudi, the owner/operator, speaks English (and German, Spanish, ....). He has a convenient location on the Beach Road at Playa El Agua and takes pride in what he provides guests. We bought our snorkelling tour from here last year also (refer other Things to Do tip).
He can also provide you with useful information on currency exchange.

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We weren't in Margarita long and so we just got off the ship and walked around the 'street' of stalls around the quayside (keyside, for some).

There was a great place to buy CDs of local; music ---just a few dollars each. We also bought some ceramic wind chimes, musical instruments, a papier mache bulls head for school, some costume jewels and some other odds and ends before sitting down for a relaxing drink.

The people were helpful and charming.