How to plan a trip to Margarita Island?

Margarita Island is one of the most spectacular destinations to visit in Venezuela and therefore, also one of the most touristic. This is an advantage because it offers a wide range of accommodations and activities to do. You will see that you will not get bored. However, if you want to make the most of your stay, it is also important to take some aspects into account before planning your trip to Margarita Island. For example, the best time to travel so that you don’t get caught in the rainy season, where to find accommodation or what price the activities have in order to prepare a budget.

In this post we want to share our own experience with you and help you with every detail of the organization of your trip. That’s why we have prepared several sections where we address the typical doubts that will assail you before starting your vacation. In addition, we give you lots of tips to make the most of every second, find the best deals and not miss anything.

1. Prepare the necessary documentation to travel to Margarita Island

As you will see, it is not complicated to prepare the papers to travel to Venezuela. In fact, from many countries, such as those of the European Union, you will not even need a visa.

These are the documents you need to prepare when planning your trip to Margarita Island:

• Passport: must be valid and have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry to Venezuela.
• Return ticket: it is often required to show a return ticket to demonstrate the visitor’s intention to leave the country before the expiration of the allowed period of stay.
• Proof of accommodation: it may be necessary to submit hotel confirmations or a letter of invitation from someone who will be hosting you in Venezuela.
• Travel Insurance: currently travel insurance is mandatory and coverage cannot be less than $40,000 for Medical Assistance Services and $1,000 for loss or theft of luggage. In addition, the duration of the travel insurance must never be less than the duration of the trip.
• International vaccination certificate: depending on current health alerts, it may be necessary to present a vaccination certificate. Especially against yellow fever, and if traveling to border areas with Brazil.
• Proof of financial solvency: upon arrival they may request proof that you have sufficient funds for your stay.
• Visa (for those cases necessary): can be processed online and is recommended 90 days in advance, as processing time may depend on the volume of applications. The price of the processing fees is around €50.

You should also know that within the country it is necessary to process some permits when accessing some protected areas. In general it is an inexpensive procedure that can be done once at the destination. Although it is also possible to do it online. For example, the entrance fee to Canaima National Park costs US$40 and the entrance tax to Los Roques Archipelago National Park: US$5.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Margarita Island

The best time to travel to Margarita Island is between December and April, coinciding with the dry season. During these months the weather is drier and sunnier, ideal for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities, such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. They are especially popular during this season due to the constant strong winds.

These months are also the high season for tourism, which means you’ll find a lively atmosphere and plenty of entertainment options. Be aware, however, that everything is also more expensive. And you’ll have to look for accommodation further in advance if you want to be sure to find good prices.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices, you might consider traveling in the low season from May to November. During this time, although there is a greater chance of rain, especially between June and October, it is still possible to enjoy the island and its attractions, as the rains are usually of short duration.

3. Find out how to get to Margarita Island

Margarita Island is very well connected with the main airports of Venezuela, since as we have mentioned, it is usually included in most tourist routes. The most usual is to fly to the Simón Bolívar International Airport of Maiquetía, the main entrance to the country. And from there take a local flight to the Santiago Mariño Caribbean International Airport. The plane ride takes just 40 minutes.

It is also possible to travel by sea from other points in Venezuela such as Puerto La Cruz or Cumaná, from where you can take a ferry to the port of Punta de Piedras. It’s a good alternative for local travelers going in their own car or those with time to spare but tighter budgets.

On the island you can get around by car, if you have taken it with the ferry or rented it there, or take cabs, public buses or rent bicycles. Many accommodations offer this service and it is a great option to immerse yourself in local life. You can also get around on organized tours that you hire from your accommodation or with a private driver.

4. Find the accommodation that fits your expectations to enjoy Margarita Island

On Margarita Island you will find from luxury all-inclusive resorts with private beach, to small inns run by local families where you will receive a close treatment. As for the areas, there are several options depending on your interests or budget:

1. Playa El Agua: is one of the most famous and longest beaches of Margarita Island, ideal for sun and sea lovers. The area is full of hotels, inns and vacation apartments that suit all budgets.
2. Playa El Yaque: is world famous for being an excellent spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It also attracts families looking for calm and shallow waters.
3. La Asunción: for those who prefer a quieter atmosphere and want to see the historic side of the island, La Asunción, the capital of Nueva Esparta state, offers colonial charm and a rich history. Although it is a little farther from the beaches, it is a good option for those seeking a more authentic and tranquil environment.
4. Costa Azul: this area is located near Porlamar and is known for its luxurious hotels and apartments.

Prices vary greatly between high season and low season, and above all, availability. So, if you’re traveling between December and April, we recommend looking as early as possible. With the Passporter App you can compare prices and different options directly through Booking. We also encourage you to read the comments other travelers have left on their travel itineraries.

5. Choose the activities you want to do on Margarita Island

If you are a nature and adventure lover, Margarita Island is your ideal destination. On the island, in addition to visiting wonderful beaches, lively cities and impressive natural parks, you can practice many water activities.

Here is a list of the activities that we did during our stay with approximate prices:

• Kite Surfing: the constant winds on Margarita Island make some beaches like El Yaque ideal for this sport. The best season is between December and April, when the winds are stronger and the weather is dry. Equipment rental costs $25 per hour. There are also 3- and 6-day courses ranging in price from $400 to $600.
• Windsurfing: for the reasons we have discussed in the previous section, the island is also the perfect destination for windsurfing. The prices are similar to Kitesurf.
• Kayak: it is practiced mainly in front of the main hotels and in the Laguna de la Restinga. It is a very common activity that you can hire from your accommodation.
• Diving and Snorkeling: there are numerous spots around Margarita Island attractive for diving and snorkeling, offering memorable underwater experiences. While a snorkeling excursion can cost around $75, scuba diving goes up to $150.

We also recommend that you include these points of interest in your itinerary:

• Beaches in Margarita Island: these are the most famous beaches of Margarita Island: Playa El Agua, with various services and a lively atmosphere, Playa Parguito, preferred by surfers for its strong waves, Playa Caribe, with calm waters, ideal for families, Playa Punta Arenas, famous for its sunsets, and Playa La Restinga in La Restinga National Park.
• Porlamar: is the commercial capital of Margarita Island, known for its beaches and as a shopping destination. It offers shopping malls, handicraft markets, bars and nightclubs.
• The Castle of San Carlos de Borromeo: it is a 17th century fortress, open daily except Mondays, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• La Asunción: it is the capital of Nueva Esparta, noted for its colonial architecture and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.
• Laguna de Restinga National Park: this is a beautiful sanctuary of biodiversity, boat excursions from $30, prices vary according to length of visit.
• Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Valle: neo-Gothic temple dedicated to the Virgin of the Valley and pilgrimage destination. Open daily and worth a visit on December 8 for special mass.

If you want to know more about this fascinating destination we encourage you to dive into this post: Things to see and do on Margarita Island

Book the activities for Margarita Island

The activities can be booked upon arrival on the island, either from your accommodation, water sports schools or travel agencies. If you are traveling in high season we recommend booking a few days in advance if you want to ensure your place. And if you are going on a multi-day windsurfing or kitesurfing course, or a diving excursion, it is best to book before you even travel to Venezuela.

During the low season you will find that many of the activities run less frequently and due to the rains, you may even have to cancel some of them.

6. Where and what to eat on Margarita Island

The cuisine of Margarita Island is a delicious fusuin of flavors that combine the product of the sea, with tropical fruits and other basic ingredients of the Venezuelan diet such as corn. Each dish reflects the rich culture and diversity of the country, giving rise to delicious dishes such as:

• Arepa de Huevo and Empanadas de Cazón: typical breakfasts that combine corn dough with unique fillings such as fried egg or cazón, a small local shark.
• Pabellon Margariteño: an insular adaptation of the classic Venezuelan pabellon, enriched with fresh fish or seafood.
• Sancocho de Pescado and Asado de Chucho: comforting dishes highlighted by the use of fresh fish and skate, respectively, cooked with local spices.
• Langosta al Grill and Cazuela Marinera: celebrations of the sea, the former simple and elegant, and the latter, a savory seafood stew.
• Guacuco al Ajillo: local clams cooked in a delicate garlic sauce.
• Mojito in Coconut: refreshing rum and lime drink served in a natural coconut.
• Bienmesabe: a traditional coconut-based dessert, ideal to sweeten the palate after a meal.

On Margarita Island you’ll find restaurants scattered throughout the towns and villages where you can sample authentic local cuisine, but it’s also possible to eat at resorts and inns. In the case of some hotels with private beach, they will even bring your food to the beach. Usually the organized excursions that last the whole day also include lunch.

7. Organize a trip with friends to Margarita Island

Imagine your next vacation on Margarita Island. On a paradisiacal beach, with a cocktail in your hand while lying in the sun and with your best friends around. Doesn’t sound bad right? Traveling with friends is the best thing in the world, and the island definitely invites you to do it. However, we also know that it can be a logistical challenge to organize a trip with friends.

With the Passporter App organizing such trips is easier as you can plan from start to finish the travel itinerary taking into account everyone’s opinion. Add your friends, get inspired by the experiences of other travelers and create the route together. Later you can share your experience through the photos you take during the trip. We have also prepared this post where we leave you some useful tips for traveling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Venezuela

• Take clothes and a waterproof backpack, especially if you’re traveling during the rainy season.
• Pack comfortable clothing and footwear for activities and hiking in the national parks. Remember that you will spend most of the day in the middle of nature.
• The days are hot, so wear cool, breathable clothing.
• Protect yourself from the sun with hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Mosquitoes are abundant, don’t forget to bring anti-mosquito spray or cream. And if you are allergic to bites, bring the necessary medications.
• Always carry water and snacks for excursions, as well as toilet paper or tissues.
• Respect nature and help maintain the ecosystem: don’t pluck flowers or take stones.
• Bring extra towels for excursions that include bathing. Accommodations do not allow you to take yours out of the rooms.
• Start planning your trip to Venezuela in advance and book activities early.
• Sign up for Passporter and discover our travel itinerary to plan a trip to Margarita Island. Using passporter to plan trips is free and helps you get inspiration from other travelers 🙂

9. Do you want to have your trip to Margarita Islandorganized by Passporter?

This beautiful island is a destination that welcomes you with open arms. In the free Passporter App you can find the incredible itineraries that other travelers have done on their own and how much fun they had. You’ll see that it’s not complicated to plan a trip to Margarita Island on your own, but if you prefer to have it all done for you, Passporter can help you too!

At Passporter we also help you with reservations and all the travel arrangements so you don’t have to think about which swimsuit to take with you. As you have seen throughout the post, we have some experience organizing trips to Margarita Island, so we have designed a trip that will exceed all your expectations and allow you to enjoy the incredible scenery and exciting activities without having to organize anything. We take care of everything!

Book your trip to Margarita Island with Passporter Here

10. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Margarita Island

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information of the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you can share your own travel tips and experiences about how to plan a trip to Margarita Island.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

11. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Margarita Island