Margarita Island is the largest island of the Nueva Esparta state in Venezuela, situated in the Caribbean Sea, off the northeastern coast of the country. The state also contains two other smaller islands: Coche and Cubagua. The capital is La Asunción, located in a river valley of the same name.
Considered the Pearl of the Carribean, Margarita island boasts beautiful beaches, tropical flora, bars and discos, salsa clubs and fine restaurants. Its largest city is Porlamar, which is the in the eastern part of the island.
Margarita Island has numerous beaches, and many different kinds. The most popular is playa El Agua in the north part of the island. It is about 2 1/2 miles long beach with fine sand, and has lots of restaurants. Other well-known beaches are playa Caribe (north of Juangriego), playa Guacuco (in the east), playa Parguito (east), playa Manzanillo (north), and the windsurfing / kitesurfing beach at El Yaque.
Things to See and Do
* La Restinga National Park
* Playa El Agua - beach
* Wind and kitesurfing
* Spanish Colonial historical sites
* Swimming with dolphins
Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Bolívar fuerte (VEF)
Language – Spanish
Population – 420,000 approx
Land Area – 1,020 km²
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style
Time – GMT minus four and a half hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 58
Port Location – El Guamache, the port area, is about 45 minutes away from Porlamar (the main town on the island).
Transport Links – Margarita island can be accessed via flights from Del Caribe International General Santiago Marino Airport with service from several airlines.
A ferry service is available from mainland Venezuela at Puerto La Cruz with Conferry.