Giant pearls once lured adventurers to Margarita Island. Today, the pearls are mostly gone, and it's the dazzling sunsets, duty-free shops and powdery beaches that attract the crowds. This Caribbean isle (23 mi/38 km off the northeast coast of Venezuela) is a mecca for funseekers from mainland Venezuela and other parts of the world as well. Some cruise ships, most on southern Caribbean voyages, also call at the island, whose official name is Isla de Margarita.
The bustling business center of Margarita is Porlamar (a contraction of Puerto de la Mar—or Port of the Sea). It's located on the southeastern side of the island, which is also where most of the island's other towns and nearly all of its residents are located. (The western side is more arid and sparsely populated.) Tourism fuels the island's economy, so you'll find a very pleasant scene almost everywhere you go: Roving waiters at beaches proffer cocktails, and seaside restaurants serve up fish fresh from the ocean.
You can trace the island's colonial history in its old churches and fortresses or venture into the mangroves to spot rare birds, including scarlet ibis, frigate birds and parrots. There are still some isolated, undeveloped stretches of sand, if you want to escape civilization.
The most popular beach on Margarita is probably Playa El Agua, which is not recommended during national holidays or on long weekends. Other beaches of note are Playa Guacuco, Playa El Tirano and Playa Parguito.
About 25 minutes from Porlamar is the town of Juan Griego, where you can enjoy many of the pleasures of Margarita in a more relaxed environment. Visitors also go there for the renowned sunsets and excellent seafood restaurants along the beach adjoining the town.
Location
A spectacular, large cruise-ship facility, Puerto de la Mar (phone 0295-264-1635; http://www.puertodelamar.com.ve), is nearing completion (opening slated for late 2007) in the heart of Porlamar. Apart from the beautiful design with fountains and gardens, there will be a huge gallery of duty-free shops, restaurants and other services. Furthermore, it is located directly beside the traditional downtown shopping area.
Until then, the international port of Guamache will continue to receive cruise ships. However, this port was designed to receive cargo, not tourists, and has been used only as a stopgap measure. The tourist services are quite improvised (installed only when the ships come in), with a small gazebo where various tour operators offer their services, a line of tables for merchants to sell souvenirs, some taxi drivers (speaking Spanish only) who can be hired for transfers to the main towns or for a tour, and a snack bar. It is important to note that there is nothing to see in this area for passengers with the idea of just exploring on foot.
Newsstands in Porlamar sell maps of the island, but you can get them free at most hotels and at the information booth in the airport. The state tourism office, Corpotur, is located in the town of Los Robles. Phone 0295-262-2322, 0295-262-2514 or 0295-262-4194. http://www.corpoturmargarita.gov.ve
Shore Excursions
Consider signing up for the excursions offered by your ship. They may not be the least expensive way to see the island, but you won't have to waste your limited time making arrangements yourself—and you won't have to worry about missing the ship. Typical shore excursions take you to visit the exotic flora and fauna of Parque Nacional Laguna de la Restinga or on a jeep safari to remote areas of the island. Check with your ship's shore-excursion staff or your travel agent for additional information. Keep in mind, too, that tours can be arranged once you are in port.
