Margarita

The Pearl of the Caribbean

Margarita Island is a mountainous Caribbean idyll situated around forty miles north of Venezuela. Benefiting from a uniquely benign climate, you can spend 320 days of sun per year firmly outside the traditional Caribbean tropical storm corridor. Offering something for everyone, from the busy little town of Porlamar, with its duty free designer shops and eateries, to the quieter fishing villages, visitor numbers are rising, up 12% in 2006, with an increase of more than 250,000 visitors on the previous year. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1498 along with the USA, this ‘Gateway to Venezuela’ has long been a favourite South American getaway and the Spanish influence is heavy in its historic buildings and rich heritage, reflecting the culture of the people who ruled it until 1811.

Around 350,000 people live on Margarita Island, mainly in the east of the island, in and around the capital Asuncion and the shoppers’ paradise of Porlamar. Western Margarita is known as the Macanao Peninsula; sparsely populated, it has seen little tourist development due to a limited water supply. Throughout the island, there are over 150km of powdery beaches offering up the usual plethora of watersports, as well as an established golf course. With an average temperature of 30˚, this unique island measures just 33km from north-south and 64km, east to west. Experiencing a vertiginous economical evolution over the past twenty years or so, Margarita’s star is rising and rising fast.

Tourists typically arrive in Margarita by sea or air, its newly remodeled Santiago Mariño International Airport a mere 30 minute flight from Caracas and situated just 25km from the busy little city of Porlamar. Flight time is around 8 hours from the UK. Several international airlines and dozens of charter carriers fly to Margarita from major European cities, as well as from Toronto, Montréal, Miami, and New York. The German discount airlines condor.com operates a daily direct flight from Frankfurt International to Porlamar. The leading Venezuelan airline Aeropostal offers direct flights from Miami to Porlamar via Caracas every day.

If you prefer to travel by sea, you can access Margarita from mainland Venezuela by ferry from the cities of Puerto La Cruz and Cumaná, arriving at Punta de Piedras Port; and from Carúpano arriving at El Morro Port Terminal, southeast of Porlamar. Travel time is about four hours in each case.

Currently the airport tax from Caracas to Margarita Island is US$8. International departure tax is normally included in the cost of your ticket. Check with your airline before agreeing to pay anything extra.

Public transport is reasonable in Margarita, and cheap to boot. A good option for getting around the larger towns, it isn’t the best choice for traveling between villages, being slow and inconsistent. However, car hire is widely available and, with oil being Margarita’s main export, fuel is extremely cheap, with a full 4×4 tank costing a driver somewhere around £1.50 in total.

Passports and Visas

If you are arriving by air, you can enter for up to 90 days on a tourist card issued on arrival. You should also have a valid return ticket. If you are arriving overland, or by sea, you need to obtain a visa in advance from your nearest Venezuelan Embassy or Consulate. You must not overstay the 90 days or you may be arrested and fined when departing. Extensions of up to 60 days can be arranged at any DIEX (Department for Foreigners of Ministry of Interior) office on payment of a fee plus presentation of passport, tourist card, photograph and return ticket. Your passport should have at least six months’ validity on arrival.

US nationals, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, UK nationals, South Africans and most western and Scandinavian Europeans do not require a visa if they fly directly to Venezuela. Foreigners entering Venezuela by land are supposed to require a valid visa (best obtained before you leave for South America); but it really depends on the personality of the border guard. According to Immigration, in order to obtain a Retirement Visa, you must prove a monthly income of $1,200 U.S., and an additional $500 per month for each dependent.

Leaving Venezuela from Caracas costs around Bs.102.900 or around US$54 at the official exchange rate (more like $42 at the unofficial rate). National flights from Maquetia Airport (Caracas) have an airport tax of Bs.14,700. To leave Isla Margarita through the international terminal (not local flights) the exit tax is around Bs.102.900 or around US$54.00 at the official exchange rate ($42 unofficial). There is also a minimal airport tax for local flights currently Bs.14.700. There is NO entry tax into Venezuela.

Venezualan Bolivar (VEB)

The legal currency of Margarita Island is the Bolivar. Notes come in denominations of 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 Bolivares, coins in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 Bolivares. Strict currency controls remain in place in Venezuela, but Bolivars can be obtained in the UK through banks and some travel agencies. It is best to obtain local currency before travelling. Bureaux de change, including at the airport, and major hotels, will exchange US dollars for Bolivars. Some banks (e.g. Banco Mercantil) will buy US dollars for Bolivars or sell Bolivars against a foreign credit card. US dollar travellers’ cheques are accepted at most Italcambios offices. In most towns and all major cities, credit cards are accepted. However, it can be difficult to withdrawing cash from ATMs.

Bills from restaurants, bars and clubs include a 10% service fee. It is still customary to tip attentive services of waiters, tourist guides, maids and bell boys. Water: Tap water is not recommendable for human consumption. It is advisable to drink only Mineral Water or filtered water.

Tipping:  Restaurant bills, and those from bars and clubs include a 10 % service charge, but is still customary to tip attentive services of waiters, tourist guides, maids and bell boys.

Margarita enjoys a year-round summer climate averaging between 26°C (78°F) and 31°C (88°F). The island is hurricane free and local conditions make it a mecca for international sailing and windsurfing communities. There are no pronounced seasons in Venezuela nor on Margarita Island. However, summer does get hot and, due to its proximity to the equator, can the temperatures can rise into the mid to high 30’s (90°F+).

Telephones

Country Dialing Code: 58

Mobile phones are widely available as are pre pay cards and coverage is good. The International dialing code is as for Venezuela +58, then Margarita Island 295.

On the island you will find regional, national and international newspapers. There are five TV channels and a variety of radio stations. The postal service is good, as are fax and internet services, with internet cafes everywhere with good broadband connection.

The voltage on Margarita Island is as that in mainland Venezuela, at 110V.

Margarita may not be that well known on the tourist trail as yet but it is brimming with activity, truly offering something for everyone. Having held pride of place in the hearts of Venezuelan holidaymakers for years, this little island has had plenty of practice in knowing how to keep its visitors amused. Steady tourist growth over the past twenty or so years has brought with it casinos, major five star hotel chains and international tour operators, an acclaimed golf course and a buzzing nightlife in Porlamar which itself has a large port area, opened in 2002, which now caters for cruise ships and a plethora of private yachts. Perhaps the island’s biggest draw is its stunning scenery, which provides a perfect backdrop for all manner of entertainment. Charter a boat and explore the turquoise Caribbean waters; scuba dive or snorkel; go deep sea fishing. Go horse riding or ride the waves instead with a bit of windsurfing or kitesurfing. The island has numerous beaches, which range from solitary to crowded. Playa El Yaque is internationally known as an excellent location for windsurfing and Playa Puerto Cruz is one of the most popular with tourists. Playa El Agua, in the north, is the most popular, its 3 miles of fine sand lined with palm trees and cafes.

When you tire of the dolphins, jungle tours and superb waterfalls, you can spend some time at one of the many theme parks on Margarita Island: Parque El Agua and Diverland are just two. Or visit La Restinga National Park or Margarita Tropical Gardens and Maze and immerse yourself in some of the world’s most incredible natural beauty.

Shopping takes on a whole new meaning in the shops on duty free Margarita, where prices are around 15-20% lower than those on the Venezuelan mainland. Thanks to the constant flow of tourists, Porlamar in particular is brimming with shops, especially clothes shops of all kinds. There are also several large shopping centres as well as excellent supermarkets stocking a wide range of international and fresh produce. Designer goods are sought after as are the island’s infamous pearl necklaces and other locally produced jewellery and ceramics. Unique to Margarita and popular with tourists are ‘chinchorro’, intricately woven hammocks made of rough natural fibers. Top buys include Cuban cigars, jeans and clothing, chinchorro and Venezuelan coffee.

Margarita is unique in being a little Caribbean paradise that swings to a South American beat and the island’s heritage, art, and culture, like those of Venezuela, have been heavily influenced by its Latin American context. Discovered in 1498, the Spanish conquerors found an island full of wealth and rich soil, and named the island ‘La Margarita’, meaning ‘pearl’. The island was, and still is, rich with pearls. The original inhabitants, the Guaiqueri Indians, received the Spaniards with open arms and this hospitality has remained constant, making Margarita a warm and open house for all visitors. The Spanish influence extends to its language, historic buildings, architecture, art and monuments, their culture shaped by indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. Following Columbus’ landing, indigenous ways were assimilated by the subsequent Spanish influence and, thanks to every self-respecting pirate making it his mission to land here at least once in his career, numerous forts exist around the island. The flavor is definitely Latin American and cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages coexist peacefully with their customs and traditions still intact.

The larger eastern side boasts three principal cities - Porlamar, Pampatar, and La Asunción. Porlamar is the main city, a bustling town. Inland Asuncion was the island’s strategic center in its defense against pirates and local Indians, and today still retains colonial charm. Wherever you go, Margariteños love foreign tourists from all parts of the world and are very helpful and friendly.

Medical care is broadly good and affordable, but being able to speak Spanish is usually necessary. A range of public and private clinics are on offer, with care in the private clinics being of a higher standard. Payment is expected directly at the clinic following treatment, leaving you to claim reimbursement from your insurance policy. It is recommended that you take out a comprehensive health insurance policy before you travel. Be advised that serious medical emergencies may necessitate evacuation to Miami, as health care in Venezuela is fairly limited. It is advisable not to drink tap water under any circumstances. Vaccinations are not necessary although a Hepatitis A booster is recommended.

The food in Margarita is a mixture of African, native Indian and European cuisines which has evolved over the centuries. Flavorful but not spicy, many dishes feature peppers, garlic, onions and coriander as flavor enhancers. Corn is found everywhere, especially as pancakes (arepas), which take the place of bread in many cases. Other staples include beans and rice. Margarita’s cuisine is closely linked to the sea, and enjoys a long tradition of delicious cuisine based on fresh fish and seafood. Fried and grilled fish such as trout, red snapper, baby shark (cazon), and shellfish such as oyster's prawns and clams are popular and meats such as beef and chicken are common everyday foods, although other meats such as goat are preferred in certain regions, with pork eaten mostly during Christmas. Fruit and vegetables are plentiful (mango, papaya, avocado, bananas, coconut, melon, pineapple and guava, plantain, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, aubergine, cucumber and peas in particular). In Porlamar empanadas are the most popular snack, a fried pie stuffed with various ingredients. Seafood snacks are popular as is parilla, a generic name for barbecued food.

With the exception of goods pertaining to health restrictions, animal health certifications, and permits from the Ministry of Health, as well as those pertaining to defence and social security, all goods may enter Margarita without tax implication as Margarita is a duty free port.

With the right people assisting you, purchasing an overseas property can be an enjoyable and rewarding affair ... one, we at Property Club International are familiar with. If you still have questions having read this section, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

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