Secret Caribbean Pearl, Margarita Island

Author: Marsha Fernandez
Margarita Island is one of the lesser known Caribbean islands. It is unspoiled by commercialization. When I first read information about Margarita I was very surprised to know that it was part of Venezuela. Sure everyone has heard about Caracas, Venezuela but not much is known about La Isla.

Nowadays it's not that difficult to find out more details on just about anything, thanks to the Internet. Island tours, excursions, duty free shopping... why you can even come to this island and swim with the dolphins. It's a once in a lifetime experience.

I will be the first to honestly admit that I thought I was just coming to a third world country. But Margarita seems to be oh so much more than that. I believe it is due to the intriguing people that live there.

These days island folk live include Native Islanders, Americans, Chinese, Arabs, Colombians, Brazilians, Canadians and even people from the United Kingdom. At any given time in town you may meet tourists or even locals that are Americans or that are of another nationality.

Margariteños are very friendly people and understand that this beautiful island of theirs has the potential to boom in the tourism industry. The fact that more people are coming to live here is just a part of the 'boom' and has been for sometime now.

Six years ago before I myself moved here, there was not much info on the Internet as there is now. Now you can find virtually everything before you arrive for vacation on the island. You can come to Margarita and go scuba diving, visit Mangroves and go on a boat tour in La Restinga National Park, Museo Marino of Boca del Rio (Museum), book a tour to the world's famous Angels Falls or come and swim with the dolphins.

Margarita's Sambil was built in 2001 and right next door is a smaller amusement park called Diverland. Señor Frogs Discotheque/Restaurant for night entertainment plus many more excellent dining locations for you to try. Margarita Hilton Casino is the largest on the island and you may also want to come and golf at Hesperia Isla Margarita, 18-hole course, par 70 with a direct sea view from the entire course.

No matter what your choices are when you decide to come to Margarita you simply will not be disappointed!

What about the beaches you ask? The most popular beach is Playa el Agua, and is always filled with tourists and the beach El Yaque is perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

To me, Margarita Island is simply the Caribbean's pearl ....

Marsha Fernandez, moved to Margarita Island from Orlando, Fla. 6 years ago.