Updated in 2022.
Located off the northeast coast of Venezuela.
A popular vacation destination for both South Americans and Europeans. The island is also a favorite destination among wealthy Venezuelans. It is especially popular for weddings. The island was shown in the popular latin music video “Una Vaina Loca” as well as on an episode of “Locked Up Abroad!” If you hit it during vacation time, there are plenty of people here enjoying life in Isla Margarita (although less so now, given Venezuela’s economic woes). Isla Margarita is spectacularly beautiful and the beaches are pristine. Along with Lechería and Merida, Isla Margarita is one of the safest places in the country.
POPULATION: 430,000
WEATHER
Dry and sunny (24-37 °C). The island experiences near-perfect weather all year round and refreshing sea breezes.
MUST DO IN ISLA MARGARITA
Isla Margarita is a huge island with varied natural landscapes and cultural activities. One of the preferred cultural activities is to consume alcohol and go to the beach. Or, consume alcohol on the beach. Again, in moderation. Avoid getting too intoxicated and being pegged as an easy victim for robbery. Seriously though, there’s tons of stuff to do on Isla Margarita.
Visit the Faro De Pampatar, a lighthouse with spectacular views on the east side of the island.
Visit Fortin de La Galera, a historic Spanish fort on the north side of the island.
Hike up Punta Cabo Negro, a hidden gem with astonishing natural beauty.
Tour the Parque Nacional Laguna de La Restinga, an incredible nature area with mangroves and beaches.
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RENT AN APARTMENT IN ISLA MARGARITA
Best bet for renting an apartment on Margarita Island is to go in with some roommates if you’re planning an extended stay. A 2 bedroom 2 bath rental apartment can be found for about $500. The best way to pay is in American dollars (cash, and you may get a heavy discount).
NIGHTLIFE IN ISLA MARGARITA
7/10
Most (if not all) of the nightlife in Margarita Island is located in the cities of Pampatar and Porlamar. Very typical of resort towns: streets lined with festive people and loud clubs. Avenida Bolviar hosts many bars and clubs that change names and ownership like you take a piss. Spontaneous day-drunk beach parties are certainly not unheard of, either.
Overall nightlife on Margarita island gets a thumbs up.
The nightlife is seasonal, but when it get’s going it’s great. Nightlife in Isla Margarita is definitely better than Caracas.
I recommend: Hitting Avenida Bolivar and seeing what’s popular. Everyone is drunk and on vacation, so no particular bar is going to give you a competitive advantage for picking up over-tanned touristas on Margarita island. Not to mention, many once-popular bars have shut there doors. Just follow the crowd!
DIGITAL NOMAD COMMUNITY IN ISLA MARGARITA
The economy of Isla Margarita is heavily dependent on tourism. It is a very large island with different cities and towns and tons of stuff to do. As tourism rebounds on Isla Margarita, expect to see more digital nomad-types making their way to the island. Of all the locations in Venezuela, Isla Margarita is one of the best suited places to attract digital nomads. The wifi and electricity infrastructure are passable, the nightlife is good, the cost of living is low, great beaches and tons of fun activities.
INVESTING IN ISLA MARGARITA
There have been many headlines about cheap apartments available for sale in Isla Margarita. Indeed, some advertisements show apartments on the island costing as low as $20,000. The prices reached an all-time low in 2018-2019 but have been rising quickly. It is possible to get a Venezuelan investor visa through real estate investment.
COST OF LIVING IN ISLA MARGARITA
BOTTLE OF BEER
$2.00
GROCERIES
Milk (1L)= $1.50 Loaf of Bread= $2.00 Eggs= $2.50 Water (1.5L)= $1.00 Cigarettes= $4.00
TAXI
$2-$5
HOSTEL DORM BED/NIGHT
$15.00
IS ISLA MARGARITA SAFE?
Reports of piracy off the coast, so be careful if you’re arriving on a yacht. Since 2010, petty crime and robberies have increased, so keep your eyes open and try not to get too drunk. With the dollarization of the country, tourism has increased somewhat going into 2020, and crime rates have reportedly decreased, but you still must remain vigilant.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Nothing.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Margarita Island is a good option in Venezuela. You’d rather be here than Caracas.
However, it’s not really worth it unless you’re already in Venezuela; don’t go out of your way. A nice place, but many other vacation destinations in Latin America offer the same experience for better value. Also, Venezuela has descended into absolute chaos under the rule of Maduro, so you’re better off staying away from the entire country right now.
OVERALL RATING: 6.5/10
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