Isla Margarita (Venezuela)

Isla Margarita is a VZ duty free island, favored by wealthy VZ vacationers and has an international group of yachts in its nice harbor.

Our visit to Isla Margarita began in the 2009 hurricane season in July, but this review is also informed by another US boater who has spent large parts of 6 Hurricane seasons here. This spot is in a gently shallowing anchorage over sand that shallows gradually to a beach. Approximately 72 boats here at the time of this review... only 10 or so from the US and Canada. Many Euro boats from all common market countries. The island has full provisioning and a cost of living that is as inexpensive as they come owing to a favorable unofficial exchange rate where some cruisers get as much as 6 Bolivars to the dollar, despite an official rate that is a fraction over 2 Bolivars to the dollar.

The island is only 15 miles off the mainland of South America. It is on the route from the bottom of the Caribbean islands toward
the ABCs... and is bracketed by two beautiful VZ islands of Los Testigos 40 miles East, and Los Roques National Park further to the west.

Checking in is handled by Marina Juan which provides the only dinghy dock, at the East side of the anchorage. Cost of check in is presently 350 Bolivars (less than $60 US). No true marina exists and a system of support exists for all the cruisers, which can number to as many as 150 yachts. Locals provide both WiFi service and water delivery. Happy hours at Marina Juan's features Polar Ice beer for the equivalent of 25 cents a bottle. A cab to the city of Polamar costs about $3 US. Theft is an issue so you have to lift and lock your dinghy/motor at night.

This resort island of 300,000 people has all the modern stores and malls to satisfy any taste. Restaurants galore at low prices make the living here easy and fun.