Located just off the Venezuelan coast Margarita has become renowned for outstanding kitesurfing with its reliable wind from November to June. Ideal for groups of mixed abilities and those that just want to blast! Combine this with a Latin American ambience, tropical weather, a sandy beach and generally good value.
The island itself has a varied landscape; the 10 minute transfer from the airport is through the dry scrubland that surrounds El Yaque. In the centre, the mountains rise to 900 metres and are covered in tropical vegetation. Around the north are pretty little villages, cliffs and more dramatic scenery. Over in La Restinga, most of the area is national park with mangrove swamps and long beaches.
EL YAQUE - MAIN SPOT: From the beach you can see Coche in the distance. If you like blasting on really flat water then Coche is a dream ! The wind blows off shore across the salt flats and beach, creating a perfect speed track that runs along the beach edge - it is like kiting on silk !!
There is a safety boat always on the look out should you start to drift too far off shore or have any problems so it is super safe.
There are 4 to 5 boat trips per day between El Yaque to Coche, this can be a rather wet crossing so be prepared ! The very reasonable ferry ticket include the cost of boat cover for kiters! Alternatively you can stay on Coche at the Coche Paradise Hotel - a very good standard relaxing all inclusive resort.
COCHE ISLAND: From the beach you can see Coche in the distance. If you like blasting on really flat water then Coche is a dream ! The wind blows off shore across the salt flats and beach, creating a perfect speed track that runs along the beach edge - it is like kiting on silk !!
There is a safety boat always on the look out should you start to drift too far off shore or have any problems so it is super safe.
There are 4 to 5 boat trips per day between El Yaque to Coche, this can be a rather wet crossing so be prepared ! The very reasonable ferry ticket include the cost of boat cover for kiters! Alternatively you can stay on Coche at the Coche Paradise Hotel - a very good standard relaxing all inclusive resort.
CUBAQUA ISLAND If you want to get away from the crowds then take the 1 hour boat ride to Cubaqua Island. Here you will generally have the spot to yourself with clean side / side on shore wind, relatively flat water, and most importantly, a deserted beach. Many of the centres run day trips to CubaAqua so just ask along the beach in El Yaque. We travelled with the Planet Windsurfing Centre which made for an excellent day.
LOS ROQUES: This must be one of the most beautiful places in the world - a plethora of tiny islands surrounded by turquoise water makes for a truly magical place. Los Roques is access by an hour's flight from either Margarita or Caracas. The wind here is not as reliable as on Margarita with the best month being March to June. We recommend Los Roques for those seeking a romantic few days in a beautiful setting perhaps added to the end of a main holiday to El Yaque, Margarita.
Please note that Los Roques is for intermediate to advanced kiters only as there is professional kite school here. Boat cover can be arrange as part of you daily trip to one of the main islands that make up this archipelago.
There are two things that stand out about Margarita; consistent side shore winds from left and shallow water. The wind season is from November to May with the strongest winds (bft 6-8) from January to March. Even in the least windy times, you would expect planing conditions for almost half of your holiday.
The wind usually builds up during the day, peaking in mid afternoon. Beginner lessons are therefore carried out during the mornings with the more advanced instruction available during the high wind part of the day.
El Yaque main attraction for kiters is the variety of different spots, all with very different conditions, within easy reach of El Yaque.
There is also an excellent standard of instruction available through Planet's partners Skyriders; these guys are simply the best in the business !
There are a hand full of beach bars in El Yaque and it is a very pleasant spot just to hang out although please be aware, apart from the locals that descend in their hundreds over the local holidays, this resort is set up just for the sport. Margarita is a good-sized island though and if you venture out of EL Yaque (rent a motorbike or take a taxi) you will find a busy local town with modern shopping malls and some good restaurants. Most centres also offer other activities such as surfing, horse riding and mountain biking .
For the more adventurous a trip to the main land of Venezuela can make for a memorable experience; there is so much to see but with limited time we would suggest either a trip to Angel Falls (can be done in a day) or the Andes....wow !
Margarita has long been established as one of the best Windsurf spots in the world and It is ideal for slalom blasting, chop hopping, learning and improving gybing. There are a host of excellent windsurf centres the best in our opinion being Club Mistral and Vela with whom we are partners
Margarita follows the Latin American beat of Merengue, Salsa and reggae. Porlamar (20-30 min taxi) is a sophisticated international city with bars restaurants and nightclubs to match, all at very good value. El Yaque has it's share, with the emphasis more on a laid back windsurfing atmosphere with everyone nursing their blistered hands. During the week, different hotels and restaurants run specialty nights. The late night action tends to revolve around Los Piratos. In addition, most centres arrange several evenings out each week.
UK / EU passport holders -: A full 10 year passport valid until at least 6 months after date of return
There are no compulsory inoculations if travelling from the UK . Please check with your GP or local travel health clinic for the latest advice.
