What’s Good:
Location, View

What’s Bad:
Food, Service, Price

El Rancho de Pablo is a large beachfront restaurant located on Av Raul Leoni with views over Playa Bella Vista. Although it comes recommended by many (including the Lonely Planet) our experience was slightly disappointing.

The restaurant provides a nice view of the beach and the interior is well decorated, the food however, left a little to be desired. Having only eaten there once it is possible that the cook was simply having an off day or that we both ordered meals that simply weren't fabulous but we were disappointed. The service was nice and fast but the waiter stood 5 feet away and blatantly stared at Becky for the entire meal. To say this was weird would be an understatement.

Here are some must do things during your visit to Margarita Island. Even if you only have a week on the Island you should definitely have enough time to do most if not all of these. Just make sure you set aside enough time for relaxing on the beach! If you have longer than a week make sure you take your time and explore some of the other little towns and beaches on the island that most tourists don’t get the opportunity to see.

La Cueva Del Guacharo is Venezuela’s longest, largest and most visited cave, located just over 10 km from the city of Caripe. Only 11 km of this cave have been explored to date with only 1.2 km being open to tourists (In August/September, if the rains have been heavy the water level will restrict visits to only the first 500m). The cost to enter the cave (at the time of writing) was 5,000 Bs per person (approx $2). For this price we received a guided tour of the cave. Bags cannot be taken into the cave but can be left near the ticket office. There are bathroom facilities near the reception area but they are not recommended! Camera cases are allowed and pictures can be taken in the cave (although you may have limited success in the dark). Flashes can only be used once you have passed through the first chamber of the cave. The tour lasted approximately an hour and a half. Although our guide spoke no English, we lucked out as one of the guys on the tour with us (arranged by Posada Nena) was able to translate.

We thought it might be helpful for future visitors to breakdown some of the prices we’ve encountered on Margarita Island. This is by no means an exhaustive list. It’s more of a snapshot to give you an idea of how much things in everyday life cost. Remember that this is being written in June, 2006 and that prices do change. If you don’t see the thing you’re looking for feel free to ask in the comments for prices of other things.

Margarita Island surrounds herself with over 50 beautiful beaches. With so many to choose from, even the most picky beachgoer should be able to find a paradise of their own. If you fancy the good old tourist experience of three kilometers of umbrella laden white sand lined with locals and gringos alike enjoying the many beach front restaurants, tour companies, and shops, head for the lively and beautiful Playa El Agua. If you prefer a little local charm without all of the tourism, Playa Guacuco may be the place for you. For a beautiful sunset head to Playa Galaria located just beside the town of Juan Griego. If a tiny cove lined with a few local restaurants and the opportunity to try your hand at some seadooing than Playa Zaragosa should be your choice. If tight crowds and a younger surfer vibe are what you’re looking for then Playa Parguito or Playa El Yaque are your best bets. Playa El Agua, Parguito, and Guacuco had excellent waves while the others were much calmer.

What’s Good:
Roads are in good condition, Gas is 4 cents a liter.

What’s Bad:
Local Driving Habits

While we elected to rely on taxis, buses, and our own two feet for getting around during our stay on Margarita Island, we did enough traveling around and talking to Gerardo, our taxi driver, to gather some information about driving on the Island. The roads on the eastern, more populated, side of the Island are in fairly decent condition. Many of the highways are certainly of North American quality and signage seems to be more than adequate. Although many secondary roads (especially those leading to beaches) suffer from potholes they are still quite driveable.

The less developed Western side of the island has a much less extensive road system but does have one fairly decent road which travels all along the coast.

What’s Good:
Scenic & Fascinating Boat Tour, Wildlife, Price

What’s Bad:
Beach and Swimming not great.

La Restinga is a gorgeous national park consisting of an amazing mangrove forest, water channels and lagoons. It is located in the small piece of land connecting the eastern and western sections of Margarita Island. Upon arrival to the park you will see a dock where many motorized boats await to take visitors on tours through the channels. Each boat can carry up to five people (although we did see one group of six) and costs 30,000 Bolivares (approx $13 per boat) for a half hour tour of the park. After this tour you can have the boat driver drop you at the beach and arrange a time to be picked up. The other option (and the one we recommend) is the hour long tour which costs 50,000 Bolivares per boat (approx $22). This tour offers a more extensive look into the park with a half an hour boat ride, a visit to the beach (once again, just arrange with the driver as to what time you would like to be picked up) and then another half hour journey before returning to the main entrance.

What’s Good:
Fantastic Food, Reasonable Price, Beach Front View, Owners

What’s Bad:
Closed Wednesdays, Neighborhood is not the best

Cocody Restaurant is a beautiful French restaurant located on Avenida Raul Leoni. This restaurant was a favorite of ours and, as it was right beside our apartment, we visited it on several occasions. Although from the front, facing onto Raul Leoni, the restaurant looks rather unimpressive, once you catch a glimpse of the spacious indoors and fabulous outdoor patio looking over the Bahia de Guaraguao, you will understand why we fell in love with this gem of a restaurant.

If the location and ambiance aren’t enough wait until you meet the wonderful owners. Cocody is owned and operated by a French couple and their son who have lived on Margarita Island for 6 years but are originally from France. Helene and her son Nicholas both speak English fairly well and the entire family is fluent in Spanish and French. The service is fabulous and professional and the food makes you wonder why you’d ever have to go to France at all!