Isla Margarita and Sucre
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Positives
- Island and mainland surf
- Beautiful white sand beaches
- Tourist heaven, great nightlife
- Perfect weather
Negatives
- Always small
- Windy and choppy conditions
- Unstable Political situation
- Not so cheap
Isla Margarita and Sucre surf travel guide
Just 40km (25mi) off mainland Venezuela, Margarita Island emerges out of the warm water of the Caribbean Sea, showcasing beautiful beaches, majestic mountains and verdant valleys. Rather than attracting eco-tourists, this rich natural backdrop overlooks a hedonistic, beach-going, tax-free shopping, party orientated crowd. While the social life is hardcore, the surfing is not, but provides a small wave, warm water option for those looking for good times under the sun. With a swell window reduced by the Caribbean islands, Venezuela has to rely on easterly windswells and long distance North Atlantic swells wrapping around the West Indies. These swells come with regular onshore winds on the exposed coast but if it picks-up enough, the northwest tip of the island will receive clean surf. Heading west, away from the festive side of Margarita, a causeway crosses the marshes and lagoons of a national park before reaching the Macanao Peninsula. Here the lush vegetation disappears to leave deserted landscapes that end in steep cliffs or isolated beaches.
Surf spots in Isla Margarita and Sucre
Research the 14 surf breaks in Isla Margarita and Sucre and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 14 breaks in Isla Margarita and Sucre.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Isla Margarita and Sucre
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 427,000
- Population
- 28,435,940
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- VEF
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 2,147 VEF VEF
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +58
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
EU, OZ, NZ Japan, SA and some other countries can visit visa free for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of the USA must get a visa before arriving and it can take time so do it well in advance.
Getting There
Connect in Caracas (CSS) for domestic flights to Porlamar Aeropuerto Internacional General en Jefe Santiago Mari–o (PMV), $50, 50min. Playa Parguito is 40min away from the airport by taxi ($13).
Getting Around
Rent a car for around $350/w. Taxi cabs are identified by yellow tags, most lines have fixed rates and are usually fairly priced. Ride the really inexpensive buses if on a budget and in no hurry. To reach the mainland, ride the ferry from Punta de Piedras to Carœpano (4h).
Accommodation
Hotels around Playa El Agua ranging from $20-135/n. Try the local posadas in Playa Copey (fr $29 dble). A meal is around $20; try the local Catalana fish and arepanas (stuffed pancakes).
Activities
Windsurfers will head to famous El Yaque. Take a boat tour on the Lagoon of the Restinga national park or hike to the Castle of Santa Rosa. Go to Porlamar for tax-free shopping or raging nightlife (Senor Frog'sÉ)
Hazards & hassles
2003 a surfer lost his leg at El Yaque. Locals are keen surfers and usually friendly. The political and economic crisis in 2017 brought riots and food shortages.
Handy Hints
Take a fish or a longboard for the numerous small, mushy days. A few shops carry surf equipment (Nathacha's Surf Shop). Escuela De Surf Guacuco Roots does lessons and rentals at Playa Guacuco.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.