Golf, Activities & SHOPPPING
Golf lovers will be very impressed by the standard of facilities on offer at the par 70 Isla Bonita 18 hole golf course. The course commands breathtaking sea views and is open all year round. If you wish to play, you may hire clubs, caddies and after an enjoyable round you can relax in the clubhouse bar where refreshments and food are readily available. Prices range from $40-$80 a round depending on the season.

Hiking
If hiking is more your style, you will definitely want to explore Isla Margarita’s numerous parks. The diverse conditions on the island allow you to explore mountain rain forests one day and sand flats the next.

Horse Riding
For a different kind of adventure, you may wish to explore the “Peninsula of Macanao” on horseback. If beaches are more appealing, then you can trek along the shores of Paraguito and Ascunsion Beaches.

SHOPPING
Isla Margarita is a duty-free zone offering a variety of shopping opportunities and exceptional value to Venezuelans and tourists alike. Prices are 15-20% lower than on mainland Venezuela, therefore considerably less expensive than Europe or the US. Isla Margarita is a haven for ceramics, textiles and handmade crafts. Everything from hats to handbags.

The chinchorro is a local term for hammock. These hammocks are an intricate weave of thin strands of rough natural fibres. An array of styles can be found all over the island, differing from town to town. You will also discover locally produced jewellry made using traditional materials.

The more discerning shopper will also be pleased at the extensive choice of designer clothes, jewellry and perfumes. Brands such as: Cartier, BMW, Benetton, Tiffany’s, Hugo Boss, Dolce & Gabbana, Quicksilver, Breitling & Tommy Hilfiger can be found at a fraction of the normal price.  Among the best buys for tourists are liquor, Cuban cigars, rum and Venezuelan coffee.
Porlamar, the duty-free port

Downtown
The most unique shopping experience can be found in downtown Porlamar. The pedestrianised shopping area is reserved for shoppers to wander through, enjoying the multitude of specialty shops and market stalls.

Uptown
Samil is the biggest of several shopping malls on Isla Margarita. Located in the centre of Porlamar, here you will find the more upmarket designer stores, cafes & local amenities.
• Caracola is just a 5 minute walk away from Porlamar

WATERSPORTS
Windsurfing
Isla Margarita is famous among windsurfers throughout the world. With its strong, consistent wind, warm water, and temperature, it’s not surprising that Isla Margarita hosts Professional Windsurfing Association competitions each year.

In the south of the Island is El Yaque Beach. El Yaque is recognised as one of the world’s top five locations for windsurfing and is attracting more and more windsurfers annually. The shallow waters extend for 100m, providing the perfect conditions for beginners and those practicing their tricks and manoeuvers.

SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELING
Isla Margarita offers some excellent Caribbean scuba diving and snorkeling. The main attraction is without doubt the abundant and diverse underwater life such as Barracuda, Parrot fish, Spanish Hog fish, all kinds of Grunts, Groupers, huge Balloon fish and if you have a keen eye and are very attentive, you may see lobsters and sea horses. The two most popular snorkeling and dive locations are Los Frailes and Isla Cubagua. A snorkel trip costs on average between $40 and $60 per person for a full day with lunch. The scuba tours cost between $50 and $80 for a whole day trip.