AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Talk Belize Chat Area Isla Margarita

I am a died in the wool fan of San Pedro and will be returning as often as I can. I was thinking of visiting Isla Margarita off the coast of Venezula. You are all world travelers - do any of you have any advice about this island?

Not worth the long haul to get there, IMHO. Have not been since '92 and probably won't be back until 2092

Most interesting aspect is the fact that it is virtually 2 islands in one, connected by a short spiot of land - one, the populated side, typical forested mountainous Carib isle; the other, think SW US desert. Did have some awesome body surfing experiences on desert side though. Damned near broke my back being tosssed by a rogue wave.

Beaches are covered by hucksters that you CANNOT escape from. Weekends are overfilled by people coming out from Caracas. Good surfing on NE side if island. Many beaches too rough and huge undertows to consider getting the footies wet.

Many, many all-inclusives, concrete walls, security guards (for good reason, btw)..they don't want ya to explore the island and truly experience the culture.

If ya need to check that island off your all-time list, then I guess, go for it. Otherwise, go back to AC or find another venue...it's a bigggggg world with way too many good things to waste away time & $$

klc, have you been to San Andres?

nope, not yet

Thanks klcman - I just wiped that adventure from my list - other than AC, where would you recommend? We do not like resorty areas but do like good beaches and fishing. Seashell, is San Andres a good place to go?

I'm still in the fact gathering stages of my research. Near as I can tell though, it's a pretty good place to go. I was hoping someone around here would have been there and would have info to add to my already growing pile of info.

To that I should add, that I don't do any research on any place with regard to fishing.

agree with klc, you'll wish you had gone somewhere else. Especially if your itinerary requires you to spend any amount of time in Caracas.

f095, if you are going to travel that far - I would recommend either Aruba or Bonaire.

Thanks seashell and gela. I was looking into cabo san lucas but finally ruled that out. I will check into Aruba. My sister has been to Bonaire so I feel like I have also.
Flora

f095 - Aruba is one of my favorite places to visit. I liked it so much I've taken friends and family back with me so they could experience it as well. I did find certain areas of Aruba rather 'resorty' (I noticed you mentioned that in your post above). That being said, they did have some absolutely wonderful beaches. I don't do any fishing so I can't speak on how that is in Aruba. There seems to be two types of people, those who love Aruba and those who hate it. Most people don't feel it's tropical enough for them and are disappointed. It does have a very interesting landscape. Certain parts are desert-like with barren fields, dust, and cacti. I think the contrast of the amazingly blue sea against the desert brown landscape is absolutely beautiful. I'd be happy to answer any questions about Aruba and/or send you some photos, just click on my profile for my email address. ~Jenn