Safari Information on Margarita, Venezuela
Location: 10 Degrees, 37’ N, 63 Degrees, 57’ W
Dates: February 3 thru March 15; 2008 and Late Feb thru mid April; 2009
Margarita. Not just a drink!
This is a premium windsurfing destination! The island of Margarita is located about 30 miles off the Northeast coast of Venezuela. The Caribbean island location results in a natural thermal and 'funnel' wind accelerator for the prevailing NE trade winds. The daily island heating creates a thermal up the mountain slopes, and the mainland mountains help squeeze and focus the winds, side-on, into the fishing village of El Yaque. This creates some of the most consistent wind in the world! The winds start in January, and blow through June. 10-20MPH in the AM, and 20-30MPH each afternoon!
The sandy shallow bay is about chest deep for about a half mile out and 1-2 miles wide! Warm (80-85deg F) shallow waters on the inside are excellent for beginner and intermediate. The deeper waters offshore offer excellent bump and jump with waves in the 3-5 ft range. "A moving mogul field of, sweet, white topped ramps!" Perfect for scoring excellent air time!! The wind starts up around 10AM with 6.0-7.0m2 and builds through noon to 5.0-6.0, then often finishes the day 4.0-5.0 by shop closing around 5:00PM! The site is excellent for kites and windsurfers alike. Kite rentals and lessons are also available.
Where to get equipment.
The small town of El Yaque hosts a half-dozen or so windsurf/rental shops/centers for lucky windsurfers who choose to make the trip down. All the shops carry modern equipment, and most have on site instruction, and some free daily classes. I am biased here and highly recommend Vela Margarita Windsurfing center, the friendliest and in my opinion, the best on the beach with the newest gear.
Where to stay.
The small town atmosphere makes for a cozy feel to the local rooms/apts/condos. Accommodations range from cheap rooms to full hotel suites and small apartments. To name a few: The El Yaque Club (my favorite), The Beach Hotel, Casa Nora, and Casa Rita.
Where to eat.
Restaurants serve a variety of food types from oven fired pizza, local seafood, to the casual snack bars. There are about 4-6 local spots you can try, each with its own cozy Caribbean atmosphere. Thankfully, No McDonalds there yet!
Nightlife.
El Yaque sports a handful of beach bars and a couple nightclubs for evening entertainment. The beach hotels/restaurants often have special parties on the beach with live music and food for a cover charge. The bands range from rock to local salsa and dancers. These get-togethers are great to see and be seen, as the majority of the sailors attend.
For the big city experience, take a taxi to the 'free-port' city of Porlamar, a short 20 min. away, for Fine restaurants, fast food places, shopping, gambling, and intense nightlife! Some great dance clubs here! (It starts late.)
Other Stuff.
Vela can arrange combined stays with their branch hotels giving the opportunity to enjoy other locations like Coche for flat-water, and Los Roques; the beautiful chain of isolated islands, for windsurfing in crystal clear azure waters, fishing, snorkeling, diving and island hopping!
For my money, I select Margarita year after year! I currently have a running average of 95% of the days booked were sailed on a 6.5 or less! For me, a 220lb sailor, that is simply amazing! I've not had near that percentage anywhere else I have had the honor to sail.
If you want nearly assured wind quantity and quality, Margarita is the place to go!!
