If you are looking to the Caribbean for an Island getaway and you truly want to feel that you got away from it all, then Margarita Island is your destination.
It is as close to a Libertarian Paradise as you will experience, which ironically enough is located in a Socialist country that is Venezuela.
For starters, Margarita Island is a duty free island, there are no taxes added on products and services. Gasoline is 12 to 15 cents a gallon. So quite naturally you will soon feel as if you are living in Superman's Bizarro world when you arrive. If you are a beer lover as I am, you will fall in love all over again, as the national brands are far superior to any American beer; they contain a minimum 6% alcohol and they are half the cost.
Yes, you can do the ordinary trip to the Bahamas, Jamaica, Aruba, or Cancun, but you will always feel as if you never left the United States as these islands tend to feel more like an "Orlando Vacation". I remember on one of my trips to the Bahamas turning on the radio and listening to a station from Miami; it so bummed me out.
It is always more fulfilling when you mix fun in the sun with adventure in a far exotic setting. The people of Margarita Island are extremely nice and the women are out of this world beautiful. It is no wonder Venezuela constantly wins the Miss Universe contests.
If you want it all, Isla de Margarita is for you.
Margarita Island with its vast mountains and valleys is located in the most Southern part of the Caribbean, off the coast of Venezuela where it only rains a handful of days; mostly in December. It is so far south in the Caribbean, it is out of geographical range for any possible hurricane to strike it, which makes it perfect for a summer visit.
Margarita Island is not for the faint of heart as the island belongs to Venezuela, a third world country, and there are no direct flights from the U.S. mainland. You will have to fly to South America and change planes to Margarita Island which is an adventure of in itself.
Margarita is a bit like Las Vegas in that it permits gambling; it has casinos, lavish adult clubs and even has its own version of the "Bunny Ranch". In Margarita, they call it "La Casa Blanca" which in English means "The White House".
Margarita of course has a great nightlife with many nightclubs and the restaurants are to die for, as Margarita Island is known for its great cuisine.
Some people go to Margarita Island just for its shopping. It's most popular mall is called "El Sambil" which also hosts a Hard Rock Cafe, one of the few in all of the Caribbean.
As far as its tropical beaches go, they have an array of very distinct beautiful beaches throughout its shoreline. Some are isolated and some have bars and restaurants along its shoreline. Some are perfect for all water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and kite boarding. Others are calm and quiet. It is up to you to choose the right one for you. Of course scuba diving, sailing and fishing is very popular as is horseback riding which is done in the desert part of the Island. Margarita also offers up beautiful mangroves which separates the desert from the tropic.
For those people that still prefer what I call the "Orlando Vacation" there are of course water parks, 18 holes golf courses & all-inclusive resorts.
Finally, for those history buffs, Margarita Island is home to the country's oldest cathedral and you can explore 16th-century castles. Don't forget this Island was discovered by Christopher Columbus. Margarita Island truly has something for everyone.
There is a mischievous side to Margarita Island as it is rumored to be the hub for the drug smuggling that flows throughout the Americas, making it a modern era Pirate destination. I'm sure this is facilitated with the fact that in Margarita you can do anything with money. There is nothing or anyone that you can't buy.
If the above failed to describe my take on Margarita Island, I find it can best be described by a quote from ' Islands Magazine ' which says: "Venezuela's Isla de Margarita has plenty of beauty and beaches and just a bit of an edge. Discover the Caribbean isle that moves to a South American beat" (Jan/Feb.2003).
Margarita Island is widely known as the "Pearl of the Caribbean" and indeed it is, when you discover it.
©2008 Jonathan Cymberknopf, all rights reserved. You must have written permission from the author in order to republish this work.
Published: Friday, October 3, 2008
Last modified: Friday, October 3, 2008
The views expressed in this article are those of Jonathan Cymberknopf only and do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Jonathan Cymberknopf is solely responsible for the contents of this article and is not an employee or otherwise affiliated with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.
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Reader Comments:
Posted By: George Donnelly
Date: 2008-10-05 09:40:11
Gasoline is cents per gallon because the Chavezista Fiefdom of Venezuela forces its citizens to subsidize it. How is that libertarian?
San Andres and Providencia are also very nice islands, and they're Colombian soil which, if not perfect, is at least not ruled by a socialist dictatorship.
Posted By: David S
Date: 2008-10-06 17:54:21
I have no interest in visiting a socialist country. Beyond that, I'd be concerned that W's goons would not allow me, or any outspoken critic, to return to the US.
Posted By: E. Guerrero
Date: 2008-11-08 15:03:34
Itīs not natureīs fault to be beautiful, niether be in a place governed by humans... i donīt know any "best place in the world" where politicians are excluded. So i think the best to enjoy Margarita island is to be free of those closed minds who believe that thier vacations or integrity are in danger just because they do not share any Chavezīs political idea. Iīm not chavista but i love my people....I was born in margarita islan and iīm actually living in spain (tenerife), and when i get older, make more money, and visit all countries as i can, then i go back home to enjoy that little piece of earth, done for people like me, who believe in margaritaīs people, and really know whatīs inside. For those who doesnīt want to go, ... we donīt need you. Just need the people who want to spend a nice part of their live. Margarita Island... Perfect.!!!
Posted By: CabaCaribe
Date: 2008-12-21 06:27:42
CabaCaribe www.cabacaribe.comBest description I've found of Margarita Island. We have a small horseback riding operation near Playa El Agua and are always answering questions from tourists about life here. The people who think that the "Chavez" views are shared by all who live here would also think that the "Bush" views are shared by all Americans. I would describe the relationships of Isla Margarita to Venezuela as I would describe Key West to the United States, part of the same country but only geographically.
Great job Jonathan.
Posted By: Mark
Date: 2009-03-04 17:13:52
Good job Jonathan
I have visited Margarita many times and will again! I don't agree with the Chavez government, but neither do the people of Margarita as they elected an oposition Govenor. Margarita doesn't march to the Chavez drum as they do on the mainland. I saw one protest in Margarita that was nothing more than a good old fashion block party. It is a wonderful island with wonderful people and better food. Third world NOT. It has it all. Four star hotels, water park amusement park and more. As in any foreign country, one must take care and Margarita is no different. In short, I am a proud American and I LOVE Isla de Margarita and her people.
Posted By: Jonathan Cymberknopf
Date: 2009-03-04 18:42:25
Thanks for your comments Mark. I agree. It is refreshing to find someone with knowledge of the world outside the US and at the same time be proud to be an American as I am and be a nice person such as yourself.