Four Days in Isla Margarita: Beaches, Power Cuts, and Caribbean Adventures 🌴

Isla Margarita in Venezuela is the kind of place you imagine when someone says “tropical escape.” Endless beaches, warm water, fresh seafood - and in my case, a few unexpected challenges along the way. These four days were a mix of relaxation, exploration, and the occasional power cut, but that’s all part of the adventure.

Let’s dive in.

🥤 The Struggle for Non‑Alcoholic Drinks

I don’t drink alcohol, and Venezuela doesn’t exactly cater to people like me. Finding non‑alcoholic options felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. I even arrived with a crate of non‑alcoholic beers just to be safe.

So when I finally found a shop selling non‑alcoholic Heineken, I felt like I’d won the lottery. If you’re someone who prefers alcohol‑free drinks while travelling, bringing your own is a lifesaver. A small insulated cooler bag like the Lifewit Insulated Cooler Bag is perfect for keeping drinks cold on long beach days: https://amzn.to/4sydi7I

🌊 Day 1: Playa Concord & Aqua Park Beach Club

The sea was calm, the mainland visible in the distance, and the sun relentless. Breakfast was an empanada, lunch was oysters and a mysterious bowl of seafood with names like rompe colchón, vuelve a la vida, and levanta muerto. Whatever you call it, it was delicious.

I even managed to get a non‑alcoholic mojito - but only after a comedy‑level back‑and‑forth with the waiter. He genuinely couldn’t understand why anyone would willingly order a mojito without alcohol. At one point I asked him to read out the ingredients, and we went through them together like we were solving a puzzle. When he reached the rum, I said, “Everything but that.” He paused, looked at me like I’d just confessed a crime, and asked if everything was okay.

Apparently, choosing not to drink is a perfectly normal concept in Europe… but in Venezuela it might as well be an alien lifestyle choice.

The rest of the day was pure beach bliss. At one point, my friend’s cat became obsessed with an olive, which had absolutely nothing to do with Venezuela but made me laugh enough to keep it in the story.

⚡ The Power Cuts Begin

This was my first experience with frequent, region‑wide power cuts. Not just the island - parts of the mainland too. They came and went for about a week.

When the power went out in my friend’s flat, we headed to Sambil Mall, which runs on emergency generators. It’s surprisingly impressive: bridges, fountains, shops, restaurants. Just as we were leaving, the lights cut out again. Perfect timing.

🐋 Day 2: Museo Marino & Laguna de la Restinga

We started the day at Museo Marino, a surprisingly quiet marine museum with everything from preserved sea creatures to a full whale skeleton painted over for display. Some of the preserved specimens were floating in gelatin - slightly creepy, but fascinating.

From there, we headed to Laguna de la Restinga, where oysters grow attached to mangrove roots. Entry was $5 for me and $1 for my Venezuelan friend - a bargain for such a unique place.

🏖️ Playa La Restinga: Beautiful but Overpriced

Restinga Beach connects the west and east sides of Isla Margarita - 27 km of uninterrupted sand. It’s stunning, but we got absolutely ripped off: $10 for two hours of seating. Considering how affordable everything else was, it felt outrageous.

Still, the natural beauty made up for it.

🪁 Playa El Yaque: Kite‑Surfing Paradise

Next up was Playa El Yaque, famous for kite surfing and a lot more tourist‑oriented. Prices were higher, and vendors tried to pull us into their beach clubs immediately.

My advice?
Walk around first. Compare prices. Don’t settle for the first place.

We eventually found a spot with reasonable prices, space to breathe, and great music. A portable beach blanket like the Pelle & Sol Waterproof Picnic Blanket would have been perfect here - lightweight, foldable, and ideal for avoiding overpriced seating: https://amzn.to/3OYqyDY

🚤 Day 3: Boat Trip to Coche Island

We returned to Playa Concord to catch a boat to Isla de Coche, a small island with palm trees, hotels, and postcard‑worthy beaches. The ride took about an hour, and the return trip was rougher because we were going against the waves.

The only downside?
Vendors. Constant vendors. Every five minutes someone tried to sell us something.

I also wasn’t sure at first whether it was safe to film in public here. In places like Bogotá, taking out a camera is asking for trouble. But Isla Margarita felt surprisingly safe - as long as you stay aware and don’t leave your belongings unattended. A simple anti‑theft waist pouch like the Waterfly Bum Bag Fanny Pack is a smart idea for peace of mind: https://amzn.to/4aYzfH9

Lunch on Coche was incredible: fresh fish, all you can eat, and wild iguanas wandering around (much to the delight - and screams - of nearby children).

🐟 Day 4: Playa Parguito & A Mini Mountain Adventure

Our final beach day took us to Playa Parguito. The name comes from pargo, meaning snapper, so naturally I had to order snapper for lunch. It came with arepas, which I love making at home.

I forgot my hat (rookie mistake), so I spent most of the day hiding under an umbrella or cooling off in the water. I also climbed a rocky hill overlooking the beach - not exactly a mountain, but the views were worth the effort.

That evening we went to Costa Bar, where I had one of the best Turkish meals I’ve ever eaten. I even ordered a second one.

🌅 Final Thoughts

These four days were a mix of beaches, food, unexpected power cuts, and unforgettable scenery. Isla Margarita has its quirks, but that’s part of its charm. If you’re planning a trip, go with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and maybe a few non‑alcoholic drinks in your bag.