Anyone been to Margarita Island?

[jku2]

HI

 

We are going to Margarita Island with RCL's Empress this Feb.

I have been going to web sites trying to figure out what to do there.

 

Does anyone know where we dock? I found a site that looks like we our fenced in from tour operators and it states approx ten minute walk from ship to outside the guarded area.

Also looks like a beach is right there by the dock.

Has anyone done any excursions? Been to any good beach?

Also there is a tour where one is guided down a river - anyone have any experience with that?

 

Thanks for any help!

jku2

[OCruisers]

jku2 .... We love Margarita Isla!!! The locals are very nice and seem to appreciate having cruisers on their island!

 

There's a thread on this very board someplace :rolleyes: by "DOUGFLASH" with other cruisers' comments as well that you would probably enjoying reading ... SCROLL

 

(or just CLICK here) Tips for Isla de Margarita

 

Hope this helps a bit! Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

[mwsrccl]

Are taxi tours readily available at the pier and at what cost? Also does anyone know of a great private tour guide we are going there in April? Thanks!!

[dritten]

HI

 

We are going to Margarita Island with RCL's Empress this Feb.

I have been going to web sites trying to figure out what to do there.

 

Does anyone know where we dock? I found a site that looks like we our fenced in from tour operators and it states approx ten minute walk from ship to outside the guarded area.

Also looks like a beach is right there by the dock.

Has anyone done any excursions? Been to any good beach?

Also there is a tour where one is guided down a river - anyone have any experience with that?

 

Thanks for any help!

jku2

 

We were there on Empress in Dec., '04 and loved it. Yes, there is a beautiful beach at end of vendor area which we didn't have time to use. Nice vendor shops next to pier and about 5 minute walk to outside fenced area, but a long taxi ride to shopping in Palomar. We did a WONDERFUL PRIVATE TOUR WITH CARLOS BARRADO - 10 people for over 5 hours and paid $12.50 pp and saw Palomar, oldest church, park, the fortress, many beaches and view points with open bar. Carlos is very knowledgable, fun and informative and speaks excellent English so that all in van could hear. Must make prior arrangements for him to get into pier area. Contact him at topbananatours@hotmail.com. Charges a bit more for fewer people, but well worth it. Tell him Trudy sent you.

[Coolmama_1]

We were there in July on the Golden and swam with the dophins. We went early and when we came back, went down to the huts and stimulated the economy:D There is a beach and bar at the end of the pier and people were having a blast. It was hard to come back to the ship and many that we talked to later said that they were having a great time and hated to leave. Enjoy Isla Margarita:)

[DoreenD]

We did the La Restinga Lagoon tour through Princess. It was with Orlando. He took us to a botanical garden where we were given a presentation on native plants, trees, fruits, and animals. We given papaya, coconut milk, coconut meat, bananas, sugar cane to try. They also had parrots, tarantulas, pelicans, snakes, lizards etc. to observe and pet (if you dared to!). Then off to a bit of shopping at one of those typical touristy spots where you could buy really inexpensive t-shirts, post cards, pearls, beer, liquor, etc. Lastly, to the La Restinga Lagoon where we boarded boats that accomodated 5-6 people. The boat operator did not speak english but we were able to communicate okay with him. He took us through the mangrove trees pointing out egrets, eagles, pelicans, oysters, fish. . .He drove up to the mangrove trees, reached down into the water with a glass jar and pulled up a beautiful sea horse. We were able to pass it around and take photos. He then returned it to it's home. Later, he pulled up to the mangrove roots again and pulled up bright orange starfish. We were able to pass it around and then returned it to it's spot. All of us onboard this tour felt that it was truly worth the $39 charged for the tour. Orlando was very knowledgeable and filled us in on many interesting tidbits about the culture, the country, the people, animals, and plants. We were very sorry to leave IDM after such a short stay. Orlando was very nervous about getting us back to the ship by 11:30 AM because the captain of the Golden Princess threatened that if we were late, the ship would not stop there again. We did arrive at the pier by 11:30 but the line to get back on the ship was so long that we were able to duck into the shops to purchase a bit of Murano Glass at the shop there. The pier was very festive and friendly with music, clean "shops" and friendly people. I would love to go back!