Isla De Margarita Travel Report:

When: Last Week of February, 1998
We left New York, JFK on a Sunday morning on a charter with SunCountry Airline. The plane came directly from Minneapolis and was filled to the last seat upon leaving JFK. The main benefit of this flight was that it goes directly to Porlamar on Margarita (4 to 4 1/4 flight time). All other flights go via Caracas. In-flight service is standard low-end charter fare. The flight was exactly on time.

In Porlamar Intl Airport immigration was quick and luggage came out expeditiously. Then a quick 10min. cab ride to El Yaque for about 10,000 Bs or US $ 10. We stayed at Casa Viento, where Rocky keeps a tight ship and is always available with information and tips. His spouse LindaSue runs the state-side operation for most of the year from Boulder CO. The rooms where all clean and comfortable and made up daily. The design of the buildings is very unique and the wind blows through the rooms all day and night. Hence the name Casa Viento. Casa Viento is built about. 4min up a slight hill overlooking El Yaque and the sailing site to the south. A simple, yet nourishing breakfast is served on the roof-top terrace with spectacular views 270 degrees around. After sailing I enjoyed many a cigar up there watching the sunset.

Sailing is great, for sure for us wind-starved New Yorkers. Side on-shore starting at about 8 knots in the morning steadily increasing to 20 to 30 knots. Shallow water to 200 yd. out. The port tack out can be rough due to the waves and chop coming almost straight against the board, while the return tack allows for planing with the rollers. The windsurfing venues are plentiful. Every manufacturer is represented and prices range from $150 to $250 for the week. We used Happy Surf Pool run by Bart and his dedicated crew just steps from the water. All '98 F2 boards and North Sails. For family and rest we rented beach chairs right at the site. My wife brought 2 books to read, but had managed only about 3 pages after a few days. She said too much to see and observe. Right above Bart's operation is an outdoor restaurant with superb views of the site. We spend many an hour up there resting and observing. By the way it is very important to increase water intake. The danger of dehydration is very real.

El Yaque lives off windsurfing. It's very international with lots of Europeans and many different languages spoken. There are a few small hotels (4-5 stories), most of them directly on the water with rooms overlooking the sailing site. Book early to get those rooms. Prices can go up to $200 per night per room. I heard of some nightlife but mostly the town is quiet early, I guess mostly due to the rigorous day activities. Restaurants serve good solid food at reasonable prices. Generally we went with whatever the proprietor had fresh. Great fish like grouper. Be careful with food that requires long advance preparation.

Check out: Hotel Atti, Hotel Rita (Vela), Casa Viento, Hotel California, El Yaque Beach Hotel (Vela), El Yaque Paradise, Las Brisas Townhouse Condo, Killer Loop Condo, Excursions Extraordinaires (Keith)

In summary: I'd go back any time and stay with Rocky. Sailing is tough and I'd start preparing myself well in advance.  I'll have some pictures a bit later.

Please send your comments, additions, and subtractions to Johannes@FairHarbor.com

Here's a link from somebody who got there before us! Lot's of pictures.

Scenes from Windsurfing

Life on the Beach

     
The Gang                              Yes, a partial Eclypse          Sandblasted!

Carneval in El Yaque

      
Rocky and Dick                     El Burrho                             Johannes and Jim