Margarita: Wind and Kitesurfing destination.
About the island: Margarita Island is situated just 40 km (25 miles) off the northern coast of the mainland of Venezuela. The island itself is really two islands joined in the middle by a stretch of sand, mangrove, and marsh which gave birth to the Laguna La Restinga national park. This island along with its two off-shore islands Coche and Cubagua constitute Venezuela’s Federal State Nueva Esparta. The island is only 9 degrees from the equator. Daytime air temperature averages 29 °C (85°F) degrees and water temperature is typically 27°C (82°F). You will notice very little variation in climate between summer and winter. Another good news about the island is that it never gets hit by hurricanes. The island's population is about 420,000. Almost all development is found on the larger, eastern side, which boasts three principal cities - Porlamar, Pampatar, and La Asunción. (The last one is the capital.) 
Spanish is the official language here. However, in most tourist areas locals speak some English, German and Portuguese. A word of caution: Fully armed policemen can approach a tourist anytime and anywhere (even on the beach) and demand to search you. If they find any drugs in your belongings you will most probably spend the next decade of your life relaxing in a “Venezuelan Jail Inn”. Be also aware of an extensive search at the airport on the way out of the country. When to go: The winds generally blow all year. The windiest season is from November till May. Though, the highest wind months are from January to March. In May the wind gets a little weaker but steadier than in the highest wind months. The least windy time is from August to October. Even in the least windy times, you would expect planing conditions for almost half of your holiday. Conditions: Margarita Island is famous among windsurfers and kitesurfers throughout the world. There are two things that stand out about Margarita. Consistent side shore winds from the left and shallow water. The wind usually builds during the day, peaking in mid afternoon. In other words: ideal conditions for beginners in the morning, and in the afternoon perfect for intermediate and advanced sailors. The sea and air are warm in Margarita all year round. You can sail in shorts and bare feet; but be careful of the reef just a little off to the right of the main beach. Margarita island also hosts Professional Windsurfing Association competitions each year. Best beaches to wind and kitesurf from: Playa El Yaque, is the place to be if you are a windsurfer or kitesurfer. It is one of the world’s greatest spots to practice these sports. The amount of windsurfers at Playa El Yaque is comparable with the amount of taxis in New York City in the middle of the day. Playa El Yague has constant winds with a force of 20-30 knots during almost the whole year. This is complemented with the warmth of its waters which range from 27-32°C all the year long. There is a fact that perhaps, should be mentioned, if you expect to find turquoise crystal clear waters in El Yaque you will be very disappointed. This beach and waters here are no different than at Cape Hatteras in North Carolina, for example. 
A 300m-long shallow area is an ideal spot for safely practicing of all levels and also good for children. Mornings bring lighter winds perfect for those learning the basic. The wind increases slowly to approximately 18-30 knots providing excellent conditions for intermediate and advanced kite or wind surfing until dark or until you can’t take it any longer! Located near the airport, it offers many services including very affordable nice hotels, good restaurants, excellent rentals and lessons. Kitesurfers may feel a bit frustrated at the begining about the certain regulations concerning the sport. The rules were enforced to ensure kitesurfers and windsurfers safety. According to these regulations Playa El Yaque is divided into various zones. • Zone 1 -Upwind of the centers: No Time restrictions, open all day to kiting. Kiters can reach it by kiting upwind or by taking the shuttle boat. • Zone 2 -The area in front of the centers and out to the platform: Kiting is allowed from sunrise until 9:30 am, no kiting until after 5:30 pm. • Zone 3 -Downwind of the centers: Riding is allowed at any time as long as you stay out of the lanes of windsurfing traffic. Please note, this area is quite shallow over the reef. Booties are recommended.
Playa El Agua located in the North-east, is another beach you may try your luck to kitesurf or to windsurf from. It is the most popular of all Margarita Island beaches. This beach is the island’s longest, widest, busiest and the most serviced beach. There you will find kilometres of fine white sand lined with coconut palms, shallow water and kind waves. Playa Parguito is the next beach South of Playa El Agua. The beach is approximately 1000 m long and about 20 m wide. Playa Parguito is the surfer’s hot spot. Playa Parguito does not offer as many restaurants and other conveniences as Playa El Agua. Another two places well known for wind and kitesurfing are Coche island and Cubagua island. The beaches of these islands have off-shore winds with glassy smooth water. The islands are just minutes away from Margarita by boat. The island of Cubagua is a nature reserve with perfect kitesurfing conditions. This island was one of the first settlements in South America. Very few people permanently live on the island and it feels that the kitesurfers arriving there by boat in the morning are the only ones in this dream spot. On Coche , 12 Km (7.5 miles) off El Yaque to the south, the wind is offshore, providing absolutely flat water. A fishing boat is available to take you to the island or you can reach it by sailing upwind. 
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