Is Isla Margarita safe to visit?

Margarita at a glance

Isla Margarita is the beach destination with the most packages in the TripVenezuela catalogue, and the data are on its side: according to the 2023 annual report of the Venezuelan Violence Observatory (OVV), Nueva Esparta, the state that covers Margarita and Coche, had a rate of 14 violent deaths per 100,000 people. That is one of the five lowest of the country’s 24 states and a little over half the national average of 26.8.

The OVV also points out that every state was above 10 deaths per 100,000, so a low rate does not mean zero risk. Its regional chapter adds a useful detail for reading that figure: in 2022, 41.8% of the crimes recorded in Nueva Esparta took place in the home of the victim or the offender, and 55.2% were committed by relatives or acquaintances.

What official advisories say today

None of the advisories we checked names Isla Margarita or Nueva Esparta state, either to exclude it or to exempt it. Each country’s general advice for Venezuela therefore applies:

GOV.UK adds that almost all states outside Caracas are experiencing issues, including crime, prolonged power cuts, water and fuel shortages and a general lack of essential services. Spain asks you to avoid the «barrios», the deprived areas of cities, and rates the central neighbourhoods of the main cities as medium risk. The US advisory and others are summarised in is Venezuela safe?. Read your own government’s page on the day you book and again before you leave.

On arrival: Porlamar airport and transfers

The island’s airport is Porlamar (PMV). We found no official page that discusses its security; the advisories focus on Maiquetía, in Caracas. What they ask for the whole country applies here too:

• GOV.UK advises using pre-booked taxis only and avoiding public transport, and notes that hotels will normally book a taxi from a reputable company or supply their own service.
• Canada advises against hailing taxis in the street and suggests telling someone your movements, with the taxi company’s name and the taxi number.

The Sunsol Ecoland and Sunsol Isla Caribe packages include a transfer; if you are staying elsewhere, or are unsure which journey the transfer covers, ask before you book. If you arrive in Venezuela at Maiquetía and connect to a domestic flight, read is Caracas safe for tourists?. Flights and the ferry to the island are covered in how to get to Isla Margarita.

On the island: practical precautions

We found no official source that names specific areas of Margarita, so we do not name any. What governments advise for any Venezuelan city, Porlamar included, is short and easy to follow:

1. Do not walk around town at night or in isolated areas during the day (Canada); for dinner out, take a pre-booked taxi there and back.
2. Do not walk along talking on your phone or show off jewellery, cameras or cash (Spain and Canada).
3. If you are robbed, do not resist (all three governments).
4. Never leave drinks unattended or accept food or drinks from strangers (Canada).
5. Use ATMs inside a bank or a business and keep an eye on your card (Canada). Better still, carry US dollars in small notes: money in Venezuela.
6. Always carry ID; GOV.UK accepts a copy of your passport photo page and entry stamp.
7. Keep away from demonstrations and gatherings.

Beaches and all-inclusive hotels

At an all-inclusive almost everything happens inside the hotel: meals, drinks, pool and beach club. What each one includes is in what an all-inclusive includes in Margarita. Even so:

• The sea. GOV.UK warns that Caribbean waters can be deceptive: some areas have strong currents and undertows, and lifeguards and warnings are not normally in place. Ask your hotel which beaches are calm and do not swim alone.
• Your belongings. Take only what you need to the beach and leave your passport at the hotel, carrying a copy.
• Power. GOV.UK and Spain warn of frequent power cuts, which can take out mobile signal, the internet and card payments. Keep some cash and your phone charged.

Emergency numbers

Other national numbers and consular emergency lines are in is Venezuela safe?. Take out travel insurance with medical cover: GOV.UK warns that travelling against official advice can invalidate some policies.

Plan your trip with TripVenezuela

TripVenezuela offers the trips and manages the booking with you; accommodation, transfers and excursions are provided by third parties. On Isla Margarita you can choose, for example, the Margarita Village all-inclusive, from US$59 per person per night; Sunsol Isla Caribe, from US$178 per person; or Sunsol Ecoland, from US$198 per person, both with a transfer included. Prices valid until 31 December 2026. See all packages on Isla Margarita or message us on WhatsApp.