The island is quite diverse. The northeastern part of the island is very lush and tropical, while the southwestern area - including El Yaque - is very arid. The dry heat rising from the desert surrounding El Yaque creates a strong thermal pull for the trade winds approaching the island. The thermal pull creates winds in El Yaque of 25-30 knots for much of the year. The wind is strongest from December to May. June and November also have good wind but are not quite as strong or as consistent. The summer and fall months have good wind for beginners and intermediates.

The climate is quite consistent since Margarita is only 11 degrees from the equator. Hours of daylight and temperature vary little. The air temperature is typically in the low 80's to low 90's. Water temperature is typically in the low 80's. Daylight is typically from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

El Yaque is the windsurfing center on Margarita because of the strong wind there. The village had approximately 35 houses before the windsurf invasion. There are now ten hotels and more restaurants. It is quite possible not to leave El Yaque. Taxi service is available to go to town for shopping or dining.

Porlamar, a city of approximately 250,000 people, offers incredible duty-free shopping. Whether you're looking for Italian suits or dresses, cookware, espresso machines, liquor, native handicrafts or T-shirts, everyone should be able to find something to bring home. An example is Georgio Armani suits for $200.

There are a large number of fine restaurants in Porlamar. Food is inexpensive. A nice seafood dinner with appetizer, beers and desert is usually under $15. There are a very large number of Italian restaurants. No trip to Margarita is complete without trips to Porlamar for dinner and shopping.

We strongly recommend that people get tans before going to Margarita as the sun is very intense. It's a good idea to bring a Lycra rash guard to keep the sun off your shoulders. Some people occasionally wear shorties but usually more for sun protection than warmth. Booties are advisable as there are some sea urchins in the occasional kelp beds. Most locals don't wear booties but we think it's a good idea. Gloves are also not a bad idea, especially if you keep a tight grip on your booms.

Punta Carnero.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR YOUR VACATION TO MARGARITA

• Pack light - it's very easy to overpack.
• Get some tans; 3-4 are pretty essential unless you want to burn.
• Bring a rashguard. They generally chill you but you might want it for sun protection. Bring Gloves, duct tape, and new skin for your hands.
• Bring sailing booties. Sea urchins are no fun in the feet.
• If you wear contacts or glasses, bring your prescription with you in case you lose them.
• If you're bringing sunscreen, as opposed to buying it there, get the Waterbabies type in the pink bottle. It's the only type that won't burn your eyes. A ball cap is nice to shade your face.
• Depending on how long you're staying, you may want to coop reading books so that each of you isn't lugging down four or five. Bring one or two to share with others.
• Bring a long sleeved shirt for nighttime. Bring some long leggings for night. Rocky brings Neoprene shorts for sailing, and one pair of cotton pants for night. We bring shorties only for the crossing to Coche Island, so that's your call
• If you plan on bicycle riding, and you like to wear a helmet, bring a helmet.
• Bring running shoes, since there is a wonderful running trail through the desert and along the water.
• Bring lots of the terry bands or coated rubber bands for your hair if you have long hair.
• Pack light.
• Buy herbal bug repellent at a health food store. It works the best. If none is available locally L.L. Bean's Burt's Bees is good. It's really only needed at dusk. You probably also have a favorite method you use at home; vitamin B or garlic
• Pepto Bismol in the tablet form is the best for those of you with sensitive stomachs. Bring Advil for sore body parts, aspirin for sore head.
• The little Spanish Berlitz phrase book is great, but make sure you get the Latin American version.
• El Yaque is super casual, fancy clothes are just extra weight. Men should not wear shorts into Porlamar at night. Casinos require shoes, not sandals.
• We suggest bringing Traveler's checks and some cash. You can exchange Traveler's checks everywhere. We have safes available in each room. Credit card advances are a hassle; the closest ATM is the airport.
• Put a lock on your luggage.
• Bring a swimsuit, sandals, and toiletries in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed.
• Pack light

  If You Are Flying Through Caracas

PICK UP YOUR LUGGAGE AT CUSTOMS AND BRING IT TO THE DOMESTIC TERMINAL!!!!

Once you go through customs, the porters will swarm you to carry your bags. We usually let them and pay them about a 3,500 B's (bolivars) per porter.You must tell them how many porters you will pay for - "Solo una persona" or something like that. You will be going to the domestic terminal outside about 300 yards to the left. Just tell them what airline you are going to be on. If you can just as easily carry your bags, then tell the porters "No necessito ayuda."

Once you arrive at the airport in Porlamar, (if you are flying direct to Porlamar, change money directly outside customs) get a taxi and tell the driver to take you to Casa Viento in El Yaque. It's at the end of the main road, then left up the hill. The taxi will cost 7,000 bolivars - seite mil, approximately $7.00 US. Up the hill is "sube la colina." Never tip a taxi driver.

A reminder to all of those flying Avensa & Aeropostal Airlines - you must reconfirm your flight 72 hours prior to departure. Confirm before you leave home and while you're down there. Often times these flights are overbooked, and by reconfirming, they have your name on the list, which should guarantee your seat.

If you need to overnight in Caracas, Hotel La Parada is in Catia La Mar, 5 minutes from the airport is the closest and cheapest, about 37,000 bolivars. It's simple but clean and safe and the night clerk speaks enough English. Hotel Santiago is in Macuto and costs 28,000 B's per night. It has a nice restaurant directly across the street from the water.

Ask for help at the tourism desk in the international terminal. If you are intimidated by the prospect of traveling through Caracas we can have an English speaking guide meet and assist you. This costs about $20.00 per person. You can call or email for more information, or discuss this with Susan if you deal with her.

You will need to buy a telephone card to use the telephones, and they are available in any of the shops in the airport.

Get some big air!

Upon Arrival in Porlamar...

When you leave the baggage area there will be plenty of taxi drivers looking for work. Just tell them "El Yaque" and fix the price. The taxi ride should cost the bolivar equivalent of $12 (currently 6,000 Bolivars -"seis mil"). There will be a 25-35% surcharge after 10pm or on weekends or holidays. If you think the price is too high the rates are posted on a blue sign at the head of the taxi line. If you have an extraordinary amount of luggage, i.e. your own gear, expect to pay more. As you enter the village of El Yaque, all of 5 minutes later, you can tell them "Casa Viento" It's at the end of the main road, then left up the hill. Up the hill is "Sube la colina".

When the taxi arrives, Rocky, one of the maids, or the night watchman will greet you.

See you soon!!