Pampatar

Pampatar is about a 40 minute drive from Margarita's Santiago Marino International Airport, via a fast highway.

Car rental

Car rentals are available in Porlamar as well as in other parts of the island including at the airport and Playa El Yaque. Ensure that you thoroughly check the credentials of any rental agencies and ensure that they are licensed, have readily accessible office and an office contact number. Also ensure that you fully check the vehicle for any pre-existing damage including all lower body panels, the roof, and all window glass, before you sign the contract with any rental provider.

• Waterland Marine World

  phone: +58 295-262-5545
  address: Av. Jóvito Villalba s/n within Diverland Park
  Dolphin and seal shows, many species of fish as well as exotic birds are on display. Swim with dolphins and seals. Have your picture taken with a dolphin or a seal.

• Beach itPampatar beach is about 1 Km.long with white sand, bordered by a fishermen town on one side, the fort on the other, is a great place to relax and enjoy the day. Restaurants, umbrellas and chairs, bathrooms are available. Note that the bathroom attendants are not paid a salary, they survive on tips. The restaurants available directly on the beach are little more than shacks but they serve up a tasty fresh and inexpensive meal.

• Diverland

  phone: +58 295-416-7830
  address: Avenida Jovito Villalba
  The name Diverland is not referring to scuba diving rather a combination of Spanish And English words. Diver from Spanish word for diversion and English for land. Roughly translated it is fun land. Diverland is located just few minutes from downtown Pampatar. it is Margarita's one and only amusement park. Spend a day/evening enjoying the roller coaster, wall climbing, go-carting, bumper boats, haunted house, bumper cars, ferris wheel and all the typical amusement park adventures.

• La Vela Mall

  address: Los Uveros
  The 45,000 M2 mall offers three levels with 110 stores and restaurants. Indoor parking located on the corner of la Avenida Bolívar and la calle Los Uveros in Costa Azul, on the outskirts of Pampatar. An indoor playground for kids called "“Marine Kids" is available for the little ones. The food fair offers seating for over 1,000 with vendors such as, Subway, Capressa, McDonalds, Churro Mania, Panda Express, Positano, Don Patacon Gourmet, Al Grill, Tony Roma's, Burger King, Bonsai Sushi, La Tequila Express, Arturo's, Deli Fruit, Lancry's, El Rauche, Il Piacere, Koi, Habibis Shaguarma, Moko Caribe, Fogatta Cafe, Bar and Grill, Crepes A La Carta, Santo Coyote, Prego Mozzarella Bar, Ibiza Cafe, Deli and Bar.

• Sambil Mall

  address: Avenida Jovito Villalba
  Over 65,000 m2, having opened over 10 years ago, there are over 250 stores including; 7 movie screens, 18 fast food joints, 14 restaurants, a free-standing store in the parking lot and almost 2,000 parking spaces. A Hotel is integrated to the mall with 135 rooms and an area of 12,090 of m2.

• Farmatodo

  phone: +58 295-262-7076
  address: Avenida Bolivar and Avenida Aldonza Manrique
  A large pharmacy, also has some medical supplies and they carry all the normal items that most pharmacies carry. There is also some food available, bread, soda, milk, like a mini mart. Open 24 hrs.

Learn Spanish, or pick up the first words necessary to get around while on the island.

• Cela Spanish School

  phone: +58 295 262 8198, +58 412 353 3124
  address: Calle Corocoro Qta. Cela Urbanizacion Playa El Angel
  The school is owned and managed by Sabine Loffler, PhD in Linguistics and specialist in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. The school has also a free on-line version where you can learn Spanish for your travel to Venezuela. Teaching is to 5 levels of ability and Spanish courses for special purposes such as medicine law and business are available. Courses are offered in small groups with a maximum of 7 participants and it is also possible to book one-to-one lessons.

Budget

• Saint Germain Bakery

  phone: +58 295-260-2655
  address: Avenida Aldonza Manrique
  A local bakery/cafe offering fresh baked breads, rolls, pastries, snacks, coffee and made to order subs. There is a covered porch where one can enjoy their purchase and watch the people going by.

• Sambil Mall Food Court

  address: Sambil Mall
  The food court has something for just about everyone. There are well know American franchises such as KFC, McDonalds, Burger King, as well as more interesting local and international foods available within this food court. Everyone in your group can dine on something different while eating together as a group.

Mid-range

• Casa Caranta

  phone: +58 295 262-8610
  address: Avenida Joaquín Maneiro
  Located in downtown Pampatar, this restaurant's principal inspirations are Italian, Asian, and the Americas. The menu changes regularly, is handwritten on large chalkboards and brought to your table. Live music most nights. Closed Sunday during the low season.

• Dolphin Restaurant

  phone: +58 295 262 1662
  address: Avenida Aldonza Manrique
  Italian, seafood and international cuisine are the specialities. It is closed on Sundays.

• Trimar Restaurant

  phone: +58 295 262-3332
  address: Calle Almirante Brión & the Beach
  Since 1965, a family restaurant on the beach in Pampatar. Specializing in fish, seafood and international cuisine. Air conditioned dining room and beach front open air dining.

Splurge

• Catabar

  phone: +58 295 772-7589
  address: Avenida Joaquín Maneiro
  A variety of international cuisine. The chef is from France and the presentation is what one would expect from a 5 star restaurant. Their desserts receive high praise from the local food critics. A wine list and cocktails are also available. There is a lounge and bar in the rear. The owner speaks English if help is required with the menu.

• El Fondeadero

  address: Avenida Joaquín Maneiro
  Enjoy waterfront dining while being served fresh seafood that was caught that day or chose from a variety of other dishes.

• Beach Bar and Lounge

  phone: +58 295-267-2392
  address: Calle El Cristo, La Caranta
  A beach front bar and lounge with DJ music. Every Thursday it's "cinema on the beach" at 9PM, watch the latest releases and get plastered.

• Kamy Beach

  phone: +58 295 808-6066
  address: Av. Aldonza Manrique, Playa Varadero
  DJ disco type directly on the beach.

• Tiffany'sThe only gay club in the island.

Budget

• Guesthouse La Casa De Maria

  phone: +58 416 399-6435
  address: Playa El Angel, Calle Petronila Mata, Casa María A-38
  A converted family home, now a guest house containing eight rooms. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, fan, small fridge, cableTV and self contained private bathrooms with hot water. Centrally located in a pleasant residential area, within easy reach of all services and activities. Public and private transportation nearby. Walking distance to shopping centers, supermarkets, pharmacies, liquor stores and restaurants. Breakfast included, except Sunday. Free Internet service and airport transfers.

Mid-range

• Margarita Island Condos

  phone: +58 295 772 8600, +58 416 398 9034
  address: Playa el Angel
  The condos are fully equipped, tidy and clean but the decor and furnishings may be a little dated. They are offered by the day, week or month. The condo's are available in several popular locations on the island and some have beach or sea views.

Splurge

• Lidotel-Sambil

  phone: +58 295 260-2888
  address: Centro Sambil Margarita, Avenida Jovito Villalba con entrada San Lorenzo, Edificio Lidotel
  Single, double rooms and suites. A 24 hr business center is in the lobby, with phone/fax, copier, computer workstations with internet connection and complete secretarial services. 24 hr room service available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Internet access in the rooms, lobby and public areas. Laundry and dry cleaning available Mon-Sat 9-4PM. Swimming pool on the roof where you can enjoy a cocktail from the rooftop bar. Fitness center with modern machines on lobby level. Open Mon-Fri 6AM-10PM. Weekends and holidays 10:30AM-3PM. A restaurant and 2 bars are also available.