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Someplace New: The Mystery of Margarita Island – by Carlos Lander, Author “Beyond The Diving Course” Carlos is a 25- year veteran diver, amateur archaeologist, author, programmer, and statistician.
Margarita Island’s name comes from the Greek Margarites, which means "pearl." The exploitation of vast pearl beds represented nearly a third of all New World tributes to the Spanish Crown. Al-
land's vibrant cultural tapestry. Beyond its breathtaking land- scapes, such as the stunning La Restinga National Park and the majestic Cerro El Copey National Park, Margarita boasts enchanting colonial architecture and historic forts that whisper tales of the past. Getting to Margarita: Direct flights to Caracas, Venezuela, are available from Madrid (Spain), Istanbul (Turkey), and Lisbon (Portugal) with Air Europa, TAP Portugal, and Iberia. The flight typically takes around nine hours. Once in Caracas, travelers can take a short national flight to Mar- garita Island, lasting between 30 and 45 minutes. Travelers from various Latin American and Caribbean countries, including Curacao, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, and the Dominican Republic, will have options. Regardless of the starting point, a layover in Caracas is necessary before continuing to the island on a national airline. Diving Margarita Island
though the island's history dates back to 6,000 years before Christopher Columbus arrived, the island is filled with sto- ries that archaeologists are still discovering. In 1810, Margarita was the first island to declare independ- ence from Spain. In 1864, it became "Nueva Esparta," named after the settlement on the banks of the Eurotas River, Sparta. This name recognized the courage and impe- tus of its people. Archaeological findings indicate that the island served as a port and settlement in the pre-Hispanic migratory process
to the rest of the Caribbean. Other discoveries relate to the diversity of colonies in the Hispanic period, high- lighting the mining of wild pearls and colonial architecture. Simón Bolivar viewed Margarita as a strategic place, using it as a base during the struggle for independence from Spain. Margarita is the largest island in the Venezuelan state of Nueva Esparta.
Planning can be more intricate for those flying from North America as it requires a stopover in one of the aforementioned countries before heading to Caracas. Therefore, dive retailers should consider enlisting the help of a travel agency to streamline the logistics.
It is located in the Caribbean Sea off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. The island is about 78 kilometers long and 20 kilometers wide. It comprises two peninsulas connected by a narrow strip of land. This island has incredible scenery and panoramas, from beautiful beaches to mountains and valleys, that will please any natural lover. Yet, the island is only a port for traveling on the actual underwater adventure with its crystal waters of two nearby islands, Cubaga and Coche. Cubagua has a better diving infrastructure than Coche; although the island has only one dive center, SSI Scubadiving Margarita, it is big enough to cover all the services needed. The best alternative to accessing the island is through this dive center, which also has a Margarita Island base and an arrangement with a Catamaran fleet to transport you there. Nevertheless, you can immerse yourself in Margarita Is-
While the island retains its charming rural character, the tourist industry is dedicated to ensuring your experience is as enjoyable as possible. They understand the importance of your visit and are making every effort to ensure that it remains uninterrupted and fulfilling. As mentioned, Margarita Island has gorgeous beaches and scenery, but the more stunning diving spots are on the nearby islands. That is why connecting with a dive center before arriving on the island is best. In summary, Margarita's rich history and unique cultural heritage combine beautifully with the stunning clear coraline
waters and intriguing wrecks of Cubagua and Coche, making it a compelling choice for a unique group dive trip for your store. Email me if you want more information on travel to Mar- garita Island.
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