1. Pack light, it is very easy to over pack
2. Suntan cream. At least factor 15-30
3. A rash vest. As well as helping with warmth, it is also a good sun protection layer.
4. Wetsuit boots, or something to the equivalent. Sea urchins in the feet are not nice. (El Yaque)
5. Cap or hat to shade your face. Sun glasses a must.
6. A shortie wetsuit for longer riding days.
7. Bug repellent is a must, especially at night.
8. If you want to speak the language buy a Latin America phrasebook.
9. El Yaque & Coche are very casual places. But if you want to experience the nightlife in Porlamar then shoes and not sandals must be worn and guys will have to wear trousers.
10. Coche is a lot more relaxed than Margarita so you don’t need any fancy clothes to go out as the main town is a true fishing style village with a couple of family owned restaurants serving some of the freshest fish you will ever eat!

Bring Cash and Travellers cheques is the best option as the exchange rate is Much Higher than using your credit card.

US Dollars & Euro are widely excepted in most of the shops, bars and restaurants in El Yaque but in Porlamar (the capital) it is easier to use Bolivars which is the local currency.

There is a cash machine at the airport, and several in Porlamar (switch is not excepted).
In Coche there are No cash machines.

Activities:
If you would like to take Spanish lessons then you can find Marie Luz in El Yaque and she will teach you all you need to know!
Apart from the Island tours you can also go, Trekking, Scuba diving, Surfing, GoKarting, or hire Quad bikes and Jet skies in Coche.
There is a lot to see in Venezuela so if you wish to travel, then you can also go to, Los Roques National park, The Island of Cuba Aqua, Canima – Angel Falls, or for the bit more adventurous the Amazon’s.

Equipment:
If you are a windsurfer then both islands offer an amazing range of the latest kit from all the top brands for you to hire.

For the kiters it is better to bring you’re own kit but if you wish to hire, Margarita Xtreme offers a good but limited range of kit for hire. E-mail for further details.
Day trips are also available to the secret spot of Cuba Aqua which is something not to be missed!!

Wind Direction:
El Yaque, slightly cross onshore in the morning then changing to cross shore and in the evening slightly cross off shore.
Coche, slightly cross off in the morning and off shore for the rest of the day.

Wind statistics:
January - August: The wind blows! The morning starts a nice force 3 – 4, buy lunch time its getting up to a good 4 – 5, then late afternoon 5 – 6, occasionally force 7.
Wind almost guarantied 28 days of every month!!

September – December: Cruising wind! The morning is a little light with a gentle 2 – 3, lunchtime getting up to 4, in the afternoon staying around force 4.
The wind is not everyday but we are still talking 20 days every month on average!!

Insurance

WIND = 330 DAYS A YEAR.
SUN = 350 DAYS A YEAR.
VENEZUELA ROCKS !!!!