Boat transport to and from Isla De Margarita

The cheapest way to get to and from Isla de Margarita – the only way other than by air – is by boat. There are two departure points from the mainland – Cumaná and Puerto La Cruz– and all ferries dock at Margarita’s port at Punta de Piedras.

Two different companies make the trip; fares listed are one-way only. Both companies have two-hour “express” and cheaper, five-hour “conventional” services, and, though it’s rarely enforced, ask that you arrive at your port of departure 1.5–2hr prior to embarcation. Like Venezuelan buses, ferries can be overly air-conditioned, so keep a sweater handy.

Puerto La Cruz’s port is roughly 3km west of the centre. Naviarca/Gran Cacique (T0293/431-5577 or 432-0011, Wwww.grancacique.com.ve) has two daily express services ($22); a third is added during high season. Conferry (see p.1005) has three daily express boats (first class only: adult $24, child $12.50) and four daily conventional boats (first class: adult $13, child $7; tourist class: adult $10, child $5.50).

Cumaná’s terminal is 1km from the town’s centre. Conferry does not offer passenger service from Cumaná, though you can get schedule information at their freight office. Naviarca/Gran Cacique has two daily express departures (first class: adult $23, child $11; tourist class: adult $20, child $8.50), and three daily conventional departures (tourist class only: $13.50 per person). An additional departure is added to each type of service in the high season.

From Isla de Margarita, Conferry has three daily express departures for Puerto La Cruz and four daily conventional services. Naviarca/Gran Cacique has three daily express returns to Puerto La Cruz in the high season, and two during the low season. Each company’s return rates are identical to its Puerto La Cruz–Punta de Piedras rates.

If you didn’t buy a round-trip ticket on the mainland, make sure you visit a ferry office in Porlamar a day or two before you wish to leave, and bring an extra photocopy of your passport.