Playa El Yaque
South America · Venezuela
Did you know?
- Steady trade winds blow across shallow water on Margarita Island's south coast.
- A former fishing village grew into a beach destination shaped by wind sports.
- Freestyle champions Ricardo Campello and Gollito Estredo lend their names to local windsurfing schools.
See also
Puerto La Cruz
Venezuela10.22°N 64.62°W · 10 m
Port of Spain
Trinidad and Tobago10.66°N 61.52°W · 3 m
Overview
Playa El Yaque combines steady trade winds, shallow water and sandy shores on Margarita Island. Windsurfing and kitesurfing shape the atmosphere of this former fishing village.
Languages: Spanish
Why Go
Playa El Yaque is a world-renowned kite and windsurfing destination on Margarita Island's south side, about 3 km from the airport. The beach features consistent trade winds, fine white sand, and shallow water, making it ideal for beginners and pros alike. Originally a fishing village, it has grown into one of Margarita Island's busiest tourist destinations while retaining a laid-back atmosphere.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
From Porlamar airport (PMV), take the first road on the left and drive 5.5 km to reach Playa El Yaque. A police sub-station sits on the right at the entrance, and during high season, barricades may control traffic flow in and out. Parking validation is required at the large lot on the left—see Gringo Rent A Car across the street if no attendant is present, as unvalidated parking risks towing and large fines.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
Car rentals are available in Playa El Yaque and throughout the island. Thoroughly check rental agency credentials—ensure they are licensed, have a readily accessible office with a contact number. Inspect vehicles for pre-existing damage including all body panels, roof, and window glass before signing contracts. The main road is Av Mario Oliveros.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
Accommodation ranges from budget posadas to beachfront hotels. El Yaque Motion at the entrance offers rooms from simple singles with shared bathrooms to private rooms with AC. Beachfront options include El Yaque Beach Hotel with sea-view rooms and apartments, and California Hotel half a block from the beach with 24 rooms. For longer stays, El Yaque Club offers suites with full kitchens and a rooftop infinity pool. Budget travelers can find dorm-style accommodations at posadas near the beach.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and Drink
Dining options include beachfront restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Sharks offers breakfast buffets (8AM-10:30AM) and themed dinner nights including Venezuelan and Mexican nights. Enrico serves thin-crust pizza, Italian pasta, and seafood. Beach bars like Canoa and Beach Bar provide cocktails and meals directly to your beach chair. Thai food is available at Café Local on the beach. Prices are moderate, with many hotels including breakfast in room rates.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
Kite and windsurfing schools run by world champions are the main draw. Campello Center is run by three-time freestyle world champion Ricardo Campello with JP Neilpryde equipment. Estredo Wind Surfing is run by four-time freestyle world champion Gollito Estredo. Margarita Xtreme Kite Center has taught thousands since 2000, offering private or group instruction and weekly trips to Coche. Beach service allows renting chairs and umbrellas, with drinks and food delivered to your spot on the sand.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
The beach has a police sub-station at the entrance. Parking requires validation to avoid towing and fines. The ATM on Av Mario Oliveros is not well marked—located between Posada La Mar and Gringo Rent A Car—and only dispenses Bolivares at the government exchange rate for non-essential goods. Exercise standard travel precautions regarding personal belongings.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Most hotels offer WiFi access. Casa Perla provides free internet including WiFi on the top-floor terrace. Casa Margarita offers wireless internet access for laptops in all rooms and apartments. Mobile connectivity details are limited in the article.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
Daily costs for backpackers include budget accommodation at posadas, meals at local restaurants (2000-5000 VES per meal), and kite surfing lessons or equipment rental. The single ATM in town dispenses Bolivares. Budget-conscious travelers should plan for cash needs, as card acceptance is limited for non-essential purchases.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
Porlamar is the main city on Margarita Island, offering shopping, nightlife, and additional amenities. Caracas on the mainland is accessible via ferry and flights for those continuing their Venezuelan journey. The island has multiple destinations worth exploring including beaches and national parks.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
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California Hotel
24 rooms with king size bed, 22 rooms with 2 queen size beds and 6 rooms designed especially for families. All rooms have private bathrooms with hot water, A/C, refrigerator, satelliteTV, safe and telephone. Located just a half a block from the beach, some rooms have a sea view.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Casa Perla
8-room guesthouse 100m from beach with rooftop terrace breakfast, free WiFi, and Hungarian, English, Spanish spoken.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Casa Viva
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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El Yaque Beach Hotel
Rooms with sea view and a choice between standard and deluxe rooms and 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. All are with A/C, private bathroom with hot and cold water, safe, telephone, TV, wifi and refrigerator. The apartments include a fully equipped kitchenette. Includes breakfast buffet.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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El Yaque Club
All suites have two full baths, living area, fully furnished kitchens, high speed wifi, washer and dryer. The roof top infinity pool has a beach view
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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El Yaque Motion
Located at the entrance of el Yaque, opposite the police sub-station. Variety of different rooms, from simple single rooms with bathroom sharing, up to single and double rooms with private bathroom. Fans and A/C, shared kitchen with sea view, airport transfers, internet access, satelliteTV.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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El Yaque Ranch
Apartments designed for tourists, especially kitesurfers & windsurfers. 5 min walk from the main beach and 10 minute ride from the international airport. All have A/C, private bath room and kitchens.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Hotel ATTI
3 minute walk to the beach, 28 rooms in the categories standard and comfort as well as a 2 bedroom apartment, a large swimming pool with deck chairs. Water is heated with solar energy. Each room is equipped with A/C and overhead fans, rattan furniture, mosquito nets, separate bathrooms all have large balconies or terraces, most with a hammock. The comfort rooms are in the new building are larger, with bigger beds, additional rattan chairs and a small table, bigger bathrooms that are equipped with hairdryers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
WiFi available at most hotels. Free internet at Casa Perla including WiFi on rooftop terrace. Mobile details not specified in article.
Language
Spanish is main language, but English, French, German, Italian, and Russian are commonly spoken due to international kite surfing community. Hotels and rental agencies can assist with translation.
Money
Only one ATM in town on Av Mario Oliveros (between Posada La Mar and Gringo Rent A Car). It dispenses Bolivares at government exchange rate for non-essential goods. Plan cash needs in advance.
Safety
Police sub-station at entrance. Parking validation required to avoid towing. Standard beach and travel precautions advised.
Transport
Playa El Yaque is 5.5 km from Porlamar airport (PMV). Car rentals available—verify agency credentials and inspect vehicles thoroughly before signing contracts.