Location / Region

Isla Margarita, known as the “Pearl of the Caribbean” is the most developed of three islands which form the state of Nueva Esparta, off the coast of Venezuela. Although situated within the Caribbean, Isla Margarita is not in the hurricane belt. Its natural beauty, location and tropical climate make the island an increasingly popular tourist destination.

The island itself is currently experiencing rapidly expanding tourism and real estate sectors, where annual investment returns from property are currently reaching double digits!

To secure this rate of growth, significant effort has been made by the government to provide incentives for investors. In 1999, a law was passed by the government allowing foreign ownership of property on the island. Essentially, any property you purchase on Isla Margarita is fully secured freehold real estate. Last year, the president of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, committed to creating a transparent environment where overseas investors can benefit from the growing strength, attraction and appeal of the nation.

Only 15% of Margarita has currently been developed, yet tourism figures have increased by 40% over the last two years. With a US$350 million Formula One Circuit complete with Race Academy poised for construction, premier golf courses and perfect conditions for kite-surfing, windsurfing, sailing and scuba diving, it is easy to see why Isla Margarita is catching the eye of the global tourist market, with 2.6 million arrivals in 2007 alone.

This emerging market in the Caribbean has seen investment from major world leading brands such as Hilton Hotels, Cartier, BMW, Benetton, Tiffany's, Hard Rock Café and MacDonald's. The island does not have a rainy season and temperatures are between 24 - 38 ºC all year round.

2005 1.5 Million Visitors 2006 2.4 Million Visitors 2007 2.6 Million Visitors 1.1 Million Visitors from Cruise Ship Day Trips 50% of all Caribbean Cruise Ships Visit Margarita Each Year International Airport Summer Weather All Year Round Outside Hurricane Belt Cheap Cost of Living Visitors from South America, USA, Canada and Europe Duty & VAT Free shopping Temperatures Between 22°C and 35°C