Welcome
to this new section in our site about El Guamache Port. I was given permission
last port season to spend a day out there while a cruiseship was docked in the
port. The Oceana was a large beautiful ship filled with tourists from Britain.
A friendly group of cruisers which lined El Guamache's beaches and seemed to truly
enjoy their day at the port. I enjoyed walking around and speaking to many of
the seller's. I have also learned just how talented many of the Venezuelans truly
are. What I already saw for sale and what was being made during the day was absolutely
beautiful.
I
since then have learned about many of the hard working vendors. Many work at the
port as something like their hobby. They enjoy hand crafting their creations,
selling and meeting many new people. Many of them are well above my level of education
and have traveled over the world. It just amazes me how much time and effort goes
into all the crafts that I was able to see while I was there. They love what they
do and it shows. Some people may think that these sellers are just local people
and what they sell is their only source of income. It may be for just a handful
but these workers are highly educated, hard working people and I'm proud to have
met a few while I was there for a day.
According
to El
Guamache's website: The following register shows the increasing
number of boats, passengers and crew from year 1992 until 2005. Last season 2005
– 2006 they had welcomed passenger 1 million and 101 cruise ships. So far out
of 101 ships that go through the Caribbean sea, nearly 50 percent of them, have
stopped at the Guamache International Port at least once. Most cruises liners
have included the Port in its itineraries. For instance, Holland American has
stopped 77 times at the port, Princess Cruise has done so 57 times and Celebrity
Cruise on 40 occasions.
El
Guamache Port Website
If you choose to remain
at the Port and not go on any of the excursions I promise you will not be disappointed.
You can enjoy “La Punta”
Commercial Boulevard which is where you will enter into as you get off of your
cruiseship. La Punta is a promenade running along the waterfront which offers
2.127 square meters of space where different types of beautiful handicraft, services
such as massages or services are provided or sold. If I'm not mistaken there are
about 150 booths selling the best of their best. Be sure to take the time to stroll
through and visit the many smiling faces and friendly sellers at El Guamache.
I'm sure you'll enjoy our El Guamache slideshow at the end of the next page.
Security
On
July 1st, 2004, El Guamache International Port received the International Ship
and Port Facility Security Code certification, (ISPS Code), upgrading significantly
internal security measures. This certification is granted by the National Institute
of Aquatic Spaces of Venezuela, (Instituto Nacional de Espacios Acuáicos, INEA)
after fulfilling requirements established by the International Marine Organization
(IMO). The ISPS Code is an international regulation whose purpose is that of reducing
critical assets vulnerability to terrorist threats. Security is very tight there,
I know because I personally saw their professionalism. The only people allowed
into the Port are the booth workers. They are all required to be on a list in
order to enter. If their name is not on the list for that day then they will not
get in.
Tours
Many
tourists will arrive at the port with a preprogrammed itinerary for their day
in the Port. There are about 3 tour companies that are authorized to conduct these
excursions. What kind you ask .....well there are beach tours that head out to
many of the most famous beaches on the island. Playa
El Agua, Playa Parguito, or Bahia de Juan Griego. Shopping Tours that head to
Porlamar, Avenida 4 de Mayo and most of our major shopping centers such as Sambil
Mall, Rattan Plaza and Avenida Santiago Marino. Jeep Tours and riding on the 'Fun
Bus" is what it looks like to me is very popular as well.
As
I was there the Party on Wheels!!! was just getting back for the day ...... it's
called “La Candelosa” it is a tourist transportation unit with a very simple objective;
to tour around Margarita Island for about 2 hours. The daytime tour, will take
you to all the historical places & the most beautiful beaches, all of this following
the best tropical rhythms this side of the planet has to offer, professional lighting
and entertainment crew on board to ensure an unforgettable fun filled day.
The Day Party Includes: Ride by Porlamar’s Beaches Shopping in the 31 de Julio
Avenue Tour of Juan Griego The beautiful sight over the “Mirador” (Pedro González)
A stop by the “Bodegon Johnny” for a welcome cocktail & snacks Playa el Agua Beach:
Beach Chairs, Awnings & Lunch. If you're ever on the island visiting not just
for the day you can book this tour with HappyVoyage.com.
If you would like to book this tour for your day at the port you may do so before
you arrive in Margarita. Please check with your cruiseship for the kind of tours
they offer when arriving in Margarita Island's Port of call ~ El Guamache.
You
can also book the tour to swim with the Dolphin's
while visiting Margarita. Although we do offer this excursion as
well on our site we are not allowed to book for cruiseship days. You must book
this excursion while you are on the Cruiseship. Don't miss out this is a chance
of a lifetime and it's such a wonderful experience that will give you lasting
memories.
Having
Fun at the Port
So
you've decided not to leave the port for the day....well then you can choose from
a number of things to do while you are there at El Guamache. Have some fun in
the sun and rent jet skis, paddle boats or banana boats. If you decide to just
relax and catch some rays then grab a shaded lawn chair or get a drink at one
of El Gumache's three bars. There is a small one as you first enter the port with
tables and chairs, a little further down they play Karaoke. We heard a lively
bunch of people singing and course a few that you kinda had to chuckle, a few
really got off key but it still was very neat to hear. I wasn't sitting there
in the audience but I was real close sitting at one of the booths, and enjoyed
the music very much. Nothing bad, real loud or annoying. Lots of Oldies songs
and a few Elvis ones too.
The
beaches go out a little further and further so it's as if there are 3 different
beach sections to lay on and enjoy the sun. Down towards the last beach the furthest
from La Punta is a large Hut with more tables and a bar. Lots of drinks and a
volleyball court. Plenty of covered beach chairs to use and also several massage
tables covered in a canopy to choose from. You can swim at the beaches but it
seems to be shallow at first then deeper. I saw lots and lots of people enjoying
the water and having fun in the sun.
La
Punta Boulevard - shopping booths
As
I was walking through here I got plenty of smiles and stopped to ask some questions
about many of the goods I saw for sale. I must say that the first thing that struck
me was the quality and then the prices. They are more than fair and nothing is
over priced. If I had tons of dollars to spend I would of bought allot the day
I was there...grin.
Before
I continue I just want you to know that no one has paid me to say anything above
or below this point. I had to request permission to be allowed to enter into the
Port for one day. I 'requested permission' just for this ..to be able to relate
to you my experience for the day. I have been on most forums especially on Cruiseship
ones or anything that has to do with Margarita. All I ever read about is how some
of you are afraid to get off the ship because after all it's 'Venezuela' or you
just have no clue what's here. Some are more adventurous and have safely made
it out to venture around in Margarita or stay for the day at the Port. In regards
to those types of post, almost all of them mention over and over again how they
were NOT disappointed. That is exactly what I wanted to share with you. My love
for this Island which has been my home for many years and will continue to be
for many years to come. Please read on .... (:^)
Ok
back to walking down the Boulevard...I started off seeing some of the last booths
first. A real friendly lady and her assistant sell handcrafted flowers made of
seashells booth #84. She was very sweet and even posed for a picture. She carefully
packs your purchase for you to take home safely. Please read on and see more photos
that were taken during this visit to the Port.
