Turquoise water, soft light sand, sunshine almost every day and a breeze that never quite leaves. Say that to most travelers and they picture Aruba. But a few hundred miles east, in the same southern corner of the Caribbean, there is another island that checks every one of those boxes and keeps a few surprises of its own: Margarita Island, in Venezuela.
So, is Margarita the new Aruba? Not quite. It is the same Margarita that was one of the Caribbean's favorite getaways for decades, now opening up to the world again, with a direct Copa Airlines flight from Panama starting November 26, 2026. Here is how the two islands compare.
What they have in common
- The same southern Caribbean. Both sit off the coast of Venezuela, with warm, clear water.
- Sun all year. Both have a warm, dry climate with little rain and a steady trade-wind breeze.
- Away from the hurricane path. Both lie south of the usual hurricane tracks, something many northern Caribbean islands can't say.
- Wind for kitesurfing. Both are known among wind-sport lovers. On Margarita, El Yaque is a famous windsurfing and kitesurfing spot.
How they differ
| Margarita | Aruba | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | About 1,020 km² (394 sq mi), more than five times Aruba | About 180 km² (69 sq mi) |
| Landscape | Beaches, green mountains, mangroves and desert | Beaches and dry landscape with cacti and rock formations |
| Vibe | Authentic Latin Caribbean, still off the mass-tourism map | Polished, well-established resort destination |
| History | Spanish colonial forts and towns over 300 years old | Dutch and Caribbean heritage |
| Nearby islands | Coche and Cubagua, a short boat ride away | A single island |
| Shopping | Duty-free port | Tourist shops and malls |
Aruba has a very established tourism industry and direct flights from many cities. Margarita offers variety: in a single day you can have breakfast by the sea, drive up into the mountains, walk through a colonial fort and catch the sunset on another beach.
What only Margarita has
Mountains by the sea. In the middle of the island, the green Cerro El Copey offers views over the whole coast. Few islands in the southern Caribbean have anything like it.
The mangroves of La Restinga. A boat ride through mangrove channels, past pelicans and oysters clinging to the roots, ending at a long, empty beach.
A desert by the sea. The Macanao peninsula, to the west, has giant cacti, dry hills and beaches where you may be the only one there.
Centuries of history. The forts of Santa Rosa and San Carlos Borromeo, in Pampatar, and Fortín La Galera, in Juan Griego, tell the story of an island that defended its coast from pirates.
Three islands in one trip. From Margarita you can take a day trip to Coche Island, with its calm beaches, or to Cubagua, home to the ruins of Nueva Cádiz, one of the first Spanish towns in the Americas.
The people. Margariteños are warm, chatty and welcoming. You won't feel like just another tourist; you'll feel like a guest. And if you speak some Spanish, this is the place to practice it.
The food. Shark empanadas (empanadas de cazón), stingray pie (pastel de chucho), clam broth and fried fish right on the beach.
So, is it the new Aruba?
Margarita doesn't need to be like anyone else. It shares the best of the southern Caribbean with Aruba: sun, turquoise water and peace of mind far from the hurricane path. Then it adds mountains, history, two more islands to explore and the warmth of a place that still feels authentic.
If you've already been to Aruba, Margarita is your next island. Start with the best things to do in Margarita Island, or compare it with another neighbor in Margarita or Curaçao?
Frequently asked questions
Is Margarita Island better than Aruba?
It depends on what you want. Both have sunshine, turquoise water and a low hurricane risk. Aruba has a very established tourism industry; Margarita offers more variety, with mountains, mangroves, colonial forts, two nearby islands and an authentic Latin Caribbean feel.
Is Margarita Island bigger than Aruba?
Yes. Margarita covers about 1,020 km² (394 sq mi) and Aruba about 180 km² (69 sq mi), so Margarita is more than five times larger.
How do I get to Margarita Island?
Fly into Santiago Mariño Caribbean International Airport, near Porlamar. Starting November 26, 2026, Copa Airlines flies directly from Panama City, connecting with flights from the United States, Canada and Latin America.
Does Margarita Island get hurricanes?
Rarely. Margarita lies in the far south of the Caribbean, outside the usual hurricane tracks, although a storm can occasionally pass nearby. Between June and November it's worth checking the forecast.
What language is spoken on Margarita Island?
Spanish. English is spoken in some hotels and tourist businesses, but a few words of Spanish go a long way and locals appreciate the effort.
