What to bring: It's always nice to
pack light, but there are a few things we don’t
want you to forget. Here is our list of things to bring.
(In light of the ever present possibility of lost luggage,
we recommend you try to carry-on as much as possible,
especially your windsurfing necessities.)
- A copy of your PAID IN FULL email invoice, and
these TIPS & FACTS webpages.
- Vest or lightweight shorty wetsuit for sun protection,
booties, harness, gloves
- Sunglasses and eye glass retainer
- High SPF 25+ waterproof sunscreen lotion (oil will
make the board slippery)
- Moleskin to avoid blisters on hands, medical tape
- PFD and/or helmet (if desired)
- Beach towel
- Mosquito repellent or Avon Skin So Soft oil
- Light sweater, Light jacket or windbreaker
- Extra spending money (see "Currency/credit
cards" below) *Cash, not travelers checks*
- Paperback books for flights and evenings (PLEASE
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR READING MATERIALS ON THE PLANE,
THE STAFF GREATLY APPRECIATES NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES)
- Earplugs for sound sleeping in a new environment
- Ballpoint pen (helpful for any airport forms, customs,
etc.)
- Make and bring a copy of passport as well as the
original.
For U.S. citizens –
Regardless of age a CURRENT PASSPORT is required and
must be valid for 6 months after your scheduled departure
date. Along with your original passport MAKE AND BRING
A COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT. If you have further questions
contact the Venezuelan Consulate in San Francisco at
415-512-8340.
What we have: A limited
selection of PFDs are available for use at no charge.
A limited selection of harnesses are available for
rent. In our small retail area in the vela center
we sell harnesses, gloves, booties, floating eyeglass
retainers and floating glasses, and of course Vela logo
T-shirts, shorts, caps, and lycra tops.
Location:
Vela Margarita is based at the Beach Hotel in Playa El Yaque, Isla de Margarita (only 6 miles from the Porlamar Airport). The Vela Coche Center is just a few miles by boat from Playa El Yaque.
Finding the Margarita Center
and your hotel: El Yaque is a short 5-10 minute
drive from the Porlamar airport. All taxis waiting at
the airport will know how to get to El Yaque, and will
know where your hotel is: this is a small town afterall.
The center is located downstairs on the beach side of
the El Yaque Beach Hotel.
Transfers to the Vela Margarita
Center: If you are coming from the US, you
will be flying into the Porlamar International Airport
direct via Caracas. Taxis are approximately $10-$15
(20,000 B’s -25,000 Bs) and may vary depending
on the time of day or day of week. After exiting the
airport terminal, taxis will be lined up out front ready
and waiting to take you to El Yaque. Ask the cost prior
to departing. All rates are fixed and the driver should
have a sheet with all prices. The following simple Spanish
phrase asks for the price of a taxi to your hotel:
("Cuanto cuesta a El Hotel ________ en El Yaque.")
If you cannot understand Spanish and the driver does
not speak English, give him a piece of paper and pen
and he will write it down.
Meet and Greet Service and Connecting Flights
Our Meet & Greet Service includes the following:
- Our Swiss agent, Peter or his assistant Felix, will
meet you outside the baggage claim zone. He will be
holding a red vela sign.
- He will escort you from the international terminal
to the domestic terminal.
- He will assist you with retrieving your connecting
flight tickets and check-in.
- Finally, he will escort you all the way to the security
gate.
- The same services are provided for your return.
Once you arrive in Caracas, you will be met by Peter
and will be assisted back to the international terminal
and help you through the check-in process.
Air-Hotel Transfer Services:
If you need to overnight on the mainland based
on your flight scheduled, make sure to make arrangements
with our reservations agents well in time before you
go.
Our Airport-Hotel Transfer Service includes the same
as our Meet & Greet Service plus:
- Transfers to the hotel for the night;
- Assistance for check-in at the hotels front desk;
- Return transfers the following morning to make your
flight
Hotels Near to the CCS Airpot:
We reserve our guests at the Hotel Santiago located
about 15 minutes from the airport. We will book the
room for you, but payment is made direclty upon check-in.
A nicer option, the Buena Vista Inn, located 10 minutes
from the airport can be reserved and paid in advance
through Vela as well, and is a suggested upgrade. For
most guests, you will only be in the room for about
12 hours, so luxury is not really needed.
Connecting Flight Information:
Your tickets will be held at the airline ticket counter
until you arrive there with our representative. After
obtaining your tickets and checking in, you will be
escorted to the departure gate.
Additional Information:
Changes to your travel itinerary should not be made
once your Meet and Greet service has been confirmed.
If there is an unavoidable change prior to your trip,
it is essential that you notify Vela of the details.
If you have last minute changes during travel, please
contact Peter Zingg (Swiss representative in Caracas)
at the number listed below.
011-58-414-322-8798 from US or 0414-322-8798 locally.
***Vela is not responsible for lost
services or additional costs due to itinerary changes***
DEPARTURE TAX: If you
are leaving on a flight which connects in Caracas, there
is a departure tax of about $15paid in Porlamar and
then as much as $60 paid in Caracas. These taxes are
subject change. Many international tickets already
include the tax from Caracas to the US or Europe, so
make sure to check with your carrier and ask again at
the check-in counter of your airline. with Anahi at
the “Chorlymar Travel Agency” located next
to the vela center.
Hotels in El Yaque:
Hotel check-in: Normal
check-in time is 14:00, but may vary between hotels.
Upon arrival, check in at the front desk of your hotel.
Make sure we have your arrival time if you are arriving
after 6:00 p.m. so that the hotel needs to know
to expect your late arrival. Note that if you plan to
arrive in Margarita earlier in the day and want to esnure
you can get in to your room early, we can REQUEST an
early check-in, but this can't be guaranteed unless
you pay for en extra room-night. All properties can
store your bags at the front desk while you go out and
get on the water! :)
Hotel Check-out: Check
out time is usually 12 noon. Please check with your
specific hotel. Upon checkout from your accommodations,
go over your final bill carefully. Personal charges
such as bar tabs, laundry, boutique charges, telephone
calls, and such are your responsibility. Vela has paid
all current taxes and service charges for you. However
the hotel will collect 1% tax for all local purchases
(water etc.) upon checkout. Should an emergency
necessitate an early return home, we will do all we
can to get refunds for you. Standard hotel cancellation
fees usually exceed any unused balance, but hotels are
quite often understanding of emergencies. To assist
us in this you must get written verification of checkout
date from your hotel front desk and also from the windsurf
staff.
Important note: If
you have an early flight, make arrangements for a taxi
to the airport and pay your hotel bill the day before
your departure. If you are leaving on a late flight,
sometimes there is a courtesy room available for storing
luggage and taking a shower. If you need any assistance
don't hesitate to ask Tom & Kathy Mastbaum, manager/owners
of the Margarita Vela Center, and Vela staff member,
or the front desk at your hotel.
Beach
Hotel: Located on the beach, above the
Vela Windsurf Center, rooms are just steps from the
water, gear and all amenities. The rooms are delightfully
decorated with tropical colors. Larger units have a
kitchen and living area. All units have daily
maid service, air conditioning, mini fridge, private
bath, local TV with some English channels and in-room
safe (small fee). Rooms are equipped with phones, local
calls can be made direct and long distance calls can
be made from your room through the reception. HIGH SPEED
WIRELESS INERNET access is provided to all quests from
the comfort of your room. There is also a computer in
the lobby offering internet access. Beach chairs are
available for all guests staying in Beach Hotel for
a small fee. The on site restaurant / bar and
beach bar offer excellent cuisine, both with TV/Video.
A variety of jazz and rock music enhance the pleasant
environment. New on-site “Quiksilver / Roxy”
retail store.
El
Yaque Club: A new upscale condo complex,
located across the street from the sea with excellent
views, just steps from the vela center. One and two
bedroom units are available with full kitchen, dining
and living area, A/C, phones, washer ,dryer and dishwasher
and flat screen TV’s. Two restaurants including
roof top VIP restaurant and bar as well as roof top
pool and hot tub. On-site grocery and deli. Internet
café as well as in room HIGH SPEED WIRELESS INTERNET
access. Want to learn Spanish? Mary Luz, certified
Spanish teacher has school on site.
Hotel
California: Located across the street
from the vela center the hotel has rooms with private
balcony, A/C , private bath, safety deposits and
telephone. The hotel has a pool surrounded by beautiful
foliage. An on-site restaurant offers a variety of local
fare. A kite shop and Casa de Cambio are located
in the lobby.
Hotel Atti: Located up the hill, 5 minute walk to vela center. Hotel has covered roof top restaurant and pool with view of the sea. Rooms have safes (small fee) phones, mini fridge, A/C, hammocks on the balconies and terraces. A computer is available for the client’s usage with internet (small fee). WIRELESS IN ROOM INTERNET ACCESS is expected in Feb. 2007.
Casa
Nora: Enjoy the fantastic setting of a
small-scale B&B located only 5 minutes walk from
Vela. Includes a great 50m lap-pool and hot-tub, outdoor
patio yoga sessions, and a great experience with help
from your gracious hosts, Al and Nora.
Killer
Loop -Club Z: ***MAKE SURE YOU HAVE DETAILED
ARRIVAL INFO PACKET***
3-Bedroom guest house located on the beach in El Yaque
a short 5 minute walk downwind from the Vela Margarita
Windsurf Center. Kitchen with granite counters, 3 1/2
bath with tiled showers, laundry room, large living
room with huge windows, shaded yard and outdoor workout
room, plus private patio on the beach. Sleeps 6-8 comfortably.
Hi-Speed WiFi and daily maid service included as well!
Casa
Rita: Located up the hill with views of
both the sea, mtns. and Porlamar about a 5 minute walk
down the hill to the vela center the hotel has an airy,
quiet feeling with a lush garden. All units have air
conditioning, mini-fridge, private balcony, private
bath, and in-room safe (small fee). A computer in the
lobby offers e-mail and Internet services. All rooms
have phones. Local calls can be made direct and long
distance calls can be made from room through the receptionist.
General Information
Currency/credit cards:
We recommend when you arrive at the Caracas or Porlamar
airport only change the amount of money you will immediately
need, such as a snack and your taxi fare to El Yaque.
Once you arrive you can change $ at the “Casa
de Cambio located in Hotel California. El
Yaque Beach Hotel and a few other hotels and restaurants
will accept MasterCard and Visa, however do not expect
to use a credit card at the small locally owned restaurants
and beach bars. We suggest bringing at least $50 per
day per person in spending money for lunch, dinner,
and drinks. NOTE THAT ANY UNOFFICIAL EXCHANGE
IS ILLEGAL (yet prevalent) AND THAT USING THE "BLACK-MARKET"
EXCHANGE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. It is best to
NOT BRING TRAVELER'S CHECKS as they
may not be accepted and are therefore unreliable. If
you are planning on going on a diving trip, Los Roques
trip, Angel Falls etc. it is best to bring extra cash
to pay for these trips.
FYI_1: Credit cards (Amex, Master Card, Discover, Visa)
are accepted at the Vela Center, but payment by credit
cards for lessons, retail items, and rentals, is prefered
in in US$ however local currency is acccepted. There
will be a fee added when using a credit card. FYI_2:
Clients are able to access ATM machines at the airport
in Margarita or the Banco Union in Porlamar for a cash
advance in Bolivars, however it IS NOT always reliable
and can be a time consuming and costly venture (waiting
in lines and paying taxes).Ultimately, cash is king
in Margarita.
Safety of valuables:
We recommend that you keep any valuables in the hotel
safe or room safe if available. Leave your passport
in the safe and carry a copy.
Electrical voltage:
110 volts, same outlets as in the U.S. but hair dryers
and shavers with one plug blade larger than the other
may not fit into outlets.
Drinking water: We strongly recommend that you only drink and brush your teeth with bottled water. All the hotels in El Yaque use filtered water for ice cubes. If you find yourself in small local restaurants you should ask if they are using filtered water before consuming drinks with ice.
Email / Internet: Computers
with e-mail and Internet service are available in the
lobby of the Beach Hotel, Internet Cafe as well as in
the Wind Guru located on the premises of the El Yaque
Club. Beach Hotel, the Internet Café and El Yaque
Club offer wireless internet access from your room.
Health: Use precautions typical for foreign travel in a less developed country. This would include making sure food is well cooked and served hot and only eating fruit that has been peeled. To allow yourself to adjust to the different food and water and to avoid getting sick, don't further tax your system by exhausting yourself the first day or by drinking too much alcohol. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. If concerned, seek advice from your physician before leaving home.
Weather: The average
year round temperature is 82 degrees with an arid climate.
The water is about 75 degrees. A light jacket for evenings
may be desired. For current wind reports please see
http://www.velawindsurf.com/margarita.html.
Rental cars and scooters: If you plan
on staying in the windsurfing village of El Yaque a
car is not needed. If you wish to tour Margarita there
are many rental agencies at the Porlamar airport. The
reception desk at the hotel can arrange for an agency
to pick you up at your hotel and take you to the agency
to rent a car. Also available are scooters which can
be rented daily from “NO WIND NO CRY” in
front of the Beach Hotel.
Tipping: Gratuities
given to the local hotel staff for exceptional service
are highly appreciated. At restaurants a 10% tip for
the waiter is usually included. An additional 10% for
good service is courteous. If you wish to tip
the Vela staff, we have a “Tip Pool” which
is periodically divided amongst the entire team.
This is typically handled through the owners/managers,
Tom and Kathy Mastbaum or Assistant Manager, Bernardo.
Other available activities:
For the non-windsurfer or simply for a change of pace,
mountain bikes can be rented and guided tours are available
with “No Wind No Cry”, they also rent scooters.
Other available activities include horseback riding,
kayaking, golfing, island tours, trekking, hiking, bird
watching and scuba and snorkeling trips are available.
Arrangements may be made in El Yaque, just ask the vela
staff for assistance. We also recommend taking a day
to shop in the duty free shops in Porlamar or an evening
out to check out the Hilton Casino or one of the many
night clubs and salsa bars.
Other local amenities:
3 Grocery stores, Travel Agency, 5 small retail stores
including the Vela's Retail space located at the Vela
Center, chiropractor and kite schools.
Vela Margarita Windsurf Program
Windsurf Equipment:
Vela Margarita is equipped with the latest in high performance
gear featuring Neil Pryde sails and rigs, combined with
JP boards ranging from 65 ltrs. to 102 ltrs, Starboards
from 111 ltrs. to 70 ltrs. as well as F2 and Starboard
beginner boards. Neil Pryde sails include the 2007 V-6,
Expression, Search and Alpha, sizes ranging from 2.9
to 8.0 We will also stock "user-friendly"
beginner sails (2.6 to 4.0) and specially designed "kids
rigs" (1.0 to 3.0).
Checking into the Windsurf Center:
The center is open from 9:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.
Upon arrival or the next day, check in with a Vela Staff
member at the center. All sailors will be given an orientation
prior to hitting the water. Orientations are given on
a daily basis at 10:00 A.M.
Checking your equipment out/in:
After checking in and having your orientation you are
free to check out equipment. Equipment is available
for check out at 9:30 AM and must be returned by 5:30
PM. Every day you windsurf or change your equipment,
a staff member will write down your board and sail number.
This not only facilitates inventory control, but more
importantly enables us to verify your safe return at
the end of the day. All procedures and safety concerns
will be explained during the orientation. Please
note equipment fee is per person and not transferable.
Changing equipment:
You may change boards and sails at any time by simply
following the check-out/check-in procedures detailed
in the orientation.
On-site rental of equipment: If you have not paid for equipment as part of your vacation, the prices for Vela guests for on-site rentals of complete board and rig will be as follows:
Full day complete rental
$70
Full day beginner rental
$50
1st time Beginner special $50
(1 hr. lesson / ½ day rental)
Kids Special
$20 ( ½ hr. lesson / 1 hr. rental)
Kids equipment rental $15
(1/2 day rental)
Walk-up rentals will only be available
after the staff is satisfied that all pre-paid guests
have been accommodated. Complete board and rig
rentals only.
Adjustments to rig:
All of our sails have been professionally rigged in
a manner best suited for that sail. If you would like
to make adjustments to the rig, we ask that you first
get a short orientation to that particular sail from
one of our staff.
Damage to equipment: We
offer two types of insurance policies, an all-inclusive
policy which can ONLY be purchased through the Vela
Booking Agency prior to your departure. This policy
not only covers your trip in it’s entirety it
covers damage to windsurf equipment. If you purchase
this insurance, you will pay for all damages on site
and may claim any charges (less the $100 deductible)
for equipment damage or loss with the insurance company
upon your return home. We also offer an equipment damage
only insurance policy, which can ONLY be purchased on
site. This policy has no deductible. Costs are $45.00
per week or $80 for 2 weeks. If you choose not to purchase
insurance you will be charged the cost of the repair
or replacement cost of items such as booms, fins, and
masts.
The manager will assess all situations. To minimize the possibility of damage, please choose equipment that suits your ability level and conditions, and handle equipment carefully when launching and coming into shore.
Storage of guests' personal
windsurfing equipment: Due to very limited
space (we have too much gear ourselves!), we cannot
provide storage for your personal boards or sails.
Lesson Program
Beginner Program: If you are pre-booked on our discounted beginner package, you will have use of our novice equipment and receive a beginner lesson that covers basic sailing skills. If you are not pre-booked on the discounted Beginner Program, you may purchase Beginner lessons on-site.
Group lessons: Group
lessons include simulator and on-the-water instruction.
The staff will help to coordinate groups of similar
abilities. A group of 2-4 people is $45 per person for
a 1-hour lesson, or $120 per person for a 3-hour package.
When 4 people are in the class the time is extended.
Private lessons: The
private lesson option provides more individualized instruction.
Private lessons are $55 per hour. A package of three-one
hour private lessons is $150.
Kids Lessons:
We at Vela Margarita realize that children need special
attention and need to be taught differently than adults
so we have developed a kids program that teaches kids
to windsurf with the main focus being FUN. Kids Special
includes ½ hr. lesson including 1hr. equipment
usage for $20.
Free Clinics: 3 times per week we will conduct 30 minute Windsurf Technique Seminars. These are included in your vacation package whether you are on the complete package or the no equipment option. Check the bulletin board at the equipment area for seminar times (typically 10:30 AM). If you seek additional instruction, we offer both private and group lessons by experienced, certified instructors as outlined above. All lessons are reserved, scheduled and paid for at the center preferably in U.S. Dollars or traveler checks.
Coche Island / Los Roques excursions
Coche:
Day Trips: Day trips to Coche Island
to sail out of our Coche center are available daily.
We offer a full package which includes round trip boat
transfer to Coche Island, use of Coche Speed Paradise
facilities, pool, shower, chairs including a buffet
lunch with all national drinks and service from our
exceptional vela staff. The second option is boat
transfer only and service from our Coche staff Marco
and Yelitza.
Longer Stays: If planning
on spending one or more nights in Coche and booking
with Vela, your boat shuttle trip is covered, and all
services above for Day Trips PLUS the services of the
Coche Paradise Hotel are included. Note that the LAST
boat of the day departs El Yaque for Coche at 18:00.
Los
Roques
Day Trips: Truly overnighters most of
the time, these trips can be booked on-site at the Vela
Margarita center and cost varies greatly depending on
flight and posada availabilty. We recommend contacting
our office in advance and planning for a longer stay
of 2 or 3 nights to truly get into the slow-pace of
Los Roques lifestyle.
Longer Stays: Lucky
you! Your package booked with Vela includes flights
to Los Roques (either through Caracas or directly throughfrom
Porlamar) and the staff of the posad will meet you at
the airport. Additional services that are likely included
(check with us if you have any questions) with all meals,
excursions to the nearby islands including Francisqui
where the Vela / Dare2FLy Los Roques centers are located,
and a great experience with our hosts, Elias and Lisalotte.
Soak in the remoteness of this incredible archipelago!
Vela Wind Warranty
In the event that there are 4 or more days of NON-sailable wind during your minimum one-week complete package pre-booked trip, you may request a wind warranty form that will allow you credit towards a future trip to any Vela Windsurf Resort. In some cases you may receive higher credits if you return to the same center. You must get this form before you leave Margarita.
We truly look forward to seeing and sailing with you in the near future!
Tom and Kathy Mastbaum
Information subject
to change without notice. Revised June 2008
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