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National park · Porlamar, Nova Esparta
Parque Nacional Laguna de La Restinga
The mangrove lagoon that connects the two parts of Margarita, protected as a national park since 1974. Fishing boats travel the channels under the mangrove branches to a beach of more than 20 km, with shells and fish and oyster kiosks.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parque Nacional Laguna de La Restinga
The Laguna de La Restinga is located on the isthmus that links the eastern part of Margarita to the Macanao peninsula, about 30 km from Porlamar. It was declared a national park in 1974 and protects a shallow lagoon surrounded by mangroves, separated from the open sea by a long sandbar—the restinga that gives the place its name.
The tour departs from the pier on the southern shore of the lagoon in fishing boats called peñeros. The boatmen navigate narrow channels between the mangroves, some so closed they form tunnels of branches over the water, and stop to show oysters attached to the roots, crabs and birds such as herons, pelicans and sometimes flamingos.
The boat continues to the beach of La Restinga on the open-sea side, a stretch of sand over 20 km long, covered in shells and with a surf. There are kiosks there serving fried fish, fresh oysters and cold beer. The boats wait and return at the agreed time.
The trip is gentle and suitable for all ages. On weekends and holidays there is a queue at the pier; during the week the channels are quieter and birds appear more often.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours for the boat trip through the channels; half a day with the stop at the beach.
Best time
In the morning, when birds are more active, the light is good over the mangroves and there are fewer people at the pier. Tours usually run until mid-afternoon; check ahead before you go.
How to get there
The pier is next to the road linking Porlamar to the Macanao peninsula, about 30 km from Porlamar, a 40-minute drive. Boats depart from the pier itself, manned by boatmen from the local cooperative.
Tip
Ask the boatman to take you into the tighter mangrove tunnels and agree the length of the beach stop before you depart. Try the fresh oysters at the kiosks and bring sunscreen and a hat.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Nacional Laguna de La Restinga
How does the boat tour in La Restinga work?
The fishing boats depart from the pier and travel the mangrove channels, with stops to see oysters, crabs and birds, and continue to the beach on the open-sea side. The return is at the agreed time.
How long does the tour take?
1 to 2 hours through the channels. With the stop at the beach, count on half a day.
What animals can be seen in the lagoon?
Herons, pelicans, crabs and oysters attached to the mangrove roots. Sometimes flamingos appear.
Is the beach at La Restinga good for swimming?
It’s open sea, with waves, and the sand is covered in shells. Many people go more for the walk and the food at the kiosks.