Beyond the beaches, Margarita has a few worthwhile diversions. Boat trips through the mangrove channels of Laguna de la Restinga are a highlight -- the national park sits on the sandbar connecting the island's two halves. Kitesurfing and windsurfing at El Yaque attract serious riders from around the world. The island also has decent scuba diving and snorkelling, particularly around the offshore islands.
For something different, the colonial towns of La Asuncion and Pampatar are worth exploring on foot, and the mountainous interior of the Macanao peninsula offers hiking with views over empty coastline.