Andrés Miguel Salazar Marcano Airport

Andres Miguel Salazar Marcano Airport occupies a compact site on Isla de Coche, part of Venezuela's Nueva Esparta state, handling domestic flights that connect the island to the mainland and neighbouring Margarita. The airport is small, serving a community of around 8,000 residents and a steady stream of tourists drawn to the island's beaches and reliable trade winds. Named after a Venezuelan aviator, the facility operates on a limited schedule, with flights concentrated at specific times throughout the week. It is not a place for layovers or shopping, but a functional entry point to one of the Caribbean's quieter corners.

Getting There

Andres Miguel Salazar Marcano Airport is located about 2 kilometres northeast of San Pedro de Coche, the island's main settlement. Most travellers arrive by air from Caracas, Porlamar, or other Venezuelan cities via airlines such as Conviasa or Rutaca. From the airport, a taxi ride into San Pedro de Coche takes roughly five minutes and costs around 5–10 US dollars (cash is essential; credit cards are rarely accepted). For those arriving by ferry from Punta de Piedras on Margarita Island, the airport is about a 15-minute drive from the ferry terminal at El Amparo. Rental cars are available in San Pedro de Coche but should be booked in advance, as supply is limited. The island's road network is basic but paved in the main areas, and driving lets you reach beaches like La Uva or Punta El Saco easily.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Andres Miguel Salazar Marcano Airport is a single-storey building with a practical, no-frills layout. Arrival and departure areas share the same space, separated only by a security checkpoint. The check-in area consists of a few counters, often handled by airline staff who also manage baggage. Seating is limited, so expect to stand or wait outside during busy periods. The airport has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible car park, though assistance may need to be requested in advance from your airline. Toilets are available but basic; bring your own hand sanitizer. There is no air conditioning in the main waiting area, but the sea breeze provides some relief. No food or drink outlets operate inside the terminal, so carry water and snacks, especially if your flight is delayed. Security screening is swift but thorough; have your boarding pass and ID ready. The airport is not busy overall, but note the busiest times: Monday at 7 am, Tuesday at 8 pm, Wednesday at 9 am, and Thursday at 11 am. Flights outside these windows may be scarce or nonexistent, so plan accordingly.

Andres Miguel Salazar Marcano Airport and San Pedro de Coche

San Pedro de Coche is the heart of Isla de Coche, a flat, arid island that stretches roughly 11 kilometres from east to west. The island's main attractions are its beaches and its reliable wind, which has made it a destination for kiteboarding and windsurfing enthusiasts from across South America and beyond. Playa La Punta and Playa El Saco are the most popular spots, with shallow, turquoise water and steady breezes that pick up around midday. The island also has salt flats (salinas) near the eastern shore, where locals harvest salt in the dry season — a practice dating back centuries. Culturally, Coche is quieter than neighbouring Margarita, with a pace that encourages slow afternoons in hammocks and seafood meals at beachside palapas. The island's population is concentrated in San Pedro de Coche, a town of low-rise buildings, a central plaza, and a few small markets. Traditional dishes include fried fish, arepas, and coconut-based stews. English is not widely spoken; basic Spanish is helpful for navigating. History enthusiasts will note that Coche was part of colonial pearl-fishing routes, and remnants of that era appear in local architecture and museum displays. For most visitors, the airport is merely a transition point to a relaxed island holiday — but understanding its limited hours and basic facilities is essential. The airport does not operate daily; check your airline's schedule carefully. Some flights only run on certain weekdays, and connections may require an overnight stay if schedules do not align. The simplicity of the airport mirrors the island's character: unpretentious, functional, and refreshingly unhurried. If you can adapt to its rhythms, San Pedro de Coche rewards with genuine Caribbean calm.

Practical Information

Andres Miguel Salazar Marcano Airport (IATA: SCC?) is not open every day; operations vary by airline and season. Confirm flight schedules with the airline before travelling. The airport does not have a public phone number or website available; all booking and inquiries should be directed to the operating airline. For emergencies, the nearest hospital is in San Pedro de Coche (small clinic) or on Margarita for serious cases. Bring cash in small denominations (US dollars or Venezuelan bolívars) for taxis and essentials. The airport has no ATM, so obtain cash before arrival. Wheelchair accessibility is provided, but notify your airline in advance to ensure assistance. The best piece of advice: arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure, as check-in can be slow and flights sometimes depart earlier than listed. If you miss your flight, the next one may not be for another day or two.