A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Basse-Terre vs. Marathon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Basse-Terre or Marathon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Marathon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Basse-Terre or Marathon?

Basse-Terre

In Guadeloupe there is Basse Terre the city and Basse-Terre the island - the city is the capital of Guadeloupe, and the island is Guadeloupe's western half of the main island. As a whole, the place is very green, featuring lush vegetation and a mountainous landscape with a sulfuric volcano.

Marathon

You step outside your deluxe suite onto the balcony and are greeted with nothing less than tropical perfection. The hum of the ocean, the whispers of the palm trees, the songs of the seagulls - you bask in this paradise otherwise known as Marathon, Florida. A 10-mile-long island, the chain contains Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key, along with Duck Key just another few minutes up the road.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Marathon or Basse-Terre?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Basse-Terre is $167, while the average daily cost in Marathon is $158. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Basse-Terre and Marathon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Basse-Terre $99
    Marathon $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Basse-Terre $198
    Marathon $152
Compare Hotels in Basse-Terre and Marathon

Looking for a hotel in Basse-Terre or Marathon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Basse-Terre


Hotels in Marathon


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Basse-Terre Hotel Prices and Marathon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Basse-Terre $8.84
    Marathon $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Basse-Terre or Marathon?

Prices for flights to both Marathon and Basse-Terre change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Basse-Terre $51
    Marathon $51

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Basse-Terre $51
    Marathon $27

Tours and Activities in Basse-Terre

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basse-Terre are as follows:

  • Full day tour: the best of the island w/photos drone sunset: $188

Tours and Activities in Marathon

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Marathon.

  • Rhum Runner Aqua Park Adventure: $38
  • Florida: Sunset Champagne Cruise on the Marathon Mermaid: $82
  • Snorkeling Adventure by Boat at Sombrero Reef: $89
  • Intro to Foilboarding Experience: $214

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Basse-Terre $14
    Marathon $24


When comparing the travel costs between Basse-Terre and Marathon, we can see that Basse-Terre is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Basse-Terre is in Caribbean Islands and Marathon is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Basse-Terre Expensive? and Is Marathon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Basse-Terre or Marathon?

Basse-Terre has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Basse-Terre and Marathon, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Basse-Terre or Marathon?

Marathon has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Basse-Terre experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Marathon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basse-Terre as well as Marathon. Basse-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Marathon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Marathon in the summer. The daily temperature in Basse-Terre averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Marathon fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basse-Terre this time of the year. In the summer, Basse-Terre often gets less sunshine than Marathon. Basse-Terre gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 328 hours of full sun.

Basse-Terre receives a lot of rain in the summer. Basse-Terre usually gets more rain in July than Marathon. Basse-Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Basse-Terre 27°C (81°F) 
    Marathon 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Marathon in the Autumn?

Both Marathon and Basse-Terre are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Basse-Terre throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Marathon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basse-Terre in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Marathon averages at about 80°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. Basse-Terre usually receives less sunshine than Marathon during autumn. Basse-Terre gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Marathon. It's quite rainy in Basse-Terre. In October, Basse-Terre usually receives more rain than Marathon. Basse-Terre gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Basse-Terre 27°C (80°F) 
    Marathon 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Marathon in the Winter?

Both Marathon and Basse-Terre during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Basse-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Marathon because of the cuisine.

In January, Basse-Terre is generally a little warmer than Marathon. Daily temperatures in Basse-Terre average around 24°C (76°F), and Marathon fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Basse-Terre. In the winter, Basse-Terre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon. Basse-Terre gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 252 hours of full sun.

Basse-Terre usually gets more rain in January than Marathon. Basse-Terre gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Basse-Terre 24°C (76°F) 
    Marathon 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Marathon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basse-Terre and Marathon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Basse-Terre year-round. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.

Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Marathon in the spring. The daily temperature in Basse-Terre averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Marathon fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In Basse-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basse-Terre usually receives less sunshine than Marathon during spring. Basse-Terre gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.

Basse-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Basse-Terre usually receives more rain than Marathon. Basse-Terre gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Basse-Terre 26°C (78°F) 
    Marathon 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Marathon and Basse-Terre

Basse-Terre Marathon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)