A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla de Ometepe vs. Saint Croix for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Isla de Ometepe or Saint Croix?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Isla de Ometepe or Saint Croix, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Isla de Ometepe or Saint Croix?

Isla de Ometepe

Ometepe is a dramatically beautiful island in Lake Nicaragua in the country of Nicaragua. The island is the largest in the lake and is formed by two dramatic twin volcanoes that climb high from the water's surface. The two volcanoes are Concepcion and Maderas, and they are joined by an isthmus to make one island with an area of 276 square kilometers. The island is 31 kilometers long and between 5 and 10 kilometers wide. There are several small settlements on the island as well as a few coffee plantations. It is also one of the top sights in the country and makes for a unique travel destination.

Saint Croix

Sometimes all you want out of a vacation is the warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves and the taste of a cold drink. No more. No less. That's exactly what you can expect in St. Croix.

The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is a place of our leisure and relaxation. It's a bit of an expensive lifestyle for its 50,000 residents and daily visitors, but when you're living on island time, money is never a worry. There are no worries on island time.

This once volcanic island is covered in incredible beaches, stunning mountains, palm tress in the wind and historic colonial towns. While they may be a bit old and rundown, the Danish architecture still stands as a unique part of this island's legacy. Don't expect much window-shopping, though. That was not a feature incorporated in this style of architecture. If you want to know if a store is open, just step on in, but remember, shop hours are also running on island time.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Isla de Ometepe?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Isla de Ometepe is $34, while the average daily cost in Saint Croix is $236. 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 Isla de Ometepe and Saint Croix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Isla de Ometepe $13
    Saint Croix $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Isla de Ometepe $26
    Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Isla de Ometepe and Saint Croix

Looking for a hotel in Isla de Ometepe or Saint Croix? 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 Isla de Ometepe


Hotels in Saint Croix


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: Saint Croix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Isla de Ometepe $11
    Saint Croix $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Croix

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Croix:

  • Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $49
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $49
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $71
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Cruise Port to St. Croix Airport: $71
  • St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $109
  • Saint Croix Airport (STX) to Saint Croix Hotels -Arrival Transfer: $109
  • Henry E.Rohlsen Airport(STX) to St. Croix island-Arrival Transfer: $109
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $164
  • Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $217
  • St Croix Airport to St Croix Hotels Private Round Trip Transfer: $217

Is it cheaper to fly into Isla de Ometepe or Saint Croix?

Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Isla de Ometepe 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
    Isla de Ometepe $13
    Saint Croix $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Croix

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Croix.

  • A Evening Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
  • Taste of Twin City Food Tour with VI Food Tours: $129
  • C'sted Sip & Savor Mixology Class with VI Food Tours: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Isla de Ometepe $13
    Saint Croix $58

Tours and Activities in Isla de Ometepe

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Isla de Ometepe are as follows:

  • A great tour day for the ISLAND OF OMETEPE.: $80

Tours and Activities in Saint Croix

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Croix are as follows:

  • Grange Estate History and Heritage Private Tour and Luncheon : $60
  • Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $75
  • St Croix Island Tour: $100
  • Parasail Experience in St Croix: $132
  • 30 Minute Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands: $150
  • Horseback Riding Experience: $160
  • 1 Hour Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands : $250

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Isla de Ometepe $8.85
    Saint Croix $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Isla de Ometepe and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Isla de Ometepe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Isla de Ometepe is in Central America and Saint Croix is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Isla de Ometepe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Isla de Ometepe and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Saint Croix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Croix than you might in Isla de Ometepe.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Isla de Ometepe Expensive? and Is Saint Croix Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Isla de Ometepe or Saint Croix?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Isla de Ometepe or Saint Croix in the Summer?

Both Saint Croix and Isla de Ometepe are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Isla de Ometepe throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Isla de Ometepe. In July, Isla de Ometepe usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Isla de Ometepe gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Isla de Ometepe is around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Isla de Ometepe in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 29°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F) 
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Isla de Ometepe or Saint Croix in the Autumn?

Both Saint Croix and Isla de Ometepe during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Isla de Ometepe because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.

Saint Croix gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Isla de Ometepe. Isla de Ometepe usually gets more rain in October than Saint Croix. Isla de Ometepe gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Isla de Ometepe is generally around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Isla de Ometepe average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F) 
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Isla de Ometepe or Saint Croix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Isla de Ometepe and Saint Croix. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Isla de Ometepe year-round. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Isla de Ometepe usually receives less rain than Saint Croix. Isla de Ometepe gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Isla de Ometepe is around the same temperature as Saint Croix in the winter. The daily temperature in Isla de Ometepe averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Isla de Ometepe 26°C (79°F) 
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Isla de Ometepe or Saint Croix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Isla de Ometepe as well as Saint Croix. Isla de Ometepe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.

Isla de Ometepe usually gets less rain in April than Saint Croix. Isla de Ometepe gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Isla de Ometepe is around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Isla de Ometepe in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 27°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Isla de Ometepe 29°C (84°F) 
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Isla de Ometepe

Isla de Ometepe Saint Croix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)