A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Tamarindo for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isla Mujeres and Tamarindo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a idyllic, relaxing, and laid back island. Isla Mujeres is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a chill, scenic, and laid back town. Tamarindo is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Tamarindo travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Tamarindo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Isla Mujeres than Tamarindo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Isla Mujeres is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Tamarindo is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Isla Mujeres is well known for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. Also, Isla Mujeres is famous for the Underwater Museum of Art. Tamarindo is well known for its surfing, wildlife, and leatherback sea turtles.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Tamarindo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Tamarindo and Isla Mujeres. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo?

Tamarindo is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Tamarindo offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Aside from a few art galleries, there aren't many real museums around town.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isla Mujeres. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

Tamarindo is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a combination of beach bars and restaurants in town that offer local cuisine and international options. Many places have a laid back vibe that fits with the town's atmosphere but you'll also find some more upscale options.

Is Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo Better for Nightlife?

Tamarindo is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its evening party scene.

Tamarindo has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The town has beach bars, dance clubs, and regular parties that attract tourists and locals alike. The evening has a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a day of surfing or swimming.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

Is Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. However, Tamarindo is not a resort destination.

Isla Mujeres offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Tamarindo is not a resort destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Tamarindo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Isla Mujeres specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Tamarindo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

The beaches in Isla Mujeres are among the best in the world. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

The beaches at Tamarindo attract visitors from all over. The beaches are popular with surfers but the currents can be strong so swimmers should use caution. The golden sand and beautiful setting make this a fun and chill beach destination. There are also plenty of water sports to choose from.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo?

Both Isla Mujeres and Tamarindo are notable shopping destinations.

Isla Mujeres offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Tamarindo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find most of the souvenir shops along Diria Grand Boulevard. There are a few upscale clothing boutiques and jewelry shops as well.

Is Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo More Beautiful?

Isla Mujeres and Tamarindo are somewhat similar when it comes to the notable scenery.

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful place to visit, too. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Tamarindo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The golden sand beaches offer a beautiful setting where you can relax and soak up a chill beachfront vibe.

Is Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Isla Mujeres is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tamarindo. The golden beaches offer a great escape for families. The surf can be a bit strong, but the kids will love seeing the sea turtles or going horseback riding. There are also beginning surfing lessons available.

Is Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Isla Mujeres has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

Tamarindo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy romantic horseback rides along the beach, sunset cruises, and romantic meals. For the adventurous, there's surfing lessons and wildlife tours.

Is Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Isla Mujeres and Tamarindo are great destinations for backpackers.

Isla Mujeres is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Tamarindo. There are plenty of hostels in the area and many wonderful activities that let you experience everything that Costa Rica has to offer.

Is Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Isla Mujeres and Tamarindo offer notable public transit options.

Isla Mujeres has a few public transit options. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Tamarindo has some public transit options. There are three public bus lines through town.

Is Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres and Tamarindo both are great when exploring on foot.

Isla Mujeres is a very walkable island. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Tamarindo is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Tamarindo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tamarindo or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo?

In either Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tamarindo than Isla Mujeres because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 3-5 days is enough time in Tamarindo.

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Tamarindo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Isla Mujeres, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Tamarindo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Isla Mujeres that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Tamarindo if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Isla Mujeres.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Isla Mujeres. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Isla Mujeres has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Tamarindo, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this laid back town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the idyllic destination of Isla Mujeres. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Tamarindo is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the idyllic island of Isla Mujeres. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Tamarindo, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this chill destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Tamarindo?

Isla Mujeres is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Tamarindo is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.

When comparing the travel costs between Isla Mujeres and Tamarindo, we can see that Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres is in North America and Tamarindo is in Central 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 Isla Mujeres Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.