A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Key Largo vs. Tamarindo for Families, Nightlife, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Key Largo or Tamarindo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Key Largo and Tamarindo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a beautiful, relaxed, and peaceful island. It's a quaint destination. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a scenic, laid back, and chill town. Tamarindo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Tamarindo travel costs.

Key Largo and Tamarindo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Tamarindo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tamarindo. Although Key Largo and Tamarindo are both popular with visitors, Tamarindo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tamarindo is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Tamarindo is popular for its surfing, wildlife, and leatherback sea turtles. It is also home to Las Baulas National Marine Park.

How is Key Largo different from Tamarindo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key Largo or Tamarindo?

Tamarindo is adequate for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Tamarindo specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Aside from a few art galleries, there aren't many real museums around town.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Key Largo or Tamarindo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tamarindo is a town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Key Largo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Is Key Largo or Tamarindo Better for Nightlife?

Tamarindo is great for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Tamarindo for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Key Largo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Is Key Largo or Tamarindo Better for Resorts?

Key Largo is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Tamarindo is not a resort destination.

Key Largo is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Tamarindo is not a resort destination.

Is Key Largo or Tamarindo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Tamarindo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Key Largo to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

Tamarindo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Tamarindo Better for Beaches?

Tamarindo is great for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

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.

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Tamarindo?

Tamarindo is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Tamarindo More Beautiful?

Tamarindo is a town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key Largo or Tamarindo Better for Families?

Key Largo 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.

Key Largo is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

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 Key Largo or Tamarindo Better for Couples?

Tamarindo is great for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Tamarindo is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Key Largo is a nice destination for couples. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

Is Key Largo or Tamarindo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tamarindo is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Key Largo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This area is a bit more affordable than the more southern keys so it appeals to budget travelers and backpackers.

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

Tamarindo is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Tamarindo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are three public bus lines through town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a car to get around.

Is Key Largo or Tamarindo a more walkable city?

Tamarindo is great for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Key Largo is not a walkable island. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Key Largo Worth Visiting? and Is Tamarindo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tamarindo or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Tamarindo?

In either Key Largo or Tamarindo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than Tamarindo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 3-5 days is enough time in Tamarindo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tamarindo than Key Largo 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 Tamarindo.

One day in Key Largo or Tamarindo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Key Largo. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Tamarindo. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Key Largo or Tamarindo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxed destination of Key Largo. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the chill destination of Tamarindo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Tamarindo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling around the family-friendly island of Key Largo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid back town of Tamarindo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Key Largo or Tamarindo?

Key Largo is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Key Largo, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Tamarindo is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key Largo and Tamarindo, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. And not only is Tamarindo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Key Largo is in North America and Tamarindo is in Central America, 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 Tamarindo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tamarindo 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 Key Largo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key Largo than you might in Tamarindo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Key Largo Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Key Largo or Tamarindo?

Key Largo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tamarindo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Tamarindo in the Summer?

Both Tamarindo and Key Largo during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.

In July, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 82°F (28°C), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the summer, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Tamarindo. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun.

Tamarindo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets less rain in July than Tamarindo. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Tamarindo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Tamarindo. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Key Largo is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tamarindo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Tamarindo. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to May in Tamarindo is the dry season. The hurricane season in Tamarindo is June to November.

Should I visit Key Largo or Tamarindo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Tamarindo. The cuisine are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.

In the winter, Key Largo is cooler than Tamarindo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key Largo in January average around 67°F (19°C), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the winter, Key Largo often gets less sunshine than Tamarindo. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets more rain in January than Tamarindo. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Tamarindo in the Spring?

Both Tamarindo and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Key Largo is generally cooler than Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 74°F (24°C), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

It's quite sunny in Tamarindo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during spring. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Tamarindo. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Tamarindo is December to May. June to November is the hurricane season in Tamarindo.

Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Key Largo