A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Fortuna vs. Islamorada for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit La Fortuna or Islamorada?

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 La Fortuna and Islamorada. 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.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a stunning, scenic, and popular town. La Fortuna is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See La Fortuna travel costs.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a relaxing, tropical, and adventurous village. The beauty of Islamorada is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Islamorada travel costs.

La Fortuna and Islamorada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Fortuna or Islamorada?

Travelers will usually find more to do in La Fortuna. Although La Fortuna and Islamorada are popular destinations, La Fortuna has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Fortuna is very popular for its resorts and hiking, while Islamorada attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. La Fortuna is more touristy than Islamorada and is popular for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views. It is also well known for Arenal Volcano. Islamorada is famous for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe.

How is La Fortuna different from Islamorada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Fortuna or Islamorada?

Islamorada is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

Islamorada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

While most people don't head to La Fortuna specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time outdoors exploring the area, but there are also some museums that highlight local art and culture.

Is the Food Better in La Fortuna or Islamorada? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Islamorada is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, La Fortuna 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 Islamorada. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

La Fortuna is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a touristy mecca, and there are a number of decent restaurants around town. The area has some of the freshest local ingredients and the food reflects that. You'll find restaurants both in the center of town and along the road between the town and the hot springs.

Is La Fortuna or Islamorada Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both La Fortuna and Islamorada.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Fortuna. The larger resorts usually have a couple of bars onsite. There are also local bars and pubs throughout the town. While things often quiet down by 9:00, you will probably be able to find a laid back place to enjoy a drink with friends.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Islamorada. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

Is La Fortuna or Islamorada Better for Resorts?

La Fortuna is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its resorts.

La Fortuna offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are many larger international resorts in the area. Many offer spectacular views, spas, and beautifully maintained pools that take advantage of the area's hot springs.

With a selection of resorts, Islamorada makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Is La Fortuna or Islamorada Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, La Fortuna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Islamorada. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

La Fortuna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Fortuna or Islamorada Better for Beaches?

Islamorada is notable for the beach. However, La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Islamorada for it's beautiful beaches. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Is La Fortuna or Islamorada Better for Hiking?

La Fortuna is a great town for hiking. However, Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to La Fortuna for the hiking trails. The area is filled with stunning hikes that take you through different landscapes and ecosystems. You'll likely see some wildlife, visit spectacular waterfalls, and, of course, catch views of the impressive Arenal Volcano.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Fortuna or Islamorada?

Islamorada is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Islamorada offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

La Fortuna has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find a couple of good souvenir shops around town where you can pick up some locally made items.

Is La Fortuna or Islamorada More Beautiful?

La Fortuna and Islamorada are somewhat similar when it comes to the great scenery.

The beauty of La Fortuna is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, lush rainforests, and dramatic views of the volcano. There are countless hikes and a plenty of opportunities to soak up the natural setting.

With stunning beauty, Islamorada attracts visitors from all around. Striking blue water and white sand make this a truly tropical paradise. You can sip frozen drinks and relax in the sun as your troubles slip away.

Is La Fortuna or Islamorada Better for Families?

Islamorada is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Islamorada is very family-friendly. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in La Fortuna. Kids will love exploring the outdoors and seeing some of Costa Rica's best environments. There are plenty of hiking trails, but if you're looking for short and simple, head to Ecocentro Danaus, which has a half mile flat walking loop and a butterfly garden. Another good option is Bogarin Trail, where you might see a sloth. And of course you have to check out Arenal Volcano National Park.

Is La Fortuna or Islamorada Better for Couples?

La Fortuna and Islamorada both world-class destinations for a couple.

La Fortuna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. There are amazing resorts and spas in the area that make for a truly luxurious and romantic holiday. Many couples visit for their honeymoon, and whether you enjoy exploring nature or pampering yourself in a five star setting, there really is something for everyone.

Islamorada makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

Is La Fortuna or Islamorada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Fortuna is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Islamorada is not known for backpackers.

La Fortuna is very popular with the backpacker crowd. As one of the top places to visit in Costa Rica, this town has a number of hostels that cater to the backpacker crowds.

Islamorada is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels on this key and prices in general can be a bit high so backpackers will find it a bit challenging.

Is La Fortuna or Islamorada Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

La Fortuna is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known for its public transit.

While La Fortuna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is La Fortuna or Islamorada a more walkable city?

La Fortuna is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

La Fortuna is somewhat walkable. While the town itself is very walkable, many of the area's attractions can only be reached by car.

Islamorada is not a walkable town. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting? and Is Islamorada Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Islamorada or La Fortuna?

How long in La Fortuna or Islamorada?

Both La Fortuna and Islamorada have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Islamorada than in La Fortuna. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Fortuna, and 4-7 days is enough time in Islamorada.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Fortuna than Islamorada 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 La Fortuna.

One day in La Fortuna or Islamorada?

With food and nightlife around the scenic town of La Fortuna, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the adventurous village of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Fortuna or Islamorada?

With nightlife and food around the destination of La Fortuna, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in La Fortuna or Islamorada?

La Fortuna, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Islamorada, a popular village, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this village. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in La Fortuna or Islamorada?

La Fortuna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Islamorada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this village makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, La Fortuna or Islamorada?

Islamorada has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of La Fortuna and Islamorada, 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 La Fortuna or Islamorada?

Islamorada has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but La Fortuna experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit La Fortuna or Islamorada in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to La Fortuna as well as Islamorada. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, La Fortuna is generally around the same temperature as Islamorada. Daily temperatures in La Fortuna average around 28°C (82°F), and Islamorada fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. In the summer, La Fortuna often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. La Fortuna gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 328 hours of full sun.

La Fortuna receives a lot of rain in the summer. La Fortuna usually gets more rain in July than Islamorada. La Fortuna gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Fortuna or Islamorada in the Autumn?

Both Islamorada and La Fortuna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

La Fortuna is around the same temperature as Islamorada in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Fortuna averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Islamorada fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. La Fortuna usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during autumn. La Fortuna gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. In October, La Fortuna usually receives more rain than Islamorada. La Fortuna gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in La Fortuna is December to April. The hurricane season in La Fortuna is May to November. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Should I visit La Fortuna or Islamorada in the Winter?

Both Islamorada and La Fortuna during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

In the winter, La Fortuna is a little warmer than Islamorada. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Fortuna in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Islamorada averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Fortuna. In the winter, La Fortuna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Islamorada. La Fortuna gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 252 hours of full sun.

La Fortuna usually gets less rain in January than Islamorada. La Fortuna gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Fortuna or Islamorada in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Fortuna and Islamorada. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, La Fortuna is generally a little warmer than Islamorada. Daily temperatures in La Fortuna average around 29°C (85°F), and Islamorada fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In La Fortuna, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Fortuna usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during spring. La Fortuna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Fortuna usually receives more rain than Islamorada. La Fortuna gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in La Fortuna is the dry season. May to November is the hurricane season in La Fortuna. June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Typical Weather for Islamorada and La Fortuna