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

Should you visit Nassau or Isla de Ometepe?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Isla de Ometepe, 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: Nassau or Isla de Ometepe?

Nassau

There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.

As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.

Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.

Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.

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.

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, Isla de Ometepe or Nassau?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, while the average daily cost in Isla de Ometepe is $34. 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 Nassau and Isla de Ometepe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $109
    Isla de Ometepe $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $218
    Isla de Ometepe $26
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Isla de Ometepe

Looking for a hotel in Nassau or Isla de Ometepe? 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 Nassau


Hotels in Isla de Ometepe


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: Nassau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Isla de Ometepe $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:


  • Water Taxi
    $8.02
  • Taxi to Cable Beach
    $25
  • Taxi from Airport
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:

  • Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $30
  • Shared Shuttle Transfer to NAS Airport - Departure: $34
  • Shared Shuttle Transfer from NAS Airport - Arrival: $34
  • Private One-Way Transfer from Nassau to Lynden Pindling Airport: $36
  • Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau cruise port - Arrival Transfer: $40
  • Nassau Airport Round-trip Shared Transfers: $45
  • Private Transfer in Nassau: $45
  • Nassau hotel or address to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Chippies Airport/Hotel Transfers Transportation: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Isla de Ometepe?

Prices for flights to both Isla de Ometepe and Nassau 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
    Nassau $53
    Isla de Ometepe $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau

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

  • Nassau Food Tour and Beach Break: $65
  • Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
  • Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
  • Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $116
  • Dinner and Dancing: $130
  • Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
  • Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
  • Island Food Tour: $140
  • Gourmet dinner & sunset cruise on luxury catamaran: $375

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nassau $37
    Isla de Ometepe $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:


  • Jet Ski
    $50
  • 4 Hr Kayak Tour
    $70
  • 1/2 Day Snorkel Trip
    $75

Tours and Activities in Nassau

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

  • Champagne and Diamond Shopping Experience in Downtown, Bahamas: $5.00
  • Archie's Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack and Spanish Friendly: $7.00
  • KINDWalk — Nassau Historical and Cultural Walking Tour: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Nassau Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Jewel of the Bahamas: $15
  • Heritage Museum of The Bahamas Nassau Guided Tour: $20
  • Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $28
  • Roundtrip Shuttle from Cruise Terminal at Prince George Wharf: $29
  • Nassau Sightseeing Bus Tour: $35
  • Big Bus Private Tour (minimum of 15): $43
  • Bahamas Ghost Walking Tour: $44
  • Private Sightseeing in Fort Montagu with Crab and Seafood meal: $45

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nassau $19
    Isla de Ometepe $8.85
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:


  • Cocktail
    $6.52

Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:

  • Nassau Rum Distillery Tour: $25
  • Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and Isla de Ometepe, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Isla de Ometepe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands and Isla de Ometepe 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 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 Nassau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nassau 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 Nassau Expensive? and Is Isla de Ometepe Expensive?.



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

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 Nassau or Isla de Ometepe in the Summer?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Isla de Ometepe. It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives around the same amount of rain as Isla de Ometepe. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Isla de Ometepe during summer. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Isla de Ometepe receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nassau is around the same temperature as Isla de Ometepe in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Isla de Ometepe in the Autumn?

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

Isla de Ometepe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Isla de Ometepe. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the autumn, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Isla de Ometepe. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Isla de Ometepe receives 195 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Nassau is around the same temperature as Isla de Ometepe. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Isla de Ometepe averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Isla de Ometepe in the Winter?

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

In January, Nassau usually receives more rain than Isla de Ometepe. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Isla de Ometepe this time of the year. In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives less sunshine than Isla de Ometepe during winter. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Isla de Ometepe receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nassau is generally cooler than Isla de Ometepe. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Isla de Ometepe in the Spring?

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

Nassau usually gets more rain in April than Isla de Ometepe. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Isla de Ometepe. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In the spring, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Isla de Ometepe. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Isla de Ometepe receives 242 hours of full sun.

Nassau is cooler than Isla de Ometepe in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Isla de Ometepe and Nassau

Nassau Isla de Ometepe
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)