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

Should you visit Negril or Isla de Ometepe?

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 Negril and Isla de Ometepe. 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.

Where Should I go: Negril or Isla de Ometepe?

Negril

Negril is a town in western Jamaica known for its miles of white sand beaches and cliffs. It is certainly one of the more laid back towns on the island yet still attracts a lot of tourists. The hotels are as close to the water as you can get, and the sand gets whiter and whiter the further away from populated areas you get. The water is unbelievably clear and warm in Negril!

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 Negril?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, 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 Negril and Isla de Ometepe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Isla de Ometepe $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Isla de Ometepe $26
Compare Hotels in Negril and Isla de Ometepe

Looking for a hotel in Negril 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 Negril


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: Negril Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Isla de Ometepe $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Negril:


  • Taxi From Airport
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril

Also for Negril, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $36
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfer to Lucea Resorts: $37
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
  • Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium: $40
  • Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $40
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels Private: $47
  • Private Airport Transfer Grand Palladium/ Lady Hamilton Jamaica: $47
  • Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $48
  • Private Airport Transfers to Negril Hotels: $48
  • Private Transfer from Negril to Sangster Airport (MBJ): $50
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril Hotel: $50
  • One-Way & Round-Trip Private Transfer from Montego Bay to Negril *42O VIP Option: $50

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

Prices for flights to both Isla de Ometepe and Negril 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
    Negril $23
    Isla de Ometepe $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril

For Negril, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio: $105
  • Local food tour and local fields : $164

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $27
    Isla de Ometepe $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril

For Negril, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 2 Hr Horseback Ride
    $44

Tours and Activities in Negril

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Negril.

  • Cruise Ship Excursion in Montego Bay : $41
  • From Negril/Palladium: Negril Beach and Ricks Cafe Tour: $49
  • Private Glass Bottom Boat Sight Seeing Tour Jamaica: $58
  • Buddle's Taxi and Tours : $60
  • Blue Hole Mineral Springs, Rick's Café, and Shopping Combo Tour: $75
  • Negril Beach and Catamaran Cruise: $79
  • Ricks Cafe Sunset Catamaran Cruise Negril Palladium Montego Bay: $85
  • Jamwest JamCulture Tour from Negril: $89
  • Rick's Cafe Sunset Cruise and Snorkelling: $90
  • Bob Marley Birth Place Nine Mile Day Tour: $94
  • Negril Catamaran Adults Only Cruise, Snorkeling and Rick's Cafe from Negril: $110
  • Must Do-Accompong Town Maroon Village Tour & Celebration from Negril: $112

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
    Negril $10
    Isla de Ometepe $8.85


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



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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Negril or Isla de Ometepe in the Summer?

Both Isla de Ometepe and Negril during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril 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 Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Isla de Ometepe. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Negril. In the summer, Negril often gets more sunshine than Isla de Ometepe. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Isla de Ometepe receives 175 hours of full sun.

In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Isla de Ometepe. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F)

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

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

Isla de Ometepe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Isla de Ometepe. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Isla de Ometepe during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Isla de Ometepe receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Negril is around the same temperature as Isla de Ometepe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F)

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

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

Negril usually gets more rain in January than Isla de Ometepe. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 4 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 Negril this time of the year. In the winter, Negril often gets less sunshine than Isla de Ometepe. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Isla de Ometepe receives 244 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Negril is around the same temperature as Isla de Ometepe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Isla de Ometepe averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 26°C (79°F)

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

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

It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Isla de Ometepe. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Isla de Ometepe. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Isla de Ometepe during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Isla de Ometepe receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Negril is generally cooler than Isla de Ometepe. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Isla de Ometepe and Negril

Negril Isla de Ometepe
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)