A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Islamorada for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Islamorada?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Islamorada? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a picture-perfect, scenic, and stunning town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a tropical, adventurous, and relaxing village. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Playa del Carmen and Islamorada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Islamorada?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Islamorada, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Playa del Carmen is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Islamorada is more popular for its museums and food. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Islamorada and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Islamorada is well known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Islamorada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Islamorada?

Islamorada is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Islamorada. 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 Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Islamorada? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Islamorada is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Islamorada is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Islamorada Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for nightlife. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for nightlife and partying.

Playa del Carmen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Playa del Carmen or Islamorada Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its resorts.

Playa del Carmen offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

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 Playa del Carmen or Islamorada Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its diving and snorkeling.

People travel to Playa del Carmen specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Islamorada Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its beaches. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for the beache.

The beaches in Playa del Carmen are among the best in the world. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

The beaches at Islamorada attract visitors from all over. 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Islamorada Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen has hiking trails worth exploring. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Islamorada?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Islamorada and Playa del Carmen.

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Islamorada. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Is Playa del Carmen or Islamorada Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Playa del Carmen or Islamorada.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Islamorada is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Islamorada Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Playa del Carmen and Islamorada make for a fantastic place to visit.

Playa del Carmen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

For those traveling as a couple, Islamorada has plenty to offer. 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 Playa del Carmen or Islamorada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Islamorada is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Playa del Carmen. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

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 Playa del Carmen or Islamorada Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

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 Playa del Carmen or Islamorada a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

Playa del Carmen is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

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 Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Islamorada Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Islamorada or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Islamorada?

Both Playa del Carmen and Islamorada have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Playa del Carmen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Islamorada. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 4-7 days is enough time in Islamorada.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Islamorada?

With shopping and nightlife around the picture-perfect town of Playa del Carmen, 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxing destination of Islamorada. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Islamorada?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Playa del Carmen, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the tropical village of Islamorada. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Islamorada?

Playa del Carmen, a popular town, 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 town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Islamorada is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Islamorada?

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

Islamorada is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Islamorada, we can see that Islamorada is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Islamorada?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Islamorada?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Islamorada in the Summer?

Both Islamorada and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Islamorada in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Islamorada. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Islamorada averages at about 84°F (29°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 328 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Islamorada. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Islamorada in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Islamorada. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Islamorada fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Islamorada receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Islamorada. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen. June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Islamorada in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Islamorada. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Islamorada in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Islamorada fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 252 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Islamorada. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Islamorada in the Spring?

Both Islamorada and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Islamorada. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Islamorada averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Islamorada. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Islamorada and Playa del Carmen