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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Marathon?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Marathon? 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.

Marathon

Marathon is a quaint, beautiful, and relaxing island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Playa del Carmen and Marathon: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Marathon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Marathon and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Marathon is well known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Marathon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Marathon 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 Marathon?

Playa del Carmen is adequate for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Marathon can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Is Playa del Carmen or Marathon Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

Playa del Carmen is a world class party destination. 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 Marathon. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

Is Playa del Carmen or Marathon Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

In Marathon, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Is Playa del Carmen or Marathon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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 Marathon. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Is Playa del Carmen or Marathon Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its beaches. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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 Marathon attract visitors from all over. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Is Playa del Carmen or Marathon Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Marathon 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.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Marathon?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Marathon Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

Marathon is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

Is Playa del Carmen or Marathon Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its romantic activities.

Playa del Carmen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Marathon is a very popular place to visit for couples. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting for couples.

Is Playa del Carmen or Marathon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Marathon 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, Marathon is not a good destination 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 Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Is Playa del Carmen or Marathon a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Marathon is not a good destination 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.

Marathon is generally not very walkable. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Marathon Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Marathon?

Both Playa del Carmen and Marathon 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 Marathon. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Marathon. 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 Marathon. 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 Marathon 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 Marathon?

The beautiful town of Playa del Carmen offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the relaxing destination of Marathon. 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 island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Marathon?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint island of Marathon. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Marathon?

Playa del Carmen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Playa del Carmen, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Marathon 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 Marathon?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Playa del Carmen has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

Marathon 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Marathon, we can see that Marathon 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 Marathon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marathon 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 Marathon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Marathon?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Marathon, 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 Marathon?

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 Marathon in the Summer?

Both Marathon 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marathon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Marathon, 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 Marathon. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon 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 Marathon. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon 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 Marathon during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Marathon 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 Marathon. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

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

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

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. 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 Marathon. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 252 hours of full sun.

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

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

Both Marathon 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 Marathon this time of year.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Marathon and Playa del Carmen