A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Islamorada for Attractions, Nightlife, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Tulum or Islamorada?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Islamorada can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a ancient, archeological, and tropical town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a adventurous, relaxing, and tropical village. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Tulum and Islamorada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Islamorada?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Islamorada are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is more touristy than Islamorada and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. Islamorada is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe.

How is Tulum different from Islamorada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Islamorada?

Tulum is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Tulum from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

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.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Tulum and Islamorada.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Islamorada has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Tulum or Islamorada Better for Nightlife?

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

Tulum is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum or Islamorada Better for Resorts?

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

Tulum offers an unforgettable resort vacation. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

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 Tulum or Islamorada Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum 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 Tulum specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

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 Tulum or Islamorada Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Tulum are among the best in the world. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

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 Tulum or Islamorada Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Tulum for the hiking trails. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Islamorada?

Tulum is a great town for shopping. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tulum. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

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

Is Tulum or Islamorada Better for Families?

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

Islamorada is an extremely popular village to visit for families. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tulum is very family-friendly. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Is Tulum or Islamorada Better for Couples?

Both Tulum and Islamorada are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

Tulum is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Islamorada is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Tulum or Islamorada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Tulum is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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

Tulum 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 Tulum offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

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 Tulum or Islamorada a more walkable city?

Tulum is a great town for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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 Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Islamorada Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Islamorada or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Islamorada?

Both Tulum 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 Tulum. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 4-7 days is enough time in Islamorada.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Islamorada?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the lively town of Tulum, 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.

In Islamorada, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this relaxing destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Islamorada?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Tulum, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Islamorada. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Islamorada?

Tulum, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Islamorada is a fun place to experience. In Islamorada, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tulum or Islamorada?

Tulum 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.

In Islamorada, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this adventurous destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours 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 Tulum and Islamorada, we can see that Islamorada is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Tulum.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Islamorada?

Tulum has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum 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 Tulum or Islamorada in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Islamorada. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tulum is around the same temperature as Islamorada in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Islamorada fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 328 hours of full sun.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Islamorada. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Islamorada in the Autumn?

Both Islamorada and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Tulum because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

In the autumn, Tulum is around the same temperature as Islamorada. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Islamorada averages at about 80°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during autumn. Tulum gets 216 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 Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Tulum or Islamorada in the Winter?

Both Islamorada and Tulum during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Islamorada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Islamorada fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 252 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets more rain in January than Islamorada. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Islamorada in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Islamorada. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Islamorada in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Tulum is around the same temperature as Islamorada in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Islamorada fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Typical Weather for Islamorada and Tulum