A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ilha Grande vs. Cozumel for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ilha Grande or Cozumel?

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

Should I visit Ilha Grande or Cozumel? 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.

Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Ilha Grande travel costs.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a lively, vibrant, and active island. Cozumel is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Cozumel travel costs.

Ilha Grande and Cozumel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ilha Grande or Cozumel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cozumel. Although Ilha Grande and Cozumel are popular destinations, Cozumel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cozumel is more touristy than Ilha Grande and is known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. It is also well known for Palancar Reef. Ilha Grande is famous for

How is Ilha Grande different from Cozumel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ilha Grande or Cozumel?

Cozumel is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

Cozumel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the Island Museum, the Coral Reefs Monument, and some of the local Mayan ruins. Also worth a visit is Cozumel's Lighthouse.

Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Ilha Grande or Cozumel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ilha Grande and Cozumel offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Ilha Grande has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The island still has a quiet, local vibe and that can be seen in the restaurants around town as well. Many places are locally owned and serve up traditional dishes. In particular, the seafood is excellent.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cozumel area. You'll find a mix of tourist restaurants and hidden gems that serve up authentic Mexican dishes. Wander off the main streets to find the restaurants that are tucked away from the cruise ship crowds.

Is Ilha Grande or Cozumel Better for Nightlife?

Cozumel is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Cozumel has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is filled with cocktail lounges, beachfront bars, and wild weekend parties. There is something for everyone, whether you'll looking to sip wine by the ocean or party into the early morning.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Ilha Grande. It's a quiet island with a national park and most people visit specifically to get away from the busy and active city scene.

Is Ilha Grande or Cozumel Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Ilha Grande is not a resort destination.

Cozumel is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are hotels in the city center, and resorts by the beaches. For diving and snorkeling, stay in Southern Cozumel. Golfing and waterfront properties are popular in Northern Cozumel.

Ilha Grande is not a resort destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Cozumel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Cozumel a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. Many people visit Cozumel specifically for the world class diving. Palancar Reef is one of the best dive spots in the area, and thanks to conservation efforts it is rebounding and offers a diverse environment.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Ilha Grande. There are several places where you can rent snorkeling or dive equipment. The area has coral and tropical fish, with the occasional sea turtle sighting. The visibility is generally good and the experience is worth enjoying, but make sure you check on water conditions.

Is Ilha Grande or Cozumel Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Ilha Grande is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cozumel. The island is lined with beautiful beaches and you'll find great snorkeling and tourist-friendly amenities. Some of the best beaches are Playa Punta Morena, Playa El Cielo, and Playa Chen Rio.

Ilha Grande is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ilha Grande or Cozumel?

Cozumel is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cozumel is well-known for its shopping. For the best shopping head to Plaza del Sol, the Royal Village Shopping Center, or Los Cincos Soles. Expect cruise ship crowds and no shortage of tourists.

Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Cozumel More Beautiful?

Ilha Grande and Cozumel are somewhat similar when it comes to the nice scenery.

Ilha Grande is a beautiful place to visit, too. The secluded beaches and surrounding nature make this a beautiful island to explore. It's made up of a national park and there are hiking trails and many scenic spots.

Cozumel offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The beaches and undersea world are stunningly beautiful.

Is Ilha Grande or Cozumel Better for Families?

Cozumel is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cozumel is very family-friendly. The area is filled with water parks, snorkeling opportunities and, of course, fun-filled beaches. There are also wildlife reserves and Mayan ruins that aren't too far away.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ilha Grande. Most families who visit the island come for the beaches. There are also many nice hikes, waterfalls, and even wildlife that the kids will enjoy. In the village there are a few restaurants. Many aren't geared specifically to kids, but they do have a selection that kids might enjoy.

Is Ilha Grande or Cozumel Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ilha Grande and Cozumel make for a great place to visit.

Ilha Grande makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Scenic beaches and beautiful nature make this a wonderful couples retreat that's not far from Rio de Janeiro. The beaches have a more relaxed and quiet vibe than many places in Brazil and the island still holds on to its undiscovered atmosphere.

Couples visit Cozumel frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beaches, resorts, and adventure sports make this the perfect couples destination. There are also great restaurants and plenty of interesting places to explore.

Is Ilha Grande or Cozumel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ilha Grande and Cozumel are both great destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Ilha Grande. It is possible to reach the island with a backpacker's budget, but it will take you more time than if you hire a private tour. Once you're on the island there are some hostels and budget hotels to choose from as well.

Cozumel is a very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

Is Ilha Grande or Cozumel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cozumel is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cozumel. Local buses don't efficiently travel to the beaches or the hotel areas, so most tourists don't use them.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Ilha Grande. You'll need to take a boat to reach the island, and once you're there, there are not vehicles around.

Is Ilha Grande or Cozumel a more walkable city?

Ilha Grande and Cozumel are great when it comes to walkability.

Ilha Grande is a very walkable . There are no cars on the island and very few roads. You'll spend a lot of time hiking around, which is the best way to enjoy the island. They don't call it "big island" for no reason though, so make sure you understand the distance between destinations.

Cozumel is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk around the downtown as it's compact and fun to explore on foot.

Should I spend more time in Cozumel or Ilha Grande?

How long in Ilha Grande or Cozumel?

Both Ilha Grande and Cozumel have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cozumel than in Ilha Grande. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Ilha Grande, and 3-7 days is enough time in Cozumel.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cozumel than Ilha Grande 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 Cozumel.

One day in Ilha Grande or Cozumel?

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In Ilha Grande, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. This offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the scenic island of Cozumel. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Ilha Grande or Cozumel?

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In Ilha Grande, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ilha Grande has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Cozumel. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Ilha Grande or Cozumel?

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Ilha Grande is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the scenic island of Cozumel. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Ilha Grande or Cozumel?

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It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ilha Grande. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Ilha Grande. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cozumel. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, and The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ilha Grande and Cozumel, we can see that Cozumel is more expensive. And not only is Ilha Grande much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ilha Grande is in South America and Cozumel is in North 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 Ilha Grande would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ilha Grande 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 Cozumel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cozumel than you might in Ilha Grande.

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