A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Jekyll Island for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island? 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 stunning, vibrant, and picture-perfect town. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a secluded, natural, and relaxing island. Other popular activities here include museums, beaches, and hiking. See Jekyll Island travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Jekyll Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Jekyll Island are popular destinations, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Jekyll Island attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and hiking. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Jekyll Island is famous for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Jekyll Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. Mosaic is the history museum on the island. The museum also offers historic tours of the area's sites. The Historic District is a popular place to visit with its well-maintained historic cottages and other structures.

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 Jekyll Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Playa del Carmen is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Jekyll Island offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants are casual with low country dishes or fried seafood. You'll find some brunch places as well as cafes and quick dining eateries around town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Jekyll Island. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Is Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Playa del Carmen is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Jekyll Island has a few resort options worth checking out. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

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

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Jekyll Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Playa del Carmen is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Jekyll Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Playa del Carmen is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Many people visit Jekyll Island for it's beautiful beaches. Unspoiled beaches are the biggest draw. Some areas are rocky, but the beaches are peaceful and perfect for walks if you want to get away from the crowds. Much of the island is a state park, so it's undeveloped and pristine.

Is Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Jekyll Island. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Many people include a hike when visiting Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island?

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Playa del Carmen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Jekyll Island is a good destination for shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.

Is Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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.

Jekyll Island is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love climbing and playing at Driftwood Beach, which is like a natural playground. Animal lovers will enjoy dolphin cruises or a visit to a turtle hospital. There's also the standard beach activities like minigolf, bike rental, and tram tours.

Is Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Playa del Carmen is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Jekyll Island is a nice destination for couples. There are several basic hotels as well as a few campgrounds. Couples will enjoy the beaches, but the island is small with limited activities and restaurant options. If you love natural scenery then this is a great destination, but there are fewer amenities than there are in many beach areas.

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

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Playa del Carmen is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Jekyll Island is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few campgrounds in the area as well as some nice beaches.

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

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Playa del Carmen has some public transit options. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Is Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Jekyll Island is not a walkable town. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Jekyll Island or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island?

It's fun to spend time in either Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Jekyll Island.

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the picture-perfect destination of Playa del Carmen. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums around the secluded destination of Jekyll Island. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Jekyll Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find museums around the secluded island of Jekyll Island. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of Playa del Carmen. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Jekyll Island is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful town of Playa del Carmen. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island?

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 Jekyll Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Jekyll Island. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Jekyll Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Jekyll Island. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 286 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Jekyll Island. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Jekyll Island. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island in the Autumn?

Both Jekyll Island and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Jekyll Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Jekyll Island averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Jekyll Island during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Jekyll Island. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island in the Winter?

Both Jekyll Island and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year.

In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Jekyll Island. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 191 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Jekyll Island. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Jekyll Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Jekyll Island. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Jekyll Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Jekyll Island. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Jekyll Island and Playa del Carmen