A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Jekyll Island for Attractions, Resorts, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Tulum or Jekyll Island?

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 Jekyll Island 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 archeological, tropical, and active town. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Tulum travel costs.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a natural, relaxing, and secluded island. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and museums. See Jekyll Island travel costs.

Tulum and Jekyll Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Jekyll Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Jekyll Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Tulum different from Jekyll Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tulum is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Tulum has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Jekyll Island is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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

Tulum is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Tulum has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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).

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 Tulum or Jekyll Island Better for Nightlife?

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

Tulum is a world class party destination. 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.

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

Is Tulum or Jekyll Island Better for Resorts?

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

Tulum is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

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

Is Tulum or Jekyll Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Tulum is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Jekyll Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Jekyll Island Better for Beaches?

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

Tulum is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

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 Tulum or Jekyll Island Better for Hiking?

Both Tulum and Jekyll Island are destinations which offer great hiking.

Tulum is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Jekyll Island?

Tulum is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

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 Tulum or Jekyll Island More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tulum or Jekyll Island Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Jekyll Island are great to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Jekyll Island is very family-friendly. 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 Tulum or Jekyll Island Better for Couples?

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

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.

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 Tulum or Jekyll Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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

Tulum 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.

Tulum has some public transit options. 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 Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Is Tulum or Jekyll Island a more walkable city?

Tulum is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

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 Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Jekyll Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jekyll Island or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Jekyll Island?

It's fun to spend time in either Tulum or Jekyll Island. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Tulum due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-4 days is enough time in Jekyll Island.

Families should spend more time in Tulum than Jekyll Island. 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 Jekyll Island. 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 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the tropical destination of Tulum. 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.

In Jekyll Island, many people enjoy the museums that this relaxing destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island 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 Jekyll Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jekyll Island. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the active destination of Tulum. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Jekyll Island. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Jekyll Island?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beautiful town of Tulum. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums around the natural destination of Jekyll Island. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours 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 Tulum and Jekyll Island, we can see that Jekyll Island 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 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 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 Jekyll Island Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Tulum 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 Tulum or Jekyll Island in the Summer?

Both Jekyll Island and Tulum during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year.

In July, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Jekyll Island. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 286 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Jekyll Island. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Jekyll Island in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Jekyll Island. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Tulum is a little warmer than Jekyll Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jekyll Island during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Jekyll Island. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. 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.

Should I visit Tulum or Jekyll Island in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Jekyll Island. Many travelers come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Jekyll Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Jekyll Island averages at about 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Jekyll Island. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 191 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Jekyll Island. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Jekyll Island in the Spring?

Both Jekyll Island and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tulum in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches during these months.

In April, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jekyll Island during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Jekyll Island. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Jekyll Island and Tulum