A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Basse-Terre vs. Vieques Island for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Basse-Terre or Vieques Island?

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

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Vieques 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.

Where Should I go: Basse-Terre or Vieques Island?

Basse-Terre

In Guadeloupe there is Basse Terre the city and Basse-Terre the island - the city is the capital of Guadeloupe, and the island is Guadeloupe's western half of the main island. As a whole, the place is very green, featuring lush vegetation and a mountainous landscape with a sulfuric volcano.

Vieques Island

Amidst the melodious chorus of coqui frogs and gentle whispers of palm trees blowing in an evening breeze, you will find that the waters around you glow just as brightly as the stars above. This tropical paradise is none other than Vieques, Puerto Rico. Tropical forests, bioluminescent bays, coral reefs--this island attracts visitors from all around the world who seek to see the wonders and beauties of the tropics. This island suits those from all walks of life, from history buffs seeking to learn about its unique past to nature-lovers wanting to admire its untouched wilderness. Vieques is the place for a perfect vacation!

Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Basse-Terre?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Basse-Terre is $164, while the average daily cost in Vieques Island is $170. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Basse-Terre and Vieques Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Basse-Terre $97
    Vieques Island $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Basse-Terre $194
    Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Basse-Terre and Vieques Island

Looking for a hotel in Basse-Terre or Vieques Island? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Basse-Terre


Hotels in Vieques Island


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Basse-Terre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Basse-Terre $8.67
    Vieques Island $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vieques Island

Also for Vieques Island, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Taxi Transfer From San Juan Airport to El Conquistador Hotel: $115
  • Private Transfer Fajardo or Ceiba to San Juan Airport: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Basse-Terre or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Basse-Terre change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Basse-Terre $50
    Vieques Island $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Basse-Terre $50
    Vieques Island $34

Tours and Activities in Basse-Terre

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basse-Terre are as follows:

  • Full day tour: the best of the island w/photos drone sunset: $213

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vieques Island.

  • Puerto Rico Guided Adventure in El Yunque Rainforest: $45
  • El Yunque Waterfalls and Waterslide River Tour: $50
  • Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island: $56
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $65
  • Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayaking Tour in Laguna Grande Fajardo: $65
  • Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour: $70
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $72
  • Private Tour to the East Side of Puerto Rico: $95
  • Snorkeling Tour to Vieques Island: $100
  • Fajardo Afternoon Snorkeling Boat Tour: $110
  • Mosquito Bay Kayak Experience in Vieques: $115
  • Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour : $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Basse-Terre $14
    Vieques Island $30


When comparing the travel costs between Basse-Terre and Vieques Island, we can see that Vieques Island is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Basse-Terre Expensive? and Is Vieques Island Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Basse-Terre or Vieques Island?

Basse-Terre has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Basse-Terre and Vieques Island, 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 Basse-Terre or Vieques Island?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Vieques Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basse-Terre as well as Vieques Island. Basse-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

Basse-Terre receives a lot of rain in the summer. Basse-Terre usually gets more rain in July than Vieques Island. Basse-Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basse-Terre this time of the year. In the summer, Basse-Terre often gets less sunshine than Vieques Island. Basse-Terre gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basse-Terre in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 29°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Basse-Terre 27°C (81°F) 
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

Both Vieques Island and Basse-Terre are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Basse-Terre throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. It's quite rainy in Basse-Terre. In October, Basse-Terre usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. Basse-Terre gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. Basse-Terre usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during autumn. Basse-Terre gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basse-Terre is generally around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Basse-Terre average around 27°C (80°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Basse-Terre 27°C (80°F) 
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Vieques Island in the Winter?

Both Vieques Island and Basse-Terre during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Basse-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

Basse-Terre usually gets more rain in January than Vieques Island. Basse-Terre gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Basse-Terre. In the winter, Basse-Terre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island. Basse-Terre gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun.

Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Basse-Terre averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Basse-Terre 24°C (76°F) 
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Vieques Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basse-Terre and Vieques Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Basse-Terre year-round. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Basse-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Basse-Terre usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. Basse-Terre gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In Basse-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basse-Terre usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during spring. Basse-Terre gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basse-Terre in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 27°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Basse-Terre 26°C (78°F) 
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Basse-Terre

Basse-Terre Vieques Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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