A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bocas del Toro vs. Vieques Island for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bocas del Toro or Vieques Island?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bocas del Toro or Vieques Island, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Bocas del Toro or Vieques Island?

Bocas del Toro

The capital of the Bocas del Toro province, this city of the same name sits in the Caribbean West region of Panama. Bocas del Toro, or Bocas Town, is in the district of Bocas del Toro, which also includes the towns of Bastimentos, Cauchero, Punta Laurel, and Tierra Oscura. The district has a population of about 17,000 and covers a total area of 433.2 square kilometers, and the town has a population of about 13,000. The area is a tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving, and interesting culture.

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!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Panama.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or Vieques Island?

Bocas del Toro has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Bocas del Toro 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 Bocas del Toro or Vieques Island?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Vieques Island in the Summer?

Both Vieques Island and Bocas del Toro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. In July, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during summer. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

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

Vieques Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in October than Vieques Island. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Vieques Island. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bocas del Toro in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Vieques Island in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and Vieques Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during winter. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bocas del Toro is generally around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 25°C (77°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Vieques Island in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as Vieques Island. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in April than Vieques Island. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. In the spring, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Vieques Island. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun.

Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Bocas del Toro