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

Should you visit Clearwater or Vieques Island?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Clearwater and Vieques Island. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Clearwater or Vieques Island?

Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Clearwater?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $309, 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 Clearwater and Vieques Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    Vieques Island $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Vieques Island

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater 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 Clearwater


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: Clearwater Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    Vieques Island $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $127
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater to Tampa Airport: $120
  • Private Airport Transfer to St. Petersburg or Clearwater Beach : $104
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $102
  • Clearwater Beach to St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) -Departure Private Transfer: $102
  • Clearwater Beach to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Private Transfer from St Petersburg Clearwater Airport to St Pete Beach: $75
  • St. Petersburg to St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Arrival Private Transfer : $63

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 Clearwater or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Clearwater 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
    Clearwater $46
    Vieques Island $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Vieques Island $34

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:

  • 1-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
  • 1.5 Hour Tiki Tour with Open Bar in Clearwater Beach: $49
  • 2 Hour Guided Kayak Tour in Boca Ciega Bay - St. Pete: $55
  • 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour of Downtown St Pete: $59
  • 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida: $35
  • 2 Hours Kayak Eco Tour in Tarpon Springs: $54
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Tour in St. Petersburg: $67
  • 4-Hour St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key Experience by Ferry: $67
  • 90 Minute Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Clearwater at Hatchet Hangout: $50
  • All Day Fishing Experience from John's Pass in Madeira Beach, FL - 10 Hours: $160
  • Amazing Helicopter Tour of Treasure Island, John's Pass, Don CeSar Resort & Bay: $126
  • Brief History of Tarpon Springs - Guided Golf Cart Tour: $45

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

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

  • Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $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
    Clearwater -
    Vieques Island $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $20


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

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


Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Vieques Island?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Vieques Island?

Clearwater has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vieques Island experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Vieques Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Vieques Island. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

In the summer, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Vieques Island averages at about 29°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the summer, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Vieques Island. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun.

Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Vieques Island. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

Both Vieques Island and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Clearwater is generally cooler than Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Vieques Island in the Winter?

Both Vieques Island and Clearwater during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

Clearwater is much colder than Vieques Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the winter, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Vieques Island. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets more rain in January than Vieques Island. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Vieques Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Vieques Island. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the beaches. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Clearwater is cooler than Vieques Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Vieques Island averages at about 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Vieques Island during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Clearwater

Clearwater Vieques Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)