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

Should you visit Duck or Vieques Island?

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

Should I visit Duck 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: Duck or Vieques Island?

Duck

Duck is a resort town in Dare County, North Carolina. The town is quite small, with a year around population of just 369, but during the peak summer months the tourist crowds can climb to over 20,000. Duck is also the northernmost incorporated town in the county, and also the newest town in the Outer Banks, having been incorporated on May 1st, 2002.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Duck?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck is $188, 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 Duck and Vieques Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck $107
    Vieques Island $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck $214
    Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Duck and Vieques Island

Looking for a hotel in Duck 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 Duck


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck $66
    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 Duck or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Duck 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
    Duck $45
    Vieques Island $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck $13
    Vieques Island $34

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
    Duck $45
    Vieques Island $30


When comparing the travel costs between Duck and Vieques Island, we can see that Duck 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. Even though Duck is in North America and Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Duck or Vieques Island?

Vieques Island has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck 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 Duck or Vieques Island?

Duck 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 Duck or Vieques Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Duck as well as Vieques Island. Many visitors come to Duck in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

In the summer, Duck is cooler than Vieques Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Duck in July average around 78°F (26°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 Duck this time of the year. In the summer, Duck often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island. Duck gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun.

Duck receives a lot of rain in the summer. Duck usually gets more rain in July than Vieques Island. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck 78°F (26°C) 
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Duck or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

Both Vieques Island and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Duck for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Duck is generally much colder than Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 62°F (16°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 Duck. Duck usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during autumn. Duck gets 211 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, Duck usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck 62°F (16°C) 
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Duck or Vieques Island in the Winter?

Both Vieques Island and Duck during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Duck because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

The weather in Duck can be very cold. Duck is much colder than Vieques Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Duck often gets less sunshine than Vieques Island. Duck gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually gets more rain in January than Vieques Island. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck 41°F (5°C) 
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Duck or Vieques Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Vieques Island. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Duck this time of year. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Duck is much colder than Vieques Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Duck in April average around 59°F (15°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 Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island during spring. Duck gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Duck usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vieques Island. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck 59°F (15°C) 
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Duck

Duck Vieques Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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