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

Should you visit Florianopolis or Vieques Island?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis or Vieques Island?

Florianopolis

With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.

Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.

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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.


Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Florianopolis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, 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 Florianopolis and Vieques Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florianopolis $26
    Vieques Island $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florianopolis $52
    Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Vieques Island

Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis


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: Florianopolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florianopolis $13
    Vieques Island $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis

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

  • Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
  • Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
  • Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
  • Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
  • One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
  • Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40
  • Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
  • Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
  • Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14

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 Florianopolis or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Florianopolis 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
    Florianopolis $22
    Vieques Island $54
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Florianopolis $26
    Vieques Island $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Internet
    $0.59

Tours and Activities in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
  • Bike Tour in Florianopolis - Sunset, Photography and History: $70
  • Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
  • Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
  • Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
  • Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
  • Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $32
  • Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
  • Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $42
  • Mountain biking experiences in Florianópolis: $58
  • Private Day Tour: Florianópolis Island with Professional Pictures: $154
  • Private South Island Beaches and Lagoons Tour: $44

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

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

  • 1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques : $128
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $65
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $72
  • Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayaking Tour in Laguna Grande Fajardo: $65
  • Culebra Island Snorkel with Turtles Adventure - Ferry Tickets Included: $135
  • El Yunque Waterfalls and Waterslide River Tour: $50
  • Fajardo Afternoon Snorkeling Boat Tour: $110
  • Full-Day Snorkeling Tour to Culebra Island with Lunch: $139
  • Half Day Adventure Private Tour in El Yunque Rainforest: $234
  • Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $45
  • Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour : $125
  • Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Florianopolis $8.68
    Vieques Island $30
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.59


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florianopolis and Vieques Island, we can see that Vieques Island is more expensive. And not only is Florianopolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Florianopolis is in South 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 Florianopolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis.

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


Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Vieques Island?

Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Vieques Island?

Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Vieques Island in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Vieques Island. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Florianopolis is cooler than Vieques Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during summer. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

Florianopolis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Vieques Islandin July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Florianopolis 25°C (76°F) 
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Vieques Island. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

In the autumn, Florianopolis is cooler than Vieques Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Florianopolis in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. In the autumn, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin October. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vieques Island. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in April than Vieques Islandin October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Florianopolis 22°C (71°F) 
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Vieques Island in the Winter?

Both Vieques Island and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Florianopolis is generally much colder than Vieques Islandin January. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 17°C (62°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during winter. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Vieques Islandin January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Florianopolis 17°C (62°F) 
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Vieques Island in the Spring?

Both Vieques Island and Florianopolis during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

Florianopolis is cooler than Vieques Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin April. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Florianopolis. Florianopolis usually gets more rain in October than Vieques Islandin April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Florianopolis 20°C (68°F) 
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Florianopolis

Florianopolis Vieques Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 95 mm (3.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 22°C (71°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)