Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Bocas del Toro?
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 Grand Cayman and Bocas del Toro. 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: Grand Cayman or Bocas del Toro?
Grand Cayman
When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Panama.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Bocas del Toro $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $77. 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 Grand Cayman and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or Bocas del Toro? 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.
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: Grand Cayman Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bocas del Toro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:
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Water Taxi$3.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bocas del Toro
Also for Bocas del Toro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
- Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
- Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Grand Cayman 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
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Food Meals for one dayGrand Cayman $39Bocas del Toro $27
Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:
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Lunch$15
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Breakfast$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Bocas del Toro $22
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
- Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
- Cayman Crystal Caves & Pedro St James Castle Tour in Grand Cayman: $179
- Cayman Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman Island: $126
- Cayman's Classic Food Tasting & Cultural Experience: $179
- East End Activities and Tour in Grand Cayman: $158
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $275
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $262
- Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
- Grand Cayman Reef & Stingray City Snorkeling Adventure: $159
- West Island Guided Tour with Entry Tickets: $120
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bocas del Toro
For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Island Boat Tour$25
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Starfish Island Boat Trip$20
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Yoga Class$5.01
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- Dolphin Bay and Coral Cay with Drinks Private Tour in Zapatilla: $66
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in Panama from Colón Cruise Port: $231
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
- Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Bocas del Toro $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
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Beer$4.97
Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Grand Cayman:
- Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $24
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Bocas del Toro is in Central America, 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 Grand Cayman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Bocas del Toro?
Grand Cayman has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman and Bocas del Toro, 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 Grand Cayman or Bocas del Toro?
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 Grand Cayman or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 28°C (83°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Bocas del Toro. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Bocas del Toro. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In January, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Grand Cayman in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Grand Cayman during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Bocas del Toro. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 26°C (79°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.