A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla de Ometepe vs. Bocas del Toro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Isla de Ometepe or Bocas del Toro?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Isla de Ometepe or Bocas del Toro, 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: Isla de Ometepe or Bocas del Toro?

Isla de Ometepe

Ometepe is a dramatically beautiful island in Lake Nicaragua in the country of Nicaragua. The island is the largest in the lake and is formed by two dramatic twin volcanoes that climb high from the water's surface. The two volcanoes are Concepcion and Maderas, and they are joined by an isthmus to make one island with an area of 276 square kilometers. The island is 31 kilometers long and between 5 and 10 kilometers wide. There are several small settlements on the island as well as a few coffee plantations. It is also one of the top sights in the country and makes for a unique travel destination.

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 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Panama, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Panama.


Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Isla de Ometepe?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Isla de Ometepe is $35, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $72. 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 Isla de Ometepe and Bocas del Toro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Isla de Ometepe $13
    Bocas del Toro $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Isla de Ometepe $26
    Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Isla de Ometepe and Bocas del Toro

Looking for a hotel in Isla de Ometepe 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.

Hotels in Isla de Ometepe


Hotels in Bocas del Toro


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: Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Isla de Ometepe $12
    Bocas del Toro $10

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bocas del Toro

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:


  • 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:

  • Private Transfer from Colón Port to Panama Tocumen Airport PTY: $43
  • Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
  • Transfer Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Isla de Ometepe or Bocas del Toro?

Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Isla de Ometepe 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
    Isla de Ometepe $13
    Bocas 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:


  • Lunch
    $15
  • Breakfast
    $14

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Isla de Ometepe $13
    Bocas del Toro $22

Tours and Activities in Isla de Ometepe

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Isla de Ometepe are as follows:

  • A great tour day for the ISLAND OF OMETEPE.: $80

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bocas del Toro

For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Island Boat Tour
    $25
  • Starfish Island Boat Trip
    $20
  • Yoga Class
    $5.02

Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.

  • Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
  • Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
  • Dolphin Bay and Coral Cay with Drinks Private Tour in Zapatilla: $65
  • Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Panama from Colón Cruise Port: $235

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Isla de Ometepe $8.86
    Bocas del Toro $12


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

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



When is the best time to visit Isla de Ometepe or Bocas del Toro?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Isla de Ometepe or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Isla de Ometepe as well as Bocas del Toro. Isla de Ometepe 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. Isla de Ometepe receives a lot of rain in the summer. Isla de Ometepe usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Isla de Ometepe gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Isla de Ometepe often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Isla de Ometepe gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Isla de Ometepe is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Isla de Ometepe in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Isla de Ometepe or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?

Both Bocas del Toro and Isla de Ometepe are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Isla de Ometepe 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. It's quite rainy in Isla de Ometepe. In October, Isla de Ometepe usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bocas del Toro. Isla de Ometepe gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Isla de Ometepe usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Isla de Ometepe gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Isla de Ometepe is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Isla de Ometepe average around 27°C (81°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Isla de Ometepe or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?

Both Bocas del Toro and Isla de Ometepe during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Isla de Ometepe 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. Isla de Ometepe usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Isla de Ometepe gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Isla de Ometepe. In the winter, Isla de Ometepe often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Isla de Ometepe gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.

Isla de Ometepe is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the winter. The daily temperature in Isla de Ometepe averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Isla de Ometepe 26°C (79°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Isla de Ometepe or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Isla de Ometepe and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Isla de Ometepe 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 spring. In April, Isla de Ometepe usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Isla de Ometepe gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In Isla de Ometepe, it's very sunny this time of the year. Isla de Ometepe usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Isla de Ometepe gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Isla de Ometepe is a little warmer than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Isla de Ometepe in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Isla de Ometepe 29°C (84°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Isla de Ometepe

Isla de Ometepe Bocas del Toro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in)