A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Juan del Sur vs. Bocas del Toro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur 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: San Juan del Sur or Bocas del Toro?

San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

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 San Juan del Sur?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan del Sur is $53, 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 San Juan del Sur and Bocas del Toro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Juan del Sur $21
    Bocas del Toro $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Juan del Sur $42
    Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in San Juan del Sur and Bocas del Toro

Looking for a hotel in San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur


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: San Juan del Sur Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Juan del Sur $18
    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 Colon Cruise Terminal - Tocumen Airport or Panama City: $55
  • Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan del Sur or Bocas del Toro?

Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and San Juan del Sur 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
    San Juan del Sur $18
    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.
    San Juan del Sur $15
    Bocas del Toro $22

Tours and Activities in San Juan del Sur

Here are a few actual costs in San Juan del Sur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $130
  • Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159
  • SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $103
  • San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $118
  • atv tour also in Costa Rica: $132

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
    San Juan del Sur $13
    Bocas del Toro $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Juan del Sur and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is San Juan del Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Juan del Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur.

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


Which is Bigger, San Juan del Sur or Bocas del Toro?

Bocas del Toro has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?

Both Bocas del Toro and San Juan del Sur during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. San Juan del Sur 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, San Juan del Sur often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. San Juan del Sur gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.

San Juan del Sur is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in San Juan del Sur averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan del Sur and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur 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 autumn. San Juan del Sur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Juan del Sur usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bocas del Toro. San Juan del Sur 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.

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

In the autumn, San Juan del Sur is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Juan del Sur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Juan del Sur as well as Bocas del Toro. San Juan del Sur 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. San Juan del Sur usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. San Juan del Sur 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.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan del Sur this time of the year. In the winter, San Juan del Sur often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. San Juan del Sur gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.

In January, San Juan del Sur is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in San Juan del Sur average around 26°C (79°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?

Both Bocas del Toro and San Juan del Sur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur 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 April, San Juan del Sur usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. San Juan del Sur 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.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. San Juan del Sur gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

San Juan del Sur is a little warmer than Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in San Juan del Sur averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F) 
    Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur 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)