Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zanzibar and Bocas del Toro can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Zanzibar or Bocas del Toro?
Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
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 Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $96. 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 Zanzibar and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $250
- The Top Best Tour in Stone Town and Prison Island with Transfer: $130
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $120
- Private Transfer from Makunduchi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $99
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kizimkazi: $99
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $99
- Zanzibar Ferry Terminal Departure Transfers.: $90
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Matemwe: $89
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Jambiani: $89
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kendwa: $89
- Private Transfer from Kiwengwa to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $89
- Private Transfer from Michamvi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $89
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$3.00
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Zanzibar 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 dayZanzibar $30Bocas del Toro $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch: $52
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class : $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $77
- A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $90
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $101
- Full-Day Private Tour in Zanzibar with Cooking Class: $110
- Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $130
- Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
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.Zanzibar $13Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dolphin tour,See food lunch ,Aquarium ,Nunqwi beach,Sunset cruse: $145
- Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
- Full Day Spice Tour, Prison Island and City Tours: $140
- Mnemba Island, Nungwi Village & Sea Turtle Experience: $160
- Stone City, Spice Farm and Prison Island Full Day Tour: $120
- Stone Town Historical tour: $26
- Stone town historical walking tour with Mohamed: $30
- 2 Days Tour In Zanzibar: $180
- 2 days tour from Jozani forest to Stone town zanzibar: $270
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island : $25
- 3h-Zanzibar Archipelago Shared ATV Experience: $79
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$4.99
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- Zapatilla Island Hopping Day Tour: $49
- Bioluminescence Tour - Bocas del Toro: $49
- Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
- Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
- Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
- From Isla Colon: Bocas del Toro Archipelago Boat Tour: $56
- 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
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Bocas Biodiversity: A Birds & Wildlife EcoTour Experience: $76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Bocas del Toro $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Bocas del Toro is more expensive. And not only is Zanzibar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zanzibar is in Africa 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 Zanzibar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Bocas del Toro?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Zanzibar during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar 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. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.
In July, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Bocas del Toro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar 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. In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Bocas del Toro. Zanzibar 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. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 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 Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bocas del Toro. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Bocas del Toro | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.