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

Should you visit Bocas del Toro or Islamorada?

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

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

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.

Islamorada

From its thriving coral reefs to its miraculous botanical gardens, you will find adventure on both land and sea at Islamorada, Florida. Islamorada, or "Village of Islands," is located in Monroe County and holds a population of no more than 6,119. As Islamorada's village is occupied within a cluster of nearby islands, Islamorada is located on Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key in the Florida Keys. The village is relatively small, expanding to about 7.2 square miles total. Approximately an hour and a half-drive from Miami and a two hour-drive from Key West, Islamorada works swimmingly for those who seek to acquaint themselves with the tropical pleasures of the Keys.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bocas del Toro and Islamorada, we can see that Islamorada is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bocas del Toro is in Central America and Islamorada is in North 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 Islamorada would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Islamorada 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 Bocas del Toro Expensive? and Is Islamorada Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bocas del Toro or Islamorada?

Bocas del Toro has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Bocas del Toro and Islamorada, 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 Bocas del Toro or Islamorada?

Islamorada has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bocas del Toro experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Islamorada in the Summer?

Both Islamorada and Bocas del Toro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

In July, Bocas del Toro is generally cooler than Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Bocas del Toro average around 26°C (79°F), and Islamorada fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during summer. Bocas del Toro gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. In July, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Bocas del Toro gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Islamorada in the Autumn?

Both Islamorada and Bocas del Toro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Bocas del Toro is around the same temperature as Islamorada in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bocas del Toro averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Islamorada fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 258 hours of full sun.

Islamorada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in October than Islamorada. Bocas del Toro gets 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Islamorada in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bocas del Toro and Islamorada. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round. Also, many visitors come to Islamorada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bocas del Toro is a little warmer than Islamorada. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bocas del Toro in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Islamorada averages at about 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. Bocas del Toro usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during winter. Bocas del Toro gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bocas del Toro usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Bocas del Toro gets 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bocas del Toro or Islamorada in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bocas del Toro as well as Islamorada. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. In the spring, Bocas del Toro often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. Bocas del Toro gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 326 hours of full sun.

Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bocas del Toro usually gets more rain in April than Islamorada. Bocas del Toro gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Islamorada and Bocas del Toro