If you’re looking for a tropical getaway, not only is the Caribbean perfect but it can also be inexpensive. In fact, there are a few more affordable islands in the Caribbean to put at the top of your list. But don’t worry, you won’t find these islands lacking anything.
Take a look at our picks for the cheapest island in the Caribbean to visit, and get ready to pack a bag or two!
Dominican Republic
Most Caribbean vacationers are looking for the perfect beach destination. If that’s you, look no further than the Dominican Republic. Here you’ll find gorgeous white sand beaches, turquoise water, and great year-round weather.
Flights to the Dominican Republic are really reasonable depending on when you’re traveling. In most cases, flights average about $250, but there are many chances to get cheaper, discounted fares. Some airlines discount flights to this beautiful island to as little as $77 for a one-way ticket.
Finding a place to stay in the Dominican Republic can also be budget-friendly. On average, you can find mid-range hotels with good amenities for between $100 and $150 a night. If you’re looking to indulge a little more, then you might be interested in a resort stay. Fortunately, the Dominican Republic is filled with amazing resorts that offer a range of price points, including all-inclusive resorts for families and for adults only.
While exploring the Dominican Republic, you can plan to spend between $50 to $80 per day on things like food and activities. (Meals generally cost between $10 and $30 per day.) There are plenty of budget-conscious restaurants where you can experience the taste of the Dominican Republic.
Cuba
Another of the cheapest islands in the Caribbean is Cuba. Not only will you be able to enjoy a wonderful vacation, but you’ll be able to do it without breaking the bank. On this fascinating island you’ll find a rich culture, historic landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, adventurous activities, welcoming locals, and delicious cuisine.
Getting to Cuba from most major cities in the U.S. is pretty affordable. The final cost depends on a number of factors–departure city, destination in Cuba, etc.–but the average cost for a flight is between $300 and $400. You can often find deals to make the cost even lower.
Accommodations can be just as affordable, but it depends on what type of accommodations you’re looking for and where in Cuba. You can find AirBnB or casa particular options as low as $25-$30 a night. In larger, more metropolitan areas of the island, you can find hotel and resort stays starting around $115 or $120 a night.
The daily food cost is really low as well. If you eat every meal out and about, you can expect to spend about $40 on food per day, per person. Plus, the food is incredible!
It is important to note that Cuba is not open for U.S. tourists. While there are a few select reasons that U.S. citizens can travel to Cuba, tourism is not one of them. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you’ll want to look at other options.
Jamaica
Another contender for cheapest Caribbean island to visit is Jamaica. It’s almost as affordable as a trip to Cuba, but offers travelers an entirely different Caribbean experience.
First, the flight. You can find a flight to Jamaica through most major cities in the U.S. and many in Europe as well. On average, these flights cost between $200 and $400. Of course, personal factors have a lot of impact on those final flight costs. You can get even better deals on flights during Jamaica’s off-season.
Accommodations in Jamaica can be a little more expensive, but it still won’t blow your budget. Jamaica has tons of nice all-inclusive resorts, but the average cost per night can run between $300 and $500. However, that total includes all your meals, drinks, and activities while on the resort, so it can save you money if you don’t plan to explore much.
If you’re looking for something cheaper, however, you can find more traditional hotels for around $150 a night, but you’ll want to pay close attention to those guest reviews.
Food can be an additional cost if you aren’t staying at an all-inclusive resort. If you plan to eat out while in Jamaica you can expect to spend anything from $5 to hundreds of dollars on a meal. There are plenty of great local restaurants and food truck-type options for cheap eats, but you can also find very upscale fine dining options.
Puerto Rico
Another affordable Caribbean island is Puerto Rico. Here you’ll find plenty of action and adventure all while keeping your budget in check. This is also an excellent choice for U.S. citizens, as you won’t need a passport to visit.
Puerto Rico offers a range of fun and unique outdoor activities, including bioluminescent bays where glow-in-the-dark algae lights up at night. For a truly memorable experience, you can take an evening kayak tour through one at Mosquito Bay.
The easiest and quickest way to get to Puerto Rico is via a non-stop flight from many major international airports in the USA. Depending on which city you’re flying from, you can expect to be in the air for around 3 – 4 hours. Flights typically cost between $100 and $400.
Accommodations are similarly affordable. If you’re on a tight budget, you can find a comfortable spot in Puerto Rico for around $50 per night. Moving up to a mid-range hotel will cost you a little over $100 per night. And for those more upscale and luxurious accommodations, you’ll pay an average of just under $250 per night.
Trinidad and Tobago
If you’re looking for a party, consider Trinidad and Tobago. This dual nation island is the southernmost island in the Caribbean, and it’s known for exciting festivals like Carnival.
But you don’t have to wait for those festivals to visit. Trinidad and Tobago also boasts an amazing landscape with plenty of areas to explore. Of course, there are plenty of beautiful beaches, but the island also has numerous nature reserves where you can find hummingbirds as well as dozens of other exotic bird species.
Probably the most expensive piece of a trip to Trinidad and Tobago is the flight. While the cost of a flight can be hard to estimate, the average price of a round-trip ticket is between $250 and $350.
There are plenty of ways to save a little on those flights, however. If you’re flexible with dates or time of year, you can save quite a bit. And there are plenty of discounted tickets from various airlines.
The cost for accommodations in Trinidad and Tobago can range widely, so you can find something to fit both your vacation style and budget. Many hotels average around $100 to $120 a night, but there are options as low as $50 a night.
Activities, transportation, and food costs usually run between $80 and $200 per day. But you can find budget-friendly options, like public transportation, to keep your costs more manageable.
Barbados
Barbados often tops lists of the most beautiful Caribbean islands, and for good reason. This lovely island offers visitors everything from incredible beaches and coastlines to iconic cave formations and historic buildings. And good news, it’s very affordable.
A flight to Barbados can cost as little as $120 but can get more expensive depending on time of year and departure city. If you’re wanting to save the most money, then it’s a good idea to visit Barbados during the off-season.
Barbados is known as a resort hotspot, so there are plenty of places to stay. However, some of the nicer resorts can run $300 a night or more, with the most expensive topping $1,000 per night. The good news is that there are other accommodation options. Some of the cheapest come in at $130 to $150 a night, and still offer plenty of amenities and luxury.
In Barbados, meals can be found for as little as $10 or $15. These prices are often found in local rum shops, which are a great way to experience both the food of Barbados and the island’s famous drink. Of course, more indulgent or romantic options can be found for when you want to splurge.
Curacao
Curacao is another cheap Caribbean island you’ll want to visit. Like other Caribbean islands, Curacao has plenty of beautiful beaches, and many of them are tucked into stunning coves. You can also see vibrant coral reefs filled with incredible marine life.
Flying to Curacao can be a little pricey. Many flights come in around $400 or $500, but you can sometimes get good deals on cheaper flights. One of the best ways to save money on flights is to travel during the off-season, when they can go as low as $250.
There are plenty of choices for accommodations in Curacao, and many of them are very budget-friendly. The average cost of staying Curacao is $111 per night. Most range from $100 to $300 a night, but you can certainly pay more. It all depends on what you’re looking for in a hotel or resort.
Food costs here vary, but the average of a single meal in Curacao comes in between $10 and $30. You can find delicious food experiences at a reasonable price all over the island, so you can explore the unique local cuisine.
Grenada
Grenada, or the “Spice Isle,” is the home to nutmeg and other spice plantations. On a trip to this affordable Caribbean island, you can enjoy tasting tours to try local products like spices, rum, and chocolate. And of course, Grenada offers beautiful beaches and watersports, along with interesting excursions.
Most round-trip flights to Grenada average around $500, but there are other options that can be more budget conscious. Some one-way flights can cost as little as $120. And as long as you don’t mind waiting, you can find great deals on those flights.
Costs for accommodations can be as low as $20-$50 per person per night, though they may not be the most luxurious places. If you plan on going to the beach and exploring Grenada’s rich culture, you may not be spending much time at your accommodation anyway.
You can find mid-level accommodations in Grenada for $60-$100 a night. These hotels usually include a pool, restaurant, bar, and comfortable rooms. Plus, these mid-level accommodations typically are closer to beaches and attractions.
If you really want to indulge, you can find an amazing room at one of Grenada’s high-end resorts. You can find boutique hotels and resorts starting at $120-$300 per night; some cost upwards of $1,000 per night.
There are plenty of food options around Grenada. Of course, you can go to a fast food restaurant and find meals for under $5. However, enjoying local culture by eating at street vendors can be more delicious and just as inexpensive. You can expect to pay $10-$15 per meal for casual dining. Local dishes tend to be less expensive than Western food, such as burgers.
As you can see, it’s relatively easy to plan an affordable trip to the Caribbean. You can find amazing destinations that will fit just about any budget. Now that you’ve read these options for the cheapest island in the Caribbean to visit, which one do you choose? Let us know in the comments!