12 Cheapest Caribbean Islands to Visit + Budget Tips

A lot of people tend to classify the Caribbean as luxurious and expensive. But fewer people know about some of the cheapest Caribbean islands to visit.

The Caribbean is such an amazing place and also somewhere that’s so popular with so many people around the world. However, it’s also a favourite with honeymoons, elaborate cruises and special anniversaries.

Whilst the Caribbean certainly can be both of those things, what if I told you, that you can visit for a lot cheaper than you might expect? Even if you’re not looking to wine and dine, you shouldn’t put off visiting the islands and it’s definitely worth knowing the cheapest Caribbean islands to visit.

Although it doesn’t quite come with a backpacker’s budget associated with Southeast Asia, with a little research you can visit these islands affordably.

What is The Cheapest Caribbean Island to Visit?

So, without further ado, here are some of the best cheap Caribbean destinations to add to your tropical bucket list. Whether you want history, marine life, or simply to relax on a bright white beach, these cheap islands to visit will give you the perfect Caribbean vacation.

1. Cozumel

Mexico is a country with an incredibly rich history. Ancient Mayan culture dominates a lot of their past and you can also find one of the 7 Wonders of the World near Cancun.

Cozumel is a little island off the coast of Playa del Carmen. It’s fairly undeveloped (one of the reasons it’s one of the cheapest Caribbean islands to visit) so will be a massive hit with anyone who’s not a huge fan of over-touristy destinations.

Famous for its scuba diving, coral reefs, wonderful marine life, Mayan ruins and, super relaxed vibe, you’re sure to have a great time in Cozumel. 

• Cheapest Flight: £500 return from London
• Cheapest 4* Hotels: £65 per night
• Where to Stay: Casa del Mar Cozumel Hotel & Dive Resort or Casa Mexicana Cozumel
• Average Meal: £10

The best weather is from November to April.

Top Tip: Although you can get flights from both the UK and the US, you can save yourself hundreds by getting a flight to Cancun and then taking a bus to Playa del Carmen and a ferry to Cozumel. In total, the journey will take about 2 hours, so it may not work depending on your schedule. but if you have a little time to kill, why not turn it into a multi-destination trip and spend a couple of days in Cancun first? It’s worth doing just to visit Chichen Itza.

✅ Book cheap flights to Cozumel, here. And find the most affordable accommodation, here.

2. Jamaica

Jamaica is my all-time favourite tropical island the place to go if you’re looking for a cultural escape.

The island is mostly known for its chilled-out vibe, reggae music, fiery food, and great nightlife. But you’ll also find that it’s a great destination for eco lovers with plenty of stunning scenery, white sand beaches, waterfalls, and secret coves.

There are plenty of affordable inclusive resorts, especially in Ocho Rio or Negril and you can also find cheap direct flights to Kingston or Montego Bay. Be sure to visit the Bob Marley Museum while you’re there and experience the true Rastafarian culture.  

• Cheapest Flight: £350 return from London
• Cheapest 4* Hotels: £75 per night
• Where to Stay: Travellers Bech Resort or Paradise Hill Resorts
• Average Meal: £10

The best weather is from December to April.

✅ Book cheap flights to Jamaica, here. And find the most affordable accommodation, here.

3. Barbados

Barbados is a small island near St Lucia and the Grenadines. It’s a wonderful destination for a relaxing Caribbean break.

An independent British Commonwealth nation, Barbados is an extremely family-friendly island, plus, Crane Beach is said to be one of the best beaches in the Caribbean!

As well as exploring the pristine beaches you can explore stunning limestone caverns and caves, and swim with sea turtles. If you’re interested in history you can see the impressive parliament building and the Nidhe Israel Synagogue, a UNESCO Site and one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere. Of course, you can also simply relax under the palm trees with a cocktail (or 2!).

• Cheapest Flight: £400 return from London
• Cheapest 3* Apartment: £85 per night
• Where to stay: Glynver Apartment or Palm Garden Hotel
• Average Meal: £14

The best weather is from December to April.

Top Tip: Barbados is actually outside of the Caribbean hurricane belt, which means you’ll be safe from the bad storms during the low season months. This means you can get an even better deal as the cheapest months to visit are June, November and early December. 

✅ Book cheap flights to Barbados, here. And find the most affordable accommodation, here.

4. Dominican Republic 

The Dominican Republic is an excellent choice for a cheap island holiday, as it is frequently reported to be the cheapest Caribbean island to visit by other travellers.

There’s a total of 8 airports in the Dominican Republic which makes it an incredibly accessible destination from anywhere in the world. There are some wonderful all-inclusive resorts and it’s also an adventure lover’s paradise.

There’s snorkelling, zip-lining, water sports, ATV buggy adventures through the jungle and cave swimming, as well as colonial history, tropical rainforests and stunning waterfalls.

• Cheapest Flight: £380 return from London
• Cheapest 4* Hotel: £60 per night
• Where to stay: Costarena Beach Hotel or Radisson Hotel Santo Domingo
• Average Meal: £10

The best weather is from November to May.

Top Tip: Punta Cana is the most popular destination but if you’re looking for something a little less touristy, try Puerto Plata which is just as beautiful. 

✅ Book cheap flights to the Dominican Republic, here. And find the most affordable accommodation, here.

5. Puerto Rico

There’s so much more to do in Puerto Rica than lazing about on a beautiful beach. Trek stunning mountainous landscapes, explore the colourful street life and go for an adventure in the El Yunque rainforest.

San Juan is the largest city on the island; it’s like a miniature tropical Las Vegas with its hotel strip, bars and casinos and is super popular with younger travellers.

For something a little more sophisticated, there’s also the old town to explore with its gorgeous ocean-view fortress and European-style cobblestone streets.

More budget airlines now fly to San Juan so it’s even easier to get a great deal.

• Cheapest Flight: £450 return from London
• Cheapest 4* Hotel: £70 per night
• Where to stay: Caribe Hotel Ponce or San Sebastian Bed & Breakfast
• Average Meal: £12

The best weather is from December to April.

✅ Book cheap flights to Puerto Rico, here. And find the most affordable accommodation, here.

6. Cuba

Cuba is a dream destination for many travel lovers and its affordability certainly makes that more possible than you may think.

As the largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba has certainly attracted a lot of attention over the years, especially destinations like Havana and Trinidad.

If you’re looking for a great resort destination try Varadero, a beautiful town in the province of Matanzas. Head there for some quirky Cuban culture, colourful pastel houses, 1950’s cars, Salsa music and Cuba’s famous cigars.

• Cheapest Flight: £350 return from London
• Cheapest 4* Hotel: £50 per night
• Where to stay: Casa Las Espanolas or B&B Los Bertos
• Average Meal: £8 

The best weather is from November to April.

✅ Book cheap flights to Cuba, here. And find the most affordable accommodation, here.

7. Curacao

This pretty little Dutch-owned island between Aruba and Bonaire is one of the best-kept secrets of the Caribbean and is one of the cheapest Caribbean islands to visit.

Known for its stunning beach scenery, captivating marine life, and pastel-coloured architecture, you won’t be disappointed by paying a visit here.

There are lots of low-cost airlines that fly to Curacao and often compete for the best price, so you’re very likely to snap up a good deal.

• Cheapest Flight: £450 return from London
• Cheapest 4* Hotel: £60 per night
• Where to stay: Curadise Living or Boutique Hotel ‘t Klooster
• Average Meal: £8 

The best weather is from November to April.

Top Tip: The cheapest times for hotel booking are between May and November when they tend to have the best rates. So snap up a November deal for the best of both worlds – fab weather and fab prices!

✅ Book cheap flights to Curacao, here. And find the most affordable accommodation, here.

8. Trinidad and Tobago 

This pair of islands near Venezuela is a wonderful rounded travel destination. There’s so much to do there and it’s a super popular place to visit.

As well as the soft, sandy beaches that you’d expect from a Caribbean island, you can also visit the Port of Spain and learn about some of the fascinating colonial histories, see a range of colourful birds (such as bright pink herons or tiny hummingbirds) at the wildlife sanctuaries, go island hopping and visit picturesque coves and natural beauty of the hidden bays.

Trinidad and Tobago are also known for their delicious food and it goes without saying, that that’s another great excuse to go! 

• Cheapest Flight: £450 return from London
• Cheapest 3* Hotel: £65 per night
• Where to stay: Paradise Place or Half Moon Blue Hotel
• Average Meal: £12

The best weather is from January to May.

✅ Book cheap flights to Trinidad and Tobago, here. And find the most affordable accommodation, here.

9. Saint Lucia 

Saint Lucia is one of those places where you can see a picture and instantly want to go, no matter what type of holiday you’re into. It appeals to anyone who wants to laze on golden sands, anyone who wants to explore the lush rainforest, and anyone who’s a bit of a water-baby!

St Lucia is a volcanic island with a pair of dramatic mountains called The Pitons (pictured below) on its west coast. You may not think of this place as being one of the cheapest Caribbean islands to visit, but if you know how to plan it, it can be much more affordable than you think.

Home to many all-inclusive resorts (some with incredible mountainous views), gorgeous beaches, volcanic landscapes, including the world’s only drive-through volcano, wonderful marine life, port towns and fishing villages and much more. Saint Lucia is such a hidden Caribbean gem and you will honestly be captivated by it.

• Cheapest Flight: £500 return from London
• Cheapest 4* Hotel: £90 per night
• Where to stay: Bay Gardens Hotel or Coconut Bay Beach Resorts and Spa
• Average Meal: £15

The best weather is from December to April.

✅ Book cheap flights to Saint Lucia, here. And find the most affordable accommodation, here.

10. Bahamas

The Bahamas is the easiest Caribbean island to access from the United States with just an hour’s flight from Miami.

In between Miami and Cuba, The Bahamas could also be done as part of a multi-destination trip and is a popular cruise port too. Package booking can also work out pretty cheap and there are loads of package Bahamas deals online.

Made up of 700-plus islands in total, this is the perfect place to visit if you fancy a bit of island hopping. Home to the Instagram-able ‘Pig Beach’, Paradise Island, beautiful scuba opportunities and also the infamous Thunderball Grotto which was used in the James Bond films, the Bahamas is one of the most affordable Caribbean destinations.

• Cheapest Flight: £350 return from London, stopping in Miami
• Cheapest 5* Hotel: £110 per night
• Where to stay: Bahama Beach Club or Hilton Resort Bimini
• Average Meal: £12

The best weather is from December to April.

Top Tip: The cheapest time to book is January, September and October as they tend to have much lower fares. 

✅ Book cheap flights to the Bahamas here. And find the most affordable accommodation, here.

11. Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe can be a bit of a mixed bag. This French Caribbean destination offers a fantastic mixture of cultures and beautiful landscapes. While it may not be as cheap as some of the other cheap Caribbean islands on this list, it certainly has more affordable prices than some of the more upscale players like Turks and Caicos or the British Virgin Islands.

This island escape offers a diverse range of accommodations, from affordable guesthouses to budget-friendly hotels. For affordable places to eat, you have to explore the local markets, which are super tasty, fresh, and cheap compared to fancy restaurants. Plus, plenty of budget airlines fly to Guadeloupe which can really cut down on transport costs.

There’s plenty to do here, including exploring lush rainforests, lazing on untouched beaches, and climbing up volcanoes. It’s a great island for those seeking an affordable Caribbean destination.

• Cheapest Flight: £500 return from London, stopping in the US
• Cheapest 4* Hotel: £100 per night
• Where to stay: Tropicana Suites or Eden Forest Villas
• Average Meal: £15

The best weather is from December to April.

✅ Book cheap flights to Guadeloupe here. And find the most affordable accommodation, here.

12. Grenada

Grenada, situated in the southeastern Caribbean, is another of the best budget-friendly destinations in the Caribbean. As with many of these islands, you can easily keep the costs down if you know how.

Grenada has a variety of affordable accommodation options, from guesthouses to reasonably priced hotels and even Airbnbs for around £25 per night. For affordable food options, you could try the local markets, the street food, or even the weekend BBQ where you’ll find lots of locals preparing a delicious selection of grilled fish and meat.

Plus, unlike some of its more popular Caribbean counterparts, Grenada remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. This means prices are genuinely much lower for things like groceries and transport.

• Cheapest Flight: £450 return from London, stopping in the US
• Cheapest 4* Hotel: £100 per night
• Where to stay: Bougainvillea Apartments or La Heliconia and Day Spa
• Average Meal: £15

The best weather is from January to May.

✅ Book cheap flights to Grenada here. And find the most affordable accommodation, here.

Finding the Cheapest Flights to the Caribbean

Typically, the most expensive part of travelling to the Caribbean is flights.

I utterly LOVE Jack’s Flight Club and recommend it to anyone looking for a great deal. They frequently send super cheap flights to the Caribbean directly to my inbox.

I’m talking London to Jamaica in the £300’s cheap!!

Check them out yourself with a free 30-day trial HERE!

But of course, the flights you want aren’t always on offer. So, the next best place for searching for cheap flights is Skyscanner. They scan a range of different travel providers and OTAs to get you the best price. I’ve managed to save hundreds of pounds booking with them.

✅ Search for flights on Skyscanner here.

FAQ About the Cheapest Caribbean Destinations

Here are a few of the most common questions asked about finding an affordable Caribbean escape.

What is the best time to visit the Caribbean?

In general, the Caribbean has two seasons, the wet, shoulder season and the dry peak season. The dry season runs from December to April and brings dry, sunny weather with a much lower chance of rain. This is the high season, and will likely be the busiest time on the islands.

In comparison, the wet season runs from May to November. This includes the hurricane season which runs from June 1st to November 30th, so you’ll have a much higher chance of rain with the possibility of tropical storms. However, you’ll also find lower prices for accommodation and flights during this time, lush, green landscapes, and fewer crowds.

If you’re looking for the perfect chance to explore the white sand beaches, swim in the clear waters, and attend festivals and events, the dry season is your best bet. Plus, it gives you the perfect excuse for a warm island escape in winter. However, if you don’t mind taking a chance with the rain, the wet season is definitely more affordable.

What are the Cheapest Caribbean Islands to Fly to From the UK?

Flight prices can fluctuate, but destinations like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Bahamas often have relatively affordable flights from the UK. Many flights from the UK will also include a stopover in the USA which can be a great way to create a 2-in-1 trip with a US city break like New York.

I always recommend using flight comparison websites like Skyscanner and being flexible with travel dates to find the best deals. Plus, if you want completely flexible dates, use Jack’s Flight Club to get fantastic last-minute deals.

What are the Cheapest Caribbean Islands to Fly to From the US?

The Bahamas is often considered easily accessible from the US, with short flight times from Miami. Dominican Republic and Jamaica are also known to offer competitive flight prices from the USA. Again, using flight comparison tools and considering nearby airports can help in finding budget-friendly options.

What is the Safest and Cheapest Caribbean Island?

In terms of affordability and safety, destinations like Barbados and Grenada have been known for a combination of reasonable prices and relatively low crime rates. However, safety conditions can change, so it’s crucial to check the latest travel advisories.

What are the most expensive Caribbean islands?

There are a few islands that are generally more expensive to visit due to higher-end resorts, upscale amenities, higher prices activities, and a generally higher cost of living. These include St. Barts, the British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos, the Cayman Islands, and St. Martin. If you’re looking for the best cheap Caribbean vacations, I would avoid these.

Which Caribbean Island is the Cheapest?

If you want to know what the overall cheapest Caribbean island is, it’s a pretty rough call. However, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Jamaica often come up as more budget-friendly options. These islands have a range of accommodations, including budget hotels and guesthouses, and can offer affordable dining options.