11 Cheap Caribbean Vacations for Budget Travelers

If you’re dreaming of warm sun, blue waters and a relaxing getaway, but can’t afford to splurge on anything, the Caribbean is the place to be. With a little research and planning, you can find affordable trips that will satisfy your island getaway cravings.

Save money on airfare by avoiding peak season from December to April, when travelers head out in droves to escape the cold. Check out apps like Hopper and Going for great deals. Or consider a cruise to cover your meals, lodging, and entertainment. Thankfully, a car rental is rarely necessary on a trip to the Caribbean, as many beach towns and resorts are within walking distance. With all this in mind, here are some of the most affordable Caribbean vacations to consider for travelers on a budget.

Best Destinations: Dominican Republic, Underrated Hidden Gems: Nicaragua, Best for Families: Royal Caribbean Cruises, Best for Couples: Belize, Best for Solo Travelers: Puerto Rico

For more affordable Caribbean vacation ideas, read on.

dominican republic

The Dominican Republic resort towns of Punta Cana and Puerto Plata are great for budget travelers, with many all-inclusive resorts combining food, drinks, entertainment and amenities into one affordable package. If you prefer traditional hotels (or small towns), the country also has options. Affordable accommodations are found everywhere, and there are miles of beaches, plenty of restaurants and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Nicaragua

This Central American country borders the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The east coast is less developed than its more popular Pacific coast, making Nicaragua one of the Caribbean’s most affordable travel destinations. This lesser-known region offers charming fishing villages, mangrove forests and secluded surfing beaches. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, when temperatures are warm and there is only occasional rain.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

If you want to sail the Caribbean on a budget, the cruise line named for the region is a great place to start. Royal Caribbean offers hundreds of Caribbean cruises every year, from two-night excursions to multi-week island-hopping adventures. The company’s dozens of ports include popular islands like Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Central American gems like Roatan, Honduras.

Belize

Belize’s Caribbean coast is a mix of sandy beaches, offshore islands, abundant wildlife, Mayan ruins and rainforests. Travelers on a budget will find plenty of affordable dining and accommodation options, from guesthouses to small hotels and casual resorts. On Ambergris Caye, explore San Pedro, pick up fresh fruit from one of the many food stalls, have lunch at a grocery store or spend a lazy afternoon on the beach.

Puerto Rico

Less than a three-hour flight from Miami, Puerto Rico offers a variety of beaches and resorts, including some attractive budget options. Explore Old San Juan to discover the island’s history, or visit El Yunque National Forest for a change of scenery from the sun-drenched beaches. When it’s time to eat, try locally-owned restaurants serving delicious, affordable food.

Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises

Besides Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line is another great, affordable line in the region. You can choose a weekend cruise or a longer trip of a week or more that includes airfare. Norwegian Cruise Line offers many great itineraries, including Eastern Caribbean cruises to Barbados, Antigua and St. Lucia, as well as a five-day trip that stops at Harvest Caye, the cruise line’s private island in Belize.

Cancun, Mexico

As one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations, Cancun has plenty of public beaches and affordable hotels. While prices can be steep in popular beach zones, plenty of free or low-cost activities in the downtown area make swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing easy. Stroll along the Malecón Tajamar to enjoy colorful outdoor art, markets, parks, street food and stunning views.

Curacao

Curacao is located off the coast of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean Sea and is outside the hurricane zone, so if you visit in late summer or early fall, you won’t have to worry about storms interrupting your trip. Accommodations range from apartments and villas to Airbnbs and hotels, with many all-inclusive options available. Beautiful beaches, lovely parks, and a variety of casual dining options make it easy to stay on an affordable budget.

Bahamas

Though the archipelago is technically in the Atlantic Ocean, the Bahamas is part of the Caribbean Community and offers similar attractions, including climate, beautiful beaches, and turquoise waters. It’s about 50 miles from Florida, and affordable accommodations, including all-inclusive hotels, make it an easy trip from the U.S. It’s hard to find cheap accommodation during high season (mid-December to April), but prices drop from July to November, and the weather is warm, despite occasional rain. To get a taste of the Bahamas while saving a few dollars, check out the local food, beer, and rum.

Barbados

As the Caribbean’s easternmost island, Barbados sits outside the hurricane zone, making it a great off-season destination. Low rates in late summer and early fall mean you can enjoy the sun without worrying about the weather. For a budget-friendly stay, choose a B&B, guesthouse or apartment and sample tasty, affordable food at local eateries. Local Bajan dishes (like fried flying fish and macaroni pie) are some of the best in the Caribbean.

Columbia

With coastlines bordering both the Pacific and Caribbean Seas, Colombia remains an increasingly popular beach destination, reflected in its affordable holiday prices. The historic city of Cartagena has a charming old town, beautiful beaches and delicious restaurants, and a few hours’ journey along the coast will take you to explore both sandy beaches and wild jungle. Prices are higher during the holiday season in December and January, but as with any tropical destination, you can save money by traveling in the off-season.