Trying to find the cheapest islands to visit when you can next go travelling? I hope this post helps!
It’s that time of year again.
The days are getting shorter and the air’s getting crisper.
While your friends might be happy building a snowman and cozying up around a fire, though, all you want to do is lay in a beach hammock and get a suntan!
Sound about right?
Well, I most certainly feel your pain.
So, to give me a distraction on these cold, dark and drizzly days, I started looking into affordable island vacations.
That’s right, you don’t need $100,000 a night to vacay on an island resort.
It turns out that a cheap tropical vacation is surprisingly possible — and maybe closer than you think.
No matter your budget or preferences, there’s a cheap island vacation with your name on it!
Keep reading to discover the cheapest islands to visit in awesome destinations around the world.
Here we go then: 15 awesome options if you’re hunting for a cheap island to visit! First on the list? The Dominican Republic…
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15 Cheap Island Vacation Destinations
Affordable island destinations might be closer than you think!
Here are 15 incredible island destinations that should provide the perfect getaway, without breaking the bank.
1. The Dominican Republic
The DR is arguably the cheapest destination in the Caribbean, offering, from what I’ve seen so far, amazing value for money.
You’ll find low-cost, all-inclusive hotels scattered amongst its stunning white-sand beaches, and you can arrive at one of eight international airports, making it super convenient.
There’s no shortage of must-visit places in the DR, but if you fancy exploring lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and colonial architecture, then book a room in Punta Cana.
- Average budget accommodation for 2 ppl: $30/night
- Average mid-range accommodation for 2 ppl: $80/night
- Average cost for meals and activities (per person): $20-30/day
With sea and sand like that, Zanzibar’s one cheap island vacation you won’t want to miss!
2. Zanzibar
Africa may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of cheap islands to visit, but, trust me, Zanzibar definitely belongs on this list!
Its beauty is unparalleled and its culture (a blend of Indian, Arabic, and British, if you’re interested) makes it incredibly unique.
As for the highlights, get your fill of nightlife and history in Stone Town before sinking your toes into the mind-bendingly beautiful white sand of Uroa Beach.
- Average budget accommodation for 2 ppl: $25/night
- Average mid-range accommodation for 2 ppl: $70/night
- Average cost for meals and activities (per person): $20-30/day
Cheap vacation islands don’t get much more colourful than Cuba!
3. Cuba
What’s not to love about the island nation that invented mojitos?
While some parts of Cuba can be pricey, look for a room around Varadero, about two hours east of Havana. Here you’ll find 18 kilometres of pristine white sand beaches and fresh lobster dinners for under $10.
…Did I mention the mojitos?
- Average budget accommodation for 2 ppl: $50/night
- Average mid-range accommodation for 2 ppl: $90/night
- Average cost for meals and activities (per person): $25-35/day
Looking for the cheapest island vacation in Southeast Asia? Check out Koh Rong…
4. Koh Rong, Cambodia
Thailand’s islands tend to draw the biggest crowds in Southeast Asia (and for good reason), but the islands off the Cambodian coast are just as beautiful — and in the context of this post about the cheapest islands to visit, a fraction of the price.
Koh Rong has all the white sand beaches, lush forests, and coral reefs you expect from any island holiday. While you’re there, though, you can also go zip-lining, volunteer as a “barefoot bartender,” or go totally wild at a Full Moon Party.
- Average budget accommodation for 2 ppl: $10/night
- Average mid-range accommodation for 2 ppl: $25/night
- Average cost for meals and activities (per person): $10-15/day
Next up on this list of affordable island vacations: Caye Caulker, in Belize.
5. Caye Caulker, Belize
Loved by backpackers, divers, and everyone in between, Caye Caulker is the ultimate affordable island getaway.
Snorkel in the world’s second-largest barrier reef and experience up-close encounters with stingrays and the famous Blue Hole. Back on land, enjoy a bicycle ride around the (mostly empty) island that’s completely devoid of car traffic!
- Average budget accommodation for 2 ppl: $25/night
- Average mid-range accommodation for 2 ppl: $50/night
- Average cost for meals and activities (per person): $15-25/day
Kos offers one of the cheapest island destinations in Greece!
6. Kos Island, Greece
Greece has an impressive 6,000+ islands, and many of them (like Santorini) are notoriously expensive.
But don’t worry.
You can get the Greek island experience at a fraction of the cost by heading east to the Isle of Kos, located just off the Turkish coast.
Aside from its beautiful Grecian beaches and delicious seafood, history buffs are sure to love exploring the ancient Greek and Roman landmarks too.
- Average budget accommodation for 2 ppl: $50/night
- Average mid-range accommodation for 2 ppl: $120/night
- Average cost for meals and activities (per person): $35-50/day
Want a cheap tropical vacation that offers some of the best beaches anywhere in the world? Check out Boracay…
7. Boracay, Philippines
This hidden gem has some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll ever see — in fact, it consistently ranks among the best beaches in the entire world.
If you want to do nothing but sit back, get a tan, and maybe enjoy a massage on the beach, this is your place. The locals are said to be nice and friendly, the food’s delicious, and you’ll find happy hour specials all day, every day.
- Average budget accommodation for 2 ppl: $25/night
- Average mid-range accommodation for 2 ppl: $75/night
- Average cost for meals and activities (per person): $10-20/day
Affordable islands in the North Atlantic Ocean don’t get much better than beautiful Madeira.
8. Madeira, Portugal
Madeira’s often compared to Hawaii but (you guessed it) with a more affordable price tag. Located off the coast of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean, this volcanic island is definitely off the beaten path and another ideal addition to this list of affordable island vacations.
Stroll through the botanical gardens, take a hike along the rugged coastline, and enjoy the rich history in the main town of Funchal. When it’s time to relax, head to Porto Santo or the “secret” beach of Jardim do Mar.
- Average budget accommodation for 2 ppl: $25/night
- Average mid-range accommodation for 2 ppl: $70/night
- Average cost for meals and activities (per person): $20-30/day
For budget-friendly island destinations in Indonesia, head right over to Belitung.
9. Belitung Island, Indonesia
If Bali and Lombok are out of your price range, you won’t be disappointed by the “low budget” option of Belitung.
This dreamy Indonesian destination features more unspoiled beaches than you can shake a stick at, boasting white sand and beautiful large granite rocks.
For any adventurers out there, you can also have fun touring an old Dutch lighthouse and the impossibly blue waters of Lake Danau Kaolin.
- Average budget accommodation for 2 ppl: $10/night
- Average mid-range accommodation for 2 ppl: $35/night
- Average cost for meals and activities (per person): $5-15/day
Bocas del Toro is one of the cheapest islands to visit in the Caribbean Sea. Check it out!
10. Bocas del Toro, Panama
At the bottom of the Caribbean Sea, you’ll find an archipelago that should be right at the top of your “cheapest islands to visit” bucket list:
The Bocas Del Toro.
This collection of islands features powder-soft sand, lush tropical jungle, and several important marine reserves.
Surfing, fishing, and kayaking are popular sports here, but you’ll find plenty of people lying back and relaxing under the palm trees too.
- Average budget accommodation for 2 ppl: $30/night
- Average mid-range accommodation for 2 ppl: $60/night
- Average cost for meals and activities (per person): $10-20/day
Want more affordable island vacations in Southeast Asia? Phu Quoc, Vietnam, is where it’s at.
11. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Not far from Koh Rong, the Cambodian island I mentioned earlier, you’ll find the Vietnamese version of a tropical island paradise.
Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand (confusingly), Phu Quoc is beloved by locals and foreigners alike. There are more than 20 white sand beaches around the island, along with quaint fishing villages and fascinating Buddhist temples.
Oh, and for any thrill-seekers, the island’s also home to the world’s longest cable car across the sea!
- Average budget accommodation for 2 ppl: $15/night
- Average mid-range accommodation for 2 ppl: $40/night
- Average cost for meals and activities (per person): $10-20/day
Look at that water! Cheap islands to visit in South America don’t get much more pristine than Curacao.
12. Curacao, Lesser Antilles Islands
Lest I forget to include South America on the list, another place to have a budget island holiday is on the unique and pristine island of Curacao.
Located just off the Venezuelan coast, Curacao is actually part of a Dutch colony with plenty of Spanish and Creole influences too.
You’ll find old colonial neighbourhoods next to colourful street art and — of course — enough white sand beaches to bring a permanent grin to your face.
- Average budget accommodation for 2 ppl: $35/night
- Average mid-range accommodation for 2 ppl: $80/night
- Average cost for meals and activities (per person): $20-40/day
For a cheap island with an awesome name, head to the Maldives to pay Maafushi a visit!
13. Maafushi Island, Maldives
The Maldives in the Indian Ocean is known for its opulent (and expensive) beach resorts.
However, if you skip the private island resorts and book your stay at a guesthouse instead, you can enjoy all the luxury of the Maldives without breaking the bank.
Maafushi Island is just a 30-minute boat ride from the capital of Male.
Here you’ll find more of those white sand beaches we all love so much, alongside shallow lagoons, and water sports a-plenty.
If you want an affordable taste of the luxury resorts, visit them on a day trip for lunch or a cocktail at the hotel bar.
FYI, the Maldive are also an unbeatable babymoon destination.
- Average budget accommodation for 2 ppl: $30/night
- Average mid-range accommodation for 2 ppl: $60/night
- Average cost for meals and activities (per person): $15-30/day
Affordable islands in Malaysia don’t get much more appealing than Langkawi.
14. Langkawi, Malaysia
If you’ve dreamed of visiting Thailand’s famous islands of Phuket, Krabi, or Ko Phi Phi (but can’t face the price tag), you’ll find a terrific alternative just a little farther south.
Straddling the border of Thailand and Malaysia, the island of Langkawi provides an affordable experience in the Andaman Sea.
Take a walk across the sky bridge or ride the cable car high into the hills for epic views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
Visit one of the island’s many bird parks or marine parks and then enjoy sampling the delicious local cuisine, which is a fascinating blend of Indian, Chinese, and Portuguese flavours.
- Average budget accommodation for 2 ppl: $10/night
- Average mid-range accommodation for 2 ppl: $30/night
- Average cost for meals and activities (per person): $10-25/day
Last but not least, we have Crete! You’ll struggle to find affordable Greek islands quite so picturesque…
15. Crete, Greece
To round out this list of the cheapest islands to visit, I thought I’d return to the sunny Mediterranean and the historic island of Crete.
As the largest and most populous Greek island, you can find accommodation and dining options to suit every budget.
Oh, and if you love history, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Long before the Greek or Roman empires were born, Crete was supposedly Europe’s first advanced civilisation.
…It’s probably because they were surrounded by magnificent capes, crystal-clear waters, and postcard-perfect beaches.
- Average budget accommodation for 2 ppl: $50/night
- Average mid-range accommodation for 2 ppl: $80/night
- Average cost for meals and activities (per person): $30-50/day
Affordable Island Vacations: Bonus Tips
Now that you know where to go for the cheapest island vacation, let’s talk about how to save even more money before and during your trip.
Here are some clever travel tips you may not have considered before.
1. Travel During the Off-Season
Flying to a beautiful island during spring break or the Christmas holidays is a sure way to blow your budget.
Remember, the beach will be there no matter which time of year you visit, and you won’t ever have to worry about a snowstorm!
Do some research to see when the low season or “shoulder” season is.
For example, you can score great deals in the Caribbean during the late summer and autumn months (just be sure to check the hurricane forecast first). If you have your heart set on Indonesia, you’ll find cheaper prices and fewer crowds during January and February.
Likewise, experts estimate you can save as much as 40% on airfare and 15% on land by travelling during the off-season, so definitely consider this option if your schedule allows.
2. Bring Essential Supplies With You
Even the cheapest islands have to get their supplies delivered from the nearest mainland.
This means you’ll pay premium prices for anything that isn’t locally made on the island!
It also means you can save yourself some cash by bringing all your essential toiletries and other such supplies with you.
Otherwise, a $5 tube of sunscreen at home might cost up to $20 at your island destination!
The same goes for swimsuits, coverups, water shoes, and the like.
You might also consider buying an international SIM card before you travel, especially if you’ll be hopping between islands.
3. Stay Off the Beach
Of course, I don’t literally mean stay off the beach. That’s literally the whole reason you’re looking for a cheap island to visit, right?
What I’m trying to say is this:
Look for accommodation that isn’t right on the shore! Yes, it’s lovely to wake up and be just steps from the water, but you’ll pay a premium for that proximity.
Look for a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb that’s a few blocks back from the beach. It’ll still be within easy walking distance, but you won’t have to pay nearly as much for your room.
Use the Google maps trip planning feature to find affordable hotels near (but not directly on) the water.
The Cheapest Islands to Visit: Where Will You Go Next?
So, what do you think? Which destination on our list of the cheapest islands to visit jumped out at you?
Will you venture to the Caribbean Sea? The Indian Ocean? The South Pacific?
Whichever island you choose, you’re sure to enjoy your cheap tropical vacation — without breaking the bank!
Now that you’ve selected your next vacation destination, the only thing left to do is start packing.
Check out my in-depth buying guides to ensure you have everything you need for your tropical holiday.