Most Affordable Caribbean Islands for a Dream Vacation

On this map of the Caribbean, you’ll find dream vacations that you can actually afford to take.

With soft sand, clear water and warm weather year-round, the Caribbean is one of the best regions for a beach-centric vacation. But once you’ve gone to any of its numerous islands, you realize the water is only part of the charm. There are also mountains, tropical jungles, cities brimming with history, music that’ll get your hips moving and some of the most delicious (and underrated) cuisines on Earth.

The Caribbean’s only flaw may be that it isn’t necessarily accessible to all budgets. It’s not its fault: Everything is more expensive on islands, and the region’s popularity drives prices even higher. But that doesn’t mean that you have to give up on having a dream vacation here.

To help you out, we’ve gathered the most affordable Caribbean countries and territories that provide incredible experiences for (relatively) cheap.

Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.

10. Saint Kitts and Nevis

Nevis Tourism Authority

Average daily budget: $248

Made up of two main islands, St. Kitts and Nevis is a destination for weathered Caribbean travelers who want to skip the more frequented islands. Each island has its own culture, with St. Kitts being busier and more lively, and Nevis being a place where even the air seems to melt any worries away.

Where to stay: Royal St. Kitts Hotel

*Note: Average daily budgets are based on estimates from Budget Your Trip.

9. Puerto Rico

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

Average daily budget: $218

The Isle of Enchantment is truly a magical place. San Juan, the capital, draws in people with its beaches, historic architecture and unbeatable nightlife. But go beyond to enjoy some of the territory’s other treasures like bioluminescent bays, tropical rain forests, coffee farms and sleepy fishing towns.

Where to stay: Casa Sol Bed & Breakfast

RELATED: 15 Things to Do in Puerto Rico Besides the Beach

8. Trinidad and Tobago

Ingus Kruklitis / Getty Images

Average daily budget: $213

Unlike in most other Caribbean islands, tourism isn’t the main industry of Trinidad and Tobago. Just this is enough to make this destination worth a visit. Beaches are still crowded, but the crowds are made up of locals, and large hotels cater mostly to business travelers, so the shore isn’t plagued with soulless all-inclusives. The dual-island country is beautiful beyond description, and its food is so good, you’ll be dreaming about it for decades. (No, really, trust us.)

Where to stay: The Brix Autograph Collection

7. Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia Tourism Authority

Average daily budget: $211

Saint Lucia is best known for its distinctive Piton mountains, whose sharp peaks create a unique backdrop to the island’s idyllic scenery. If you’re looking for adventure, you’ll be able to hike up the Pitons, zipline, scuba dive and even drive up to a volcano. But if you just want to lie down on the beach or go on boat excursions, that’s perfectly fine as well.

Where to stay: Harbor Club St. Lucia, Curio Collection by Hilton

6. Dominica

Derek Galon / Getty Images

Average daily budget: $204

Nicknamed “the Nature Isle,” Dominica might be the Caribbean’s most amazing hidden gem. Of course, the beaches are gorgeous. But people also come here to get lost in the lush foliage of the mountains, which hide waterfalls, rivers and an impressive biodiversity.

Where to stay: Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa

5. Martinique

Christophe SCHULTZ / Getty Images

Average daily budget: $179

A French overseas region, Martinique is a charming volcanic island with diverse landscapes. You’ll have endless possibilities for activities, both on land and in the water. Whether you’re going into the rainforest or swimming along with sea turtles in coral reefs, you’ll want to come back to this island again and again.

Where to stay: Creole Villa

4. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Tobago cays in St-Vincent and the Grenadines

Wirestock / Getty Images

Average daily budget: $165

With 32 islands and cays, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the type of country that you never finish exploring. Most of the action happens in Saint Vincent, the largest island. But try to rent a boat and island hop around the Grenadines for a side of the Caribbean that still feels like a secret.

Where to stay: Blue Lagoon Hotel and Marina Ltd

3. Dominican Republic

Cayo Levantado, Bacardi Island, Dominican Republic

mrtekmekci / Getty Images

Average daily budget: $142

Though many people come to the Dominican Republic for an all-inclusive experience, we urge you to skip this and give yourself a chance to immerse yourself in the country’s culture. You’ll still get to enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, but you’ll have a much better time by trying local plantain dishes, dancing merengue and learning a bit about the island’s history.

Where to stay: Colonial 154 H Boutique

2. Jamaica

GummyBone / Getty Images

Average daily budget: $131

There are many reasons why people love Jamaica. People are notoriously welcoming, the food is world-famous, and the nightlife holds its own against any other place. But the island is also blessed with boundless natural beauty that comes in the form of spring-fed pools hidden in the belly of forests, seaside caves, bays that glow in the dark and perfect beaches.

Where to stay: Negril Tree House Resort

1. Cuba

unrecognisable cuban man riding a bike in Trinidad, Cuba

Eloi_Omella / Getty Images

Average daily budget: $41

Cuba is the only Caribbean country where the average traveler spends less than $50 a day. Of course, it’s also one of the islands that struggles the most with poverty, which is why prices are so low. Come here for salsa, classic cars and Cuban food. But also come ready to really understand the complexities of the country’s social and political history and to spend your money in ways that’ll benefit the community.

Where to stay: El Candil Boutique Hotel