12 Affordable Island Getaways In The Caribbean + Where To Stay!

Searching for a cheap vacation in the Caribbean? Whether you’re celebrating the return of the sun or just need a change of scenery, now is the perfect time to consider a Caribbean getaway. With these Caribbean getaways, there are plenty of incredible spring, summer, and fall hotel deals to choose from.

Here are 12 of the most affordable Caribbean destinations and where to stay in each one!

12 Cheapest Caribbean Vacations

Eagle’s Beach, Aruba

I’m in love with Aruba. I’ve been here four times and I’m already plotting my next trip back. From lounging on the beach to spending the day with flamingos, there’s something for everyone.

Aruba’s Eagle Beach is one of the most beautiful stretches of white sand beach in the Caribbean, and Aruba’s widest. It’s a perfect place for windsurfing, swimming, and other aquatic sports, and also for viewing sea turtle hatching during parts of the year.

La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino, an Ascend Hotel Collection® member, is located directly across from Eagle Beach, and boasts both an on-site casino and spa.

Read more: 10 Best Things To Do In Aruba

Paradise Island, Bahamas

Famous for being home to the sprawling Atlantis resort including a water park, casino, aquarium, and one of the world’s most expensive hotel rooms (the Bridge Suite costs ~$25k per night!), Paradise Island is a Bahamian resort island in the best way.

But you don’t actually have to spend $25k per night to enjoy it; the Comfort Suites® Paradise Island located nearby offers spacious rooms with included access to the Atlantis’ amenities.

Read more: How To Swim With Pigs In The Bahamas At Pig Beach and Staniel Cay Travel Guide – Exuma Cays, Bahamas

Grand Cayman, The Cayman Islands

Explore Grand Cayman and you’ll have access not only to beautiful beaches and activities, but a large number of natural and historical attractions. Scuba diving offers views of large coral reefs and shipwrecks, including the USS Kittiwake, an artificial reef that you can explore inside.

The Comfort Suites® Seven Mile Beach puts you right on the waterfront and only a short distance from the Cayman Turtle Farm.

Read more: 10 Caribbean Islands to Visit Before They Go Mainstream

Willemstad, Curacao

Make sure to bring your camera with you to Curacao! This Dutch Caribbean island offers both natural beauty and some amazing, colorful architecture—Willemstad’s harbor, with its colonial architecture, has been designated a UNESCO heritage site.

The Acoya Hotel Suites & Villas, an Ascend Hotel Collection® member, offer a number of private family rooms and villas within a short distance to several beaches, as well as the Seaquarium.

Read more: The Safest All-Inclusive Resorts For Couples

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is a great vacation spot for those looking to get a mix of relaxation, history, and culture. Old San Juan has several self-guided tours of their colonial buildings to enjoy, including one of the famous El Callisto San Felipe del Morro citadel.

After exploring, stop by Casa Bacardi to enjoy a historic tour of the plant and complimentary rum tasting. San Juan is also home to a thriving culinary scene.

I had a chance to explore some of the best restaurants in Old San Juan and Condado during a previous trip and was blown away by the food. The nearby Comfort Inn® San Juan is a great home base for exploring the city, and near both Condado Beach and the airport to boot.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Directly translated, Puerto Plata means Port of Silver. The name for this island paradise was earned from the one-of-a-kind lustrous silver the coast emits at sunset. More than just beaches, there are many other unique activities that Puerto Plata has to offer such as Ocean World Adventure Park, Monkeyland, 27 Charcos de Damajagua, and the Caribbean’s only cable car.

Puerto Plata offers a seemingly never-ending supply of all-inclusive resorts for serene relaxation. Many times, people think all-inclusive come with a hefty price tag but the Be Live Collection Marien offers a tranquil, beachfront, all-inclusive hotel starting at only $115 USD per night!

With multiple dining options, excursions and activities included as well as hammocks and umbrellas on the beach it is hard to compete with this price and this location. The hotel also offers a casino and a spa to further elevate your escape from reality.

Read more: These 5 Caribbean Islands Have All-Inclusive Resorts Under $200

Cozumel, Mexico

Measuring only 30 miles long, Cozumel is actually the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean. Though it is a popular destination for cruise ships, the island offers so much more than just it’s port.

If you are interested in exploring more of the island, you can schedule Quad tours to take you around and get a quick taste of many parts of the island. You may also wish to visit some Maya Ruins, Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park or even the Jade Cavern!

Most reefs in Cozumel are part of the National Park system and have been kept pristine and protected. If you enjoy snorkeling or diving this is definitely a place to experience! If you’re not much for diving, you can always ride the Atlantis Submarine to get a fantastic view of the vast underwater ecosystem these waters have to offer.

The Grand Park Royal Cozumel is an affordable all-inclusive with all of the pools, hot tubs, and activities included that you could desire. It is also nestled on a private beach for you to enjoy. Booking through the hotel’s website will offer you the best rates for your trip.

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is Mexico’s most popular destination easily due to its soft, airy sand, warm Caribbean waters and all the resorts you could imagine. Though it is also known as a party city, don’t let that deter you if you are more of a history or nature-seeker.

It is also situated in a great location that offers many potential day trips depending on your taste. Las Coloradas, Tulum, ancient ruins, and all sorts of water activities. Many of these outside excursions will also provide transportation to and from your resort.

The Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun All-Inclusive offers 9 restaurants and bars, oasis-style pools, entertainment for everybody and of course, a picturesque beach scene to enjoy.

Read more: 72 Hours in Cancun: Where to Stay, What to Do & More

Ochos Rios, Jamaica

Ochos Rios is a tropical haven home to enchanting rainforests and waterfalls. Rivers and lagoons are scattered throughout the island to create a natural playground of exploration.

Popular excursions such as Dunn’s River Falls offer movie-like scenery, and are surrounded by nothing but rainforest greenery and blue lagoons. Other fantastic items to add to your list for Ochos Rios are the Cool Runnings Catamarans, Mystic Mountain and Bob Marley’s Nine Mile Tour.

Castle by the Shore offers apartments with free WiFi, air conditioning, a restaurant and access to a garden with an outdoor pool.

St. Maarten

Another popular cruise ship destination, St. Maarten, “The Friendly Island” is small island full of nothing but charm in the Caribbean. The island of St. Maarten is actually split into a French and a Dutch side which created a paradise consisting of 37 beaches, a unique cumulative culture and surprises.

The Hilton Vacation Club Flamingo Beach Sint Maarten is a bright and new facility with a new pool and beach front access. Aside from affordability, one of the biggest assets to this hotel is its location. Right around the corner you can find several restaurants and a casino — and hiking and other excursions are nearby as well!

Varadero, Cuba

Many people still don’t think Cuba is an option for their travels, but that would be denying yourself from some of the world’s most fabulous beaches. Varadero is located just about two hours outside of Havana and has more than enough beach for everyone to enjoy. The white sand beaches are said to be something off a postcard and is the perfect place to zone out and unwind.

Though the beach can offer unparalleled solitude, some parts of the beach are right next to a variety of shops and restaurants. Take the opportunity to stop by the Varadero Street Market and see everything it has to offer.

For an affordable stay, you have to check out Casa de Betty and Jorge, a family friendly hostel with easy access to the flawless beaches of Varadero. They offer personal and double beds, and even in house breakfast.

Le Gosier, Guadeloupe

Dreamy white sand beaches and some of the clearest water you’ve ever seen draws many visitors to Le Gosier, Guadeloupe each year. Le Gosier is home to the aquarium of Guadeloupe, the largest aquarium in the Caribbean!

To get the true island experience visit the golden St Anne Beach, a little outside of Le Gosier is perfect tranquil escape. A unique experience Le Gosier offers is the ability to Kayak or swim over to the deserted Ilet du Gosier for snorkeling, and solitude. To soak up some culture, check out the local culture at the Gosier Market and see all the shops!

To Stay, The Hotel Fleur d’Epee offers an amazing value. Booking through their website will promise you the best rates starting at as low as 110 Euros per night! The price isn’t the only reason to stay here, the facility has two restaurants, a bar and so many activities! Jet skiing, paddle boarding, diving, as well as musical and cultural activities and entertainment.

The Caribbean is one of my favorite places to visit and you really can’t go wrong with any of these islands. So if you’re itching for some island fun, it’s absolutely possible to plan an affordable Caribbean island getaway.