Discover the Top 18 Cheapest Islands to Visit (Most Affordable!)

Tropical island vacations sound expensive but don’t always have to be unreasonably priced. When you discover the cheapest islands to visit, you can experience the vacation you’ve always dreamed of. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a tropical island vacation; this list of the cheapest islands to visit can help you plan your next trip.

Since you can relax on the beach or swim in the ocean during an island vacation, you always have free activities to enjoy. You can also hike in a rainforest and explore your new surroundings so you don’t miss any aspect of it.

Before you start booking your island vacation, it’s best if you set your budget and assess where you can afford to go. Affordability is often a top concern, and it doesn’t mean you can’t experience your dream trip. These islands are typically the cheapest without limiting your experience.

1. Kauai, Hawaii is one of the Cheapest Islands to Visit

When you’re looking for the cheapest islands to visit, Kauai is one to consider. You can have the best time there, whether you’re going alone, with friends, or with your family. Most natural attractions are free, and others are inexpensive, so you won’t have to spend much money while you’re there.

Consider planning your trip between March and June to save the most on flights. Prices tend to be lower after winter, once the busy travel season ends.

2. Isla Mujeres, Mexico

This island is only five miles long and one mile wide, but it provides an inexpensive opportunity for exploration. When you visit Isla Mujeres, you can swim, snorkel, explore Mayan Ruins, and hike to the lighthouse. You might even glimpse sea turtles and other marine life in the surrounding water if you look closely.

Getting to Isla Mujeres requires taking a ferry or boat, but it’s an inexpensive ride and well worth it for the various activities you can do there.

There isn’t much parking there and the roads are narrow, so it’s not ideal to take a car. Since the island is so small, most of it is walkable, anyway. You can also find an inexpensive taxi if you decide you want a ride.

3. Turks and Caicos, British Overseas Territory

As a popular vacation spot, many people believe Turks and Caicos must be expensive. However, it’s one of the cheapest islands to visit in the Caribbean, and there’s so much you can do while you’re there. You can embrace the white sand beaches and turquoise ocean while making memories, relaxing, and exploring the world on a budget.

Turks and Caicos has budget hotels and vacation apartment rentals, so you can find accommodations without spending a fortune. You can even find places to stay where you cook your meals and save more money. Turks and Caicos also offers free activities like relaxing on the beach, swimming, or snorkeling.

4. Bermuda, Atlantic Ocean is one of the Cheapest Islands to Visit

Bermuda has many free attractions and experiences, making it one of the cheapest islands to visit. You’ll likely pay more to stay here than on other cheap islands, but you can’t beat the many free things to do in Bermuda. Activities and exploration can get expensive on other islands, but that’s not an issue here.

The beaches are beautiful for swimming or relaxing, and you can hike to the lighthouse for an unforgettable view. Other free activities include:

• sightseeing in the local areas
• hiking
• touring the town
• watching the sunset
• and so much more

5. Bali, Indonesia

Bali boasts gorgeous beaches and is one of the cheapest islands to visit on a budget. You can find hostels, guesthouses, and homestays for affordable accommodations. Food is also inexpensive in Bali, and you can sample some for only a few dollars.

Free activities like going to the beach or enjoying a hike in nature offer adventure and fun while keeping your expenses low. You can also visit temples, browse local markets, and watch traditional dance performances to take in the full experience.

6. Zanzibar, Tanzania

You’ll find Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean, about 15 miles from mainland Tanzania. Taking a fairy to Zanzibar takes about two hours, or you can catch a quick flight.

You can stay in inexpensive hostels and enjoy the forests and turquoise beaches for free. Zanzibar also has a historic area that provides cheap entertainment and unforgettable architecture.

7. Jamaica

You might think of high-end resorts when thinking of Jamaica, but there are less expensive options in the area. Guest houses and hostels offer cheap places to stay, and you can eat street food for less than $10 each meal. You can also visit local markets and cook your food to save more money.

Enjoying the water and beaches is free, and you can skip expensive excursions or watersports. Instead, look for inexpensive attractions, including the:

• Bob Marley Museum
• Hope Gardens
• Dunn’s River Falls and Park

8. Boracay, Philippines

Boracay has white-sand beaches and beautiful ocean water contrasted against the landscape of nearby islands. You’ll get the vacation of your dreams while taking in the natural scenery around you. It has cheap hotels and many free or inexpensive activities, including snorkeling, hiking, and relaxing at the beach.

9. Sri Lanka is one of the Cheapest Islands to Visit

Sri Lanka is off the coast of India in the Indian Ocean and is affordable for an island vacation. You can find free activities on the island, like visiting the beach or exploring temples. There are also inexpensive experiences, like riding a train through the countryside to take in the scene or touring tea plantations.

Another reason Sri Lanka is one of the cheapest islands to visit is that you can stay in discounted hotels, hostels, and homestays for inexpensive accommodations. If you buy produce and make your food, it becomes even more affordable.

10. Utila, Honduras

Utila is an affordable island to visit and has plenty of things to do while staying within budget. You can find coral reefs, snorkel, go diving, or find other beach and water activities.

These experiences are less expensive here than in other places, and you can stay in hostels to save more money. There are also local markets where you can shop for food rather than eating out at every meal.

11. Madeira, Portugal

Madeira has breathtaking natural scenery and waterfalls while remaining one of the cheapest islands to visit. You can find inexpensive accommodations and many free activities that encourage an unforgettable experience.

Tourists and locals rave about the delicious cuisine in the area, giving you a good reason to eat something new. While in Maderia, you’ll want to visit seawater pools and the world heritage laurel forest Laurisilva. You can also hike to explore waterfalls, and then swim at Porto Santo Beach.

12. Puerto Rico is one of the Cheapest Islands to Visit

Puerto Rico is an affordable, family-friendly vacation spot that offers plenty of free activities for everyone to do. You’ll find rainforests, beaches, and an unforgettable historic Old Town.

Home rentals are an option for affordable lodging, and you can choose to stay in a walkable city like Old San Juan to avoid renting a car. You can enjoy free activities like embracing the beaches and finding waterfalls. Another way to keep your vacation cheap in Puerto Rico is to eat at small food stalls or restaurants outside of the tourist areas.

13. Aruba, Caribbean Sea

Aruba is in the Caribbean Sea just north of Venezuela. Since it’s a popular tourist destination, you may not have thought it was one of the cheapest islands to visit. However, you can find hotels for affordable prices, and there are plenty of free activities.

You can enjoy white-sand beaches and blue Caribbean waters surrounding the island. Another option is to visit the California Lighthouse to take in the sight of the tallest structure in Aruba.

14. Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas

Grand Bahama Island is the furthest north of all 700 Bahama islands. You can explore the Port Lucaya Marketplace, where you’ll see performances during the day and can join in on dancing for free at night.

Grand Bahama Island boasts white-sand beaches and is home to Lucayan National Park, where you can see Gold Rock Beach. The national park also has one of the largest underwater cave systems.

15. Key West, Florida is one of the Cheapest Islands to Visit

You can find inexpensive flights into Florida and then travel to Key West for a cheap tropical vacation. Exploring the island doesn’t have to be expensive either, especially if you walk or bike to the attractions.

16. Isle of Skye, Scotland

You won’t find a tropical paradise on the Isle of Skye, but you will experience beautiful landscapes. The most popular attractions on this island are natural and free to explore. You can find rock formations, waterfalls, and other sights within the mountains.

You can find cheap hotels in local villages, allowing you to explore the town and nearby attractions. It’s best to rent a car for further exploration as some of the best sights aren’t within walking distance.

Some of the specific sights you should make sure to check out include:

• Old Man of Storr rock formation
• Quiraing rock formation
• Kilt Falls waterfall
• Fairy Pools
• Dunvegan Castle

17. Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

Koh Phi Phi is a tiny island in the Andaman Sea and is cheap to visit. It is surrounded by gentle waves and turquoise waters contrasting with the green tropical plants on the cliffs. You can find hostels for less than 10 USD per night, and eating out is inexpensive.

18. Ios, Greece

While Greece has many islands worth visiting, Ios is the most affordable. You can enjoy the nightlife and parties in the area, hike and explore the forests, and enjoy the beaches and ocean. Ios is popular with young backpackers, and vacationing here often leads to meeting new friends and people you’ll never forget.

Other Ways to Reduce the Cost of an Island Vacation

Choosing one of the cheapest islands to visit is only one way to reduce the cost of your vacation. Other things you can do to save money while making the most of your experience include:

• Finding free nature exploration
• Staying in budget accommodations
• Eating local or making your food
• Going during the off-season
• Flying budget airlines
• Getting creative about transportation in the area

Summary of the Top Cheapest Islands to Visit (Most Affordable!)