Many people have a dream of embarking on a tropical island getaway, complete with velvety white sand, refreshing waves, and towering palm trees. Whether you desire to laze on the beach and sip cocktails or explore the rainforest and ride the waves in the ocean, island vacations can appeal to just about anyone.
There is a common perception that island vacations are always expensive. However, if you opt to stay in five-star hotels and indulge in luxurious amenities, then yes, islands can be quite costly. But fret not, there are numerous cheap islands out there where you can have an incredible time without breaking the bank.
In addition to choosing affordable island destinations, consider exploring nature for free, staying in budget hostels, doing work exchanges, and savoring local street food to save money. You can also take advantage of budget airlines and travel during the off-season to cut costs on your island getaway.
Top 17 Islands to Visit on an Affordable Getaway
This article will list 17 stunning islands around the world that are actually affordable for travelers. I’ll include a few tips and suggestions for each island on how to save money. So here are 17 cheap islands to explore around the globe!
1. Kauai, Hawaii
Known as “The Garden Isle,” this tropical and wild island of Hawaii is one of the best cheap islands to visit in the USA. During the spring months of March to June, you can find the cheapest flights to Kauai as flight prices tend to drop after the peak winter season. Once you arrive on this lush and stunning island of Kauai, most of the gorgeous natural attractions can be explored without spending a dime. Additionally, consider working in exchange for accommodation in Kauai! You can learn about volunteer tourism and hospitality at this hostel.
2. Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
This tiny island in the Andaman Sea is a must-see destination when island-hopping in Thailand or backpacking in Southeast Asia. Not only is Koh Phi Phi visually stunning, with gentle turquoise waves and rich green tropical cliffs, it is also incredibly affordable. Hostels in Koh Phi Phi cost less than $10 per night. Partying, dining out, and buying souvenirs are all inexpensive, so you don’t have to limit yourself in any way. You can also find cheap boat tours around the islands for as low as $20.
3. Ios, Greece
One of the best cheap islands to visit in Europe is Ios. Greece has many luxurious islands, but Ios is a great option for budget-conscious travelers. Famous for its lively nightlife and parties, Ios is ideal for young backpackers who want to have a great time and party without spending a fortune. There is also amazing hiking and exploration to be done in the hills and forests of the island.
4. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
This small island off the coast of Mexico is only 5 miles long and 1 mile wide, yet it is diverse. You can catch a cheap ferry from Cancun to the island, and spend your days swimming and snorkeling in the coral reefs, exploring the Mayan Ruins, hiking to the lighthouse, and searching for sea turtles and other marine life. You can cover most of the Isla Mujeres on foot, and taxis are relatively inexpensive if you want to travel further. Becoming a volunteer at this hostel can save you even more money.
5. Puerto Rico
Home to rainforests, beaches, and a historic Old Town, Puerto Rico is a fun and family-friendly island destination off the coast of southeast USA. Wander through the colorful colonial buildings of San Juan, hike in the El Yunque Rainforest, or try to see bioluminescent plankton in the water at night (which is quite common around Puerto Rico). There are also many cool volunteer opportunities in Puerto Rico. You can bartend at a Caribbean restaurant, work on a chocolate and coffee farm, or learn about permaculture. Definitely, Puerto Rico is one of the best islands in the Caribbean to visit.
6. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is an island archipelago in the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa. You can either take a short flight or a 2-hour ferry from Tanzania to reach Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar. During your stay, sleep in a hostel for around $10 to $20 per night and enjoy free attractions such as the beaches and forests. Stone Town is a cheap and historical area of the island filled with entertainment and architecture. If you want an exotic getaway in Africa, this is one of the best cheap islands to visit. You can live in Zanzibar for up to three months with almost no expenses, working with children in a PDS school.
7. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Scotland’s islands may not offer the tropical, warm weather island vacation, but they do provide plenty of rugged natural beauty. Just pack sweaters and hiking boots instead of bathing suits and flip flops! You can either rent a car or book a cheap guided tour to explore the Isle of Skye. Once you arrive, most of the attractions are in nature and are free. Be sure to check out interesting rock formations like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. Also, take a look at the Kilt Falls waterfall and the Fairy Pools in the mountains.
8. Turks and Caicos
This archipelago of islands in the Atlantic Ocean is a popular vacation spot from the USA. Many may not realize that it is also one of the best cheap Caribbean islands to visit. With white sand beaches and the calm turquoise ocean, Turks and Caicos embodies that perfect tropical getaway you’ve always dreamed of. There are a few budget hotels on the island, including vacation apartment rentals where you can cook your own food to save money. If you stick to mostly free activities like enjoying the beaches and snorkeling, you can easily visit the island on a budget. Read this article about the safest Caribbean islands before heading to this part of the world.
9. Sri Lanka
Located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Southern India, Sri Lanka is a stunning island. Visit temples and explore the beaches for free, or ride a scenic train through the countryside or tour tea plantations for relatively cheap fees. Sri Lanka also has a few fun work exchanges where you can try to save money on accommodation. You can volunteer as a yoga teacher, a web developer and social media expert, or get involved in permaculture with a local ecotourism project.
10. Utila, Honduras
Utila, an island off Honduras in Central America, is one of the best cheap islands to visit and is also among the top things to do in Honduras. It is renowned for its amazing coral reefs and snorkeling or diving opportunities, all of which can be done at a much lower cost compared to other countries. Stay in hostels and shop at the local markets to further save money and be part of a Permaculture Farm on a Caribbean Island.
11. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
The largest island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc is beautiful and easy to explore on a budget. Hostels are a bit more expensive than in mainland Vietnam, but they are still very affordable. Enjoy the delicious street food and stick to free activities like lounging on Long Beach or visiting the Floating Village Rach Vem.
12. Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is an archipelago of 4 islands off the coast of Africa, although it is a region of Portugal. Portugal is generally an affordable European country to visit, and Madeira is one of the best cheap islands to visit in the area. Travelers flock to Madeira for its diverse landscapes, which include forests, volcanoes, cliffs, beaches, and unique flora and fauna. Here you can hike to your heart’s content without spending a fortune.
13. Bermuda
Located deep in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of eastern USA, Bermuda is a popular island destination for Americans on holiday. Accommodation in Bermuda is not super cheap, but most of the best attractions are free. Exploring the postcard-worthy beaches, hiking to the lighthouse, and sightseeing in colorful Hamilton are ways to enjoy Bermuda without spending a dime. You can also find flights to Bermuda from the USA for only $100 to $200, which is not too bad!
14. Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
This island in Indonesia is not far from Bali, and the boat ride between the two is quite cheap. There are hostels in Gili Trawangan for under $10 per night, and you can easily spend under $10 per day on food. With food, transport, and accommodation costing very little, this is an amazing Southeast Asian island to visit on a budget. You can even become a party promoter at an amazing hostel in Gili Trawandan.
15. Ometepe, Nicaragua
This island is unique because it is not actually in the ocean. Ometepe Island is located in Lake Nicaragua, a lake in Nicaragua surrounded by volcanoes. Travelers visit Ometepe to hike the volcanoes, see waterfalls, and explore the museums and artifacts in the town. Ometepe has a very laid-back vibe and is home to numerous laid-back hostels, eco farms, permaculture projects, and vegan eateries, and even a raw vegan chocolate factory. There are many work exchanges on the island for travelers who want to work for accommodation and have a unique learning experience. In this one, you can learn permaculture by helping a hostel in the garden.
16. Key West, Florida
If you are looking for cheap US islands to visit, look no further than Key West, Florida. This is a great local option if you don’t want to leave the USA, and budget airlines like Spirit have super cheap flights into Florida. If you choose to walk or bike around Key West instead of taking taxis or renting a car, you can also explore the island cheaply. Key West is known for its colorful buildings, its stunning beaches that are perfect for water sports, and its exciting nightlife. Get sailing lessons and give a little help getting a yacht ready for travel in this amazing position for volunteers.
17. Malta
One of the best cheap islands to visit in the Mediterranean, Malta is a historic and multicultural gem of Europe. Located at a crossroads for different empires and cultures, Malta has played a significant role in the history of Europe, northern Africa, and Asia. There are lots of unique landmarks, temples, and monuments, in addition to glorious beaches. To save money and further learn about the culture and lifestyle of Malta, consider one of the work exchanges available on nfcvb. You can learn about beekeeping, practice your art and photography skills, or work in social media or housekeeping with a local business.
I am confident that these volunteer programs will help you save even more money while visiting the islands mentioned here. If you have a suggestion of another incredible cheap island to visit, leave the name in the comments to help other travelers! And always feel free to explore our blog for more budget travel tips.