Wondering whether a trip to a marvellous island is achievable by spending just a few bucks?
Well, visiting island destinations is usually more expensive than touring a city. However, many travellers don’t realize that a budget-friendly island vacation doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
There are many stunning and affordable islands worldwide that you can travel to without emptying your wallet. This list of low-cost vacation spots has been created to help budget travellers find some of the best and cheapest island vacation destinations available worldwide.
After all, what’s more, satisfying than exploring a beautiful island budget-friendly way? So let’s dive right into it!
Aruba, the Caribbean Island
Aruba- a beautiful island country in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea, is a no-miss for budget travellers.
It’s best known for its dazzling white beaches. It offers fascinating desert-like landscapes, colourful architecture and vibrant art to explore. Budget-friendly travellers should definitely check out this natural beauty!
In Aruba, many hotels are located on the beach, but staying in a vacation rental is a good alternative.
These are cheap islands: Renaissance Island, Eagle Beach, Aruba Aloe Factory, Museum and Store, The Butterfly Farm, and De Palm Island.
Best time to visit – Anytime; weather is consistently warm all year round. The best time to visit is between December and March when sunshine and temperatures are at their best and rainfall is lowest.
Bali island getaway
We all know there’s no other pretty place like Bali in this world. It’s best known for stunning clear water and the most beautiful beaches, great diving spots, and humongous waterfalls. Bali is aptly rated as one of the best travel destinations in the world by multiple websites.
Cheap islands to visit for: Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, Daytrip to the Rice Fields, temples Tirta Empul or Goa Gaja, Traditional Dance performance in Ubud, FINNS Beach Club or La Brisa, Visit the Artist Villages of Mas or Celuk, Climb Mount Batur, join for an e-bike tour through the villages and highlands of Bali.
Best times to visit: May, June, September.
Gili Islands, Indonesia
A superb natural beauty!
These are surely one of the most breathtaking destinations in Indonesia. Gili Islands offer pristine white sands, turquoise seas filled with turtles, coral gardens, and pockets of lush palm trees stringing along the coast. The locals here are super friendly, and they always warmly welcome tourists.
There are three islands, among which Gili Trawangan is the largest and most popular. Its happening nightlife keeps the tourists entertained once the sun goes down.
These are cheap islands to visit: tropical coral gardens, amazing dive spots, and abundant fish and sea turtles.
Best time to visit: from June to early-October
Cozumel, Mexico’s best coral reefs
Cozumel is a beautiful and colourful island located in the Caribbean Sea. It is world-renowned for its scuba diving and proximity to numerous top dive sites. The Mesoamerican reef system in Cozumel is the second-largest reef system in the world. It offers its vibrant coral and sea life tour with incredible visibility.
Tourists like to visit this island primarily for cheap attractions at beaches and water recreation.
These are Cheap islands to visit: Punta Sur Ecological Park, Diving Sport, Fishing, Snorkeling, Experiencing Buccanos, and Visiting The Wild East Side.
The best time to visit is from March to June when the island enjoys daytime highs around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures in the mid-70s. Or visit at any other time for off-peak season.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean nation that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.
The Dominican Republic is famous for its beautiful beaches, Spanish Colonial architecture, all-inclusive resorts, nightlife, and sailing tours.
These are Cheap islands to visit: Santo Domingo city, Jarabacoa Eco-Tourism scene, The Roman Catholic Basilica de Nuestra Senora, Punta Cana, Damajaqua Cascades, Waterfalls, Catamaran Boat Tours, Puerto Plata resort destination, Playa Dorada Beach Destination, Lake Enriquillo – a saltwater lake with flamingos.
The best time to visit is between December and March, when the temperature is at its best and the rainy season is not around.
Corn Islands, Nicaragua
The Corn Islands in Nicaragua are a must-visit place for the Caribbeans.
Great Corn is larger, and the Creole population lives in colourful wooden houses.
Little Corn, a small island, is an untouched paradise. This jungle jewel attracts more tourists; many tourists travel to the larger island and head directly to the Little Corn.
Myriad dining options attract visitors, creatively realized beachside cabañas, plenty of cheap hostels and even a luxury resort. Little Corn also provides diverse dive sites.
These are Cheap islands to visit: Corn Island Dive Center, Stand Up Paddle Corn Islands, Anahata Massage & Yoga, Nautilus Dive, Nautilus corn island, local baseball games, Southwest Bay and Long Bay Beach.
The best time to visit: is between November and May — the dry season in Nicaragua to enjoy your island getaway fully. You’ll see plenty of sunny days, and you may experience a tropical shower along the Caribbean coastline.
Koh Lanta, Thailand
Koh Lanta is a true slice of heaven!
Koh Lanta in Thailand is a magical blend of nature, weather, culture, culinary delights, nightlife, and culinary delights under a budget.
Koh Lanta is a cluster of 52 islands, mostly uninhabited. It’s located in the Andaman Sea between Phi Phi Islands and Thailand’s west coast.
Koh Lanta’s main island is a great place to have fun; moreover, it provides a great base to explore nearby islands on a day trip. Popular day trips are available to islands at Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi, and the Viking Cave.
These are Cheap islands to visit: Khlong Chak Waterfall, Koh Lanta Caves, Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Koh Lanta, Butterfly Farm, Muay Thai Match, and Thai Massage.
Best time to visit: December, January, and February are suitable months for an ideal tropical vacation.
Palawan, Philipines
The island of Palawan is “every beach lover’s dream destination.”
Palawan is known for its crystal blue waters and offers some fantastic diving spots. Both local and international tourists admire it for its breathtaking scenery.
Palawan has natural reserves on both land and sea. It is home to marine gardens of giant clams, sea turtles nesting on white-sand beaches, lush palm forest and hundreds of species of butterflies.
These are Cheap islands to visit: Scuba Diving in El Nido, Ugong Rock Adventures, Island Hop in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City Tour, Eat Tamilok, Visit Port Barton, Baker’s Hill, and Tabon Caves.
Best time to visit: December to May
Langkawi, Malaysia
From rainforest trekking to cave excursions or endless shopping trips into the city, Langkawi offers many interesting sights to explore. Langkawi is located in Malaysia, with some amazing diving sites and gold beaches at the cheapest rates.
Langkawis is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andan Sea’s center. Langkawi offers a variety of activities, beaches, and affordable accommodations throughout the year. Main Langkawi island in Malaysia is famous for its picturesque paddy fields and jungle-clad hills.
Langkawi is home to an abundance of extraordinary wildlife comprising numerous bird species and an assortment of monkeys.
These are Cheap islands to visit for: Panorama Langkawi SkyCab, Langkawi Sky Bridge, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, Cenang Beach, Tanjung Rhu Beach.
The best time to visit: is between the months of November and March. The weather in these months is cool and dry on this stunning island of Langkawi. For higher savings, you can visit Langkawi during the rainy season in September and October, as prices drop by 50 percent.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang region was a backpacking refuge for many years, showing how cheap the country’s tour is. To save money, noodles can easily and cheaply be purchased at street food outlets.
December and January attract tourists due to dry and warm weather and comfortable temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. Arrive anytime you want; this place will offer fewer crowds and less expensive tickets.
These are Cheap islands to visit: Royal Palace Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls, Mount Phousi, Wat Chom Si, Pak Ou Caves, Tad Sae Waterfalls, and Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden.
The best time to visit is from November to March, when the weather is comfortably dry with pleasant average temperatures.
Hoi An, Vietnam
If you are looking for cheap romantic tropical vacation destinations, the charming little village of Hoi An provides many good options. The place offers privacy and romance on a budget. It’s still so off-the-beaten-track that there’s not much crowd to disturb your peaceful vacation.
The historic trade town of Hoi An has buildings dating back 15 centuries, which can easily be reached by foot. A variety of hotels provide upscale amenities but are extremely inexpensive and easy to find.
These are Cheap islands to visit: An Bang Beach, Cua Dai Beach, Phung Hung House, Hoi An Ancient Town, Fukien Assembly, and Quan Kong Temple.
Best time to visit: from late February to April. This period is characterized by dry weather and mild temperatures on tropical islands. The average temperatures can range from 20°C to 28°C.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Ko Samui is Thailand’s second largest island, and this beautiful island lies in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s a treasure trove of palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense mountainous rainforest. Plus, it offers luxury resorts and posh spas.
Thailand offers some of the lowest-priced tropical islands to visit. Ko Samui is definitely worth a visit for a budget-friendly island vacation.
These are Cheap islands to visit: Secret Buddha Garden, Paradise Park Farm, Chaweng Beach, Samui Elephant Sanctuary, Snorkeling And Scuba Diving, Kitesurfing, Sea Kayaking, Swimming · Elephant Trekking · Off-Roading · Go Karting.
The best time to visit is the dry season, from December to February.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Puerto Escondido is a marvellous blend of pristine beaches, wildlife and natural beauty. Puerto Escondido is a must-visit place when looking for the best budget-friendly islands.
Puerto Escondido offers everything from luxury hotels and guesthouses to inexpensive accommodations.
Puerto Escondido is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Mexico. It’s an excellent place for surfing, and the beaches with less current are perfect for snorkelling too.
These are Cheap islands to visit for: Playa Zicatela, Laguna Manialtepec, Playa Carrizalillo, Playa Bacocho, Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua, La Reforma Waterfall.
Best time to visit: The winter and dry seasons run from November to March. These are the most recommended months to visit the stunning beaches. The temperature over here is comfortable, the rains do not bother, and there is still no significant presence of bugs.
Koh Rong, Cambodia
Although the majority of tourist visit this place for Angkor Wat’s temples, the country also offers plenty of outdoor activities. The rugged natural beauty and the coastal town of Koh Rong are definitely worth visiting. It’s a very affordable destination with cheap accommodation for all beach lovers. Koh Rong offers endless sandy beaches surrounded by coral reefs.
You can spot diverse marine life, including plenty of tropical fish.
These are Cheap islands to visit for Zip Line through the Jungle, Sun Bathe on White Beach, Diving, Boat Trip, High Point adventure park, Kayaking and paddleboarding, Long Set Beach, Sok San Beach, Coconut Beach, and Jungle zoo.
The best time to visit is between mid-November and the start of May. You’ll have beautiful hot days with very little cloud and low humidity during these months.
Costa Rica
With its astonishing pictures of exotic flora and fauna, world-class beaches and steaming volcanoes, Costa Rica’s natural beauty attracts tourists like a magnet.
Costa Rica is a rainforest-rich country in Central America with coastlines touching Caribbean islands and the Pacific ocean.
Costa Rica is a well-known cheap island getaway for its beaches, biodiversity and volcanoes.
These are Cheap islands to visit: Arenal Volcano National Park & La Fortuna, National Parks & Drake Bay, Tamarindo, Playa Langos, La Paz Waterfall, Gardens Nature Park, Tabacón Hot Springs, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo Beach, Monteverde.
Best time to visit: between December and April, when the weather in Costa Rica is at its driest and brightest. July and August have a rainy season but offer even fewer visitors and slightly lower prices.
Affordable Islands in Europe
Ios Greece
In the area of beautiful blue waters and stunning seaside villages, you will find a European island holiday inexpensively at Ios, Greece.
One of the best cheap islands to visit in Europe is the island of Ios. Greece has plenty of luxurious islands, but Ios is a great option for budget travellers.
Ios is famous for its nightlife and parties. So, Ios should be your go-to place if you want to party without spending a fortune.
These are Cheap islands to visit: Panagia Gremiotissa, Windmills, Archaeological Museum, Venetian Castle, Lighthouse, Cathedral Church.
Best time to visit: The Greek islands of Ios are at their best from late April to early November, but for swimming, sun, and beach time, the best time is from late May to early October.
Malta – a hidden gem of cheap islands to visit
One of the best cheap islands to visit in the Mediterranean, Malta is a historical and multicultural gem of Europe. Along with mesmerizing beaches, this place offers many unique temples and monuments.
These are Cheap islands to visit: St. John’s Co-Cathedral Vittoriosa Waterfront, Birgu Waterfront, Spinola Bay, Valletta Ferry Services, Mellieha Bay, The Citadella, Hypogeum, Blue Lagoon Bay, and Golden Bay.
Best time to visit: the off-season months of May, September, and October are most suitable.
Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a beautiful British Overseas Territory present in the southeast of the Bahamas.
Many tourists from the USA visit this archipelago of islands in the Atlantic Ocean.
Turks and Caicos are among the best yet cheap Caribbean islands to visit. With white sand beaches and the calm turquoise ocean, it embodies that perfect tropical getaway you’ve always dreamed of.
If you stick to mostly free activities like enjoying the beaches and snorkelling, you can easily enjoy this beautiful island getaway within a low budget.
These are Cheap islands to visit: Taylor Bay Beach, Governor’s Beach, Smith’s Reef, Chalk Sound, Thursday Fish Fry, Gibbs Cay Grace Bay, Providenciales, and Diving & Snorkeling.
The best time to visit is February, March and April, making it the perfect spring break getaway for families with younger kids. May, June and July are good months to visit these Islands for a beach vacation. The busiest month for a beach vacation is December, especially during the holidays.
Sri Lanka
The stunning island nation of Sri Lanka is located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Southern India. Here you can visit temples and explore the gorgeous beaches for free. Or you can
This big island provides an affordable, scenic train ride through the countryside and the tour of tea plantations also comes at a relatively cheap fee.
To save money on accommodation and visa, you can participate in Sri Lanka’s fun work exchanges comprising jobs like a yoga teacher, web developer or volunteer.
These are Cheap islands to visit: Colombo Lotus Tower, Sri Lanka National Museum, Pinnawalla ZooThe Dambulla Cave Temple, Yala National Park, Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Galle Fort.
Best time to visit: During the months of December to April, to experience a beautiful hot and dry climate. During the months of December to April, Sri Lanka experiences a beautiful hot and dry climate. With ample sunshine, clear blue skies and no rains, this period is considered the best climate to visit Sri Lanka in.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Palm trees, white sand beaches, and eco-tourism are all the best reasons to explore the islands of Andaman and Nicobar, India.
From scuba diving and snorkelling to making sand castles on the beaches, the tropical island is an affordable dream destination for all families.
These are Cheap islands to visit: Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, Neil Island, Kalapani Jail, Viper Island, Chidiya Tapu Beach, Mount Harriet National Park, Diving, snorkelling, swimming, and basking on the picturesque jungle-backed beaches.
Best time to visit: between October and May is the best time to visit Andaman & Nicobar Islands as the weather is pleasant, just perfect for sightseeing, water sports, and beach excursion. Months from July to September are not recommended because of the high tidal waves, incessant rains and strong winds.
Each of these cheap islands is definitely worth a hop for all the budget travellers out there.
So, sit back, and choose from our exclusive list of budget-friendly destinations for a cheap island getaway without burning a hole in your pocket.
Happy Journey!
If you have a suggestion of any other incredibly cheap islands to visit, drop us a comment!
Last Updated on by Laveleena Sharma