Skip the Pricey Resorts—These Cheap Places to Go in the Caribbean Are Better

Introduction

The first time I visited the Caribbean, I made the classic mistake—I booked a stay in a big-name resort, thinking it was the easiest way to experience the islands. Huge mistake. The beaches were packed, the food was overpriced, and every activity came with a ridiculous fee. By the time I left, I felt like I’d seen the inside of a resort more than the actual island.

That’s when I realized: the best cheap places to go in the Caribbean aren’t where the travel brochures tell you to go. The real Caribbean isn’t behind the gates of an all-inclusive—it’s in guesthouses run by locals, meals from roadside food stalls, and public beaches that are just as beautiful as the ones resorts charge you to access.

Since then, I’ve traveled the Caribbean on a budget, skipping the overpriced hotspots and finding places where you can stay for under $80 a night, eat for $5, and swim in crystal-clear water without paying a dime. The best part? The experience feels authentic—no wristbands, no overpriced tourist menus, just real island life.

So if you’re ready to ditch the expensive resorts and find Caribbean destinations where your money actually goes far, here’s where you should go.

What Makes a Caribbean Destination Truly Affordable?

I’ve learned the hard way that not every Caribbean island is budget-friendly. The first time I visited the region, I made the rookie mistake of staying in a resort area, thinking I could still explore on a budget. Big mistake. Everything—from meals to taxis—was priced for tourists, and I found myself paying triple what locals paid for the same things.

That’s when I realized: the best cheap places to go in the Caribbean aren’t necessarily the ones people talk about the most. They’re the islands and towns where:

You can find a clean, comfortable place to sleep for under $80 a night—without being miles from the beach.
Food isn’t marked up just because tourists are around—you’re eating at the same roadside stalls as the locals for $5–$10 a meal.
You’re not paying $100 for a “day pass” to a private beach because public beaches are just as good—and free.
Taxis aren’t your only option, because there’s a cheap and reliable way to get around without spending a fortune.

Here’s how I learned to spot the real budget-friendly destinations in the Caribbean—and avoid the ones that quietly drain your wallet.

1. Affordable Accommodations: Where You Stay Can Make or Break Your Budget

On my first trip to the Caribbean, I thought a “budget” hotel meant anything under $150 a night. That was before I discovered guesthouses and locally run hotels—where you can stay for as little as $40–$80 a night in some of the best cheap places to go in the Caribbean.

I’ve found the best deals in places like:

Puerto Rico (outside San Juan) – Instead of spending $200+ per night in the capital, I stayed in Aguadilla for $65 a night, right near the beach.
Dominican Republic (outside Punta Cana) – I skipped the all-inclusives and found a family-run guesthouse in Las Terrenas for $45 a night.
Grenada – A basic but comfortable eco-lodge near Grand Anse Beach for $55 a night.

The trick? Stay where locals stay. Skip big-name hotels, and instead look for guesthouses, small inns, and Airbnbs that aren’t run by investors jacking up prices.

2. Food: The Difference Between a $40 Meal and a $5 Feast

The first time I visited Nassau, I made the mistake of eating near the cruise port. I paid $38 for a plate of grilled fish—good, but not $38 good. Later that day, a local pointed me toward a small shack near Arawak Cay, where I got the same grilled fish for $10. Lesson learned.

Here’s how I eat cheap and well in the Caribbean:

In the Dominican Republic, I go to "comedores"—local lunch spots where you can get a full plate of rice, beans, and chicken for $5–$7.
In Puerto Rico, I stop at roadside lechoneras—whole roast pork, plantains, and rice for $8–$12.
In Grenada and St. Vincent, I grab a roti—Caribbean-style stuffed flatbread filled with chicken or veggies for $3–$5.
In Jamaica, I skip resort restaurants and eat at jerk stands—a huge plate of jerk chicken, rice, and festival (fried dough) for $8–$10.

If you’re eating at a place with a wine list and white tablecloths, you’re paying tourist prices. If you’re standing in line with locals at a roadside stall, you’re doing it right.

3. Free (or Dirt Cheap) Things to Do

I’ve met people who spend $100+ per day on excursions in the Caribbean. Me? I’ve hiked through lush rainforests, snorkeled in crystal-clear waters, and relaxed on world-class beaches—all for free.

Some of the best cheap places to go in the Caribbean offer plenty of free or low-cost activities, like:

Hiking El Yunque Rainforest in Puerto Rico – One of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever done, completely free.
Swimming at Playa Kenepa in Curaçao – A stunning, secluded beach with zero entrance fees.
Snorkeling in Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park – $10 if you have your own gear, compared to overpriced boat tours.
Hiking the Pitons in St. Lucia – Okay, it’s not free, but at $15 for the trail pass, it’s way cheaper than a guided tour.

The lesson? You don’t need to book expensive tours. If you do your research, many of the best Caribbean experiences cost little to nothing.

4. Avoiding the Taxi Scam: How to Get Around for Cheap

The biggest rip-off in the Caribbean? Taxis. On my first trip to St. Lucia, I paid $40 for a 15-minute taxi ride from the airport because I didn’t know any better. That was the last time I let that happen.

Here’s what I do now:

Public transport is your friend. In Puerto Rico, Grenada, and the Dominican Republic, shared minibuses cost $1–$3 per ride.
Renting a car is sometimes cheaper. In Curaçao and Puerto Rico, car rentals start at $25 per day—way cheaper than taking taxis everywhere.
Walk whenever possible. Some of the best cheap places to go in the Caribbean (like Old San Juan, Willemstad, and St. George’s) are small enough that you don’t need transport at all.

The moment you step off a plane, someone will try to convince you that you need a taxi. You don’t.

The Best Cheap Places to Go in the Caribbean

After traveling through the Caribbean on a budget, I’ve learned that some islands are designed for tourists with deep pockets, while others actually cater to travelers looking for value. The trick is knowing where to go.

The destinations below aren’t just the cheapest places to go in the Caribbean—they’re the ones where you can experience stunning beaches, local culture, and adventure without constantly pulling out your wallet.

1. Dominican Republic (Skip Punta Cana, Head to Puerto Plata or Las Terrenas)

The Dominican Republic is often seen as an all-inclusive resort hub, but there’s an affordable side to the country if you know where to look. Skip the overpriced resorts in Punta Cana, and head instead to Puerto Plata or Las Terrenas, where prices are lower and the experience is more authentic.

Why it’s affordable: Local guesthouses start at $30–$60 per night, and full meals at "comedores" (local diners) cost as little as $5.
What to do for free or cheap:
- Walk along Playa Sosúa or Playa Grande—gorgeous, public beaches with no entrance fees.
- Take a $2 moto-taxi ride to Damajagua Waterfalls, where entrance is only $10.
- Stroll through Puerto Plata’s colorful colonial district for free.
Best time to visit: Avoid winter (peak season); go in May–June or September–November for lower prices.

2. Puerto Rico (Ditch San Juan, Explore Aguadilla & Ponce)

Puerto Rico isn’t always cheap, but it can be if you avoid the resort-heavy areas. Instead of spending a fortune in San Juan, head to Aguadilla, Ponce, or Rincon, where accommodations and food are much cheaper.

Why it’s affordable: You can find Airbnbs for $50–$80 per night, and eat local dishes like mofongo or empanadas for under $10.
What to do for free or cheap:
- Swim at Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla—one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico, and completely free.
- Hike El Yunque Rainforest—no entrance fee required.
- Take a $2 ferry to Culebra Island, home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (Flamenco Beach).
Best time to visit: September–November (hurricane season, but prices are at their lowest).

3. Grenada – The Caribbean’s Best-Kept Budget Secret

Grenada is often overlooked in favor of more touristy islands, but it’s one of the most affordable destinations in the Caribbean. You won’t find massive resorts here—just laid-back beaches, local food stalls, and budget-friendly guesthouses.

Why it’s affordable: Local guesthouses cost $40–$80 per night, and street food (like rotis and oil down, Grenada’s national dish) costs $5–$8 per meal.
What to do for free or cheap:
- Visit Grand Anse Beach—one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with no entry fees.
- Hike to Annandale Falls—a stunning waterfall, free to access.
- Take a $1 local minibus instead of expensive taxis.
Best time to visit: April–June, when hotels are at their cheapest.

4. Honduras (The Bay Islands – Roatán & Utila)

Honduras isn’t usually the first place people think of when planning a Caribbean trip, but the Bay Islands (Roatán and Utila) are some of the cheapest Caribbean destinations—especially if you love diving.

Why it’s affordable: Hostels in Utila start at $15 per night, and scuba diving is some of the cheapest in the world (as low as $25 per dive).
What to do for free or cheap:
- Snorkel off the coast of West Bay Beach in Roatán—clear waters, no entrance fees.
- Hike to Pumpkin Hill in Utila for amazing views—completely free.
- Take a $3 ferry between the islands instead of booking an expensive tour.
Best time to visit: March–June for the best deals.

5. Guadeloupe – Affordable French Caribbean

Guadeloupe offers the beauty of the French Caribbean without the insane prices of St. Barts or Martinique. It’s also one of the easiest places to get around cheaply, thanks to its great public transport system.

Why it’s affordable: Budget hotels and guesthouses cost $50–$80 per night, and street food (like bokit sandwiches) costs around $5.
What to do for free or cheap:
- Visit Plage de la Caravelle—one of Guadeloupe’s best beaches, completely free.
- Take a $5 ferry to the small island of Les Saintes instead of an expensive boat tour.
- Hike to the top of La Soufrière volcano—free entry, incredible views.
Best time to visit: May–June or September–November for the lowest prices.

6. Jamaica (Skip Montego Bay & Ocho Rios, Head to Port Antonio)

Jamaica is famous for its all-inclusive resorts, but if you avoid the touristy areas, it’s actually one of the cheapest places to go in the Caribbean.

Why it’s affordable: Guesthouses in Port Antonio cost $40–$70 per night, and local cookshops serve full meals for $5–$10.
What to do for free or cheap:
- Swim at Frenchman’s Cove—$10 entry, but one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
- Hike the Blue Mountains—no expensive tour needed.
- Eat at local jerk stands instead of overpriced resort restaurants.
Best time to visit: May–June or September–November for lower accommodation prices.

7. Curaçao – More Affordable Than Aruba

Aruba is expensive, but Curaçao offers the same clear waters, Dutch Caribbean vibes, and colorful architecture—without the high prices.

Why it’s affordable: Airbnbs in Willemstad start at $50–$80 per night, and public minibuses cost just $2 per ride.
What to do for free or cheap:
- Snorkel at Playa Kenepa—a postcard-perfect beach with zero entrance fees.
- Explore Willemstad’s historic district—colorful Dutch-style buildings, free to walk around.
- Rent a car for $25 per day instead of relying on expensive taxis.
Best time to visit: September–November for the best deals.

Overrated & Overpriced: Caribbean Tourist Traps to Avoid

Not every Caribbean destination is budget-friendly. Some places look incredible in photos but will drain your wallet the moment you land. Whether it’s overpriced resorts, inflated food prices, or tourist fees on everything, these are the worst places for budget travelers.

1. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – The All-Inclusive Tourist Bubble

Punta Cana is marketed as an affordable Caribbean destination, but unless you’re staying in an all-inclusive resort, it’s one of the worst places for budget travelers.

Why it’s overrated: Almost everything—food, taxis, and activities—is priced for resort tourists. Try to eat outside your hotel? You’ll find inflated prices and limited options.
Hidden costs:
- Resorts charge extra fees for basic amenities (like Wi-Fi or beach access).
- Public transport is almost nonexistent—forcing you into overpriced taxis.
- Beaches near resorts are often blocked off or controlled by hotels.
Better alternative: Skip Punta Cana and go to Puerto Plata, Las Terrenas, or Santo Domingo, where food and accommodations are half the price.

2. Nassau, Bahamas – Overpriced and Overcrowded

Nassau looks like a dream in photos, but step off the cruise ship, and you’ll find a tourist trap designed to make you spend.

Why it’s overrated: Everything—from food to taxis—is marked up for tourists, and the city is packed with cruise passengers almost every day.
Hidden costs:
- Beaches like Cabbage Beach charge entrance fees unless you’re staying at a resort.
- Local restaurants charge $20–$40 per meal, even for simple dishes.
- Transportation is a rip-off: A 15-minute taxi ride can cost $40+.
Better alternative: Instead of Nassau, head to Exuma or Eleuthera—quieter islands with stunning beaches and better local prices.

3. Grand Cayman – A Playground for the Ultra-Rich

Grand Cayman is one of the most expensive islands in the Caribbean, with almost no budget-friendly options.

Why it’s overrated:
- Hotels start at $250+ per night—even for basic rooms.
- Restaurants charge $25–$50 per meal, making it one of the priciest places to eat in the Caribbean.
- Beachfront access is often controlled by luxury resorts.
Better alternative: If you want that white-sand beach, crystal-clear water experience without insane prices, head to Curaçao or Roatán.

4. St. Barts – For Millionaires, Not Budget Travelers

St. Barts is beautiful, but it’s not a place for budget-conscious travelers. Unless you’re comfortable paying $500+ per night for a hotel, skip it.

Why it’s overrated:
- Food, hotels, and transport are priced for the ultra-wealthy.
- Even budget accommodations start at $200+ per night.
- Car rentals start at $80 per day, and taxis are even worse.
Better alternative: If you want a French-Caribbean experience on a budget, go to Guadeloupe or Martinique.

5. Aruba – Beautiful but Expensive

Aruba’s beaches are incredible, but it’s one of the most expensive islands in the Caribbean.

Why it’s overrated:
- Hotels and resorts charge $200+ per night, even for mid-range stays.
- Food is expensive, with many restaurants charging $20–$50 per meal.
- Taxis are absurdly overpriced, and public transport is limited.
Better alternative: Skip Aruba and visit Curaçao—similar beaches, Dutch Caribbean vibes, but cheaper accommodations and food.

Budget Travel Tips for the Caribbean

Even if you pick the cheapest places to go in the Caribbean, costs can add up quickly if you don’t plan wisely. Flights, accommodations, and food can easily eat through your budget—unless you know how to cut costs without sacrificing the experience.

1. Find the Cheapest Flights to the Caribbean

Flights are often the biggest expense when visiting the Caribbean, but there are ways to score affordable tickets.

Use budget airlines. Frontier, Spirit, and JetBlue often have round-trip fares to the Caribbean for under $200 from major U.S. cities.
Book during off-season. The cheapest time to fly is September to early December and May to early June—prices can be 30–50% lower than peak season.
Check flights to San Juan (Puerto Rico) first. Since it’s a U.S. territory, flights are often cheaper than to other Caribbean islands—from there, you can take a budget airline like LIAT or Caribbean Airlines to hop to other islands.
Be flexible with your airport. If flights to Aruba or St. Lucia are too expensive, check nearby islands—for example, flying into the Dominican Republic and taking a ferry to Puerto Rico can be cheaper than a direct flight.

2. Choose the Right Accommodations (Hotels Aren’t Always the Best Deal)

Where you stay can make or break your budget. Resorts and chain hotels jack up prices, but there are better options:

Guesthouses & locally owned inns – In places like Grenada, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, you can find comfortable rooms for $40–$80 per night in guesthouses.
University dorm rentals – Some islands (like Puerto Rico and Barbados) rent out university dorms to tourists during summer, often for $30–$50 per night.
Airbnb & eco-lodges – In places like Curaçao and Guadeloupe, eco-lodges and Airbnbs are often cheaper than hotels.
Hostels & budget hotels – In Honduras (Utila), Guadeloupe, and the Dominican Republic, hostels start at $15–$30 per night.

3. Eat Like a Local (Not a Tourist)

Resort restaurants and touristy beachfront cafés overcharge for basic meals. The best budget-friendly meals are found where the locals eat.

Go to street food stalls & local cookshops.
- Jamaica: Jerk chicken + rice for $5–$10
- Grenada & St. Vincent: Rotis (stuffed flatbread) for $3–$5
- Puerto Rico: Empanadas for $2–$3
Skip restaurants that list prices in USD. If a menu is only in U.S. dollars, it’s targeting tourists.
Visit local markets. Many islands have affordable food markets where you can grab fresh fruit, seafood, and local snacks for cheap.

4. Get Around Without Overpaying for Taxis

Taxis in the Caribbean are often ridiculously expensive. Many drivers charge tourists double or triple what locals pay. Here’s how to avoid the rip-offs:

Use public transport whenever possible.
- Dominican Republic: "Carros públicos" (shared taxis) cost $1–$3 per ride.
- Puerto Rico: Local buses cost 75 cents to $2.
- Grenada: Mini-buses cost $1 per ride.
Rent a car (but only in budget-friendly locations). In places like Curaçao or Puerto Rico, car rentals cost $25–$40 per day—cheaper than taking taxis everywhere.
Use ferries instead of private boat tours. In Guadeloupe, the Dominican Republic, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines, ferries between islands cost as little as $5–$15.

5. Take Advantage of Free and Cheap Activities

The best experiences in the Caribbean don’t require expensive excursions.

Public beaches – Some islands charge for beach access, but places like Puerto Rico, Curaçao, and Grenada have stunning free beaches.
Hiking & waterfalls – Many islands have free trails leading to breathtaking waterfalls (like Annandale Falls in Grenada or El Yunque in Puerto Rico).
Historic sites & local markets – Walking around old colonial towns (like Willemstad, Old San Juan, or St. George’s) costs nothing but gives you a real taste of the island’s culture.
Free festivals & street parties – Many islands have free cultural events, street carnivals, and live music nights—especially during Carnival season.

Final Thoughts

Most people think the Caribbean is only for luxury travelers, but that’s just good marketing. The truth is, there are plenty of cheap places to go in the Caribbean—you just have to skip the overpriced tourist traps and go where your money stretches further.

Stick to budget-friendly islands like Grenada, Puerto Rico (outside San Juan), Honduras (Utila & Roatán), Guadeloupe, and the Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata & Las Terrenas) to enjoy the Caribbean without going broke.

With the right planning—affordable flights, local guesthouses, public transport, and street food—you can experience paradise without draining your wallet.