7 Best Cheap Caribbean Vacations

In spite of inflation, Americans still want to get away to a tropical paradise. Enter: A cheap Caribbean vacation, perfect for couples or families. GOBankingRates chatted with travel agents and scoured online reviews to find some of the best locales, cruises and resorts for a cheap Caribbean vacation.

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7 Best Cheap Caribbean Vacations

Jane Freund, travel agent at Jumping in Postcards and co-author of the book Digital Nomad Moms, recommended booking during the shoulder season — late spring and fall — to find the best prices.

However, be aware that the fall also brings hurricane season, so it may be safer to travel at other times. Alternatively, Freund suggested, choose locations in the southern Caribbean. “Places like Aruba and Curacao are not in the hurricane belt, so you can still find better prices during shoulder season, but not worry as much about storms,” she said.

With that in mind, consider these cheap Caribbean vacations for your next getaway:

1. San Juan, Puerto Rico — The Escape San Juan

2. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic — Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro

3. MSC Cruises — The Caribbean and Bahamas

4. Martinique — Club Med Les Boucaniers

5. Grenada — Royalton Grenada Resort

6. Curacao — Sunscape Curacao Resort

7. Jamaica — Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall

San Juan, Puerto Rico — The Escape San Juan

One of the priciest elements of a Caribbean vacation is the airfare. With that in mind, nearby Puerto Rico tops the list of the best cheap Caribbean vacations, with affordable direct flights from many major U.S. airports, according to our experts.

The Escape San Juan, rated No. 1 on TripAdvisor, is a beachfront hostel that puts you in the center of the action, whether you’re looking for surfing or relaxing on the sand.

Make sure to check out El Morro, a six-story fortress originally designed to withstand attacks from the sea and now a top tourist attraction on the island. Entry is only $10 for adults, and free for kids 15 and under.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic — Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro

Freund said, “I’m sending a lot of my clients to the Dominican Republic,” due to an abundance of direct flights to Punta Cana and low-cost airfare. The Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro is a renowned, all-inclusive family-friendly resort that offers plenty to do. It includes two pools, three restaurants, four bars and a water park for the kids. Every traveler receives a free hour of watersports each day and diving lessons in the pool –based on availability.

MSC Cruises — The Caribbean and Bahamas

If your getaway involves an all-inclusive on the water, Freund recommended MSC Cruises for their excellent value and low prices. “It feels very high-end and luxury, but they have the cheapest prices right now. They have become my go-to.” She said to make sure to ask for a free balcony upgrade — or work with a travel agent who can ensure all the perks are included for you.

MSC Cruises include travel from Miami to Ocean Cay and Nassau in the Bahamas, along with many other options. You can choose a package that includes drinks and Wi-Fi, plus an onboard credit to spend on your trip.

Martinique — Club Med Les Boucaniers

Club Med is well known as an all-inclusive resort for island lovers. Rated No. 1 by TripAdvisor and winner of a Traveler’s Choice designation, Club Med Les Boucaniers in Martinique is touted as a “warm winter getaway.” Find Creole culture, watersports and gorgeous white-sand beaches, all for less than you might pay on other Caribbean islands.

If you venture outside the resort, check out free attractions like Les Salines Beach, the world-famous, strip of beach lined by a coconut grove, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Grenada — Royalton Grenada Resort

For savvy travelers, the Autograph Collection of hotels by Marriott Bonvoy represents luxury and distinction at a tremendous value. Rated in the top five for “resorts in Granada” on TripAdvisor, the Royalton Grenada sits on Tamarind Bay, offering travelers luxury and convenience in one — not to mention reasonable prices for a Caribbean vacation. Guests enjoy 24-hour room service, unlimited ala carte dining, spa treatments and more.

Curacao — Sunscape Curacao Resort

Curacao is not often considered one of the cheapest of the Caribbean Islands to visit, but its wealth of free activities more than makeup for the cost of getting there. Plus, as Freund pointed out, it’s largely sheltered from hurricanes, yet you can still snag deals during the shoulder season.

Wander the port city of Willemstad, where Old World European charm meets a tropical paradise. Then spend the rest of your days on the white sand beaches. Experience sea life like you’ve never imagined on a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure.

Choose a resort, like Sunscape Curacao Resort, Spa and Casino, that puts you in the center of the action near the city and the beach. Plus, it’s close to two airports, making ground transportation after you land a breeze.

Jamaica — Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall

Freund said she often recommends an old favorite, Jamaica, for those seeking a cheap Caribbean getaway. All-inclusive chain hotels often provide the best value for your money. For instance, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall was rated a top-value all-inclusive resort in Jamaica by TripAdvisor.

Relax or party on the Moroccan-themed rooftop lounge, swim in the resort’s multiple pools and wind down in the evening at a beachfront firepit. For more adult accommodations, consider the sister property, Hyatt Zilara, one of the best values in Jamaica according to Trip Advisor.

Final Note

Now’s the time to start planning the perfect Caribbean vacation for next spring or book a last-minute trip to get away this fall. The options above deliver more bang for your buck. Remember, every vacation is what you make of it, and you don’t have to spend a lot to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Information is accurate as of Oct. 11, 2023. 

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Best Cheap Caribbean Vacations