Have you ever wanted to go on an island vacation but didn’t cause island vacations are usually expensive? Well, you’ve been lied to.

If you choose to stay in five-star hotels and treat yourself to expensive luxury, then island vacations are expensive.

But if you don’t mind letting go of your luxurious dreams, there are various cheap islands that you could visit for the best vacation.

These islands have beautiful beaches, clear water, vibrant cultures, delicious meals, friendly locals, and fun activities you can do on a budget.

Whether you’re planning to lounge on the beach, go swimming, or go hiking on your island vacation, this post provides the top 16 cheap islands you can travel to that are verified to be fun and budget-friendly.   

16 Best Cheapest Islands To Visit This Year

1. Lombok

Although it’s not as popular as Bali, this island is one of the cheapest islands to visit and a sure spot for a fun family vacation.

It will be fun to explore the beautiful beach with your kids, visit the waterfalls, or just spend your day having fun at the beach, swimming, kayaking, and diving.

Don’t forget your beach day essentials to make the most of your time by the water. Since it’s also more isolated than its surrounding islands, you can take time out to reflect, think, and meditate during your stay.

Unlike most vacation islands you know of, Lombok is still a budget-friendly destination even during its busiest months.

And with so many fun activities to do, like hiking to Mount Rinjani Lombok, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, or exploring Pusuk Pass, the monkey forest, you surely won’t get bored during your stay. 

2. Isla Mujeres

You may have been to Mexico for a trip, but did you know that one of the cheapest islands to travel to can be found in this country?

With its pristine beaches, clear water, and delicious meals, Isla Mujeres is a perfect island getaway destination.

This island is so small that you can even save more money by exploring the popular Mayan Ruins on foot.

And if you want to spend a day by the water, swimming or snorkeling, you could stop by any of the beachfront restaurants for the most delicious seafood meal.

3. Utila

This island is so cheap that it’s always filled with backpackers, no matter the time of the year.

The culture, clear water, and nightlife attract people to these islands to visit every year. Since it’s so far from the mainland, you’ll need to be directed to actually locate this island.

But once you do, you’ll find out it’s the best spot in Honduras to learn how to dive and snorkel at a cheaper cost.

Utila is so relaxing and safe that even as a tourist, it will be very easy for you to explore like a local, chill in the bars, drink cheap rum, dance at the free concerts, and just enjoy your vacation.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more than you’re budget, then you can visit Pumpkin Hill Beach and Pumpkin Cove for a different type of vibe.  

4. Madeira

Formed by natural activity, this cluster of 4 islands is a popular spot in Portugal. Although they’re connected, you get different experiences from the culture to the local cuisines on these tropical islands.

Madeira is also known for its rocky beaches, volcanoes, mountain cliffs, isolated settlements, coastal resorts, and sweet wine.

For a cheap island activity, you can explore the botanical gardens or even go on a paid tour of the historic canal.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can follow the hiking trails on the mountain cliffs, dive into the water, or even decide to explore riding the Funchal Cable Car.  

5. Ometepe 

Ometepe cannot just be classified as a cheap island because it is one of the most unique and cheapest islands located in Lake Nicaragua and formed by two volcanoes.

Vegans especially will find a thrill on this island with the restaurants, eco farms, and a delicious vegan chocolate factory. 

With the cheap hostels on this island, you won’t get stranded because there will be a place to stay within your budget.

And once you’re settled, you can go hiking to the volcanoes or waterfalls, and explore art museums in the main town. 

6. Langkawi

Malaysian islands might be known for their luxury, but if you’re on a budget-friendly vacation, then you might just find yourself falling in love with Langkawi.

This cheap island has so many natural features like waterfalls, mountains, nature parks, and beautiful beaches that keep attracting the crowd.

The best way to spend your day is either by the water or in the water, swimming, diving, or scuba diving at any of the popular beaches.

You’ll love visiting because even during the peak season, it is still one of the cheapest islands in Asia, although the crowd may be a turn-off during that time.  

7. Koh Rong 

Koh Rong is a hot but beautiful tropical island located in Cambodia. This cheapest island has everything for an ideal fun vacation by the water.

You’ll surely have fun cooling off in the water by swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

If you plan on exploring the local villages, meeting new locals, learning their history, and eating sea meals, then you’ll have to visit during the dry season.

Fair warning: the nightlife at Koh Rong is really wild, so if it isn’t your cup of tea, then visit the nearby Koh Rong Samloaem.  

8. Bintan

Bintan has so many attractive features like its beaches, forest, and local villages, so it’s still surprising how cheap the island is.

Although it is one of the cheapest islands to visit in Asia, there are many natural attractions to keep you busy.

You can take a day or two to go hiking on the popular Penyengat Island, Kijang Blue Lake, Busung Desert, and Mount Bintan. 

You can also explore Tanjung Pinang and Tanjung Uban, the main towns of this island, where you can meet friendly locals, learn their history, and eat delicious meals.

And the best part, there are a lot of budget-friendly options for accommodation on this island.

9. Havelock 

Havelock is a tropical paradise and one of the cheapest islands you can travel to for an island vacation in India.

Whether you love adventure, love nature, or just need a place to relax, this stunning beach is a perfect spot.

There are so many adventurous activities to participate in to make sure you don’t get bored, like jet skiing, kayaking, banana boat riding, trekking, hiking, underwater photography, and parasailing.

You must also explore places like Radhanagar Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, and Neil’s Cove during your stay.

10. Zakynthos 

If you’re visiting Greece, then stop at this island, Zakynthos, famous for its Shipwreck Beach.

With so many attraction spots and features like beautiful gardens, cozy shops, vibrant nightlife, and clean beaches, it is possible to have the best island vacation here.

Have you ever watched turtles hatch? Well, you can do that on this island and cross it off your list, or instead, go on a tour of the Keri Caves.

This island is also a protected site because it’s home to various endangered species like the Mediterranean loggerhead sea turtle, so you’ll have to be more careful. 

11. Île de Ré

There are very few islands that you can visit in both summer and winter and still enjoy yourself. Île de Ré in France is one of the cheapest of those islands.

During the winter, the energy here is magical, and during the summer, you’ll get fun, happy, and laid-back vibes.

This French Island is known for its beautiful architecture, exquisite vineyards, friendly locals, and delicious cuisine.

There are so many attraction spots to explore here, like the Phare des Baleines Lighthouse, Saint Martin de Re, La Flotte, and the Ecomuseum Marais Salant. 

12. Mallorca 

With its secluded coves, beautiful views, Spanish architecture, and vineyards, this island is sure to give you the best island vacation experience.

Mallorca in Europe is the best budget-friendly spot to explore the Mediterranean lifestyle and culture.

Creatives of all types are known to explore the hidden local villages for inspiration from the water, lighthouse, and the surrounding nature.

Exploring the various attraction sites like the Roman fortresses, old palaces, gigantic cathedrals, and beaches is sure to keep you busy during your stay.  

13. Djerba 

This might be your first time hearing of Djerba, an island paradise in Tunisia, but it’s understandable.

Despite its size, this island has everything for a perfect vacation, with various fun activities that are all on a budget.

This island is known for its religious diversity, so you’ll have to stop at the popular El Ghriba Synagogue. While exploring this 2400-year-old Jewish temple, you can even buy cheap local handicrafts as souvenirs.

You can even take a break from city life by exploring the isolated towns of Houmt Souk, Guellala, Medenine, Tataouine, and Ksar Ghilane. 

14. Ambergris Caye 

Is it possible to visit any of the Caribbean islands without going broke? Yes, it is. Ambergris Caye is the cheapest island you can visit in the Caribbean.

This island has the largest cayes in Belize and the second-largest barrier reef, which is just perfect for snorkeling. 

There are so many fun and affordable water activities to participate in, like kayaking, diving, windsurfing, and scuba diving.

If you plan your visit properly, you may even be able to attend their local festivals and concerts, enjoy bar hopping, and eat delicious local meals.  

15. Ilha Grande 

If your criteria for the cheapest island vacation are that the island should have a beautiful beach, crystal clear waters, and be in Brazil, then you’re in luck.

Ilha Grande is all these and more. This cheap island is very isolated and underdeveloped; you won’t even find a car or vehicle.

Everything here, from the accommodation to the local cuisine to fun activities like snorkeling and boat tours, is very affordable.

And since it’s all so natural, you’ll find various animals like parrots, hummingbirds, butterflies, and monkeys on your hiking trail.  

16. The Galápagos 

Almost untouched by human activity, this is one of the cheapest islands where it’s possible to swim so close to various water species without any trouble.

The Galápagos Islands are known to be the homes of several animal species and pristine beaches, making them a perfect destination.

Since the weather is perfect all year round, anytime you visit, you can go scuba diving or on a boat tour with friendly guides who will tell you about all the animals you see on your journey.

If you need an adrenaline pump, then go hiking to the Sierra Negra Volcano. 

Conclusion

This post has successfully broken the myth that Island vacations are always expensive because most people dream of going on an island vacation to relax by the beachside, explore vibrant cultures, and enjoy local cuisine without breaking the bank. 

So, with the help of these 16 cheap island options, you’ll be able to travel and have your dream vacation within your budget.

But while planning a budget-friendly vacation, you’ll need to consider exploring for free, staying in budget hostels, eating local cuisines, and getting your tickets before the season. Knowing how to do laundry while traveling can also help you pack lighter and save money on baggage fees.