Palm trees so tall they seem to touch the sky, white sands running along turquoise waters for miles on end, the smell of frying arepas from a street vendor somewhere in the buzzing malecón crowd: nothing screams paradise quite like a Caribbean island.
In this economy, however, it’s not like everyone just has $7,000 sitting in their bank account to splurge on an all-inclusive, luxurious beach getaway, but what if we told you you don’t need thousands of dollars to live it up in the Tropics?
Forget Jamaica, Punta Cana, and Saint Thomas: these 3 alternative Caribbean islands offer all that unspoiled nature, postcard-ready beaches, and the reliable sunshine you seek for a fraction of the usual prices.
Roatán, Honduras
A small island roughly 40 miles off the northern coast of Honduras, Roatán is a tropical haven dotted with unruffled beaches, quaint coastal villages yet to be spoiled by mass development, and ringed by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world. But just because you don’t see mass development doesn’t mean you can’t find incredible stays.
Over in West Bay, where most of the hotels and tourist facilities are centered, you’ll find long strips of white-sand, a plethora of seafood eateries right on the shoreline, and marine life.
West Bay Beach is also generally considered the best in Roatán.
If you’re looking for the best baleadas in town, the island’s signature thick-flour tortilla stuffed with refried beans, cheese, avocado, and chorizo, try Calelu’s in West End. For massive portions of rotisserie chicken, Creole’s Rotisserie is the place to go, especially if you’re in a group.
Outside of West End Village, Gumbalimba Park is a must-see stretch of jungle equipped with a suspension bridge.
Punta Gorda is a ‘garifuna‘ village known for its vibrant food scene and laid-back feel, and Camp Bay Beach, out on the undeveloped east, is Roatán’s most beautiful wild beach.
Average Prices In Roatán, Honduras
San Andrés, Colombia
A remote Colombian landmass in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, peppered with white-sand beaches backed by coconut palms, and famous for its teal-colored waters so crystal-clear you can spot colorful fish darting around your feet.
For the perfect beach day capped with fried fish and cold beer, nothing beats a quick half-day trip to Johnny Cay, an untouched islet barely sticking out of the multi-colored sea, just a 5–10 minute boat ride from the main dock at San Andrés Town.
On the San Andrés mainland, Pirate Morgan’s Cave is a cultural landmark enveloped in pirate lore.
If you’re keen to dodge the crowds, Rocky Cay offers soft sands, calm, shallow seas, and unique rock formations jutting out of the azure waterline.
The town itself is prime for duty-free shopping, and for culture aficionados, La Loma showcases the classic wooden architecture of the Colombian Caribbean. Don’t miss the whitewashed Baptist Church, erected in 1896.
Average Prices In San Andrés, Colombia
Little Corn Island, Nicaragua
A car-free island in the Nicaraguan Caribbean distinguished by its undeveloped coast, verdant patches of jungle untouched by man, and off-grid vibe—fewer large-scale resorts, more rustic, barefoot-luxury guesthouses—Little Corn Island is that secret hideout you’ve been dreaming of.
Whether it’s soaking up the sun in Brig Bay, the well-frequented beach within walking distance of the main village, or getting lost in the sand-covered trails leading down to Silver Beach, one of the island’s most remote and least-crowded stretches, you’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot here.
The largest settlement, Brig Bay Village, is the heart of island life, with local shops, markets, and Creole food stalls galore. If you time it just right, you might even catch local dance events at noon, particularly around holidays, and trust us, there’s plenty of drumming and drinks involved.
Little Corn Island may not be the easiest Caribbean spot to reach from the U.S., but that’s part of the charm, and why it feels so darn authentic: first fly to Managua, Nicaragua’s capital, then hop a domestic flight to Big Corn Island. From there, Little Corn is a 30–45 minute boat ride away.
No wonder they call this the quieter side of the Caribbean.
Average Prices In Little Corn Island, Nicaragua
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