Budget-friendly Caribbean getaways: Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and St. Thomas

The Caribbean is one of the world's top vacation destinations. For sun and sand worshippers, there may be little debate about whether the Caribbean has some of the best beaches. Fantasies about snorkeling in those sparkling turquoise waters, zip-lining through a forest canopy and drinking a rum punch under the sun will help get you through a tough day at the office.

The dream can be expensive in places like St. Barts, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, but island life doesn't have to cost a fortune. It's about knowing when to go-shoulder seasons, late April through mid-June and late October through early December. Not only will you pay less for hotels and airfare, but you won't have to deal with crowds. It's also about knowing where to go.

Here are some of the best choices for a budget-friendly Caribbean getaway any time of the year, but especially during off-peak times.

San, Juan, Puerto Rico

FLIGHT DURATION: About 4 hours, direct flight; JetBlue and Delta Air Lines

Put Puerto Rico on your list. You can take direct flights from Kennedy and LaGuardia, and round-trip airfare of around $300 is typical. Travelers can fly from MacArthur with a layover. 

There’s plenty of affordable fun to be had. El Yunque National Forest, less than an hour from San Juan, has hiking trails, waterfalls and wildlife. To enter is free, but the El Portal Visitor Center is $8 for adults.

Spend time in Old San Juan with its blue cobblestone streets, buildings in every color of the rainbow, cathedrals, Parque de las Palomas, a park overlooking the bay, forts and historic sites. Explore on your own or take one of the free guided tours offered by booking site Civitatis.

Get your fill of water sports or just wade in the water. Those beautiful beaches are free. Consider Balneario El Escambrón, Luquillo. Your one splurge might be the Fajardo Bio Bay Kayak Tour, which launches from the Kayak Village at Las Croabas in Fajardo. You’ll never forget kayaking on the illuminated lagoon (prices start at $70).

Like elsewhere, venture a bit from the tourist strip in San Juan and your money goes further, like at the Luquillo Kiosks and in nearby Santurce, with its artsy neighborhood, Calle Loíza, home to galleries, museums like the Puerto Rican Museum of Art, coffee shops, food trucks, restaurants, bars and boutiques. You’re likely to find San Juan’s classic, yummy dish, mofongo (fried green plantains mashed together with garlic, olive oil, and crispy pork cracklings called chicharrón) for around $10, compared to twice that near the resorts. Enjoy it with a piña colada, Puerto Rico's national drink.

When it comes to accommodations, consider budget guesthouses and small inns in Santurce. Vacation rentals are widely available, and San Juan has an array of resorts from uber-luxe to boutique. You’ll find rates cheaper if you’re a couple of blocks away from the beach. If staying in San Juan, consider Condado Palm Inn San Juan, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (rooms start at around $230 a night) and Acacia Boutique Hotel, a half a block from the beach (room rates start at $180). 

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

FLIGHT DURATION: About 4 hours, direct flight; JetBlue, Delta and American Airlines

If you ask around, you’ll get almost universal agreement that the DR is the place to go on the cheap. Fly direct from Kennedy for around $400, and as low as $250-$300 in the off-peak season. You can fly from MacArthur Airport, too, though not direct.

Punta Cana is popular for party people seeking a mega resort, all-inclusive vacay. There is no shortage of nightlife, restaurants and bars. Go for thrills at La Hacienda Park — zip line, ride in a buggy, hop on a horse, soar high in a chair lift, swim in the Anamuya River or take a cultural safari through the countryside visiting villages and meeting locals. Admission is $85 and includes parking, Kids Club and all seven activities.

Take your pick of beautiful, free beaches in Punta Cana. Favorites include Uvero Alto, Macao and Bávaro. Play as much as you like, kayak, snorkel, swim, surf or simply relax to the sound of lapping waves.

Beyond the tourist hot spots, good eats at local restaurants can be had for $5-$10, and Presidente beers for $2. Try Dominican favorites like mangú, the local breakfast of champions, mashed green plantains, topped with pickled red onions, served with bacon or sausage, eggs and cheese.

Punta Cana can be busy; you might prefer Puerto Plata. It’s beachy as well, but cultural too. In the city’s heart, Independence Plaza, you’ll find the Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle. Tour Fortaleza de San Felipe, a 16th century fortress that’s now a museum (admission: $2-5).

Nothing wows like waterfalls, and there are 27 or them at the Damajagua Waterfalls in Puerto Plata. Hike through the tropical forest, jump and swim in the water wonderment. A standard tour runs $60-75, and includes hotel pickup, guide, entrance fee and equipment.

If you’re staying in Punta Cana, one good option is Occidental Punta Cana, (rooms start at around $105 a  night); another is the all-inclusive Club Med Punta Cana (entry-level rooms start at $202 a night).

In Puerto Plata, consider Holiday Inn Puerto Plata Cofresi Bay Area, (rooms start at $120 a night). and the all-inclusive Viva Heavens by Wyndham (rooms start at $170 per night).

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

FLIGHT DURATION: About 4 hours, direct flight; American and Delta Air Lines

When it comes to the U.S. Virgin Islands' St. Thomas what’s not to love? It likely checks off your must-haves for that perfect island escape: beautiful beaches, a bit of action/adventure, culture, great food, shopping and another plus, no passport required. Fly direct from Kennedy and nondirect from MacArthur or LaGuardia, with fares typically around $400 round trip.

Playtime on the beach is free at most beaches, including Coki Point Beach, Secret Harbour (often called Secret Bay) and Hull Bay Beach.  They offer shore snorkeling, meaning you get to marvel at the marine life without booking an expensive boat excursion.
See the island from a different perspective. The Skyride to Paradise Point tram provides awesome views of historic downtown Charlotte Amalie and the harbor. Have a drink and nibbles up top. Tickets are $20 for children, $30 adults.

Charlotte Amalie has walkable streets, some that are cobblestone and with Danish Colonial architecture. Wander through shops and decide if you want to splurge or stick to your budget.

If you have time, you might want to make a day trip to St. John (ferry is $16 round trip). St. John is home to Virgin Islands National Park (free to enter). Hike and if you want to access Trunk Bay, the beach pass is $5 and includes the underwater snorkeling trail.

The culinary scene is vibrant. There’s a reason Sib’s on the Mountain has been around since 1924 (it's the island’s oldest restaurant). Feast on the rib basket, chickpea stir-fry and burgers. A new addition is Lime Out St. Thomas, a floating taco bar. Arrive by boat for tacos and drinks in a setting that’s one for photo ops. 

There are a variety of options for accommodations from boutique hotels, villas, vacation rentals, to large resorts like The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa (rates start at $229 in September).