Cheap flights to Caribbean

If sun, surf and sipping rum drinks are on your travel agenda, book a flight to the Caribbean and let the aura of the islands enchant you. Don’t forget to pack your swimwear – the islands are known for their clear blue waters and eccentric marine life, making it the perfect spot to go snorkelling and diving. Whether your Caribbean flight lands you in the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Aruba, Bermuda, Jamaica or one of the other Caribbean destinations, there’s something for everyone in the islands. With hundreds of islands to explore, the Caribbean is a haven for any type of traveller.

Extending from the eastern coast of the US past Mexico and down into South America, flights to the Caribbean Islands are frequent. The hard part is deciding what activity to pursue when you’re there. Book a cheap flight to the Caribbean for a weekend escape to thaw out from the winter cold, or plan a week-long diving trip. Can’t decide on just one island? Good news – Caribbean flights are available from all the islands or hop a ferry to a nearby resort. Whatever your reason for booking flights to the Caribbean, you’re sure to enjoy this island paradise.

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Caribbean climate

Caribbean temperatures usually range between a very comfortable 24 and 30 degrees year round. It might be a bit cool in the early mornings and late evenings, but it warms up quickly. It can be humid, but the cooling trade winds make the climate very comfortable. The rainy season is in the autumn, and the amount of rain varies across the islands. Winters are dry, but you may encounter the occasional shower. The mountains see more rain. Hurricane season lasts from early June to late November.

When is the best time to fly to Caribbean?

Peak Season

Winter – from mid-December to mid-April – is the peak season for flights to the Caribbean, with the highest travel times around Christmas. Hotel rates and flights to the Caribbean are at their highest and reservations must be made in advance.

Off Season

The low season generally runs from mid-April through mid-December and when most travellers can find cheap flights to the Caribbean. If you can tolerate the hot and humid summer, there are some remarkable deals to be had on Caribbean flights and hotel rooms. However, many restaurants are closed for the season, and some hotels offer fewer facilities and catch up on any construction or remodelling work during the off season.

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Getting around Caribbean

For getting around an island you can take a taxi or rent a car, and there’s usually a bus system. The buses usually cover all main and several minor destinations as the locals take the buses, too. Depending on which island you are visiting, the buses may run on a when-the-bus-is-full schedule rather than a timetable. Many of the islands also have rental mopeds, motorcycles, and bicycles that you can use for sightseeing and getting around.

If you’ll be travelling from one island to another in the same group, there are often options for travelling by boat or island ferry. There are also small island airlines for cheap flights around the Caribbean as well as the larger commercial carriers for flights between islands. Many of the larger airlines offer Caribbean air passes, some for a set number of stopovers, and others for unlimited Caribbean travel within the airline’s range.

How long is the flight to the Caribbean?

The duration of flights to the Caribbean will depend on where you're headed. All Hong Kong flights to the Caribbean will depart from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). Arriving at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean's most visited country, can take anywhere from 21h to upwards of 30h, with at least one stop in between. Flights take a similar amount of time to Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA) on the Caribbean's second most popular island, Cuba. Heading east towards Puerto Rico, it will take approximately 26h to reach Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) with one or two stopovers. Compare flights to the Caribbean on Cheapflights to look for the best Caribbean airfare. Keep in mind that cheap flights to the Caribbean may involve several connecting flights and/or longer wait times between them. As Hong Kong time is roughly half a day ahead of the Caribbean, taking a late flight will allow you to sleep on your flight and give you an early start when you land.

What is the best way to travel around the Caribbean?

After flying to the Caribbean, there are plenty of ways to hop between the islands. A cruise or ferry is the scenic option but does not link every island as planes do. The Caribbean is abundant with regional airlines that will get you to any island inexpensively, especially if you can find good Caribbean flight deals. But for the ultimate in freedom, renting a sailboat will allow you to explore the calm waters of the islands at leisure.

What do I need to do before my flight to the Caribbean?

To secure the best, cheap flights to the Caribbean, start planning to book flights to the Caribbean early. Check the visa requirements of the countries you intend to visit, as some may require a visa or tourist card while others might not. Make sure your passport is up to date, as six months of validity may be required at your time of entry to the Caribbean. When it comes to money, make sure to inform your bank of your holiday destination so that your cards aren't at risk of being blocked. Keep some cash with you as there might not always be an ATM around; US dollars are widely accepted on many of the islands.

What are some things to do in the Caribbean?

Book flights to the Caribbean for luxurious pampering, beautiful weather and beaches, as well as thought-provoking history and culture. Feed sea turtles in Barbados, then shop high-end boutiques in St Martin. Admire the vintage cars and colonial architecture of Cuba, and shop for Cuban cigars. Learn about the life and work of Bob Marley in his museum in Jamaica, then explore the 16th-century fortresses and cathedrals of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico before spending the night marvelling at the bioluminescent waters of Mosquito Bay.

What is good to know if travelling to Caribbean?

• The Bahamas have retained their British feel, especially in Nassau, and are becoming more upmarket with luxury hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Nassau and Paradise Island have historic sites, and the Bahamians are focusing more and more on eco-tourism.
• Martinique is known for its French elegance, beautiful beaches, Creole cuisine, and tropical charm.
• The British Virgin Islands are a string of islands popular with sailors and have beautiful beaches, mountains, and lush forests. The islands are also known for their friendly people and small inns.
• The US Virgin Islands have it all for an upscale vacation — gorgeous beaches, snorkelling, sailing, scenery, great shopping, and modern resort hotels.
• The Cayman Islands with their lenient tax and banking laws are popular with multimillionaires from all over the world. The landscape is not attractive (flat scrublands and swamps), but the clear water and abundant and varied marine life attract scuba divers and snorkellers.
• Puerto Rico is the most urban Caribbean island, with rainforests and ancient volcanic mountains on the interior. The island offers great beaches, casinos, hotels for all budgets, sports, and eco-tourism activities.
• Jamaica is a mountainous island with beautiful beaches and offerings that include golf, eco-tourism activities, and hotels in all price brackets. There are lots of package deals available for Jamaica.