The Caribbean, which spans an area of more than 1.06 million square miles, is located between North and South America. The so-called Caribbean Islands, an enormous archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, may be categorised into the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, the ABC Islands, and the Lucayan Archipelago. The Caribbean is made up of 13 independent nations and 17 dependent territories. English, Spanish, French, Dutch, and Antillean can all be spotted in terms of the languages that predominate here.
In addition, the Caribbean is often regarded as a paradisical escape for many tourists. There are almost 7,000 islands to be discovered, all with exquisite sandy beaches and turquoise oceans around them. And in order to be able to see all of the beauty this territory offers, we recommend that you stay at some of the best hostels in the Caribbean.
Visitors may stroll through vibrant emerald forests on land, see sunshine-yellow parrots and fiery-red flowers, and watch fish of every hue dash among reefs in purple and orange under the clear seas. This tropical area, which is bold and vivid in every way, invites you with its beautiful landscape, mouth-watering cuisine, welcoming locals, and many chances for exploration, adventure, and leisure.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
⭐ The Best Hostel in Caribbean: | The Casa Del Pavo Real Boutique Hostel, Palomino, Colombia |
🧘 Yoga Lovers: | Tribu Hostel, Holbox, México |
🦸 Solo Traveler: | Bak A Yaad Hostel, Negril, Jamaica |
🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Mayan Monkey Cancun, Cancun, Mexico |
👫 For Socializing: | Nomads Hotel, Hostel & Beach Club, Isla mujeres, Mexico |
🤑 Budget-friendly: | Roatan Backpackers’ Hostel, Rucatan, Honduras |
👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Viajero Tayrona Hostel & Ecohabs, Tayrona, Colombia |
👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Aracari Garden Hostel, Tortuguero, Costa Rica |
👯 For Groups: | Che Playa Hostel & Bar, Playa del Carmen, Mexico |
👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Bona Vida Hostel, Riohacha, Colombia |
🎒 for Backpacker: | Yak Lake House, Bacalar, Mexico |
🧘 Cozy Hostel: | The Bambuda Lodge, Panama |
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
Moreover, many tourists frequently “island hop” across the region, moving from shore to shore to see a diversity of beauty and culture in one trip. This can be easily achieved due to the near proximity of many Caribbean islands to their neighbours.
The Arawaks, Amerindian people that travelled west and north throughout the area from Cuba to the Bahamas, were the first people to indulge in island hopping. The hammock, an innovation of the Arawaks, who had no written language, is still present on Caribbean beaches today.
We put all hostels and backpacker places in Caribbean on this big hostel map. It will help a lot in planning your Caribbean Backpacking trip.
We also answer common FAQ.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
What we cover in this article?
- Introduction
- Additional information
- cheapest hostels in Caribbean
- discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- All hostel and sights on a map
- FAQ
- Flights
Quick Introduction to Caribbean
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Caribbean cost 14€ – 31€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 46€ up to 74€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Backpacking Tips for Caribbean: Before we continue with the detailed review of our best hostels in the Caribbean list, here are some tips we’re sure you’ll find useful and that will help you make your trip more convenient.
- Interestingly, the music of the Caribbean is one of its most identifiable cultural elements. Although reggae, meringue, calypso, rumba, and zouk music originate in European and African cultures, the sounds are uniquely Caribbean.
- Even though the cultures of the Caribbean islands are somewhat similar, each country has a special offering for tourists. People travel to the Cayman Islands for the breathtaking surroundings and opulent resorts. The US Virgin Islands captivate tourists with their plantation tours and pristine beaches, while St. Kitts and Nevis entice travellers with their isolation and exciting music festivals. Barbados has a distinctive flare that mixes horse races during the day and calypso dances at night.
- Additionally, nature lovers may explore the underwater limestone caverns, offshore reefs, and floral gardens of the Bahamas without ever leaving the islands. Travellers can also entertain in glittering casinos and learn about pirate history. Tourists may unwind on a secluded beach in St. Lucia before getting their adrenaline rush by zip-lining through a tropical rainforest or climbing the Pitons. These are just a few of the numerous interesting encounters that tourists can have while touring the islands.
- Furthermore, the area is blessed with year-round sunshine, and once winter arrives, many tourists are drawn to the pleasant tropical atmosphere. The average temperature is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, regardless of the season. Days and nights are generally comfortable thanks to trade winds, although humidity levels can be high all year long. But, even though the hurricane season lasts from June through November and the rainy season begins in the fall, satellite predictions now provide plenty of time for preparation. The Caribbean is truly a year-round vacation location, so whenever you decide to go, you should know that you’re bound to have a good time.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
List of best hostels in Caribbean
Let us present you with a brief overview of our selection of the best hostels in the Caribbean so that you’ll be able to make an informed accommodation choice.
- Tribu Hostel – Holbox, México
- Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel Cancun – Cancun, Mexico
- Lum Hostel – Tulum, Mexico
- Nomads Hotel, Hostel & Beach Club – Isla mujeres, Mexico
- Che Playa Hostel & Bar – Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Hostel Auikyani – Cozumel, Mexico
- Amigos Hostel Cozumel – Cozumel, Mexico
- The Yak – Bacalar, Mexico
- The Old House Hostel– San Ignacio, Belize
- Sandbar Beachfront Hostel & Restaurant – San Pedro, Belize
- Bak A Yaad Hostel and Cottage – Negril, Jamaica
- Island Life Hostel – Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- Roatan Backpackers’ Hostel – Rucatan, Honduras
- Santurcia Hostel & Bar – San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Aracari Garden Hostel – Tortuguero, Costa Rica
- Martinique hostel – Martinique Island
- Bambuda Lodge – Panama
- Macondo Hostel – Isla Grande, Panama
- Casa del Pavo Real– Palomino, Colombia
- Viajero Tayrona Hostel & Ecohabs – Tayrona, Colombia
- Karibbik Haus Hostel – San Andres, Colombia
- Bona Vida Hostel – Riohacha, Colombia
1. Tribu Hostel – Holbox, México
This vibrant hostel on Holbox Island is 50 meters from the beach and has a garden with hammocks and a roof patio with views of the island. Free Wi-Fi and private toilets are included in the spacious accommodations.
With a contemporary design, the Tribu Hostel provides both private and shared dorm rooms. Towels may be rented, and bed linen is provided.
There is a common kitchen and grilling equipment at the Tribu. Kite surfing courses, movie evenings, and jam sessions are all provided for the guests’ convenience.
Only three blocks away from Hostel Tribu is Holbox’s major fishing district. Dolphins and exotic birds may be abundant at the Yalahau Lagoon nearby.
Regardless of whether you’re a budget traveller, a young family, or a couple, Tribu offers a cosy and welcoming environment.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
2. Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel Cancun – Cancun, Mexico
Located in Cancun, the Mayan Monkey Cancun has air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and a patio.
Some of the hotel’s rooms offer a sea view and a private bathroom with a shower and complimentary amenities. Each Mayan Monkey Cancun room is furnished with towels and bed linens.
Table tennis is offered, and renting bikes is an option.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
3. Lum Hostel – Tulum, Mexico
Being one of the best hostels in the Caribbean, Lum Hostal provides adequate locker space, comfortable beds with personal power outlets, and air-conditioned dormitories.
Although breakfast isn’t provided, you’re granted access to a fully furnished kitchen where you can prepare your own meals. And if you’re looking for a way to explore the area more conveniently, the staff will provide you with a bike you can use for free.
You may mingle in their bar area, which closes at 11 pm and continue the evening a short stroll away in Tulum’s nightlife district.
Compare prices at: Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
4. Nomads Hotel, Hostel & Beach Club – Isla mujeres, Mexico
This social and party Nomads Hotel, Hostel & Beach Club is housed in a stunning structure with an oceanfront hangout space, a seaside pool bar, and sunbeds & hammocks at the white sand beach.
It offers free Wi-Fi, a fully functional kitchen, bed sheets, and towels.
In addition to comfortable bunk beds with reading lights, plugs, and privacy curtains, each room has an attached bathroom with a private shower, a toilet, and a locker for your stuff.
The two closest beaches are Indios Beach (150 m) and Lancheros Beach (200 m)
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
5. Che Playa Hostel & Bar – Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Che Playa Hostel & Bar is located in the heart of the city, offering a sizable 24-hour welcome area that is prepared for your arrival. There are 10 guestrooms, including lockers, A/C, Wi-Fi, and all the amenities that matter.
The dorm rooms have fans, linens, and air conditioning. A bathtub or shower is also available in the common restrooms. In addition, there is also a common lounge and baggage storage available.
You can participate in a variety of events, including tours, beer pong competitions, drinking games, seminars, happy hour, karaoke, and live music. Moreover, an all-you-can-eat menu includes burgers, tacos, pizza, and barbecue.
The closest attractions are Playa del Carmen main square (200 m) and Playa del Carmen Beach (350 m).
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
6. Hostel Auikyani – Cozumel, Mexico
Hostel Auikyani is conveniently situated just one block from the island ferry terminal in San Miguel’s bustling city centre. It offers private bedrooms for double occupancy with a 24-hour air conditioning system and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
The property has individual bedrooms for two persons and communal accommodations that accommodate four or six people. In addition, the hostel also offers a cosy common space with sofas and a basic culinary setup.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
7. Amigos Hostel Cozumel – Cozumel, Mexico
Next on our list of best hostels in the Caribbean is Amigos Hostel Cozumel, which is located in the city’s centre and has a garden with hammocks and an outdoor pool. Apart from the free Wi-Fi service, there is also a common area with a pool table, satellite TV, and DVD player.
This hostel’s rooms boast bright rustic decor. The dorms are equipped with safes and lockers, and there are also shared bathrooms available.
The Amigos Hostel in Cozumel features a covered smoking area with a BBQ and a fully functional kitchenette.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
8. The Yak – Bacalar, Mexico
Both private rooms and shared dormitories with private toilets are available at the Yak Lake House. Each room has strong fans and air conditioning to keep you cool at night.
For your entertainment, there are board games, live music performances and a sun terrace with outdoor furniture where you can spend your free time hanging with fellow travellers.
This property is located in an amazing neighbourhood, with Parque Principal de Bacalar being only 300 m away.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
9. The Old House Hostel – San Ignacio, Belize
In the centre of San Ignacio Town, in the Cayo District, Belize, stands The Old House Hostel. It provides numerous fantastic views of the picturesque town and its mountainous horizon thanks to its many windows, as well as the spacious balcony.
The four spacious bathrooms at the Old House include two complete bathrooms on the main level, two extra toilets, and two huge stone shower stalls with hot and cold water on the lower floor. There is a small outdoor prep kitchen and grill on the back deck as well as a fully equipped kitchen.
The town centre, fantastic pubs, restaurants, and ancient sites are all within easy walking distance.
Compare prices at: Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
10. Sandbar Beachfront Hostel & Restaurant – San Pedro, Belize
Sandbar Beachfront Hostel & Restaurant is located on the beach in San Pedro! There is free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV, and private bathrooms in every ground-floor room.
Private lockers, towels, and access to a communal toilet are included in the dormitory-style rooms. There is air conditioning in every unit. In addition, they have an on-site restaurant with a pool and free paddle boards!
Central Park is only 500 m away, while San Pedro Beach is 20 m away.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
11. Bak A Yaad Hostel and Cottage in Negril – Jamaica
This vibrant Bak A Yaad Hostel has a private cottage with kitchenettes, single private rooms, and mixed-gender dorms with 6 or 8 bedrooms. Some apartments include a patio or balcony with views of the pool.
There are several recreational opportunities available, including a pool, ping pong, board and card games, and a video gaming area. In addition, the property features a garden, a common lounge, a patio, barbeque amenities, as well as free Wi-Fi.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
12. Island Life Hostel – Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
The earliest European colony in the New World, the “Zona Colonial,” is where Island Life Hostel is situated. Among the many facilities It offers are free Wi-Fi and a pool.
Bed linen, a fan, a reading lamp, and storage lockers are provided in the dorms. The ensuite rooms offer air conditioning and a private bathroom with a shower.
There is a hot tub, a garden, and barbecue equipment. A communal lounge, a gaming room, and a tour desk are some additional amenities available at the accommodation.
The Alcázar de Colón plaza is 200 meters from Island Life Hostel, while the Casas Reales Museum is 350 meters away.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
13. Roatan Backpackers’ Hostel – Rucatan, Honduras
Next on our list of best hostels in the Caribbean is Roatan Backpackers’ Hostel. Located in Rucatan, Honduras, this tiny, welcoming lodging is only a short stroll from the botanical gardens and the dolphins at the institute of marine science.
There is also a pool, café, terrace, and common kitchen. Dorms and a variety of private accommodations, including compact single rooms for lone visitors, are both offered. Each bed in the dorm rooms has its own fan, and underneath each bunk are lockable storage spaces.
Sandy Bay Beach is the closest beach, only 350m away.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
14. Santurcia Hostel & Bar – San Juan, Puerto Rico
In the centre of Santurce’s Art District, Puerto Rico’s capital city is where you’ll find Santurcia Hostel & Bar. The stylish property features a bohemian vibe that offers a lovely, friendly, and laid-back atmosphere. It has three cosy dormitories and two private rooms. Every room includes a lock, air conditioning, and a locker for every bed. They also provide a sizable shared living room, a fully furnished dining area, a huge rooftop with views of the city, and free Wi-Fi.
A 2-minute walk will take you to the Museum of Art, and a 10-minute walk will take you to Ocean Park beach.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
15. Aracari Garden Hostel – Tortuguero, Costa Rica
The amenities of Aracari Garden Hostel include free Wi-Fi in the common areas and rooms, a large garden, a roomy common area, a fully functional kitchen, laundry service, and baggage storage.
Each room has patios, garden views, and outdoor furniture. Both communal and private bathrooms have a shower and are equipped with complimentary amenities.
The closest attractions include Parque de los Pájaros (300 m) and Tortuguero Beach (40 m).
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
16. Martinique hostel – Martinique Island
Location In Sainte-Luce, the Martinique hostel is one of the best hostels in the Caribbean and features a garden, an outdoor pool, a common lounge area, and a terrace. There is free Wi-Fi available, a communal kitchen, and a front desk which is open all the time.
All units include air conditioning, a refrigerator, an oven, a coffee maker, a shower, a hairdryer, and a spacious wardrobe. A communal bathroom and bed linens are provided in each room, and breakfast is served at a buffet each morning.
Corps de Garde Est Beach is 1.7 km away, while Anse Mabouya Beach is only 100 m away.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
17. Bambuda Lodge – Panama
The Bambuda Lodge is situated in Bocas Del Toro’s tropical rainforest. The property has a swimming pool with an on-site bar and free Wi-Fi, as well as a coral reef off its dock.
Individual beds are available on the premises in either private rooms or dorms. There are seaside views, an outdoor resting space, a safe deposit box, and bed linen available.
Fishing, hiking, and diving are just a few on-site and nearby activities available.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
18. Macondo Hostel – Isla Grande, Panama
The Macondo Hostel is a lovely home surrounded by rich greenery, which provides quietness and seclusion in addition to its natural beauty. The property features a laid-back environment, several communal spaces, a kitchen, a BBQ area, and hammocks. Also, there is a common bathroom in each room.
La Punta Beach is only 400m away from the accommodation!
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
19. Casa Del Pavo Real – Palomino, Colombia
The Casa Del Pavo Real Boutique Hostel in Palomino offers lodging with free bikes, free private parking, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre.
Moreover, they have a bar, a patio, and a garden.
Some of the rooms at Casa Del Pavo Real Boutique Hostel feature a view of the pool and have a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Each room is furnished with towels and bed linens.
Breakfast is offered daily, including à la carte, vegetarian, and vegan selections.
Palomino Beach is only 400 m away!
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
20. Viajero Tayrona Hostel & Ecohabs – Tayrona, Colombia
20th on our list of the best hostels in the Caribbean is located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast and has a private beach.
Viajero Tayrona Hostel & Ecohabs provide both communal dorms and private ecological rooms with their own patios (some are for women only). Also, they have a pool!
Enjoy their free daily activities, ranging from volleyball competitions, yoga and meditation workshops, dancing classes, beach movie evenings, bonfires, karaoke events, and the renowned gigantic Jenga game.
Playa Buritaca is only 100 m away!
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
21. Karibbik Haus Hostel – San Andres, Colombia
The San Andrés-based Karibbik Haus Hostel has quick check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a common area, free Wi-Fi, and a patio.
They offer dormitories, deluxe rooms and a superior triple room! Also, there’s a communal kitchen and baggage storage available, as well as clean towels and bed linens, which are provided free of charge.
Within a 5-minutes walk, you will find two parks and a majestic beach.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
22. Bona Vida Hostel – Riohacha, Colombia
Situated in Rohacha, Columbia, the Bona Vida Hostel has a garden, terrace, communal lounge, and an outdoor pool. This property’s amenities include a restaurant, a communal kitchen, a 24-hour front desk, and free Wi-Fi service, among others.
Bona Vida provides private accommodations suitable for families, as well as dormitories. The guest rooms are equipped with all the basic amenities a traveller would need. In addition, the hostel provides a continental or à la carte breakfast.
You’ll be able to reach Playa de Riohacha in 300.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
We hope that you find the list of the Best Hostels in the Caribbean useful. Use the links we provided to secure your stay and be prepared to experience the adventure of your lifetime!
What about the cheapest hostels in Caribbean?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Caribbean.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Caribbean
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
I included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Caribbean best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
My Best Hostels in Caribbean for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best Caribbean hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
In Caribbean we absolutely enjoyed:
- Grace Bay Beach
- The World Famous Dunn’s River Falls & Park
- The Baths
- Varadero
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Saint Lucia
- El Yunque National Forest
- Antigua
- Bavaro Beach
- Barceló Bávaro Palace
- Saona Island
- Altos de Chavón
- YS Falls
- Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana
- Virgin Islands National Park
- Bob Marley Museum
- Coral World Ocean Park
- Arecibo Observatory
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
More handmade Guides for you
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Caribbean. We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
Here are all our hostel guides in detail:
- best hostels in San Jose
- best hostels in Uvita
- best hostels in Santa Teresa
- best Hostels in La Fortuna
- best hostels in Panama City, Panama
- best hostels in Caye Caulker, Belize
- 13 best hostels in Nicaragua
- best hostels in Monteverde, Costa Rica
- best hostels in Samara, Costa Rica
- best hostels in Jaco, Costa Rica
- best hostels in Tortuguero
- best hostels in Bahía Drake
- best hostels in Tulum, Mexico
- best hostels in Cozumel, Mexico
- best hostels in Holbox, Mexico
- best hostels in Colombia
- best hostels in Salento, Colombia
- best hostels in Cali, Colombia
- best hostels in Medellin, Colombia
- best hostels in Havana, Cuba