How Much Island Hopping Costs

Daily estimates by region

Per person per day, excluding international flights. All figures are estimates and vary by season:

• Thailand — $45 budget, $110 mid-range, $350+ luxury
• Indonesia — $45 budget, $120 mid-range, $380+ luxury
• Philippines — $55 budget, $130 mid-range, $400+ luxury
• Greek Islands — €110 budget, €220 mid-range, €480+ luxury
• Caribbean — $160 budget, $320 mid-range, $700+ luxury

Where the money actually goes

Accommodation is 40–55% of a typical mid-range island-hopping budget, food 15–20%, activities 15–20% and transport 10–15%. Transfers feel expensive because you pay them in lumps, but they are rarely the problem.

The four budget killers

• Private boats booked on the day, at three to four times the joiner price
• Airport transfers arranged at the arrivals desk instead of pre-booked
• Peak-season accommodation booked inside three weeks
• Card fees and poor airport exchange rates — use a travel card and withdraw once per island

How to cut 30% without cutting islands

Travel in the shoulder month either side of peak, stay in guesthouses with kitchenettes on the two longest island stays, take joiner boat tours rather than private ones except for a single splurge day, and eat lunch where the boat crews eat.