Caribbean Family Islands

The Bahamas market themselves as a family-friendly destination, and for good reason. Most hotels and resorts have superior facilities for the little ones, including babysitter or nanny service and playrooms. Outside, opportunities for family fun run the gamut from kayaking, snorkeling sea safaris, and swimming with dolphins and stingrays to educational eco-tours, bowling, and water parks.

Whale-watching trips (December to April), sunbathing, snorkeling, beachcombing for sand dollars, spotting rock iguanas in a nature reserve… Turks & Caicos offers a full spectrum of family fun. Specific attractions include a working conch farm and a pirate-themed pool (complete with 2 waterslides and waterfall) at the Sandals' Beaches Resort and Spa.

All-inclusive is the way to go in the DR if you have the wee ones in tow. Most properties offer babysitting, organized activities, and game rooms. Choose between snorkeling cruises, close encounters with dolphins and sea lions, and fun for all at the Ocean World Adventure Park, Marina, and Casino Entertainment Complex.

The all-inclusive resorts of Jamaica are jam-packed with kid-friendly activities that give youngsters a chance to burn energy, including trapeze, rock-climbing, water slides, minigolf, and snorkeling. Most resorts provide a solution to the dilemma of adult downtime with nanny services and infant care. Out and about, families enjoy jungle river tubing, horseback ride ’n’ swims, climbing to the top of Dunn’s River Falls, and aqua-fun at Kool Runnings Water Park.

Known for calm, reef-protected waters, the BVIs are tops for sea kayaking and underwater explorations. Resorts such as Little Dix Bay Resort on Virgin Gorda have special children’s programs, with pirate tales and beach games. Hands-on family attractions on the island include searching for pirate booty in the caves at Treasure Island (an actual, off-shore islet).

Direct flights and the absence of required passports make family trips to the US Virgin Islands more relaxed. A plethora of resorts offer extensive family-friendly programs and facilities such as children centers, water trampolines, and iguana feedings. Other draws include Coral World Ocean Park on St. Thomas and snorkeling off Buck Island Reef National Monument on St. Croix.