Best Caribbean Islands for Families

Last Updated on August 2, 2024

To help you figure out where to go on Caribbean family vacations, I’ve compiled a list of the best Caribbean islands for families.

Since I became a mother, I’ve become a strong advocate for family travel. Travel can do wonders for kids: it brings a sense of adventure and a break from routine to both parents and kids. Travel teaches kids things that they can never learn from school.

But choosing the right destination can make or break your family trip. It’s important to consider your children’s needs, but it’s equally important to visit a place that interests you.

We have brought our four-year-old daughter to over 30 countries now, and for some reason, we keep returning to the Caribbean.  I’ve even brought her on a transatlantic cruise around the Caribbean islands. Perhaps it’s because the islands are so easy to travel with kids, and their beaches and weather are oh so welcoming. The laid back vibes and slow Carib lifestyle always make us feel relaxed and welcomed. 

That said, we’re not the type of family who spend all our time in all-inclusive resorts and not go out to explore. We love driving around, beach hopping, scuba diving, hiking in jungles, discovering new areas and tasting delicious Caribbean foods. We like being active and we often source out exciting new activities that both us and our daughter will enjoy.

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Best Caribbean Islands for Families

To help you decide where to go on Caribbean family vacations, I’ve compiled a list of the best Caribbean islands for families. I looked into things like safety, weather, cost, activities for everyone and how easy it is to find holiday deals to these islands. If you are looking for safe Caribbean islands for families, you will find the perfect spot for you and your family on this list.

I’ve personally been to all of these Caribbean islands and can assure you that these islands below make the best travel destinations for your family. Enjoy your Caribbean family vacation, here are the top Caribbean islands for families!

Best Caribbean Islands for Families: Dominican Republic

Miles and miles of powdery white sand and spearmint blue water: the Dominican Republic is just as dreamy as I’d imagined. Last summer, we spent two weeks exploring the Caribbean nation with our two-year-old daughter Kaleya, driving all over the country and also taking the opportunity to travel to Haiti.

It was the perfect summer trip: with a dosage of sun and sea, visits to its fascinating colonial towns, and even some adventure in the jungles and caves of Dominican Republic. There are plenty of things to do for kids of all ages, and the great infrastructure in the country means it’s easy to get around and explore without worrying for your kids’s safety.

As compared to other parts of the Caribbean that we’ve been, the DR is rather affluent and most beach towns are relaxed, calm and safe. Traveling Dominican Republic with Kids is absolutely easy and you’ll feel very welcomed as locals have a warm attitude towards kids. Check out our 10-day Dominican Republic itinerary.

Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic with Kids:

• Melia Caribe Beach Resort
• Now Onyx Punta Cana
• Majestic Mirage Punta Cana
• Antiguo Hotel Europa
• Mahona Boutique Hotel

Things to Do in Dominican Republic with Kids:

• Try caving or zip lining in Scape Park
• Book a catamaran trip to Saona Island
• Book a dune buggy tour of Bavaro
• Visit Monkeyland and go ziplining
• Go tubing in Dominican Republic’s largest natural caves, the Fun Fun Cave
• Visit the Museo Infantil Trampolin perfect for children aged 2-12
• Whale watching off the Samana Peninsula

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Best Caribbean Islands for Families: Jamaica

Smooth like rum and hot like a spicy plate of jerk, Jamaica got me hooked almost right from the start. The media might call it dangerous but the worst crime you’re likely to encounter is having your heart stolen. This island sure has personality and it has no shortage of waterfalls and beaches.

For nature lovers, the luscious island is blanketed in endless rainforests and coffee plantations. Let’s not forget its miles and miles of coastlines that are fringed by crystalline waters and sandy beaches — most of which are empty of tourists. And if you’re a music lover, you’ll love the reggae music parties often found on the beaches of Jamaica at sunset.

Traveling Jamaica with kids is not just fun, but also full of adventure. The best places to visit on Jamaica are the stunning waterfalls, lush jungles and empty beaches. Read my Jamaica family vacation guide for the best kid-friendly resorts in Jamaica. Now, if you’re seeking fun Caribbean islands for families, explore accommodations and activities to plan your perfect getaway.

Where to Stay in Jamaica with Kids:

• Moon Palace Jamaica Grande
• Beaches Ocho Rios Resort
• The Cliff Hotel 
• Riu Hotel Montego Bay
• Franklyn D. Resort

Things to Do in Jamaica with Kids:

• Visit the famous Blue Lagoon (where the Brooke Shields’ movie was filmed)
• Go river rafting on Martha Brae, a three-mile journey on a bamboo raft
• Climb and swim in Dunn’s River Falls
• Discover the secret Frenchman’s Cove, Port Antonio 
• Go bobsledding at Kool Runnings Adventure Park
• Book a Four Wheel ATV Safari
• Horseback Ride ‘N Swim (ride a horse in the Caribbean Sea)
• Try river tubing down the Great River
• Hike around Blue Mountains and visit coffee plantations
• Dance to reggae music at Rick’s Cafe – our daughter really enjoyed herself there!

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Best Caribbean Islands for Families: St Vincent and Grenadines

Of all the islands on this list, St Vincent and Grenadines is probably the quietest and least touristy Caribbean nation. We traveled all over St Vincent and the Grenadines in 2013 before we had kids, but we think it’s the perfect spot for a tropical family vacation

SVG is laid back, slow and very calm — most of the country is dotted with sleepy fishing towns and miles and miles of deserted beaches. The only big town in St Vincent and Grenadines is Kingstown, which is the political and commercial heart of the archipelago as a whole. The historical town has winding alleys fringed with charming colonial mansions.

Sailing is big business in St Vincent and the Grenadines, with regattas each year and those world-famous Tobago Cays on the menu. While it may sound like a playground for the rich and famous, you don’t need your own yacht to enjoy SVG. In fact cheap ferries make exploring this archipelago nation independently a breeze.

Where to Stay in St Vincent and Grenadines with Kids:

• Bequia Beachfront Villas
• The Liming Bequia
• Salt Whistle Bay Resort
• The Old Fort
• Mandarin Oriental, Canoaun

Things to Do in St Vincent and Grenadines with Kids:

• Visit the film locations of Pirates of Caribbean
• Book a catamaran to sail around  Tobago Cays 
• Take a day trip to Union Island 
• Visit the central market in Kingstown and Botanical Gardens
• Visit Dark View Falls and Buccament Bay
• Climb La Soufriere Volcano if your kids are big enough

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Best Caribbean Islands for Families: St Kitts and Nevis

Swaying coconut trees, sparkling blue water, powdery sand and the sounds of reggae music in the distance: St Kitts is the Caribbean without sun-burnt tourists, all-inclusive resorts, and Señor Frogs. Imagine Barbados 20 years ago and that’s St Kitts – no high-rise hotels, touts nor throngs of crowds.

Despite its small size (68 square miles), St Kitts has no shortage of empty, pristine beaches, tranquil villages, lush green rainforests, and a huge monkey population (bigger than the human population of 35,000!).

What I love about St Kitts is their emphasis on history here. You can learn all about its colonial and slavery history in the capital of Basseterre, where prisons and British architecture can still be seen today. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park also tells lots of stories of the British army that occupied the island.

Where to Stay in St Kitts and Nevis with Kids:

• Marriott St. Kitts Beach Club
• Sugar Bay Club
• Park Hyatt St. Kitts
• The Hamilton Beach Villas and Spa
• Four Seasons Resort Nevis

Things to Do in St Kitts and Nevis with Kids:

• Visit Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park
• Go on a 4×4 Off Road Adventure
• Bike around Nevis Island
• Hike in the Phillips Rainforest
• Go zip-lining through the Wingfield forest
• Sail to Pinney’s Beach on a Catamaran
• Take the St Kitts Scenic Railway, a 2-hour journey that brings you along the coast and through sugar cane plantations 

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Best Caribbean Islands for Families: Cuba

There’s nowhere else quite like Cuba. Since the US trade embargo was implemented almost 50 years ago, Cuba has been kept in a 1950s time warp, isolating it from many modern developments. Coming here almost feels like stepping into a different era: American-made classic cars line the city’s cobbled streets and colossal churches loom over Art Deco buildings.

In old Havana, almost every street seems to have an intriguing story to tell, whether one of colonial heritage, economic hardship or revolutionary change. In the whimsical colonial town of Trinidad, pastel colored houses topped with terracotta tiled roofs and sky-high bell towers. Those who want beach time can head straight to Varadero, where there’s no shortage of kid-friendly resorts.

Cuba is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean. Because of the unique old-worldliness and their warm and vibrant culture, Cuba is one of my favourite places in the world and I think it’s perfect for adventurous families seeking a bit of everything: culture, character, outdoor activities, beach and warm weather!

Where to Stay in Cuba with Kids:

• VOYA Boutique Hotel
• La Villa Teresa
• Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Hotel
• Hotel Grand Aston La Habana
• Hostal Casa El Ceramista

Things to Do in Cuba with Kids:

• Wander around the colonial town of Trinidad
• Go horse riding and hiking in Viñales
• Go on a jeep safari in the Yumuri Valley
• Relax on the beaches of Varadero  
• Sail from Varadero to Cayo Blanco on a catamaran

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Best Caribbean Islands for Families: San Blas Islands

Few people have heard of the San Blas Islands, but those who have know this is the closest place to paradise.  The 375 islands that make up San Blas Panama are pristine and undiscovered by mass tourism. Getting here is not easy, but that’s exactly its appeal.

If you’re looking for best Caribbean islands for families all-inclusive, jet skiing, and air conditioning, San Blas Panama is not for you. San Blas is a quiet, pristine area with empty castaway islands that usually have nothing more than a few huts and coconut trees. Electricity and running water are rare here and you might find a restaurant and bar at the lodges, but don’t expect shops or WiFi anywhere.

Traveling Panama with kids is a lot of fun and often involves plenty of time outdoors. San Blas islands are no exception. Your kids will have the time of their life snorkeling in crystal clear waters, finding star fish, and building sand castles on empty beaches.

Where to Stay in San Blas with Kids:*

• Cabañas Narasgandup
• Hotel El Porvenir
• Ina Cabins

*Note: Accommodation on San Blas Islands are very basic and overpriced because of how remote the area is. Lodging is usually in the form of wooden huts with simple beds and mosquito nets. We hired a catamaran or sailboat to spend a few days sailing around the islands instead and had the time of our life. Check out Sailboat Guajira and pirate boat Alessandra.

Things to Do in San Blas with Kids:

• Sail around San Blas with a catamaran or sailboat
• Visit El Porvenir island, the biggest island in San Blas
• Snorkel around the shipwreck at Perro Chico
• See hundreds of starfish at Pelicano Island
• Swim in the shallow lagoons off Banedub Island
• Eat fresh-from-the-sea lobsters off the barbecue

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Plan Your Caribbean Family Trip!

The most popular Caribbean islands for families are fantastic for family travel, especially if your little ones are still tiny tots. We’ve traveled to plenty of Caribbean Islands with our daughter, and have enjoyed every single trip.

Here are more islands I’ve written on the Caribbean Islands. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments field below.

• Curacao Travel Guide: All You Need to Know
• Best Beaches in Curacao
• St Kitts Travel Guide
• Dominican Republic with Kids
• 10-Day Dominican Republic Itinerary
• Jamaica with Kids
• Costa Rica with Kids
• Best Things to Do in Trinidad and Tobago

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