Traveling with the whole family means finding water adventures that will satisfy everyone, while creating lasting memories. These five family-friendly Caribbean escapes were made with kids in mind, but have enough to offer that everyone will have a great vacation.
Grand Bahama
Just 55 miles off the coast of Florida is Grand Bahama, the fourth largest island of Bahamas and the second most popular destination among travelers. Here your family can snorkel in reefs, ride horses along the beach, explore caves such as the Lucavans, play beach volleyball or ride on banana boats. Kids and adults alike will enjoy swimming with the dolphins or relaxing on one of the white sand beaches.
Grand Cayman
The largest of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman features turtle farms and pirate ships that are sure to enchant families from 8 to 80. Start with the popular Seven Mile Beach, a long crescent of coral and sand on the western shore just north of the capital, George Town. Take a snorkeling tour of Stingray City where the stingrays brush between your legs. Or ride a glass-bottom boat for views of the North Sound, or go deeper for a look at the Atlantic Submarine.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
The idea of the all-inclusive resorts such as Beaches/Sandals and SuperClubs/Breezes started in Jamaica, making them the perfect places to take the kids on vacation. Here you can find a private water park and nannies to take care of the children while you run off to have your own vacation. Fear not; the kids will be entertained with swimming, sand castles, games and more. Get to know real Jamaicans through Meet the People, which matches local families with tourists for a hike or swim.
Barbados
Aside from frolicking on the beaches with international pals, Barbados offers families a learning experience while traveling. The Wildlife Reserve gives children a chance to feed the island’s green monkeys, while the Barbados Museum offers a gallery dedicated to them. The marine aquarium Ocean Park shows off the local underwater wildlife and lets kids interact with marine life. A trip on the Atlantis submarine takes you below sea level for a different view of Barbados.
Aruba
Aruba, like Jamaica, features family friendly resorts that will keep your young ones busy, while you enjoy some much needed free time. The Renaissance offers the “Just Us Kids” club with field trips to island caves, rock formations and museums, while the Wyndham has its “Kids Klub” for children’s activities throughout the day. At the Hyatt Regency, children can attend Camp Watapana, where they can play more than 100 different games on the outdoor playground.