Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean

With three islands to choose from, the U.S. Virgin Islands appeal to families who like to blend beach time with a bit of exploration. Virgin Islands National Park on St. John offers this and more with 20-plus trails and access to the popular Trunk Bay beach. Kids will also enjoy Coral World Ocean Park, while adults should take advantage of the Cruzan Rum Distillery on St. Croix.

Families looking for a true getaway will find solace in St. Vincent & The Grenadines. Compared to other Caribbean Islands, St. Vincent and company are more remote and, as such, are largely devoid of tourists. You'll find exclusive resorts and private islands, perfect for lounging on the beach with your loved ones.

Calm waters and pristine beaches attract travelers to the British Virgin Islands. While the destination is pricey, visitors can save money by splashing around Smuggler's Cove, a free beach known for its sea turtles and relaxing vibe. Families will also love exploring The Baths National Park, a colorful natural attraction.

Beautiful beaches, magnificent reefs and opportunities for horseback riding and surf lessons make the Bahamas a family favorite. Plus, the Bahamas boasts plenty of budget- and family-friendly resorts. One of the most prominent resorts, Atlantis Bahamas, even has its own 141-acre water park.

For families craving a sunny beach getaway, St. Kitts & Nevis offers the perfect dose of relaxation and enrichment. Here, you can enjoy aquatic pursuits like sailing, windsurfing and deep-sea fishing along with historic sites like Brimstone Hill Fortress on St. Kitts.

While this island normally attracts a party crowd, there are plenty of places for families to feel right at home. If you're traveling with little kids in tow, head to Friar's Bay (on the French side) and Little Bay (on the Dutch side), two beaches with calm waters for swimming. And if you're feeling active, hike up Pic du Paradis.

Curacao is often overlooked for its flashier neighbors, but it offers the perfect mix of relaxing shorelines and leisurely activities. The beaches are the obvious draw, and scuba diving is popular, but kids and adults alike won't be able to resist snapping photos of the colorful Dutch colonial architecture along Handelskade.

Unlike other places on this list, Puerto Rico offers ample attractions away from hotel grounds, such as hiking through El Yunque National Forest and touring Vieques' bioluminescent Mosquito Bay. Plus, the island's no-passport-necessary status makes it a great option for families that crave convenience.

Unlike other Caribbean islands, Grenada doesn't experience many American tourists, but don't let that deter you from its incredible offerings. Grenada's capital is colorful, its beaches are irresistible and its adventure activities are abundant. Enjoy splashing around at Grand Anse Beach before treating yourself and your loved ones to delectable tastings at Belmont Estate & The Grenada Chocolate Company.

Barbados offers a safe, fun and easily accessible Caribbean getaway teeming with family-oriented resorts. When you're not lazing along a white sand beach or riding the waves in Bridgetown, explore inland attractions like Harrison's Cave and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.

Travel to this pair of Caribbean islands to experience the best of both worlds. As the birthplace of the limbo and the steelpan, Trinidad offers more of a cultural experience, while Tobago is renowned for its beautiful beaches.

If you and your clan want to avoid thick tourist crowds, Anguilla is the island for you. Anguilla does not allow cruise ships, casinos or high-rise hotels on the island, leaving lots of room to absorb the local culture and soak up its beautiful shorelines. Visit the popular Sandy Ground, or for a more secluded experience, head to Rendezvous Bay.

Bonaire offers a wild island experience peppered with numerous outdoor pursuits. At Bonaire National Marine Park, diving and snorkeling opportunities abound. There's also the nearly 14,000-acre Washington Slagbaai National Park, a haven for flamingos, iguanas, sea turtles and more.

Beach bums take note: Antigua is the place to go for beaches. There are 365 stretches of sand to choose from, ranging from buzzing to secluded. Half Moon Bay's calm water and remote location make it a great secluded option for snorkeling, while Dickenson Bay is ideal for families who want to be in the thick of it all.

The Dominican Republic's capital differs from other Caribbean destinations in that its main attraction isn't relaxing beaches. Rather, Santo Domingo offers a bustling atmosphere that will excite travelers young and old. Take your family for a stroll along the popular Malecon, soak up Zona Colonial's history or explore the beautiful sights of Los Tres Ojos national park.