Which Caribbean Island Is the Best for Your Family Vacation?

Trying to decide which Caribbean island is right for you next family vacation? It’s important to keep in mind just how much activity (and what kind) your kids will crave. Will they be happy with surf, sand and sun or do they need a little more action to stay entertained?

With that in mind, we’ve broken down which destinations are best for what — because there are multiple islands to choose from and each offers something different, from black-sand beaches and island-hopping adventures to marine life encounters and cultural experiences. Keep on reading to find the one that’s perfect for you and yours.

• Best Caribbean islands for beach bums
• Best Caribbean islands for nature lovers
• Best Caribbean islands for culture buffs
• Best Caribbean islands for no-fuss families

If your crew is happy to bask in the sun all day, you might want to head for these islands. They boast some of the world’s most spectacular beaches.

• Antigua and Barbuda: What do you get when you combine the sparkling Caribbean Sea with 365 stretches of sand? A beach for every day and every mood. From lively and energetic to private and quiet, you get a full range of fun-in-the-sun options in Antigua.
• Cayman Islands: You’ll love all the pristine beaches on Grand Cayman — but particularly Seven Mile Beach. Here, you can swim, snorkel, jet ski, parasail and more.
• Turks and Caicos Islands: If calm waters and miles of soft, white sand sound like heaven, then check out Grace Bay Beach on the island of Providenciales.
• Saint Lucia: Every beach in Saint Lucia is worthy of being on a postcard. Plus, many of them are family-friendly thanks to their shallow waters and abundance of amenities.
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: From the black sands of Anse Chastanet to the powdery shores of Princess Margaret Beach, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has something for everyone.

For parents and kids that enjoy learning, these spots in the Caribbean are for you! In addition to gorgeous beaches, these islands have rich histories and unique cultures that are just waiting to be discovered.

• Cuba: Shaped by Indigenous, African and European peoples — and a rather complex history — Cuba has a vibe that’s unlike anywhere else.
• Curaçao: Dutch culture is behind every corner in Willemstad, the island’s capital city. Here, you’ll come across pastel-coloured buildings, delicacies such as meatballs and doughnuts, and Delft Blue pottery.
• Saint Kitts and Nevis: Hop aboard the St. Kitts Scenic Railway for a tour of the island’s top historical landmarks, including the Fairview Great House and the Brimstone Hill Fortress (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
• Saint Martin/Sint Maarten: Home to more than 130 different nationalities, Saint Martin/Sint Martin is one of the most diverse Caribbean destinations. Experience its unique culture through music, food, architecture and more.

Travelling to the Caribbean doesn’t need to be complicated! These islands have some of the best family resorts and are just a direct flight away from many Canadian cities, making them an affordable, easy-to-get-to option.

• The Bahamas: The Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas can be found here. Need we say more? With a 141-acre water park on the hotel grounds, this is a family destination that kids ask for by name.
• Dominican Republic: You don’t have to spend a lot to have a blast in the Dominican Republic. La Romana and Punta Cana have the most family-friendly beaches while the historic Santo Domingo is a great place to keep older kids amused.
• Jamaica: Jamaica offers tons of personality and activities for the little ones. Don’t forget to add attractions like Mystic Mountain and Dunn’s River Falls to your itinerary.
• Aruba: One of the three ABC islands of the Leeward Antilles, Aruba is ideal for family trips. While away your days at Palm Beach, ride the trolley in Oranjestad and explore Arikok National Park.

No matter what you'd like to see, do or experience, a Caribbean vacation is sure to provide some unforgettable family fun. Interested in booking a trip to one of the destinations mentioned above or to one of the many other Caribbean islands? Your centre for travel is ready to help.