Caribbean Family Travel

The Caribbean offers so much more than just great beaches. Every island has unique traditions, flavors, and experiences beyond the typical resort stay. We empower families to move past cookie-cutter all-inclusives to see the real Caribbean — in a way that feels approachable with kids and also like a true vacation.

From reggae in Jamaica to French-Caribbean fusion in Saint Martin, the variety of cultures to discover in the Caribbean with kids is astounding. You’ll find varied local histories and European influences across the region, each adding its own twist to food, music, and way of life.

Of course, we won’t forget the classics that make Caribbean family travel a no-brainer: stunning blue sea, incredible underwater life, powdery beaches, perfect weather, and total relaxation with a cocktail in hand.

Whether you’re looking to unwind or seeking outdoor adventures like snorkeling, hiking, or zip-lining with your kids, the Caribbean has it all.

Mango Tree Memory

We took our 18 month old daughter to our favorite Caribbean island, along with 3 other families.  She still keeps a photo from that first Caribbean trip in her room.

That first trip led to dozens of others over the next several years, as Mango Tree came to life.  She’s now snorkeled with turtles, ziplined above beaches, learned to sail, and taken classes with local artisans.

The islands will always have a special place for our family, and we can’t help you find the right one for you and yours!

– Lee, Founder of Mango Tree Travel

Best For:

  • An easy first family vacation with calm, shallow waters and gorgeous resorts – the perfect setting to catch a break and reconnect.
  • East Coast travelers who want to be in paradise in just a few hours.
  • Parents wanting a mix of relaxation and adventure, with watersports, snorkeling, hiking, and boat days all available at your fingertips.

Not For:

  • Families looking for a deal on luxury accomodations, as many Caribbean islands come with high price tags;
  • Travelers who “aren’t really beach people,” don’t like the outdoors, or quickly get uncomfortable in hot climates.

Why choose The Caribbean for your family?

Sometimes you just want to unwind on a beach, whereas other times your family might have more of an appetite for exploring local culture or for adventure. The Caribbean offers endless possibilities for every kind of trip. Here are just a few of the reasons to head to the Caribbean with kids:

  • Short and frequent flights from many East Coast cities to gorgeous islands
  • Something for everyone in the family
  • Kid-friendly outdoor adventures like snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife exploration
  • A variety of unique island cultures, offering more than just cookie-cutter resorts
  • Casual come as you are vibes! Everyone can be themselves with family-friendly restaurants, boutique hotels, and island attitude
Experience The Caribbean ...

The Mango Tree Way

You could spend dozens of hours researching your trip. Or you could have a family travel expert curate your personalized itinerary. What’s stopping you?

Snag our FREE Caribbean Guide

Explore the islands with kids — and confidence! Our ultimate guide to the Caribbean for families offers specific destination and hotel recommendations for every age, from newborn to teen and everything in between.
Caribbean Island Guide For Families

Where to stay

Best Family Hotels in The Caribbean

Family Friendly Resort at British Virgin Islands

Guana Island

Tortola,
British Virgin Islands
Baoase Luxury Resort

Baoase Luxury Resort

Willemstad,
Curacao
Avila Beach Hotel

Avila Beach Hotel

Willemstad,
Curacao
Sublime Samana Hotel With Family Suites Dominican Republic

Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences

Las Terrenas,
Dominican Republic
Family-friendly Mount Cinnamon Resort Grenada

Mount Cinnamon Resort & Beach Club

Grand Anse Beach,
Grenada
Family Hotel In Saint Vincent And The Grenadines

Bequia Beach Hotel

Bequia,
St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Where to play

Best Activities for Families in The Caribbean

On the Water
Best Caribbean Kid-Friendly Destinations: St Thomas
Hop Around the Virgin Islands
When you fly to Saint Thomas (USVI) or Tortola (BVI), you reach the doorstep to a world of island exploration. No matter which way you look, other islands beckon you to visit. Hop around the islands with your kids to find your favorite.
For the Kids
Daniel Johnson's Monkey & Sloth Hangout, Roatan Destination Guide
Hold a Sloth in Roatan
Roatan is one of our favorite Caribbean islands for families. Known as a scuba diving destination, the kid-friendly activities are overlooked. Hold a sloth, snorkel from the beach, zipline through the trees, and spend your nights in a luxury boutique hotel.
Around Town
Best Restaurants in Saint Martin with Kids
Eat Your Way Through Saint Martin
Explore St. Martin's diverse foodie scene, where Creole and Caribbean flavors await at beachfront restaurants across the island's many beaches. Spend your days hopping between walkable towns and seaside spots, enjoying a glass of wine with ocean views while your kids play in the sand nearby.
On the Water
snorkeling-in-bonaire-with-kids
Snorkel in Bonaire
Introduce your kids to the colorful underwater world of Bonaire, where the vibrant coral reefs are just steps from the shore. Often overlooked by families, Bonaire offers calm waters and abundant marine life, perfect for both beginners and seasoned little snorkelers to explore together.
Around Town
In Grenada with kids at St. George's market
Cook in Grenada
Discover why Grenada is known as the Caribbean's "Spice Island" by visiting its vibrant local markets, filled with fresh produce and fragrant spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Grenada offers a hands-on food experience perfect for families who love to cook together - and our favorite hotels have rooms with kitchens to take advantage.

*Please note that some of the suggested actives are affiliate links. We only recommend activities that we know and trust.

What to bring

Favorite Travel Products for The Caribbean

Travel Gear
ALOHA Collection Tote Bag - Packable Splash-Proof Beach Bag with Zipper Top. Washable Tote Bag for Pool, Beach & Travel
Aloha Collection Beach Bag
This is our go-to beach bag for island getaways: It comes in multiple cool patterns, is water resistant, folds down into a suitcase, and can fit tons of travel toys and snacks.
For Kids
Greatever Dry Snorkel Set,Panoramic Wide View,Anti-Fog Scuba Diving Mask,Professional Snorkeling Gear for Kids
Snorkel Set
If you want to get your kids comfortable snorkeling, getting them their own gear will get them excited, involved, and give them a practice in the pool.
For Kids
HIITAVE Kids Water Shoes Non-Slip Quick Dry Swim Barefoot Beach Aqua Pool Socks Shoes for Boys & Girls Toddler Mermaid/Scale 4-5 M US Toddler
Water Shoes
Give your kids extra confidence for ocean swimming, beach walks, and snorkeling with water shoes to keep them sure-footed. These low profiles shoes are easy to pack and come in lots of colors.
Travel Gear
Sun Bum Kids SPF 50 Clear Face Stick Sunscreen | Broad Spectrum Sunblock with Vitamin E | Wet or Dry Skin Application | Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free)| Travel Friendly 0.53 oz
Clear Sunscreen Face Stick
We've tried a lot of face sunscreens, and these clear sunscreen sticks are really the best no-tears solution. Goes on wet or dry, and reef safe too!
For Mom
One Piece Bathing Suit For Mom
Change of Scenery Swimsuit
There’s a new gem in the market for mom swimsuits! Change of Scenery, an accessible but luxurious resort wear and swimwear line, designed by Jamie Banks, working mom of three, will make you feel fanastic on your next beach trip.
For Babies
Dad wearing Integra Solar Baby Carrier
Integra Solar Baby Carrier
Our founder spent hundreds of hours researching the best lightweight, waterproof baby carrier with sun protection for her Caribbean travels, and this is the winner. Beach naps baby.

* Please note that some of these product links are affiliate links, but we only recommend products we would use on our own travels.

Dive deeper

Top Articles About The Caribbean With Kids

Guide to Caribbean Islands

Guide to Caribbean Islands: Find Your Match!

Planning a trip to the Caribbean can be exciting but also overwhelming with so many islands to choose from. This guide to Caribbean islands will help you compare Caribbean islands and find the perfect destination for your next family vacation.​
Google Flights Guide

Google Flights Guide: Caribbean Edition

Do you use Google Flights to help select your Caribbean destinations? If not, you should be, and we’ll show you how. ​
How to plan a Caribbean vacation with kids

How to Plan a Caribbean Family Vacation
(NOT to a big All-Inclusive)

Learn how to plan a Caribbean vacation with kids that’s anything but cookie-cutter. Your time is too precious to do it the boring way. ​
Reasons to Spend October in the Caribbean

7 Best Caribbean Islands To Visit In October (2025)

We have always loved October in the Caribbean. It is the low season for many islands, making it a great time to score deals and avoid crowds. If you see the value to off-season travel, the Caribbean is one of the best places to visit in October and other fall months. Here are a few suggestions of the best Caribbean islands to visit in October.

26 Best Caribbean Resorts with Private Pools (2025)

Wondering whether any of the amazing Caribbean resorts with private pools welcome families? And whether there are hotels with private plunge pools in the Caribbean that are within your budget for your next tropical vacation with kids? You’ve come to the right place.
Best Caribbean Islands in August

9 Best Caribbean Islands in August For A Family Trip!

If school vacation is rolling around, you and your family are probably itching for a fun-filled summer trip. The Caribbean is a magical place to spend it, but figuring out the best Caribbean island in August can be tricky. From the best weather and local events to reasonable off-season prices and crowds, we’re going to share the best Caribbean destinations in August.

Keep Exploring

Family-Friendly Travel Destinations
Turks and Caicos Itinerary
Turks and Caicos
Known for its stunning Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos is a perfect choice for families seeking a luxury Caribbean getaway. Its calm waters, luxury resorts with kids' clubs, and easy access from major U.S. cities make it an ideal spot for toddlers and young kids. Plus, there’s plenty of beachfront dining and activities to keep the whole family entertained.
https://mangotreetravel.com/destinations/turks-and-caicos-family-travel/
grenada-rainforest-hiking
Grenada
For families seeking adventure and an authentic Caribbean experience, Grenada is a hidden gem. Known as the Spice Island, it offers lush rainforests, waterfalls, and the calm, kid-friendly waters of Grand Anse Beach. Grenada is perfect for families of all ages who want a mix of relaxation and outdoor exploration.
https://mangotreetravel.com/?page_id=14286
Hotel for Bonaire Family Vacation
Bonaire
Bonaire is a quiet, unspoiled island perfect for families who love snorkeling and wildlife. The marine life is extraordinary, and kids will be captivated by the flamingos, iguanas, and colorful reef fish. With its easy navigation and charming town of Kralendijk, Bonaire is a great option for water-loving families seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination.
https://mangotreetravel.com/?page_id=14278
reception area at family-friendly Jamaica hotel Round Hill Resort & Villas
Jamaica
Jamaica offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities, from all-inclusive resorts in Montego Bay to laid-back beach days in Negril. Families with older kids will love the island’s adventurous side, with river rafting, cliff diving, and even horseback riding in the ocean. Plus, Jamaica’s warm hospitality and rich culture make it a must-visit for families of all ages.
https://mangotreetravel.com/?page_id=14398
Antigua is an English Speaking Caribbean Country
Antigua
Antigua boasts 365 beaches, so your family will never run out of places to explore. Its calm, shallow waters are ideal for young swimmers, and the island’s small, all-inclusive resorts make it easy for parents to relax. Families will also love the lively Sunday barbecue at Shirley Heights, with music and incredible views.
https://mangotreetravel.com/caribbean-destination-guides-for-families/antigua-and-barbuda/
Colorful Curacao - Exploring Willemstad
Curacao
Curacao is a vibrant island offering families a mix of colorful culture, secluded beaches, and accessible snorkeling. Its capital, Willemstad, is a great place to explore with kids, with plenty of family-friendly restaurants and shops. Curacao’s calm waters and affordable resorts make it an excellent option for families looking for a budget-friendly vacation, especially during hurricane season.
https://mangotreetravel.com/?page_id=14295

Here, We dropped a pin (because no one likes asking for directions)

Rave Reviews

I just got home from a trip to Jamaica planned by Mango Tree Travel, and it was perfect. The hotel was beautiful, and every activity was perfect for my 6 year old daughter. She had an amazing time and – the really amazing part – I came home feeling refreshed, like I got a real vacation! Any mom knows that’s the real test of a trip with kids. Lee knows so much about the Caribbean, and it’s clear how much she cares about each family and finding the perfect spot just for them. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and I am already excited for my next Mango Tree trip!
5/5
Our trip was amazing! St. Martin felt like the perfect destination for our first Caribbean vacation and for our kids’ current ages. . . . We did lots of fun stuff, but felt like there was enough that we didn’t quite get to that we could easily see ourselves going back! Thank you SO much for everything! I am already pestering my husband about when we should start planning next year’s spring break trip. ;)
5/5

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