The Grenadines are 32 small islands and cays running between St Lucia and Grenada in the Lesser Antilles, and traditionally a destination for yachters and boaters. It’s often said the Grenadines feel like the entire Caribbean region must have felt 70 years ago – without mass market tourism and feeling untouched. This a destination for families eager to travel a little further to experience something straight out of a postcard.
Boutique hotels and cozy villas provide a personal touch, and every beach feels like your own private paradise. When you travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with kids, you can escape the crowds and embrace a slower pace of travel.
You’ll be island hopping here, flying into a bigger island and then reaching your ultimate destination either by flight or ferry. The Grenadines are especially great for families who want to travel a little longer, for kids who love the water, with snorkeling, sailing, and beach hopping as daily highlights.
From Bequia to Canouan, Mustique to the Tobago Cays, each island has its own unique vibe. Get ready to choose-your-own adventure for your Grenadines family vacation.
Our family trip to Bequia in 2021 – which we took during one of the most challenging periods in our family life – inspired me to start Mango Tree Travel. My kids were just 8 months and 4 years old. Adjusting to life as a family of four during COVID had been hard enough, but in the thick of it, we added a cleft lip surgery for my baby and six weeks for me in a walking boot after a badly sprained ankle. We were completely drained.
You might think that tackling two flights and an hour-long ferry with little kids in that moment would add chaos to an already exhausting period. Quite the contrary: Stepping away from it all—truly away—was exactly what we needed. Bequia’s quiet, unspoiled beauty felt like a secret we’d stumbled upon, and once we were there, the island made everything easy.
I’ll never forget snorkeling with my daughter for the first time on that trip. Sharing my love of the ocean with her amidst the stunning coral reefs of the Grenadines was a moment of pure joy. That trip reminded us how powerful it is to step away from the overwhelm, to disconnect from life’s pressures and reconnect as a family. That experience is why I started Mango Tree Travel—to embolden other parents to discover the same sense of connection and renewal through travel together.
– Lee, Founder of Mango Tree Travel
The Grenadines are known for pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and world-class sailing. The Tobago Cays, a marine park, is particularly famous for its snorkeling and sea turtle encounters.
The official language is English, making it easy for families to communicate.
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the official currency, though U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Saint Vincent is the largest island, while smaller gems like Bequia, Union Island, and Canouan offer laid-back charm and community vibes. Overall, the Grenadines are tranquil, intimate, and family-friendly.
Ferries connect the islands, but many travelers pick one homebase and explore nearby cays with private boat charters. Transportation once you arrive on an island varies, but we love the tuk-tuk pickup truck taxis in Bequia
Saint Vincent has the international airport, but most families should head straight to the Grendines. Bequia is our top pick for families, with its calm beaches, small-town vintage Caribbean feel, and a handful of lovely boutique hotels and villas. But resorts on Canouan provide a touch of luxury for parents seeking a splurge, and Mustique offers a see-and-be-seen experience.
Peak Season: December to April; dry weather and lively island festivals make this the best time to visit.
Shoulder Season: May to June, November; enjoy warm weather and smaller crowds. August is a fun time to visit with kids for a quiet stay too.
No Go: September-October is peak hurricane season, with higher chances of storms and heavy rain, and many hotels close to refresh.
The main gateway is Argyle International Airport (SVD) on Saint Vincent, with flights from major hubs like Miami and New York. Inter-island flights or ferries make it easy to explore the Grenadines from SVD but many islands in the Grenadines can also be reached by hopper flight from Barbados or St Lucia.
Choose a Saint Vincent and the Grenadines family vacation if you want a quieter escape that feels both serene and adventurous. From pristine beaches to vibrant reefs, the Grenadines invite exploration and relaxation in equal measure.
Bequia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
St. Vincent & The Grenadines
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Bequia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Spend the day sailing from Bequia to Mustique or the Tobago Cays on a classic Caribbean schooner (with snacks all day to keep kids hungry and in good spirits).
Learn More
Princess Margaret Beach is idyllic - straight out of a postcard, and spending a day at Jack's Beach Bar on it's sandy shores will be a day for the memory books.
Learn More
If you head to the Grenadines, you must get in the water - teaching the kids to snorkel, or getting a babysitter to go diving (or both!) is a must-do.
Learn More
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.
Shop
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.
Shop
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.
Shop
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!
Shop
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 fantastic on your next beach trip.
Shop
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.
Shop
Table of Contents Learn why my love for boutique hotels for families propelled me to launch Mango Tree Travel. Boutique hotels are my go-to, whether I’m traveling with kids or without. But the more I traveled with my own kids, the more firmly I came to believe that we should find and promote the best […]
Learn More
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. August is off-season in the Caribbean. Americans have warm weather at home, and so aren’t always […]
Learn More
Getting to Bequia with kids is a journey. But it’s so worth it. Our Bequia family vacation will go down as one of our best. We’ll always remember taking in the sunset from the Bequia beaches, and slowing down to island time together. That’s why we put Bequia near the top of our list of […]
Learn MoreThanks so much for checking in and for all of your help in planning (and rescheduling) our vacation to Bequia. The trip was wonderful!! Exactly what we were looking for- we will definitely be back. We wish you all the best and will be in touch with future travel needs.
Anya, Spring break 2024
We fell in love with Bequia and the hotel. Our vacation couldn’t have been more perfect….the staff was beyond welcoming, guests were all friendly (both girls made some wonderful friends!) and the island is beautiful. My little one went out with her dad on a little wooden boat with a local to get fresh lobster, we swam with turtles, enjoyed meals in town at Mac’s and Fig Tree, spent hours at Princess Margaret Beach and even took a trip to Mustique with another family (complete with a boat tour of moon hole and the whaling station). We can’t wait to go back 🙂 … the girls want to go again next year! Thank you for all of your help – where should we go next??!!”
Katarina, Family of 4, Spring Break 2023 & 2024
The British Virgin Islands are perfect for families with a sense of exploration. Wherever you look, another island pops into sight calling you to visit. Sailing between islands, snorkeling in hidden bays, and exploring quiet beaches make it a great choice for families who are eager to move around while also relaxing.
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.
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.
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.
The French side of Saint Martin is a great option for families who love food, beachside cafes, and Mediterranean vibes. We have a handful of boutique hotels, but it’s also a fabulous island for villa rentals. It’s perfect for independent families who like a bit of luxury with the option to explore.
