Table of Contents
The English speaking countries in the Caribbean are some of the most popular among family travelers. Perhaps it’s because they offer a tropical getaway without langugage barriers, which certainly makes traveling with kids easier. Or maybe it’s just because some of these islands have the clearest water, the loveliest hotels, and unique cultures to experience.
Whatever your reason for contemplating a trip to the English-speaking Caribbean islands, the great news is: There are lots to choose from!
In this post, we highlight the 18 English-speaking destinations in the Caribbean region. For each, we share a few nuggets about the language you’re likely to hear, the reasons to consider the destination for a family vacation, and the best places to stay with kids. We also point you to other resources for mapping out your family trip to their sandy shores.
Happy travel planning!
How Many Countries in the Caribbean Speak English?
Let’s start with the basics: How many countries in the Caribbean speak English?
There are six official languages in the Caribbean, English a main one. English is the official language of 11 independent countries in the Caribbean community. Starting at the top and moving south: Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Belize.
What’s more, there are 6 British Overseas Territories located in the Caribbean Sea: Turks and Caicos, the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Bermuda, and Montserrat. Add one U.S. territory, the U.S. Virgin islands, for the cherry on top.
It’s worth noting at the outset, however, that, even in islands where English is not the official language, it’s widely spoken in the Caribbean due to tourism demands. If there’s another island on your radar in the French Caribbean, the Spanish speaking islands, or elsewhere, don’t let language scare you away from your tropical destination of choice!
This post contains affiliate links from our trusted partners.
Visit These 11 English Speaking Countries in the Caribbean
Let’s start with the independent Caribbean countries that speak English. Each offers American families a unique experience, with the familiarity of being able to communicate freely.
1. Grenada
We can’t help but start with a personal favorite: Grenada, the former British colony in the West Indies that sparked our passion for Caribbean travel. Mountains plunge to sandy coastlines, with smells of fresh cinnamon and nutmeg sticking with you long after you’ve left.
Grenada is one of the best English-speaking islands to head for a family vacation, especially if you’re looking to really connect with Caribbean culture.
While English is the national language and most Grenadians speak it, you’ll generally hear them speaking creole among themselves. Grenada Creole is marked by unique idioms that locals will be more than happy to teach you. We especially warmed to the notion of “having a lime” or “liming around” – meaning, to relax. That’s exactly what you’ll do in Grenada.
Make Grand Anse Beach your home base for calm swimming and a spread of beachfront eateries. Rent a car and explore Grenada’s rugged interior and rainforests, taking frequent breaks at the beautiful beaches. Check out our comprehensive Grenada family guide for all the details.
When it comes to driving around Grenada, though, be aware: Here, as in many other former British colonies on this list, you’ll be driving on the left side of the road.
Where to stay in Grenada with kids
The Spice Island has charming choices for every family, from budget friendly eco conscious resorts to the highest luxury. Learn why Mango Tree recommends these Grenada hotels for families:
An eco-friendly, family-owned, boutique beach resort on a hillside overlooking Grenada’s epic Grand Anse beach.
All-inclusive luxury with beachfront rooms mere steps from Grand Anse beach.
Affordable cottages in a lush garden setting, with access to Spice Island’s beach facilites.
Bright and quirky suites and villas on a bay, in an eco-chic family-run resort with unique amenities and activities for all the family to enjoy.
2. Barbados
Barbados is the place to look for a classic Caribbean vacation with a sophisticated edge. This former English colony offers up an array of attractions, activities, and sights that are sure to make your trip unforgettable. The island’s west coast, facing the Caribbean Sea, is renowned for its beautiful beaches that offer wonderful opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, or simply basking in the sunshine.
Unsurprisingly, given its colonial past, the English of Barbados is closer to British English than American English. But residents generally speak ‘Bajan’ (pronounced “bay-jun”), an English-based creole influenced by West African languages. Of all the Caribbean creole dialects, of which there are many, Bajan is the closest to English.
You might even manage to communicate in Bajan yourself; let’s get you started:
- Wa gine on?– what’s going on?
- Fuzz-out – to feel tired (such as, after exploring)
- Government juice– water
- Hobby class– something free of charge
- Cheese on bread– to exclaim amazement
Where to stay in Barbados with kids
Barbados gets lots of British visitors and has a relatively well-developed tourism infrastructure. With dozens of resorts, there’s something for all budgets here.
Our full recommendations are coming soon, but in the meantime we’ve got our eyes on the following hotels:
For a luxury stay, start your search with Cobbler’s Cove or Coral Reef Club.
For spacious suites in a charming boutique hotel a little off the beaten path, with great beachfront snorkeling and a top Barbados restaurant on site, Little Good Harbour has caught our eye.
For families on a budget, the mid-range, family-focused Bougainvillea Barbados is a solid choice.
3. Bahamas
Only 50 miles south of the Floridian coast, the islands of the Bahamas are not technically in the Caribbean Sea. But the island country is part of CARICOM, the Caribbean community. It’s a top contender for an English-speaking tropical destination for families.
Pink beaches, swimming pigs, and a history of the real Pirates of the Caribbean await you in the Bahamas! The more than 700 islands have something for everyone. The real challenge is figuring out which of the islands in the Bahamas is the one for you, and where to stay once you get there.
Although English is the official tongue in the Bahamas, most locals default to their Bahamian dialect. Around a quarter of the population speak Haitian creole, which sounds similar to the creole spoken in the French islands.
A couple of words and phrases you can expect to hear or even use yourself include:
- Well Mudda Sick– used to exclaim surprise or excitement
- Sip sip– gossip
- Switcha– lemonade
- Jitney– bus
- What da wybe is? – a greeting akin to ‘what’s up?’
Where to Stay in the Bahamas with kids
Head to our Bahamas guide to learn more the best Islands in the Bahamas for families, and our detailed recommendations for where to stay.
Here are the highlights:
In Nassau, we recommend the unique and unpredictable Island House for a calm and luxurious family stay.
To experience the pink sands of Harbour Island near North Eleuthera, learn why we recommend the Dunmore Hotel and Coral Sands Hotel.
For a true escape, head to the Out Islands of Andros or Exuma. Read more about why we think families will love the private-island luxury resort, Kamalame Cay, or the more rustic, eco-dive resort, Small Hope Bay Lodge, both in Noth Andros. Or check out our recommendations for the best family-friendly hotels in Exuma, which offer a truly laid-back experience.
A one-hour flight from Nassau, Long Island has an incredible boutique resort that checks off all the family vacation boxes: Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort. One look at the photos of the beach, and you’ll be packing your bags.
4. Dominica
Not to be confused with the Spanish-speaking Dominican Republic, Dominica is sandwiched between the French speaking islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. But English is the official language here, with roots tracing back to a small British colony on the island.
Known as the “nature island,” Dominica has wild topography with a mountainous core drenched in tropical rainforest. Head to the Dominican Republic for traditional beach resorts, and to Dominica to experience natural hot springs, endless hiking trails, and plunging coastal cliffs. It’s a wonderful destination for older kids who’ll be happy to explore the hiking trails.
Dominican creole (Antillean Creole), which you’ll hear around the island, has its roots in the French language, so you’ll see some similarities. You can start with these basic greetings:
- Bonjou– good day
- Bonn apwémidi – good afternoon
- Bon swé good– good night
- Non mwen sé… – my name is…
- Sa ki non’w? – what is your name?
Where to stay in Dominica with kids
Dominica’s family friendly hotel options run the gamut, from the ultra-luxe, award-winning Secret Bay to tiny, hillside wellness boutiques like Jungle Bay Dominica.
For a low-key family stay, learn why Seacliff Dominica Eco Cottages has captured our hearts.
Not sure if eco-cottages are the right fit for you? Check out our profile of Pagua Bay House, a good option for families seeking spacious tropical minimalism with a touch of luxury.
5. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Head to the southeast Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles—near the southern tip of the Caribbean island arch—and you’ll find the English-speaking island chain of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These islands have been a haven for yachters and cruisers for years, but if you can brave the journey to get there, offer paradise to families as well, with secluded beaches, chill vibes, and simply stunning scenery.
While English is the de facto spoken and written language in this collection of 32 islands, you’ll hear locals across the archipelago speaking Vincentian Creole. English-based, this creole contains elements of French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Listen out and you’ll note that words ending in “-own” are replaced with “-ung.” For example, “downtown” becomes “down-tung.” Harder consonants at the end of phrases are softened or dropped entirely, with “ask” pronounced “aks” or “desk” becoming “dess.” However, you can expect Vincentians to chat with you in standardized English.
Where to Stay in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with kids
We wholeheartedly recommend the island of Bequia to families, an hour’s boat ride from the primary island of Saint Vincent. This English-speaking island exudes charm, and is perfect for a laid-back vacation.
From boat trips in the crystal clear waters, to beach days in glittering sand, Bequia sings a song of the untouched Caribbean of years past. You should call the Bequia Beach Hotel home while you explore the gorgeous white-sand beaches.
If ultimate barefoot luxury is what you’re after, learn why the ultra all-inclusive private island escape of Petit St. Vincent should be on your radar. There are only 22 cottages on the entire island, with beaches and water everywhere you look.
6. Jamaica
Jamaica is one of the bigger Caribbean islands, with a robust culture to explore, and lots of delicious rum to drink! You could take several different family trips here and only scratch the surface of what Jamaica has to offer.
As with other former British colonies, you’ll be driving on the left-hand side of the road if you explore beyond the resorts—but we highly encourage you to do so. Many tourists take advantage of the island’s all-inclusive resorts, which make it tempting to stay put. But the people of Jamaica, not to mention the lush interior landscape and miles of shoreline, are worth getting to know.
English claims the national language of Jamaica, but most Jamaicans grow up speaking Jamaican Patois (Jamaican Creole) with their families before studying English at school. Extremely lyrical with a staccato rhythm, this English-based Creole dialect seeds from West African languages. As with Barbados, Jamaica uses British spellings, although many phrases and idioms from the US have been adopted.
Where to stay in Jamaica with kids
As one of the larger English-speaking countries in the Caribbean, Jamaica has a wide range of accommodation options and activities for toddlers through to teens.
Looking for an easy all-inclusive resort to visit, with a kids club and all the bells and whistles? Jamaica’s Montego Bay has endless options, but we’re partial to the lively urban vibe of S Hotel Jamaica and the boutique luxury of Round Hill Resort. Many families also enjoy the Hilton Rose Hall and Half Moon Resort.
Want to venture a little further? Try the infamous seven-mile beach in Negril, where the chic but affordable beach club Skylark Negril provides a comfortable home base.
Be inspired to create at GoldenEye Resort in Ocho Rios. Or head to the award-winning Jake’s Treasure Beach to see Jamaica’s undiscovered south coast.
The place we’re most excited to visit next with our kiddos? The somewhat lesser-frequented area of Port Antonio, with the infamous blue lagoon (yes the one from the movie), has caught our eye. We’d love to stay at in one of the cottages at Geejam Hotel.
7. Antigua and Barbuda
Located in the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean Sea, Antigua and Barbuda has a storied naval history. Antigua is a treasure map of bays and hidden coves, and one such bay housed a significant British naval dockyard. Today, you can find yachts and catamarans in Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, floating alongside historic sites and delightful views.
Antigua is a great place to visit for families who like a small all-inclusive hotel, and dream of a kids’ club, but who also are eager to leave the resort to explore.
The island is safe and the driving easy, and there are literally hundreds of beaches to see.
As with many of the English-speaking islands on this list, a small proportion of the population speak creole. Antiguan Creole is similar to the dialect in the Grenadines. But listen closely, and you may hear that the Barbudan accent differs from the Antiguan.
Where to Stay in Antigua with kids
Antigua is known for having 365 beaches and sometimes it feels like the island hosts just as many hotels. Making a choice can be completely overwhelming. There are our top recommendations for a trip to Antigua with kids.
Check out our full profile of Curtain Bluff, a truly sppecial, luxurious all-inclusive resort, with an outdoor kids’ club, two beaches, a playground, lawn games, and impressive attention to detail, this is our top choice for a high-end stay.
For something completely different, consider Admirals Inn & Gunpowder Suites. This tiny boutique hotel right in the historic naval yard has a small but stunning hillside infinity pool, and access to a kid-friendly beach via a short ferry ride. A great homebase for an exploratory trip. We highly recommend the Deluxe Gunpowder Suites for families.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis
Another dual island nation with English as the official tongue, Saint Kitts and Nevis are often deemed hidden gems of the Caribbean. There are fewer direct flights here than to many other islands in the region, which keep the small islands from getting overdeveloped.
Saint Kitts tends to get more traffic from adult travelers than families. But there’s plenty to do here for kids, including a unique scenic train ride, a fort full of maxes to explore, horseback riding, ziplining, and more.
As with just about every destination on this list, you’ll certainly hear the local creole during your stay. A few phrases to look for? Speakers of Saint Kitts Creole often end their sentences with the words “burdee”, “poopa” or “daady buh” to add varying levels of emphasis, so keep an ear out for these idioms. The word “dem” is often added to the end of words to pluralize a noun.
Where to Stay in Saint Kitts and Nevis with kids
Our complete recommendations for Saint Kitts are coming soon. But in the meantime, here’s where to start your search for the best kid-friendly hotel.
For a luxury stay, choose between the Park Hyatt Saint Kitts and the Four Seasons Nevis. Both have kids’ clubs that accept little ones from age 3, multiple pools, and all the bells and whistles.
We’re most intrigued by the completely unique experience that appears to await travelers at Belle Mont Farm on Kittian Hill. This low-key luxury resort with less than 100 cottages sits on a 400-acre working, sustainable farm, which helps to fuel the resort’s farm to table restaurants.
9. Saint Lucia
For years, the British and French fought for control of Saint Lucia. Visitors can easily see the impact both countries had on this spectacular island nation, which is home to some of the most dramatic scenery in all the Caribbean. Although English is the official language of Saint Lucia, 90% of the population speaks in Saint Lucian French Creole (Kwéyòl). Most of the towns, beaches, and hiking trails continue to use their French names from when the country was colonized.
English speakers will have no trouble communicating with Saint Lucians. Everyone speaks English, albeit sometimes with an accent that differs from American and British English. If you catch a group of St. Lucians gossiping, you might hear someone exclaim “sa chaud” which means the tale is interesting (or, hot gossip).
Though long associated with honeymooners, Saint Lucia is a wonderful choice for a vacation with kids. In the northern segment of the island, many beachfront resorts feature family pools and kid-friendly restaurants. And in the south, the Pitons will provide hours of entertainment for active, older kids.
Where to stay in Saint Lucia with kids
The Landings is the ultimate low-key family resort, with a kids’ club and space for everyone. It’s part of a residential yacht community, and has one-, two-, and three-bedroom beachfront suites for families with kitchens and laundry.
For ultimate luxury at a more traditional resort, look no further than Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort. Located right between the Pitons, the scenery here is unlike any other. With a kids club and all the other amenities you need, it’ll be very hard to leave.
If you prefer boutique hotels, we’ve also had our eye on Cap Maison for years, which sits at the island’s northernmost point. It’s a true luxury boutique, set up on a hill, with classically decorated suites that will accommodate families. Walk down the steps in the hillside to Smuggler’s Cove, one of the best beaches on the island for kids learning to snorkel.
For a totally family-focused, all-inclusive stay, with a kids’ club, lazy river, tennis courts, and more, check out Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa.
10. Trinidad and Tobago
The final dual island nation on our list may not have crossed your mind as a family destination. Trinidad is known for its blend of African and Indian heritage, and of course its exuberant and colorful Carnival festival—not exactly a kid-friendly experience.
But Tobago has been on our radar for years as an off-the-grid Caribbean destination. You won’t find waterslides or kids clubs here; Tobago is known for its chill vibes and calm beaches. We’d recommend this smaller island for a toddler beach vacation, while Trinidad for the culturally hungry.
On the whole, most Trinidadians and Tobagonians speak the official language, English. Trinidad English (Trini) is a creole language, whereas with other English-based dialects, you might be able to follow the gist of a conversation. There are also lots of Spanish speakers.
Prepare yourself to hear English spoken at lightning speed in Trinidad! Trini speakers rid themselves of excess words to get straight to the point while using a lot of slang; some unique to Trinidad, others like those used in other Caribbean languages.
A few examples of phrases you may hear? “Better belly buss than good food waste” refers to the Trini ethos of eating to beyond capacity rather than throwing food out.
And if you book an activity and the tour runs late, you might hear: “any time is Trinidad time,” an acceptance that people run on island time.
Where to stay in trinidad and tobago with kids
Our full collection of hotels in Trinidad and Tobago is coming in 2024. But for now, let us just say that we’re itching to stay at Castrara Retreats in Tobago, with hillside cabins and a stunning backdrop.
We’re also intrigued by the tiny Acajou Hotel in a fishing village on Trinidad’s northern coast that’s one of the largest nesting sites for Leatherback turtles.
11. Belize
You may be surprised to learn that English is the official language of the coastal Central American company of Belize. This tropical destination offers families a safe and authentic taste of Central American culture with the comforts of their home language.
With world-class snorkeling at the Belize Barrier Reef and advanced diving excursions operating in the Great Blue Hole, Belize is one of the coolest Caribbean destinations for families that love water activities and marine life.
You’ll easily be able to navigate Belize with just English, although if you want to, you could always dust off your high school español. Nearly half the population speaks Spanish as their native tongue, and Belizean Kriol spoken throughout the country
Where to stay in Belize with kids
If you’re headed to Ambergris Caye, our top choice for luxury, family-friendly suites and a lovely setting is Las Terrazas, hands down. But for a more rustic stay, consider Xanadu Island Resort.
Further south in Placencia, don’t hesitate to head to Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn for a dash of hollywood glam in a beach setting.
Finally, for a snorkeling-focused trip with older kids who are confident swimmers, it would be hard to beat Off The Wall Dive Center and Resort, which sits on a private caye right on top of Glover’s Reef Atoll.
The 7 English-Speaking Territories and Dependencies in the Caribbean
So you’ve explored the English-speaking Caribbean countries – and maybe you’ve found the one for you!
But some of the most popular English-speaking destinations in the Caribbean aren’t independent. Rather, they are overseas territories of the United Kingdom or the United States. Let’s tackle them one by one.
1. Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos may be the most popular English-speaking Caribbean destination among American family travelers in 2023. With cheap, direct flights from many major U.S. airports, tourism has been surging here since COVID.
In many ways, Turks and Caicos deserves its popular status. Providenciales, more commonly known as Provo, is home to some pretty amazing family resorts, with large suites, tons of amenities, and kitchens for those who like to shop for familiar foods on the road. Most of them sit on Grace Bay Beach, which is often cited as one of the prettiest beaches in the world. For those looking to explore underwater, the snorkeling in Turks and Caicos won’t disappoint.
That said, the island can feel built-up to some, and is very, very expensive. It’s also flat, meaning the land-based activities are not as exciting as some of the more mountainous islands on this list. But when it comes to delicious food, high-end hotels, sparkling water and soft-sand beaches, and ease of access, Turks and Caicos is hard to beat. There are also some remote corners to discover, such as Middle Caicos, that are alone worth the journey.
Where to Stay in Turks and Caicos with kids
Some families will love the infamous, all-inclusive Beaches Turks and Caicos. But for those who want something a little smaller, but still with lots of resort amenities, we’ve got a whole post about the best family resorts in Turks and Caicos (that aren’t Beaches). Or, jump straight to the hotel profiles of some of our favorites:
Dragon Cay Resort (an epic experience on Middle Caicos)
2. The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands, a self-governing overseas British territory, boast some of the clearest water in the Caribbean. Seven mile beach on Grand Cayman is known as one of the Caribbean’s best, with calm waters that young kids will love. With direct flights from many U.S. destinations, this may be one of the best choices for families wanting an easy, English-speaking tropical destination.
With snorkeling, stingrays, turtles, and starfish at their fingertips, kids will have plenty to do in Grand Cayman.
Where to stay in the Cayman Islands with Kids
Most of Grand Cayman’s popular family-friendly hotels are part of large international chains whose names will be familiar. You can’t go wrong with these well-known options, which have stunning pools and prime beachfront locations:
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
But you know we’re lovers of boutique hotels here at Mango Tree. Our full profiles for the Cayman Islands are coming soon, but these are the properties we’ve got our eye on:
Guests rave about the little details at this retro boutique resort on Seven Mile Beach, praising everything from the room design to the welcoming ethos of the staff.
The one-, two- and three-bedroom suites at this quiet but upscale property will appeal to families of all sizes.
A family of five brought their vision to life with this tiny, white-washed boutique hotel—as is reflect in their family cottage that contains a bunk room specifically with large families in mind.
3. Anguilla
Are you looking for a tropical family getaway away from the crowds? Consider Anguilla, an English-speaking Caribbean destination known for its phenomenal cuisine and stunning beaches.
The beauty of Anguilla lies in its seclusion. Before 2022, there were no direct flights from the United States to Anguilla. Instead, travelers would fly to St Martin and then take a short ferry ride over to Anguilla. This has historically kept the number of visitors low, making it posisble to find a calm spot in the sand or quiet restaurant to relax with your family.
In 2022, American Airlines launched direct flights from Miami to Anguilla, making the island a bit easier to access. But it’s still not overrun, and those who like a quiet island should find a way to get there. Once you arrive, prepare yourself for long stretches of sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and plenty of activities that are perfect for families with young children!
And be prepared to eat. Anguilla is known for its fine-dining and excellent cuisine.
Where to Stay in Anguilla with Kids
The toughest part about a trip to Anguilla is figuring out where to stay, as the options are plentiful. There are several very high-end resorts, but some more affordable options as well.
Our full Anguilla hotel profiles are coming soon. But here are the hotels on Meads Bay Beach – the islands’ most popular – that we’ve got our eye on:
For total luxury, Malliouhana, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, would be our top choice. Parents can get pampered, and kids age 5-12 can enjoy the Malliouhana Mini-Explorers program.
For a special, boutique property, we’d recommend Frangipani Beach Resort, which has only 19 rooms, many of which are two-bedrooms. There’s no kids’ club here but plenty of watersports to keep everyone entertained.
For a cross between self-catering apartments and hotel amenities, we’re impressed by Tranquility Beach and Carimar Beach Club, which both sit about a 5-minute walk from each other on Meads Bay Beach. Both offer residential-style units, with multiple bedrooms and full kitchens, but with service and amenities of a boutique hotel.
4. Montserrat
Montserrat sits so close to Antigua that you can see the small island on the horizon from Antigua’s south coast. For most families, it will be best visited as a daytrip from Antigua, rather than a separate trip, as there’s just not much going on here.
On the other hand, one of our favorite (other) Caribbean travel blogs, Uncommon Caribbean, calls Montserrat a “volcanic paradise that should be on your immediate Caribbean travel horizons.” They point to the stunning black sand beaches, geothermal hot springs, and singular white-sand beach that looks about as stunning as any beach we’ve come across. Not to mention the hiking, diving, snorkeling, and boating opportunities.
If you get excited about the idea of an adventure to a small, rugged, and completely off-the-beaten path island in the Caribbean, Montserrat may be calling your name
Where to Stay in Montserrat with Kids
If you do choose to stay overnight in Montserrat with your little ones, opt for the two-bedroom villa at Gingerbread Hill.
5. British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands may be on your radar as a more adult-focused destination, especially given the focus on sailiing. But there’s a lot to offer families here as well, especially those seeking an English-speaking getaway. Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, can be reached by a two-hour ferry from St. Thomas, which in turn receives a lot of direct flights from the U.S. So your trip to the British Virgin Islands could be as easy as a flight and boat ride away.
This archipelago has more than 60 islands, but the big ones are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada. Between them, family travelers can find an idyllic escape with stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, and plenty of activities to keep kids busy.
On Tortola, explore the tropical rainforest and white-sand beaches.
Virgin Gorda is home to The Baths and Devil’s Bay National Parks, you can hike through tropical foliage and paddle in crystal clear waters.
The Baths are a surprisingly kid-friendly activity, with winding pathways, ladders, and seemingly unlimited coves and caves to explore.
Anegadais known for its abundance of tropical wildlife including flamingos, iguanas, and turtles.
And Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the four main islands, is home to lively bars and beachfront restaurants (and home to the painkiller).
Where to Stay in the British Virgin Islands with Kids
With so many islands, there are also a ton of hotels to choose from. Here’s where to start your search:
For total luxury, with a family-focus, take a look at the Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda. Full dining plans are offered, with discounts for children. The hotel provides all the baby gear you could need for the littlest travelers, and the Rosewood Explorers Club and nanny services will ensure parents get a break.
Or go in a totally different direction with palapa “glamping” at Anegada Beach Club. Families with kids age 6+ are welcome, and would have a blast in the two bedroom palapa retreats.
For more of a classic beach resort, but with villas for families to spread out, consider Mango Bay Resort on Virgin Gorda or Fort Recovery on Tortola.
6. U.S. Virgin Islands
Are you looking for a warm-weather family getaway that doesn’t require a passport? Look no further than the U.S. Virgin Islands! Not only is it an English speaking Caribbean destination, but it also offers crystal clear waters, several beautiful islands to explore and a wide range of accommodation from villas to luxury resorts – making it the perfect place for families seeking an easy tropical vacation.
The three main islands of the US Virgin Islands are St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. The ferry to St. John from St. Thomas takes roughly 20 minutes, with St. Croix a bit further at 90 minutes travel time. Many people don’t know that there’s actually a fourth U.S. Virgin Island, Water Island, which can be reached from St. Thomas by boat in 10 minutes and offers a totally unique daytrip experience.
Magens Bay on St Thomas is absolutely stunning, an amazing place to spend a day of swimming and relaxing with your family. Or explore the famous tropical beaches of St. John – from Trunk Bay to Honeymoon Beach – kids will love snorkeling, kayaking and exploring these tropical paradises. Finally, if you’re looking to go a bit further off the well-trodden tourist path, head off the coast of St. Croix, where Turtle Beach on Buck Island is said to be one of the world’s best.
In short, there’s plenty to do in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which is why it’s a favorite tropical destination for many American travelers, families included.
Where to Stay in the US Virgin Islands With Kids
St. Thomas is the homebase of choice for most families, with the largest international airport of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and easy ferry access to St. Croix and St. John. We suggest making Secret Harbour Beach Resort your homebase for a prime location near the Red Hook ferry and with spacious suites steps from one of our favorite beaches for kids.
If you’d prefer to stay on St. John, kids age 5+ are welcome at the popular Gallows Point Resort, which has snorkeling right on site and sits walking distance to the island’s best shops and beaches.
Finally, for a classic Caribbean beach resort on St. Croix, take the kids to The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, family-owned-and-operated since 1947.
7. Bermuda
Bermuda lays claim to the title of Britain’s largest and oldest remaining overseas territory. Located in the Atlantic Ocean rather than the Caribbean Sea, Bermudais neverthless part of the CARICOM community and, in our books, should be considered for a tropical Caribbean vacation with kids.
Among the English speaking Caribbean islands, Bermuda has been described as having one of the most unusual English accents – not quite American, not quite British, it may remind you of English spoken in Virginia or South Carolina.
With its calm pink-sand beaches and proximity to mainland United States, Bermuda makes an ideal destination for families with young kids. The capital city, Hamilton, offers many historical attractions such as Fort St Catherine and serves up some great local dishes like fish chowder or Bermudan codfish cakes.
Where to Stay in Bermuda With Kids
Bermuda offers a wide range of hotel accomodations, from city centre lodgings in Hamtilton to more tradition, sprawlign resorts.
Our full Bermuda recommendations are coming soon, but we’re most intrigued by The Reefs Resort & Club, a family-owned and operated property that sits on a stretch of pink-sand beach with a mosaic of coral reef right off shore. Rates include complimentary snorkel equipment, sea kayaks, and tennis. Babysitting can be arranged and the downtown area of Hamilton is easily accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the largest English speaking Caribbean country?
Jamaica, the third largest of the Caribbean islands, is the largest English-speaking country in the Caribbean Sea.
What is the safest English-speaking Caribbean island?
Reasonable minds disagree as to the safest Caribbean islands, but English-speaking Barbados, Anguilla, the Cayman Islands, and the Virgin Islands are widely viewed as among the safest choices for families.
Get Caribbean Family Travel Tips Right Into Your Inbox
If you found this post helpful, don’t miss our other Caribbean destination guides for families.
And for even more Caribbean and family travel inspiration, sign up for our biweekly newsletter! We feature a new destination each month, highlighting our favorite hotels and family travel tips. Keep the travel dreaming coming all year long.
