The following is a guest post by Wimco Villas
Who said all digital nomads are 20 something bikini clad youngsters? Many more these days are like Jo who runs this blog. Older couples with a family! (not that she likes being called ‘older’)
So where are the best Caribbean islands for families and digital nomads?
That’s what we’re going to be exploring in this article.
We all need to have fun, take family vacations and go to places where the air is more pure and calm, where we can relax, leave our worries behind, and take a bit of time off from working or particularly for digital nomads, find a peaceful place to work and get great inspiration for our online businesses.
For a family, choosing your caribbean destinations should be a careful decision, especially if you have children. The Caribbean is notorious for honeymooning couples and hotels with nothing to do except eat, drink and sunbathe.
If you have kids, you need to think about their happiness and choose the best Caribbean islands for families that provide entertainment, and varied things to do, ensuring you spend a happy vacation, or are able to get on with some work, without complaints or grumbling.
The Caribbean islands have an incredibly diverse ecosystem; the sea, the mountains, the diverse sandy beaches and rainforests, historical monuments, nature reserves, marine and wild animals at the same time. Plus the most incredible colorful coral reefs and vast seagrass meadows.
This ecosystem will help you relax, spend quality time in the lap of nature, and pursue various activities for both you and your kids to have fun.
So which are the best Caribbean islands for families?
We are here to help you by suggesting some of these islands to choose the most suitable for your family and the aspirations you have for your trip.
Top 12 Best Caribbean Islands for Families (and Digital Nomads)
1. US Virgin Islands National Park
The Virgin Islands National Park consists of three main islands, St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, in addition to some of the small islands surrounding them, where you can choose between enjoying a unique adventure or sitting under swaying palm trees.
Your visit to the US Virgin Islands will give you the opportunity to enjoy water sports and visit historical sites.
They are distinguished by their white sandy beaches and if you love scuba diving, there are many diving sites.
Visiting the US Virgin Islands is an opportunity for history and archaeological sites lovers to explore Christiansted, which has its roots in the eighteenth century.
You can also wander among the slopes of the steep mountains, and visit one of the most well-known parks on the Island, the Virgin National Park in St. John along with the famous Trunk Bay beach. For more adventures, children can enjoy swimming with dolphins and sea lions at Coral World Ocean Park.
2. The British Virgin Islands
Second on our list of the best Caribbean islands for families are, The British Virgin Islands.
This family friendly destination contains a diverse and picturesque landscape in addition to many resorts and hotels, with tropical trees that cover the entire territory of the islands, as well as white sandy beaches and clear and calm waters. Because of their wonderful atmosphere and suitableness for rent, these islands are destinations for sailing enthusiasts.
You can have a fun and a safe sailing trip with your family by chartering and sailing a yacht. Smuggler’s Cove beach cannot be ignored; you can save some money, as it is a free beach best known for its sea turtles and the relaxing atmosphere.
You cannot visit the British Virgin Islands without visiting Baths National Park in the Virgin Jordan. It is a natural attraction, where you will get the chance to see caves and granite rocks, as well as a visit to the copper mine that dates back to the nineteenth century to explore some historical monuments.
In addition, you can watch wildlife and marine animals and enjoy water sports such as swimming and snorkeling, while your waterproof backpack keeps your essentials protected and dry.
3. Bahamas Islands
You can’t miss the chance to enjoy the Caribbean islands of the Bahamas.
With the white sand beaches and coral reefs, as well as the rocky caves, the Bahama Islands house resorts that suit all budgets, including family resorts, luxury resorts and some of the best all-inclusive Caribbean resorts for couples.
One of the best is the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, which is an ideal family friendly Caribbean destination and is famous for its Aquaventure water park as the largest marine habitat in the open air.
On the other hand, for an ideal family vacation, you can stay in their colorful and beautiful rural homes, and go fishing, swimming with dolphins and watching sharks. Fun for the whole family!.
The island also contains many large golf courses, gorgeous beaches, natural wonders, plus you can go horseback riding and take surfing lessons!
The diversity of the natural environment and activities may make the Bahamas one of the best Caribbean destinations for you and your family.
4. The Cayman Islands
Great Cayman Island is the largest of these three islands.
The Cayman Islands offer a variety of ways to spend a fun and entertaining time, where children can build sandcastles, swim with stingrays, and also swim and dive at seven mile beach.
You can actually walk the entire length of seven mile beach or pick a route along the high rocky cliffs and enjoy the beauty of nature that the Cayman Islands provide.
As the culinary capital of the Caribbean, you’re sure to find dishes for all the family and with it’s white sand beaches, sea life and cayman turtle farm, this is sure to be one of the best Caribbean islands for a fantastic family vacation.
5. Martinique Island
Martinique Island can be expensive to visit due to the amount of luxury resorts, luxury villas and the unique cuisine it offers. However, you can save some money if you head to smaller hotels or rent a house for yourself and your family.
You can however, take advantage of the free activities like visiting the slave memorial, spending the day at Diamond Beach, walking around La Savane Park, and lots more.
When visiting the island of Martinique, you should head to the beautiful beach of Les Saline. A white sand beach, covered with vegetation and palm trees, the calm waters will invite you in for a swim!
Also do not forget to explore the area around the active volcano in these islands, which is located in Mount Pelee.
At the base of the mountain, there is a small village with beautiful and colorful flowers. It is famous for the Umbrages botanical trail that runs through tropical forests and the wonderful waterfall that is located at the end of the chain of roads Gorges de la Falsies.
6. Curacao Island
This small island offers tourists and digital nomads alike a wonderful mix of beautiful beaches suitable for relaxation and distinctive recreational activities.
It contains thirty-five beaches, including Avila Private Beach, which contains two beaches that have been protected from the winds and waves simply by using marine breakwaters for your children to swim safely.
In addition to the entertainment programs offered by the island to keep your children occupied and enjoy quality time, you can practice scuba diving, which is common on this island, to see and explore the coral reefs, starfish, and stingrays and watch and explore super ships in the depths of the Caribbean Sea.
Do not forget to admire the Dutch and Spanish colonial architecture of houses painted in striking colors such as yellow, blue, and pink as you walk over the public pedestrian swing bridge in Handelskade on St. Anna Bay.
7. Saint Kitts and Nevis Island
Well-known for its beautiful nature in addition to its nightly festivals where you can enjoy dancing, singing, cooking and culture competitions.
You can also practice recreational activities such as sailing in the Zanta port, near the old museum that worldwide tourists visit, in addition to windsurfing and fishing.
There are also some amazing historical sites, such as Brimstone Hill Fortress, a unesco world heritage site. You’ll also enjoy the scenic views with your family when you ride the bus and tour the city. In addition, you can visit Eco Park, which is a fantastic place for walking and relaxation.
8. The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is one of the best Caribbean islands for families.
As a child friendly island, it offers many activities to keep your kids busy. For example, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana offers a climbing wall for kids, and they can show up on stage with a kidz bop experience.
Punta Cana is one of the most popular family friendly destinations on the islands, with family friendly beaches, shopping, movies and loads of activities.
In fact, the Nickelodeon Punta Cana Resort offers the opportunity to stay in a villa inspired by the house of SpongeBob in the shape of a pineapple!
Other activities include; Trampolin’s Childrens Museum, the Three Eyes National Park, Scape Park, and loads more!
If you’re traveling with kids, The Dominican Republic is ideal for that perfect family vacation!
9. Dominica Island
Dominica Island has become famous with kids since the filming of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ took place there!
With black sand beaches and many picturesque waterfalls and cliffs, this island is a Caribbean destination for families who love nature.
Activities include jungle boat trips, horseback riding, whale watching, etc, Dominica is for the more adventurous family who enjoy hiking waterfalls, and exploring lakes, tropical beaches and national parks.
Baby Beach – Aruba, Grace Bay Beach – Turks & Caicos & El Yunque National Forest
No article about the best Caribbean Islands for families would be complete without reference to these wondrous places.
10. Baby Beach, Aruba
A beach paradise, baby Beach is ideal for families and small children. With shallow, crystal clear waters, it’s an ideal spot for paddling, swimming and snorkeling.
Add to that, Aruba is a fantastic Caribbean destination for families and digital nomads alike!
11. Grace Bay Beach, Turks & Caicos
Grace Bay currently holds the position of World Travel Awards’ ‘World’s Leading Beach Destination’. As one of the worlds most pristine beaches, Grace Bay is breathtaking.
With a white sandy beach as far as the eye can see, there is a large barrier reef, approximately a mile offshore protecting the beach. This results in beautiful turquoise calm waters.
Offering sunset cruises, boat trips and a variety of water sports, it’s the ideal family trip for slightly older kids and teenagers.
12. El Yunque National Forest
For the more active families, the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico, formerly known as the Caribbean National Forest, is a tropical rainforest housing 240 species of trees and plants.
The forest gets its name from an Indian spirit Yuquiyu (or “Yokahu”), which means “Forest of Clouds”.
Full of rare wildlife and endangered species, the forest is a wildlife refuge; no hunting allowed.
There are 13 marked hiking trails to explore horseback or on foot and you’re invited to camp and picnic (with a permit).
Conclusion
The Caribbean is filled with the most beautiful tropical islands that make a magnificent dream vacation and once in a lifetime trip for families and digital nomads alike.
Whether you’re looking to relax, explore or adventure, there is an island paradise to suit you!
The best thing about a Caribbean vacation is the diversity of activities available; from deep sea fishing to horseback riding to beach fun to resort life.
This is definitely a trip to add to your bucket list!
All you need to do is book your trip and enjoy your time with your family. I’m certain it will be an experience your kids will never forget!