Wide shot of teenage brother and sister paddling paddleboard in ocean during family vacation in Caribbean Sea
Cruise life Caribbean Family

The best Caribbean islands for families

Planning a family holiday? The Caribbean is a playground for all ages. Here are four of our favourite islands for generation-spanning good times

4 min 02 Feb 2026

Editorial Team

Author

Time spent together as a family is precious. Time spent on holiday under the Caribbean sun? Priceless.

 

A Caribbean cruise ticks every box for a family holiday. Beaches are typically calm with warm waters, powder-soft sands and gentle waves – perfect for safe swimming. Beyond the beach, there are epic adventures to be had for all ages, from mud baths to waterfalls. And you’ll feel safe wherever you go thanks to a strong focus on tourism and security and locals who’ll make you feel at home.

 

It couldn’t be easier to plan a family Caribbean cruise with us, with charter flights and transfers to and from your ship included. On board you can switch into relax-mode straight away. So much is included, from dining to deck games and day-to-night entertainment. If you want some independent time, the Reef children’s club will keep younger ones happily entertained. And when you get back from a busy day exploring, we have comfortable cabin options to accommodate everyone, including our new five-berth cabin options on Arvia, Iona and Britannia.

 

Ready to explore? These four islands are perfect for your next family holiday.

Barbados

Whether you want to fill an action-packed day or do nothing but soak up the sun, Barbados strikes the perfect balance. Keen for a little sightseeing while you sunbathe? Hop aboard a catamaran and take in the sights above and below the surface. Sailing along the coast you’ll pass sandy bays, swaying palms and sprawling luxury homes. You’ll also get the chance to don your snorkelling gear and explore the turquoise waters where you might spot coral reefs, a shipwreck and sea turtles.

 

For an adventure that’ll wow grown-ups as much as kids, head to Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park. Its main attraction is a limestone cave where you can explore amongst stalactites, stalagmites, waterfalls and streams by tram (older explorers can also do it on foot). The eco-park offers a full day out with a nature trail, an aviary, zip-lining and more on site.

 

Why not try: Harrisons Cave Signature Park Pass 

harrisons cave barbados; Shutterstock ID 1167420217; Invoice Number: -

Antigua

If your Caribbean itinerary is beach, beach and more beach, Antigua is the place for you. There are some 365 beaches on the island, many with calm, shallow waters and sugar-soft sands. Dickenson Bay Beach is just a 10-minute drive from the cruise port, boasting placid waters for water sports and fantastic nearby restaurants. If you’re exploring the historic sites on the south coast, take some time out and bask on Pigeon Point Beach, where calm, turquoise seas are backed by golden sands and lush foliage.

 

Speaking of historic sites, English Harbour is chock full them. The sprawling sea and harbour views from the Shirley Heights lookout are impressive, as are its old military fortifications. Nearby Nelson’s Dockyard is the only Georgian dockyard still in operation today. Explore its marina, museum and restored Georgian buildings and sneak some education into your sightseeing.

 

Why not try: Antigua Island Sights 

Antigua

St Lucia

Not only is St Lucia one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, it’s also one of the most fun. Experience its volcanic landscape in all its glory at Sulphur Springs, the only ‘drive-in’ volcano in the world (meaning you don’t need to hike to get there). Here you can wallow in mud baths (they’re said to detoxify the body and help heal sunburns and sore joints) then rinse it off under a waterfall. It’s relaxing for grown-ups and messy fun for kids.

 

For a different kind of splashing around, beautiful Reduit beach is home to Splash Island, the only open-water sports park in St Lucia. Kids can burn off steam and enjoy the warm, calm seas on a trampoline, climbing wall, slides, swings and more, all just a short distance from shore.

 

Why not try: The Amazing West Side 

Happy parents carrying the little daughter piggyback and swinging the cute son on a beach, Antigua and Barbuda, Caribbean, West Indies

Grenada

Grenada is one of the most welcoming islands in the Caribbean. It’s also compact – around 34km long and 19km wide – so you can hop from beach to rainforest to waterfall with ease.

 

Let’s start with the beaches. Grand Anse is one of the most beautiful in the world, and when you dig your toes into sweeping white sands and take a dip in the warm, turquoise waters, you’ll see why. For a refreshing adventure, try a waterfall. Two of the most popular and accessible are Annandale and Carmel, where you can enjoy a dip after an easy hike through tropical rainforest.

 

If you’re a family of foodies, you’ll find manna in Grenada. Exotic ingredients grow in abundance, from mango and papaya to cinnamon and cocoa. At the Diamond Cocoa Estate, discover how raw cocoa becomes chocolate – with some tantalising tastings along the way.

 

Why not try: Island Drive and Annandale Falls 

A group of people in front of the Annandale Falls, Grenada, West Indies

Practical tips and tricks for families

As you prepare for your Caribbean family holiday, keep these handy tips and tricks in mind.

 

Protect yourself under the sun While sunshine is part and parcel on a Caribbean holiday, it’s extra-important to do it safely, as the sun is stronger here due to its proximity to the equator. Sunglasses, hats or other head coverings and lots of SPF – reapplied regularly – are crucial.

 

…and in the water While most beaches are soft and sandy, little toes might need extra protection, so pack a pair of water shoes. Life vests are required on boats and a good idea for less confident swimmers. Always be sure to swim within marked areas where lifeguards are on duty.

 

Pack snacks The Caribbean is bursting with tasty treats, but you don’t want hunger to call just as you’re relaxing into the latest beach read. Pack a few snacks to tide you over, and scope out beachside restaurants with kid-friendly offerings before you go.