It’s one of the best places in the world to experience diving right from shore, without the need for a boat. But it’s only in recent years that non-divers have discovered the treasures this 113-square mile jewel of the Caribbean has to offer. As you might expect, Bonaire has incredible places to snorkel with kids from shore as well.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly Caribbean destination where your family can gently push everyone’s water sport comfort levels–maybe even have the kids learn to scuba dive–Bonaire may be just the place. The uncrowded beaches are surrounded by turquoise water. And the best part? The trip doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. The island’s airport is served by weekly flights to Bonaire on United from Houston and Newark and on Delta from Atlanta, with most flights priced around $500 round trip.

If this sounds like the ideal family vacation to you, here are my recommendations for the best kid-friendly things to do, an incredible place to stay, and one yummy place to eat when you vacation in Bonaire with kids.

This post may contain affiliate links, which help fund this independent website.

1: Snorkel at Tori’s Reef, Windsock, or Andrea 1

Great shore diving means there will also be great snorkeling at Bonaire. Free maps are available on the island with the best sites for diving or snorkeling marked. Most of the island’s car rental companies will provide one for you. You then just match the site names on the map to the yellow painted rocks as you drive along the coast roads. It really couldn’t be simpler.

Check out these kid-friendly snorkeling spots on Bonaire:

Tori’s Reef

Tori’s Reef is one of the easiest shore-entry snorkeling and diving spots on the island, great even for beginners or those with open-ocean jitters. The entry point is via a small canal that maintains the flow of seawater to the nearby salt pans. Step down on three or four large rocks straight into the canal, which is slightly protected from the waves that roll at other sites.

Snorkeling is good both in the canal and along the shore just beyond the canal in both directions. Advanced snorkelers can make the swim over the sandy bottom to the reef just off shore roughly 25 feet below the surface. Expect to see turtles, eels, rays, and an abundance of fish.

Windsock

Windsock is a lengthy beach across from the airport. It’s one of the best swim and snorkel beaches on Bonaire. Entry into the water is easy anywhere along the sand beach, which has some great shady spots. The beach is very popular with divers and will be crowded on days when cruise ships are in port, as well as on Sunday afternoons when locals barbeque with friends and family.

Andrea 1

Many maps don’t show the site called “Andrea 1” as a snorkeling site, only a dive site, making it perhaps one of the best kept snorkeling secrets on Bonaire (click here to see it on a map). Access to the site is via a paved road through a gated community. The entrance from the coast road is well marked. You drive to the bottom of the hill below the homes (some of which are vacation rentals) where you will find a small sandy parking area. Park around the edges, careful not to hog too much parking space.

Your entry into the water is easiest at the yellow stone marker for divers, roughly thirty yards north of the parking area. Good water shoes or booties are recommended here as well as at most Bonaire sites because of sharp rock outcroppings. Upon entry, turn toward your left and snorkel along the shallow reef, looking for octopus, seahorses, and turtles.

BONUS BONAIRE SNORKELING TIP: There are no facilities at most of the diving and snorkeling sites. Pack a picnic or at least snacks and drinks in a collapsible cooler. And don’t forget to reuse one or two-liter drink bottles by filling them with tap water that you can warm on the roof of your rental car while you snorkel– creating a quick “shower” afterward.

2: Blow Bubbles While Learning to Scuba Dive

Ready to push beyond snorkeling for a closer look at life under the surface? Dive Friends Bonaire has a plan for almost everyone, ages five and up, making an introduction to diving a snap even for children. Well-trained and friendly instructors and dive masters make everyone feel right at home, both in the water and at the five Dive Friends locations scattered conveniently along the island’s coast.

Certified divers in your family can purchase week-long air packages that allow pick up or drop off of tanks at any of the locations. Gear rentals are available for everyone. You can even rent a digital underwater camera to record your family vacation memories under the sea.

3: Cruise the Shore of Bonaire in a Rental Boat

Bonaire Boat Rental is a fun way to see the island from just off-shore. Choose to water ski, wakeboard, ride a tube, or just sightsee in a speedboat. Keep a keen eye on the waves. The island’s resident dolphin pod may pop up right alongside your boat for a little sightseeing of their own. Be sure to bring a picnic and plenty of drinks. And don’t forget your snorkeling gear; you never know what the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean may have waiting for you.

4: Escape to Bonaire’s National Park

The Washington Slagbaai National Park is the place to explore hidden beaches, see the wild east side of the island, with its blow holes and tide pools, and admire stunning views from atop the island’s highest points.

The sheer size of the 14,000-acre park makes it feel almost uninhabited as you wind your way over the rough roads between points of interest that include historical structures and fascinating geological formations. Short trails lead beyond the roads and parking areas to view the blow holes, the lighthouses, and the beaches.

A camera with a good long lens may be the best piece of equipment you take on this trek. Photo ops include native parakeets, flamingos, and wild goats. Other than that, take food and drinks, plus your always-ready snorkel gear for a day of exploration. Click here to see the park on a map.

Best Place for Families to Stay on Bonaire: El Pueblo Villas

What would qualify for a most amazing place to vacation on Bonaire with kids? How about your own private pool and breathtaking views of the ocean? El Pueblo Villas #9 and #12 each offer three bedrooms, full kitchens, private pools, and endless views. The kitchens are fully equipped, allowing you to save money by preparing at least some of your own meals. Local grocery shopping is easy, with several full-service grocery stores, as well as small markets and bakeries to choose from.

The villas are located a few miles north of the city of Kralendijk in a private and quiet community. The villas perch atop cliffs, but access to the shore for ocean fun is a short drive away.

Prices during the peak season (mid-December to mid-April) for a family of four start at $2,400 per week. Summer is low season, so you can take advantage of even lower rates and include Grandma and Grandpa for a multi-generational week of water fun.

Click here for details about El Pueblo Villas and other vacation rentals on Bonaire.

Recommended Family-Friendly Restaurant on Bonaire: Capriccio

Between picnicking at the beach and home-cooked meals at your villa, treat yourself to at least a few meals out. An elegant, yet kid-friendly restaurant is Capriccio. You can’t go wrong with pizza and spaghetti, right? Mom and Dad can choose from the extensive authentic Italian menu and extensive wine list. The location is perfect for enjoying the buzz of life in town in Kralendijk near the cruise ship port and views of the waterfront.

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Reader’s Note: This post was first published July 29, 2016. It has since been updated and revised.

The post Bonaire with Kids – Caribbean Family Vacation Guide appeared first on Family Travel 411.

The United States Virgin Islands consists of three main islands — St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix — the first two located close enough to explore from one home base.

Island hopping to St. Croix is easy, but the greater distance and varied attractions merits more than a day trip. (Click here to read US Virgin Islands Family Vacation Part Two: St. Croix with Kids.)

My advice? Enjoy the best of ‘both worlds’ and book a stay in each! Here’s a guide to the best things to do, with where to eat and stay, on your vacation in St. John and St. Thomas with kids.

Note: An earlier version of this post was first published January 2016. It has since been revised and updated. This post may contain affiliate links.

1: Swim with the Fish at Coral World Ocean Park in St. Thomas

Learn about the Virgin Islands’ ocean life and get up close and personal with the marine animals at Coral World Ocean Park at Smith Bay. In addition to looking under the sea in the geodesic underwater observatory, you can get within kissing distance on the sea trek, snuba diving, sea lion swim, Nautilus submarine, of several see and touch tanks.

Coki Beach, one of the best beaches to learn how to snorkel in St. Thomas with kids, is next door. Rentals are available, and if you bring a dog bone or bread you can literally have yellow-and-black-striped sergeant major fish eating right out of your hands.

2: Dive into the Blue in Magens Bay in St. Thomas

Without a doubt, Magens Bay is one of the most beautiful and family-friendly beaches in the world. The mile long crescent beach hugs a gentle stretch of sea that’s perfect for young and old alike. Magens does charge an entrance fee ($4 for non-residents, kids 12-under free,) but in exchange you get lifeguards, bathrooms, and showers.

There’s also a snack counter, souvenir shop, and a shop renting kayaks, paddle boards, and lounge chairs. On the far end there’s an arboretum, mangrove, coconut grove, and nature trail. The Nature Conservancy also opened a hiking trail to Magens Bay from the hill road above, but it can be tricky to spot the entrance.

If you do drive in, be sure to stop at Famous Delight (long-time residents know it as Udder Delight) for a liqueur-laced milkshakes—perfection after a day on St. Thomas with kids in the sun.

3: Kayak through a Mangrove on a Virgin Islands Eco Tour (St. Thomas/St. John)

Virgin Islands Eco Tours runs a number of hike, kayak, and snorkel tours on St. Thomas and St. John including a thrilling nighttime kayaking trip to “Pirates Point” (talk about a memory from your family vacation to St. Thomas and St. John!).

Probably the best adventure with kids is the one to Mangrove Lagoon where in between learning about nature’s coastal filter they may also see a variety of marine life—on a typical day guides may point out lobsters and barracudas—and an army of hermit crabs.

4: Hike a Nature Trail in the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John

One of the smallest of the US Virgin Islands, St. John remains mostly as nature intended because more than half the island has been protected as the Virgin Islands National Park since 1956. Your best bet for making the most of a day on St. John is to get around by jeep (either on St. John or bring it on the car ferry from St. Thomas, but check that it’s allowed by your rental policy.)

Otherwise, you can take a safari taxi either as a tour, or point to point, from Cruz Bay where the ferry docks. Be sure to check the calendar for park ranger programs. They’re all excellent but there are a couple of standouts.

With these ranger-led programs, you might discover medicinal and other uses for tropical plants along the Reef Bay Trail on your way to seeing the ancient Taino Petroglyphs. Or perhaps learn about the sugar plantation at Annaberg Historic Site. And also learn how sea grass inhabitants defend themselves on the Waters Edge Walk at the Leinster Bay Trailhead next to Annaberg.

Best Place to Stay with kids on St. Thomas: Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove

Frenchman’s Cove is blessed with a great location (and private beach). At this Morningstar Beach resort, the main building is only a short path from one of the best beaches on the island. Known for its gentle waves, Morningstar Beach is a favorite with skimboarders–while satellite rooms and a couple of restaurants and bars are right on it.

BONUS TIP: Frenchman’s Cove Marriott Vacation Club that’s part of it (and pictured here) has suite-style accommodations that are particularly good for families.

The resort itself is huge with everything you might want for a family vacation on St. Thomas. There are 4 restaurants, 4 bars, plus a café, deli, and well stocked convenience shop. Better still, consider the four pools (including 2 infinity pools and a swim-up bar,) full-service spa, fitness center, and variety of watersport rentals.

Available excursions include sunset sails and night kayaking tour. Click here to see available family activities at Morningstar Beach.

1 Great Family-Friendly Restaurant in St. Thomas: Iggies Beach Bar & Grill

Iggies Beach Bar & Grill at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort has reasonably priced meals, cheap drinks, and kids can play in the sand. Go on Wednesday nights for the all-you-can-eat buffet and stay for a West Indian Carnival with steel pans, conga lines, mocko jumbies, and fire-breathing limbo dancers. Also, Iggies Oasis located poolside at the edge of Bolongo Beach.

Ready to start planning part one of your visit St. John and St. Thomas with kids?

Don’t miss the Google map with my recommendations below. And if you’re curious how St. Thomas and St. John with kids compare with St. Croix for a family vacation, don’t miss part two of this feature: St. Croix with Kids.

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The post St. John & St. Thomas with Kids – USVI Family Vacation Guide appeared first on Family Travel 411.

Geographically, it’s almost like dropping Yellowstone National Park in the ocean. The obvious difference is that Puerto Rico has a population of just over three million people. Puerto Rico is a living and breathing history of the exploration of the New World. It is unique in its culture, cuisine, and governmental status within U.S. territories.

And while no trip to the island would be complete without seeing the forts of Old San Juan, going beyond the city to Northeastern Puerto Rico with kids is the easiest way to sample the feast of fun the commonwealth offers including beaches, water sports, and bio-diversity.

Activity 1: Hike the El Yunque National Rainforest

Take a hike–in the United States Forest System’s only tropical rainforest.

In the U.S. Forest system there is only one tropical rainforest: El Yunque. It dominates the eastern skyline from the moment you leave the airport in San Juan. The excitement builds as the roads take you higher and higher into the mountains as El Yunque National Forest grows thicker. Just inside the boundary, the first stop is El Portal—the stunning entrance center loaded with educational displays, a gift shop, a café, and even locals selling crafts.

The El Portal Trail that leads from the parking lot is a great introductory hike. This loop is three tenths of a mile long with only a few inclines. In this short space, you begin to feel the intensity of life in the forest—giant fallen trees slowly being covered with undergrowth, vines that reach toward the sun where it peeks through the canopy, and the ever-present chirping of birds and tree frogs. Longer hikes beckon throughout the forest, allowing you to plan an entire day in the forest if you choose.

Any visit to El Yunque should include stops at the Yokahu Lookout Tower and at one of the food concession areas for local treats like fried plantains. If you choose not to rent a car for your trip, there are numerous tour operators that will provide transportation to the forest. Bespoke Lifestyle Tours offers several options, including combination packages with other attractions.

Activity 2: Kayak in a Bioluminescent Bay

Kayak or catch a glass-bottom boat ride on a bioluminescent bay.

In the dark of the night, watch as inky black water sparkles like fairy dust with every stroke of your paddle. This is your chance to kayak through a narrow mangrove entry into Laguna Grande near Fajardo. Tiny microbes that live in the water glow when there is a disturbance in the water—like paddling, or even swishing your hand around. Think about how fireflies glow in little bursts and you get the idea. Tours lead groups of kayakers through the dark tunnel of mangroves each night. Kayaking in near total darkness is an adventure but the reward is seeing the delightful twinkles in the water.

Getting to the bio glow:

One of the world’s most active bio bays, Mosquito Bay, is located on the nearby island of Vieques. To see that one requires an overnight stay on Vieques, as the last return ferry departs at 6:30 in the evening. If you plan to rent a car for your island adventure, this might be an interesting side trip, but if you are content to stay put in Fajardo, Glass Bottom PR Tours will show you the best of Laguna Grande.

The guides are funny, informative, and work hard to give you a good tour. They’ll even bring along a tarp to huddle under to block out light for the best viewing. Tours are for ages six and up and can be purchased online with or without transportation from area hotels. If you stay at El Conquistador, the meeting point for the kayaking is a short walk along the road south from the marina level.

Tips: Take flashlights for the walk, but put them away in a drybag for the kayaking. Any camera you plan to use needs a waterproof housing, but don’t expect great photos of the bio-luminescence. It’s almost impossible to capture, making it a perfect time to remind the family about the joys of living in the moment without electronic devices.

Activity 3: Explore Palomino Island

Paradise found on Palomino Island.

Palomino Island is a private enclave of the El Conquistador Resort with so many activities you will find it difficult to do it all during your stay. The expected things like water sports (equipment is available to rent) are highlighted by the unexpected like lawn games, hiking, and horseback riding.

And then there is the beach. Sugary white sand rings the island. Spend time lounging in the sun, splash around in the designated swim area, or scope out a shady spot under the trees to enjoy a view of the turquoise Caribbean waters. A quieter beach is a short hike up and over the island’s hills. Snorkeling is good along the shallow reef on the island’s north side.

The island is a favorite with locals on weekends. Fortunately on weekdays you can expect considerably smaller crowds. Access to Palomino Island is free for resort guests via a fifteen-minute boat ride from the marina at the base of the resort cliffs. It’s a great outing for visitors to Puerto Rico with kids.

Activity 4: Splash in the Coqui Water Park

Luxuriate on a lazy river or go for a wild ride down a water slide at Coqui Water Park.

When you have had your fill of sand, but the kids still crave water play, a little time at El Conquistador’s onsite water park, Coqui Water Park, is just the thing. Resort guests have free access to the three slides, a zero-entry infinity pool, and a lazy river tube ride. Day passes are available for non-resort guests as well.

As with Palomino Island, the water park is a busy spot on weekends and mid-day during the summer. If possible, give it a try weekday mornings or evenings for quieter family fun. It may be your go-to spot following a day of adventure exploring the area.

1 Great Place to Stay in Puerto Rico with Kids: El Conquistador Resort      

Puerto Rico’s El Conquistador Resort.

Puerto Rico’s El Conquistador Resort has a history dating back to 1962 when it opened as one of the island’s premier resorts. History aside, the best part for traveling families is convenience. Using their airport shuttle service and tour providers could keep you from needing a rental car at all. But if you do need a car, Enterprise is available onsite.

Don’t shy away from the Waldorf Astoria factor. Rest assured the resort is family friendly throughout. In addition to the water park and the private island, there are seven swimming pools. And you’ll find a maze of open spaces for enjoying the breeze and the stunning sea and mountain views.

One of the most fun things about the resort is not even an official attraction. The main resort is built on a steep cliff, with a funicular shuttling guests to the resort’s lower levels and water’s edge. The scenic ride is sure to be a hit with the kids.

Standard rooms are large and include refrigerators and coffee makers. But for even more space and a resort within a resort atmosphere, choose La Casitas Village. There you’ll have options of one, two, and three bedroom villas with kitchenettes.

1 Great Place for Families to Eat: Pizza to Go from Café Bella Vista

Just call in a pizza to Bella Vista Cafe–easy.

Food is never more than a few steps away in El Conquistador’s main hotel. Choices range from fine dining in the evening to casual food morning, noon, and night. There are grab-and-go options where you can get sandwiches, chips, and ice cream.

Tip: Families with picky eaters will appreciate the breakfast buffet option. Or maybe a trip to the tiny ice cream bar near the funicular for waffles as a reward. There’s even a full-service Starbucks in the main lobby area.

With all the outdoor fun and exploration, we found takeout pizza from Café Bella Vista a helpful option. It’s centrally located near the main lobby. Call in your order and kick back. Then send Dad to pick up piping hot thin-crust pepperoni for an in-room pizza party.

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The post Northeastern Puerto Rico with Kids – Caribbean Family Vacation Guide appeared first on Family Travel 411.

Its lively and vibrant backdrop of crumbling colonial architecture is also a reminder of days gone by, when the city served as a transportation hub for Spain’s New World gold and riches. Today, Cuba has been propelled into the tourism spotlight thanks to recent thaws in its relations with the USA. Whilst this has made it easier for some Americans to travel to this fascinating country, for the majority it is still not that simple. This page from the USA Embassy in Havana has more information on current requirements.

If you’ll be visiting Cuba with kids, I recommend starting with these 4 family-friendly activities to enjoy in Havana, plus 1 great place to stay and 1 great place to eat during your time in Havana with kids.

Activity 1: Walk the City Streets

Standing in the Plaza de la Catedral, Havana.

Old Havana is a UNESCO protected district best explored on foot and it’s easy to fill the days simply wandering around, taking in the colourful streetscapes and numerous street performances.

There are four main plazas worth visiting, each with its own distinct character. La Plaza de la Catedral is home to the baroque Catedral de San Cristobal de la Habana, named after Saint Christopher (the patron saint of Havana) rather than the explorer. Climb to the top of the clock tower for a wonderful view of the plaza below.

The other three plazas are, Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja and Plaza de San Francisco de Asis, and it’s easy to walk between all four. The Plaza Vieja is particularly popular with families at dusk, when children gather to play. Also in this square is a rooftop Camera Obscura, an optical device that takes you on an aerial tour of Havana – definitely worth a visit with kids.

Take a quick virtual stroll around old Havana with kids with this video:

Activity 2: Go Cruising in a Chevrolet

Explore Havana with kids in a classic car!

This is one of those tourist activities that you simply have to do, for nothing quite beats cruising Havana’s streets in a classic car. You can book your “cruise” through a hotel or an agent, or you can simply find a car on the streets. They generally line up near the main tourist sights. Pick which one you like best!

Most classic car rides head out of Old Havana (into the districts of Vedado and Central Havana) and follow a similar route; along the Malecón, Havana’s wide, coastal road, past the Hotel Nacional (where the largest ever Mafia summit was once held) and towards John Lennon Park. Ask your driver to finish the tour at Paladar La Guarida, our favourite restaurant in Havana (see below!)

Classic Car tours cost around $30 per car (including driver) per hour. Watch this video for a quick drive around Havana in a 1951 Chevy:

Activity 3: Get Literary at Ernest Hemingway’s Home

Ernest Hemingway’s home and museum.

Ten miles southeast of Havana is the small town of San Francisco de Paula. There you’ll find ‘Finca Vigia’ (the lookout farm), the former home of American novelist, short story writer, and journalist, Ernest Hemingway. His home remains just as he left it and is a very interesting place to explore.

Hemingway lived here from 1939-1960 during which time he wrote several books, including The Old Man and the Sea. The house is full of books and photographs as well as paintings, magazines and hunting trophies.

Sadly, you can’t wander around the rooms themselves, but you can still get a feel for how he lived. Particularly interesting for kids is the bathroom, where Hemingway obsessively scribbled his weight on the walls!

Follow this link for more information on visiting the Cuban Home of Ernest Hemingway, and get a preview from our visit in this video:

Activity 4: Hear the Cannon Shot

Head to the fortress to watch the reenactment and cannon shot.

Every night a cannon fires from La Cabaña Fort, on the other side of the harbor. You have to drive through the tunnel to get there. During the colonial era, the sound of the cannon marked the end of the day when the city gates would close for the night.

These days the gates remain open. Instead you can enjoy a reenactment of the 18^th century ceremony prior to the cannon being fired at 9pm. It’s best to get here around 8pm in order to secure a good viewing spot.

1 Great Place to Stay in Havana with Kids

Casas particulares are a great option when visiting Havana with kids.

In response to the post-Soviet economic crisis in the 90s, Cuba’s Communist government permitted families to rent out rooms in their homes as privately run B&B businesses. These homes (Casas Particulares) are a lot cheaper than hotels and are often better options for families.

Many casa particulares have rooms with two double beds and some are rented out in their entirety. Although the majority are backpacker basic, they do offer tourists the opportunity of spending some time with a local family, an experience a hotel cannot provide.

Rather than recommending just one of them (which is hard as I don’t have a favourite) I would suggest browsing Cuba Junky’s directory of casas particulares instead. Downloaded as an app, it’s an excellent guide. Follow this link for more details on booking a Casa Particular with kids.

1 Great Place to Eat in Havana with Kids: Paladar La Guarida

Kid-friendly mojitos and more at Paladar La Guarida restaurant in Havana.

Raul Castro’s economic reform programme also permitted people to turn their homes into private restaurants (paladares). Hidden behind a crumbling exterior in Old Havana is one of Cuba’s most popular, Paladar La Guarida. It was made famous by the Oscar-nominated movie Fresca y Chocolate. Its bright yellow walls are covered with photos from the film as well as celebrities who have dined here.

The food is here is excellent. I enjoyed Bonito glaseado con caña de azúcar (tuna on a sugar cane stick), and the children shared some corvina. All washed down with a mojito (including non-alcoholic versions for the kids).

Keep in mind that kid-friendly amenities such as high chairs or kids menus are not common in Cuba. Another point to bear in mind is that the majority of private restaurants mostly cater to tourists and expats. As such, the restaurant scene is still relatively limited. Given today’s booming tourist industry, reservations are essential in places like La Guarida.

For more help planning your trip to Havana or elsewhere in Cuba, click here for Globetotting’s full, in-depth guide to Cuba With Kids.

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Now pirate gold may remain elusive, but the quieter, agricultural US Virgin Island holds many gems. Here are four fun things to do on St. Croix, plus one outstandingly family-friendly resort and one great place to eat while visiting St. Croix with kids.

Note: This feature is the second of two covering the US Virgin Islands with Kids. Click here for part one: The 411 on St. Thomas and St. John.

Activity 1: Explore a Sugar Plantation at Estate Whim Museum

The only sugar plantation museum in the Virgin Islands, a visit to Estate Whim Great House includes a look at the mill and factory complex.

Estate Whim Great House is set on a 12-acre site that is interesting to explore just for itself, but it’s also important as the only sugar plantation museum in the Virgin Islands. The museum which also includes the mill and factory complex offers insight into the relationship between the European plantation owners and the African slaves who provided the muscle.

Activity 2: See the Dungeons and Cannons of Christiansted National Historic Site

Christiansted National Historic Site focuses on Danish history in the Virgin Islands, which includes the island’s role in the slave trade. Built with the labor of hundreds of slaves, Fort Christiansvaem was finished in 1738 when Denmark and the Danish West India Company owned St. Croix. Christiansted National Historic Site focuses on Danish history in the Virgin Islands, which includes the island’s role in the slave trade. Pick up a free self-guided tour brochure or check the park calendar for ranger programs.

Activity 3: Snorkel in Buck Island Reef National Monument

Catch a boat to one of the one of the largest coral collections in the Caribbean.

Snorkeling Buck Island Reef is one of those bucket list items—the reef is extraordinary with one of the largest coral collections in the Caribbean—that is not to be missed on a visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands with Kids. But the water can be choppy and may not be suitable for young children. However, the boat ride to Buck Island is a lot of fun and even the youngest kids will enjoy exploring the deserted island.

Activity 4: Catch the First Sun Rays to Light the US at Point Udall

The earliest early birds in the US catch sunrise from this point.

Meriting a quick photo opp, if only for bragging rights, Point Udall is the easternmost point in the United States, and the first place American soil sees sunrise.

1 Great Place for Families to Stay on St. Croix: The Buccaneer Resort

Kids camp year round, complimentary breakfast, three beaches… The Buccaneer is a great option for those visiting the US Virgin Island with kids.

Family-run for generations, The Buccaneer is one of the longest-running resorts in the Caribbean and quite possibly one of the best for families anywhere. Kids Camp is free and available daily, year round. The complimentary breakfast is diverse and outstanding, prepared in the same kitchens that serve the hotel’s top-rated restaurants. Resort amenities include spa, golf, tennis, pools, and three beaches. Best of all, families with children ages 14 and under can opt to stay in Family Cottage Suites—one room with king bed, the other with twin beds—plus patio fronting lawn and bay view.

1 Great Place to Eat on St. Croix: Rum Runners Restaurant

Food and fun on the waterfront, Rum Runners was voted St. Croix’s People’s Choice Best Restaurant.

Voted St. Croix’s People’s Choice Best Restaurant, Rum Runners on the waterfront has kids covered with chicken fingers and cheese quesadillas. More adventurous eater should try the conch fritters, and parents, don’t miss the rum cake liberally doused with local Cruzan Rum.

Ready to start planning your trip to St. Croix with kids?

Don’t miss the Google map with my recommendations below, and click here for part one of these features: The 411 on St. Thomas and St. John.

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