The Caribbean is a vast and endlessly explorable region with some of the best family destinations in the world. From scenic cruises to family-friendly resorts complete with beach access and water parks, to more quaint island destinations with incredible cultural offerings, there’s something in the Caribbean to excite all types of travelers of any age.
Of course, choosing the best Caribbean destinations can often become complicated and stressful. With so many nations, islands, and resort types to choose from, it's worth selecting from only the best so you can perfectly create your dream Caribbean vacation.
To help, this guide will go over some of the best family destinations in the Caribbean today. You’ll discover the top family-friendly Caribbean resorts along with quieter destinations that work for any budget.
From sprawling all-inclusive resorts to tranquil, secluded beachfront properties and more, these destinations are the top 15 Caribbean vacations for families to inspire your next getaway.
1. Atlantis, Paradise Island
Address: One Casino Drive, Suite 41, Paradise Island, Nassau, the Bahamas
Amenities: Private beach, water park, wide variety of land and water attractions
Atlantis, Paradise Island is one of the best known mega resorts in the Bahamas and Caribbean. With its imposing neoclassical design, plus giant water parks with creative rides, this resort complex has everything you need for an all-inclusive family adventure.
With direct beach access, countless onsite restaurants, plus a variety of colorful themed rooms, you and your family can live like royalty while enjoying the best of the Bahamas' views and cuisine right at your fingertips.
Kids can enjoy a number of tailored inclusive activities as well, including:
• Cooking classes
• Storytelling
• Snorkeling groups
• Age-appropriate pools with lifeguards
• Dances
While the included Aquaventure Water Park is famed for its unique rides, you can also enjoy more natural seclusion along the property's giant stretch of coastline. With so much to explore and enjoy, along with easy access to other essential destinations in the Bahamas, Atlantis is one of the best Caribbean vacations for families of all ages.
2. Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau
Address: 2 Bay St, Nassau, The Bahamas
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Amenities: Family-friendly water park and lazy river, onsite restaurants, kids' classes and group activities
Overlooking the clear turquoise waters of Junkanoo Beach, the Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau is a great place for families wanting to relax in the Bahamas' gorgeous sunshine.
While you and your family can enjoy endless onsite and nearby activities, from snorkeling among reefs to boogie boarding on a wave machine, this modern resort is also just a 10-minute walk from downtown Nassau making it a great option for families looking to explore beyond the resort.
Wake up with breakfast on the beach, play some volleyball or go sailing with local tours and then head downtown in the evening for a great meal in the historical district.
With a premium location and attractions for all ages, Margaritaville Nassau is one of the best Caribbean destinations for families today.
3. Beaches Negril Resort and Spa, Jamaica
Address: Norman Manley Blvd, Negril
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Amenities: Kid-friendly pools and water parks, onsite white-sand beach, nanny services
With an incredible onsite white-sand beach featuring some of the clearest water in Jamaica, Beaches Negril Resort and Spa is one of the best all-inclusive resorts for families in the Caribbean today.
The resort is designed with a breezy, modern, yet classically tropical feel and you could spend your entire trip here enjoying the crystal water and diverse onsite restaurants and activities. Take short cruises to nearby islands and destinations and allow your kids to experience some of the island’s best water slides and teen lounges featuring sports, gaming and more.
Plus, this resort is an Advanced Certified Autism Center, which means that many staff members have the training to help keep children with autism safe and happy during their stay.
4. Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa, Jamaica
Address: Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Amenities: Kids play area and recreational events, boat dock with rentals and shuttles, private beach access
The Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa is an upscale, all-inclusive family resort that allows you to experience the best of Jamaica’s natural beauty.
With modern decor along with an idyllic onsite beach, you can enjoy a variety of activities without ever leaving the resort. Some options include:
• Sailing and motorboat rentals
• Snorkeling and scuba diving
• Private cabana access
• Onsite pools for all ages
Plus, kids of all ages can enjoy specialized events along with a club for older teenagers and an all-ages water park. For adults, the onsite golf club can be a great way to enjoy the sunny weather before dining at one of the many included restaurants.
5. Tamarijn Aruba
Address: 41 JE Irausquin Blvd, Oranjestad, Aruba
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Amenities: Free meals and activities for kids 12 and under, onsite beach, private cabanas
The Tamarijn Aruba is an idyllic tropical destination for families wanting a picturesque getaway in the Caribbean. With an onsite beach full of incredibly white sand and light blue water, you’ll have direct access to some of Aruba’s most beautiful landscapes the moment you leave your room.
For families with younger kids, there are a number of unique activities including:
• A butterfly sanctuary
• A donkey and ostrich farm
• Scenic trips to De Palm Island
• Access to the kids' zone
Plus, you have free shuttle services to all nearby Divi resorts, along with golf course access.
While there are a number of activities for all ages, this resort has a more relaxed vibe compared to other large Caribbean resorts, making it a great place to relax and unwind in any season.
6. Curtain Bluff Antigua
Address: Old Road Village, St Mary S Parish, Antigua
Amenities: Kid’s zone, free motorized and non-motorized water rentals, two private beaches onsite
Curtain Bluff is one of the Caribbean’s premier family-friendly resorts and it offers some of the most spectacular ocean views in Antigua.
With only 72 rooms, you’ll have a much calmer atmosphere here compared to larger resorts with thousands of offerings. However, don’t let the quaint size fool you: there are endless activities for all ages to love, including:
• Inclusive rentals for motorized boats, sailboats, kayaks and more
• Authentic local and international cuisine onsite
• Two private beaches just outside your room
Plus, there’s a kids' club that provides courses for sailing, snorkeling and other localized activities.
For those looking for a more secluded and luxurious tropical getaway, Curtain Bluff in Antigua is one of the best Caribbean vacations for families today.
7. Majestic Colonial Punta Cana
Address: Carretera Arena Gorda Macao B, Punta Cana, 23000
Amenities: Kid's club and babysitting for children 4-12 years old, inclusive onsite restaurants, all-Inclusive
Located along the gorgeous white-sand Playa de Gorda, the Majestic Colonial Punta Cana offers a luxurious experience that features the best of the Dominican Republic's coastline and nature.
Enjoy direct access to the spacious beach along with numerous onsite amenities, including a large pool that winds throughout the resort along with multiple spa services. Children can enjoy the kid’s club and game rooms which provide a variety of supervised entertainment and parents can enjoy golfing or specialty dining onsite while making use of the inclusive nanny services.
Try out the included water activities like kayaking and snorkeling and sail out to the nearby Astron Ship Wreck for a quick historical photo opportunity.
Whether you want to lounge in the winding pool and float to the bar or head out and get active at the beach, this large yet cozy resort is one of the best family-friendly destinations in the Caribbean today.
8. Nickelodeon Resorts Riviera Maya
Address: Carr Cancun-Tulum KM 45, Playa Del Carmen
AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Amenities: Immersive entertainment for young kids, massive water park and play area, character-themed events
Located on Mexico’s gorgeous Caribbean coastline, Nickelodeon Resorts Riviera Maya is a vast entertainment complex that combines some of the television network’s most acclaimed characters with exciting water slides, games, plus pool and beach access for all ages.
This is an especially great destination for families with younger kids as the resort offers enough to keep even the most active child entertained 24/7. Of course, parents will also get their money’s worth with a selection of delectable restaurants, spa treatments, poolside cabanas, plus onsite beach access.
From partying with SpongeBob and riding giant water slides in the morning, to lounging on the cozy beach and exploring nearby attractions throughout the day, this is one of the top Caribbean resorts for families with younger children.
Plus, you can make use of the onsite shuttles and tour packages to enjoy nearby attractions like Chichen Itza and Tulum’s ancient Mayan ruins.
9. Grace Bay Club
Address: Bonaventures Crescent Rd, Providenciales, TCA TKCA 1ZZ
AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Amenities: Kids' club and teen club, colorful nearby reefs with inclusive snorkeling, onsite white-sand beach
With a perfect location on the stunning namesake beach, Grace Bay Club provides one of the best ways to explore the magnificent Turks & Caicos.
Enjoy pristine turquoise water and white sand on your very own slice of paradise and relax with unlimited comfort in this stylish and classically designed hotel.
This is one of the more upscale hotels on this list and it’s perfect for those desiring the ultimate in comfort along with a plethora of activities for all ages. From snorkeling in the colorful nearby reefs to sailing, dances and a variety of land and water games, there’s always something new to experience.
Another main attraction here is the incredible dining, which combines local and international flavors alongside unmatched outdoor scenery. Stunning sunrises and sunsets can accompany your meal, along with fire pits, social events, plus unique seafood and cocktail tastings throughout the week.
10. El Conquistador Resort (Puerto Rico)
Address: 1000 El Conquistador Ave, Fajardo, Puerto Rico, 00738
AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Amenities: Playground and game rooms, onsite pools, hot tubs and saunas, private nearby island with transportation by sailboat (Palomino Island)
El Conquistador Resort offers some of the best beachfront views in Puerto Rico, along with luxurious onsite amenities, at a price that’s very reasonable for a family Caribbean adventure.
With an onsite beach and boat dock, you have access to everything from lounging in your own cabana to fishing excursions, boat rides, plus scuba diving, snorkeling and more.
You can also take a sailboat ride to Palomino Island, which is the resort's own private island, to enjoy some true tropical paradise and breathtaking sunset views.
With numerous exciting activities available around the clock, along with the property's pool, playground and gaming rooms, families can enjoy a truly unforgettable Caribbean vacation without ever having to leave this classically designed yet fully modern resort.
11. Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
Address: Carr Federal 307, KM 332 + 150, Puerto Morelos, QR, 77580
AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Amenities: Kids' club, water park and pools, all-inclusive water sports and recreation, onsite beach, casino and spa
The Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa is a wonderful all-inclusive family destination that allows you to experience the best of Mexico's Caribbean coastline.
With an onsite water park suitable for all ages, along with multiple pools and a huge stretch of beach, visitors of all ages can find something to love during their sunny stay.
Make use of inclusive kayaking and snorkeling or lounge on one of the countless cabanas dotting the white-sand beach.
Adults can indulge in the casino and spa and families can dine at one of the 10 onsite restaurants focused on both local and international cuisine. Plus, with bars, clubs, fitness centers, teen gaming rooms and other exclusive perks, there’s something for everyone at all hours at this expansive resort.
It's also located just 15 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, making it a great choice for those who want a simple and stress-free Caribbean vacation.
12. Kapok Hotel (Trinidad and Tobago)
Address: 16 Cotton Hill, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Amenities: Comfortable and affordable lodging, close to many nearby beaches, amazing views of the capital city and coastline
Kapok Hotel is conveniently located near multiple beaches and downtown Port of Spain, the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago. Where Trinidad offers a more reclusive island vibe, Tobago offers numerous urban attractions from historical mansions and capital buildings to the Emperor Valley Zoo, famed botanical gardens and Queen’s Park Savannah where the local Carnival celebrations began.
At Kapok, you can enjoy a comfortable stay with close walking access to nearby beaches and downtown activities. This can be a great destination for those who want to enjoy a mix of natural beauty and city life, without the added energy of a sprawling resort.
13. Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour
Address: Banana Bay, Southeast Peninsula, Frigate Bar
AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Amenities: Kids' and teen areas, along with nanny services, water sports and boat rentals, select adults-only restaurants and pool areas
For a truly luxurious family vacation, few Caribbean hotels compare to the splendid Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christie Harbour resort.
With beautifully designed pools, deluxe restaurants for all ages, along with select adults-only establishments, this resort truly has something for everyone to love. Kids and travelers of all ages have endless opportunities to enjoy kayaking, snorkeling and other activities along the scenic beach and adults can take time to rejuvenate with spa services and deluxe pools.
Plus, the rooms have incredible views of the ocean and surrounding lush hills. With a sleek, modern vibe and high-end amenities, you can indulge in 5-star services while also having easy access to some of the island’s most beautiful nearby locations.
14. Iberostar Rose Hall Beach (Jamaica)
Address: Branch Development, Rose Hall Main Road Little River, Montego Bay, Jamaica
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Amenities: Star Camp, an onsite kid’s club with over 140 rotating activities, workshops, plus daycare, onsite pools and saunas
Iberostar Rose Hall Beach is an eco-friendly all-inclusive resort that combines Jamaica’s natural beauty with modern amenities, classical architecture and endless activities.
Even as a 5-star hotel, the prices here are generally very reasonable for Montego Bay, making it a great choice for anyone wanting a picture-perfect trip.
Enjoy the large onsite beach and make use of the inclusive snorkeling and kayaking to explore the colorful coral reefs. Kids will have a great time with the included Star Camp, which features countless rotating activities, workshops and even daycare services throughout the day.
With a great mix of active and leisurely offerings, along with a truly picturesque white-sand beach, Iberostar Rose Hall Beach is a wonderful option for family Caribbean vacations.
15. A Note About All-Inclusive Resorts
While many of the resorts on this list are all-inclusive, be sure to note that inclusive policies may differ between hotels. Always double-check with any hotel that their inclusive policy includes your desired meals, drinks and activities beforehand. Some resorts may exclude certain meals and activities from the package, while others may not.
At some resorts, young children may be able to stay for free or at a discounted rate, while other resorts may charge a flat rate per person regardless of age. Likewise, all-inclusive resorts generally charge per person, where a traditional hotel may only charge based on the room occupancy.
Since the policies may change, it’s important to clarify with the property before booking to ensure you have the best time possible.
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