These Are the Most Family-Friendly Destinations In The Caribbean To Visit This Year
With more flight options than ever from the United States, the Caribbean is becoming increasingly popular as a year-round destination for those looking for an escape. That’s especially true for families, with sun, sand, and tranquil seas making it a winning destination for travelers planning a multi-generational vacation. These are some of the most popular family-friendly destinations to visit in the Caribbean this year.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is a tropical paradise known for its long stretches of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, with plenty of all-inclusive resorts that make it a hit with families looking for a hassle-free vacation. Head to Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino to experience seven incredible freshwater swimming pools, including a 30,000 square-foot bi-level infinity pool set on the beach, as well as 10 inspiring dining concepts, 16 bars, two beach clubs, and plenty for the whole family to enjoy together.
Curaçao
Curaçao is known for its vibrant culture, colorful architecture, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. There’s a little something here for everyone, from beachfront resort perfect for a laidback escape for families with little ones, the Curaçao Sea Aquarium for families with curious school-aged kids, and an incredible dining scene, national parks, and incredible beaches that older kids and teens will love exploring.
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is a charming coastal town on the Yucatán Peninsula renowned for its pristine beaches and ancient Mayan ruins. While Tulum is well-known for its nightlife, don’t count it out for a family-friendly escape. Nearby eco-parks and exciting adventures like natural lazy rivers and cenote sinkholes where visitors can swim means there’s plenty to do here. A brand new international airport makes it more accessible from the United States than ever.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico, blends historic charm and natural beauty, making it a great vacation destination for families looking for more than just a stay at a beachfront resort. Plan to spend a day exploring Old San Juan, which features colorful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and forts like El Morro, offering educational opportunities for all. San Juan receives frequent flights from the U.S. mainland, making it an incredibly easy and surprisingly affordable destination for your next family vacation.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen, located in the heart of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, is known for its vibrant Quinta Avenida, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The beautiful beaches, where the calm waters are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, are a hit with visitors of all ages. The town is also a gateway to several of the Xcaret theme parks, offering zip-lining, underground rivers, and cultural shows.
Samaná, Dominican Republic
Samaná receives just a fraction of the visitors of nearby Punta Cana, making it a fantastic destination for families looking for a more laid-back escape. is a hidden gem offering a more tranquil and authentic Caribbean experience, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. The region boasts lush rainforests, secluded beaches, and the stunning El Limón Waterfall, which can be reached via a family-friendly hike or horseback ride. From January to March, families can also partake in whale-watching tours to see humpback whales in their natural habitat.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas, an archipelago of over 700 islands, offers countless family-friendly experiences and stunning natural beauty, just a quick flight from the East Coast of the United States. Families can visit Nassau’s famous Atlantis Paradise Island, which features an expansive water park, marine habitats, and kid-friendly activities. Or, head to the Exumas for opportunities to swim with pigs, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and explore pristine cays.
Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, but none surpasses the world-famous Grace Bay Beach, considered one of the best beaches in the world. These Caribbean islands offer numerous family-friendly resorts with amenities like kids’ clubs, water sports equipment, and excursions to explore the stunning coral reefs and marine life.
Varadero, Cuba
Varadero is Cuba’s premier beach destination, known for its long, sandy beaches and clear, warm waters. Families can relax on the beautiful shores, take part in water sports, or visit attractions like the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve and the Delfinario. The area’s all-inclusive resorts often feature kids’ clubs, entertainment programs, and family-oriented facilities. There is plenty to do nearby as well, including day trips to Havana, excursions to nearby caves, and easy access to some of the island’s best attractions.
Antigua
Antigua boasts 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, making it a paradise for anyone seeking sun and sand. The island offers safe, shallow waters perfect for young swimmers, as well as activities like sailing, snorkeling, and exploring historical sites such as Nelson’s Dockyard.
St Croix, US Virgin Islands
St. Croix is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands and offers a mix of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and family-friendly activities. Explore historic towns like Christiansted and Frederiksted, visit the Buck Island Reef National Monument for snorkeling adventures, or relax on sandy beaches like Cane Bay for a memorable family vacation.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is a lively city famous for its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and abundant family-friendly activities. Visit the interactive aquarium, take a day trip to Isla Mujeres for snorkeling and dolphin encounters, or explore the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza. The city’s hotel zone offers numerous all-inclusive resorts with kids’ clubs and entertainment options, ensuring that both parents and children have a memorable vacation.
Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.