Best Family Activities in the Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands are a popular place for families to travel, and it’s no wonder why! Sunny days on the beach and epic sailing adventures offer fun for all ages.
But what are some family-friendly activities in the VI you can’t miss? Let’s look at our favorite family activities in the Virgin Islands.
Beaches
We’ll cut straight to the chase—the beaches in the Virgin Islands are the biggest draw for most families. The crystal clear water and soft white sands are paradise personified. The beaches are also fun for the entire family. Kids can snorkel or splash in the water while mom or dad catches a suntan nearby. What’s not to love?
With so many beautiful beaches, deciding which is best for your trip might be challenging. Luckily, we have a few favorites we want to share.
Best Beaches for Families in the USVI
The USVI are home to pristine beaches, many of which are in the protected Virgin Islands National Park. But you can find family-friendly beaches on any of the dozens of large and smaller islands.
- Maho Bay: This popular beach on St. John features white sand, coconut trees, and turquoise waters. It’s excellent for snorkeling and swimming.
- Trunk Bay: Trunk Bay’s “underwater trail” offers fun for the whole family. It is a marked trail around a coral reef, where you can see colorful fish, rays, and squid.
- Coki Beach: This is a family favorite thanks to its calm, clear waters and plenty to do around the beach. There are several family-friendly restaurants and even a theme park nearby!
Best Beaches for Families in the BVI
Which are the best beaches in the BVI? There are almost too many to name. But these beaches have some of the most family-friendly activities in the VI:
- Smuggler’s Cove: Gorgeous scenery, snow-white sand, and calm blue waters make Smuggler’s Cove one of the best family beaches in BVI. It’s excellent for snorkeling, too.
- Cane Garden Bay: This beach is fun for older kids who can rent SUPs and other water sports equipment from shore. It’s also a good spot to swim or suntan.
- The Baths: Located near Devil’s Bay National Park, The Baths are a favorite for snorkeling. You can marvel at giant rock formations and caves that are fun to swim and snorkel.
Best Places to See Sea Turtles
Spotting sea turtles offers fun for the whole family when visiting the Virgin Islands. But where’s the best place to see one? The following beaches are all known as hotspots for sea turtle sightings:
- Trunk Bay (USVI)
- Maho Bay (USV)
- The Baths (BVI)
- Monkey Point (BVI)
The best time of day to spot sea turtles is early in the morning. Set your alarms and sail early to a beach of your choice!
Theme Parks and National Parks
You can visit several family-friendly parks in the USVI and BVI. These include:
- Coral World Ocean Park: This is a fun place where kids can swim with dolphins and learn more about ocean life with trained guides.
- Virgin Islands National Park: Bring the family to Virgin Islands National Park in St. Johns for some of the best family activities in the Virgin Islands. The hiking trails and snorkeling spots are among the best in the USVI.
- Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline St. Thomas: Adventurous families will love this zipline park on St.Thomas. Children 9 and up can enjoy a thrill ride above the jungles and nearby Caribbean Sea.
Water Sports
The Virgin Islands offer numerous family activities on the water. Some exciting options you can do with your family include:
- Kitesurfing
- Paddleboarding
- Scuba diving
- Snorkeling
- Jet-skiing
- Parasailing
- Sailing
Plan Your Family-Friendly Activities in the Virgin Islands
Ready for an adventure? Plan a family adventure and learn to sail as a family with GSVI!