The Virgin Islands, with their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and endless activities, are an ideal destination for family vacations. Whether you’re looking to relax on sun-soaked beaches, engage in water sports, or explore the natural beauty of the islands, both the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the US Virgin Islands (USVI) offer a plethora of options to keep the entire family entertained. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best family-friendly spots and activities in the Virgin Islands, ensuring that your family vacation is filled with unforgettable experiences.
Best Beaches for Families in the BVI
The Virgin Islands boast numerous stunning beaches, each with its own unique charm. However, some beaches are particularly well-suited for families, offering safe swimming conditions, beachfront facilities, and plenty of activities to keep children entertained.
Pirates Bight on Norman Island is a fantastic laid back beach for families, known for its calm waters and family-friendly facilities. The beach is home to a popular restaurant, and kids will love playing games like giant Jenga on the sand. The beach’s tranquil waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling, providing a safe environment for younger children to explore the underwater world.
White Bay on Jost Van Dyke is another excellent choice for families. The white sand beach is lined with several restaurants, so finding a spot to eat is never a problem. Kids can enjoy playing volleyball, giant Jenga, or the swing and hook game that’s a hit with visitors of all ages. The shallow, calm waters are perfect for young swimmers, making it a top pick for families with children.
Cane Garden Bay on Tortola is a crescent-shaped beach that’s a favorite among families. The gentle waters make it an ideal location for swimming and paddling, while the surrounding palm trees and lush scenery provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day at the beach. With numerous restaurants and beach bars nearby, this lively beach also offers plenty of options for water sports, ensuring there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
For families who enjoy a bit of adventure, The Baths and Devil’s Bay on Virgin Gorda are must-visit locations. This area is famous for its giant granite boulders, which create natural tidal pools, tunnels, and grottoes that are fun to explore. While it requires a bit of climbing and crawling, children and adults alike will love the sense of adventure and discovery. The area is also great for snorkeling, and the unique landscape provides a serene escape from the more crowded beaches.
If your family prefers a quieter, more secluded spot, Smuggler’s Cove on Tortola is a hidden gem. This beach offers a peaceful retreat with its soft sand and clear waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. With fewer crowds and no nearby restaurants or bars, Smuggler’s Cove is perfect for families who want to enjoy a more tranquil beach experience. Another beach where we can anchor, weather permitting, is also a quieter and less crowded option which is also great for swimming and snorkeling.
Some of the best family resorts include Scrub Island Resort, which features a spa and marina, with luxury accommodations on a private island. Great for couples but families can also enjoy a stay here.
Leverick Bay Resort, which is great for water sports and features Happy Arrr with Michael Beans., pirate show, is a sure-fire hit with both kids and adults.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay, or Bitter End Yacht Club are two other friendly resorts with great private beaches, water sports, and their concierges can help you with planning your daily adventures!
Child-Friendly Activities in the BVI
The BVI isn’t just about having a relaxing getaway and chilling out on the beach, there are plenty of child-friendly activities that the whole family can enjoy around the islands.
The Anegada Iguana Headstart Facility is dedicated to preserving one of the world's rarest reptiles, the Anegada Iguana. Families visiting the center can check out the iguanas that they are currently rehabilitating. The facility is located at The Settlement on Anegada. It’s worth a trip if you’re interested in conservation and reptiles. While you are in Anegada, another great option if your children like animals is to take a trip to Anegada Western Ponds to see the Roseate West Indian Flamingo that lives in this area.
Located on the island of Tortola, Sage Mountain National Park stands as the highest point in the British Virgin Islands, reaching an elevation of 1,710 feet. Families can wander through lush trails of natural beauty that offer views of the surrounding islands and the Caribbean Sea. The Park features fantastic fauna and wildlife, and hiking trails through the forest. This is a great location for hiking with the family and it features picnic facilities so you can rest and refuel.
Another fun activity is a kayaking or paddleboard trip on Beef Island through the mangroves, with GroundSea Adventures BVI. The company calls the location a ‘secret lagoon’ and a paddle trip through the mangroves is a fun family activity.
One of the highlights of the BVI is the amazing seascapes surrounding the islands. While it might be nice to stay at a resort and the beach on your vacation you are missing out if you do not take a boat trip or two whilst you are on vacation. This is the best way to get around the BVI and also to fully enjoy all the sights that the Virgin Islands have to offer.
Chillout Charters offers a wide range of half-day and full-day powerboat tours including a number that are kid-friendly. Many children enjoy the speed and thrill of the powerboat along with the amazing destinations we have on our tours. Take a look at our range of day trips and contact us if you have any questions or have something specific in mind for your trip.
If you and your family are looking to get around the Caribbean islands then we also offer a water taxi service covering the BVI and USVI. Our powerboats can accommodate up to 12 people so you’ll be able to fit your entire family onto one of our boats, and perhaps you can even bring a few friends with you. To find out more, contact BVI Chillout Charters today