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Complete Virgin Islands Family Vacation Travel Guide
Ready to start planning a Virgin Islands family vacation? You’re in the right place!
I’m Rachel of Caribbean Uncovered and I live in the US Virgin Islands! St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix offer something for everyone, from pristine beaches and crystal clear waters to lush rainforests and vibrant marine life.
Families can enjoy a wide range of activities on the islands, such as swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and camping.
There are also numerous accommodation options available, from luxury Virgin Islands resorts like the Ritz Carlton to budget-friendly hotels. So there’s a Virgin Islands family vacation for any budget!
I love my home islands so much that I couldn’t keep to myself all the amazing experiences they have to offer. So read on for everything you need to know to plan your next Virgin Islands family vacation.
Why a Virgin Islands Family Vacation?
The Virgin Islands are an ideal destination for families who want to relax and explore beautiful scenery OR have a fast-paced, action-packed Virgin Islands vacation!
With its stunning natural beauty and abundance of activities, the Virgin Islands is sure to create lasting memories for your family.
In addition to its many natural attractions, the Virgin Islands also offer several unique cultural experiences.
On St. Thomas, you can visit Fort Christian or go shopping in Charlotte Amalie. Or, on St. Croix, you can hop on a snorkel tour or learn about the island’s history at the many museums around.
It can be hard to choose between the three islands, but you’ll find that you can’t go wrong with any of these Caribbean gems.
Generally, St Thomas or St Croix will be best for a Caribbean vacation with kids, and St John is better for couples or a quick day trip with the family.
Things to Do in the Virgin Islands on Family Vacation
The Virgin Islands are a popular vacation destination for families, and there are plenty of things to do to keep everyone entertained.
One favorite family-friendly activity is swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. Another popular option is exploring the island by hiking or biking on one of the many trails.
For those interested in history, the Virgin Islands is rich with old pirate stories, Danish battles, and, old ruins and petroglyphs around the trails.
There are also plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining, making the Virgin Islands a great place for everyone in the family.
Family Activities in St Thomas
Below are all of my favorite family activities on St. Thomas. You can easily spend a week or more just exploring here!
Coral World Ocean Park
👉 This tour gets you both tickets to the park and Coki Beach admission!
Coral World Ocean Park is located at Coki Point, next to the famous Coki Beach.
It’s an educational and interactive marine park that offers something for everyone. The park has a variety of exhibits, including a coral reef aquarium, a touch pool, and a shark tank.
The park also offers many educational programs, such as coral reef conservation lectures and coral reef planting seminars.
In addition, Coral World has a gift shop and a restaurant, making it the perfect place to spend a day with the family.
Kayak Cas Cay and the Mangrove Lagoon
👉 This Cas Cay excursion has a perfect five-star rating!
Although the Virgin Islands are generally known for the main territories and largest islands of the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and British Virgin Islands (BVI), there are tons of cays (pronounced keys) and smaller islands off the coast of each territory.
One of the most popular ones is Cas Cay. This is a great family trip if you want to learn about the marine habitats around the USVI, snorkel in some of the hidden gems off the coast of St Thomas, and even enjoy a little hiking.
Pirates Treasure Museum
This unique museum features buried treasures and shipwrecks from the Virgin Islands and beyond!
With exhibits featuring deep-sea technology, ancient artifacts, shipwrecks from around the world, and more, you’re sure to fill a chunk of your day enjoying the undersea treasures of the Pirate Treasure Museum.
Adults are $16, children $12, and under 6 years old are free!
99 Steps to Blackbeard’s Castle
Spend the day in downtown Charlotte Amalie climbing the historic 99 steps to Blackbeard’s Castle.
Note: Blackbeard’s Castle Museum and tours are currently closed due to damage from the hurricane, but you can still make the walk up the steps and see the old pirate estate!
You’ll find an awesome overlook at the top of the steps, great for family photos or relaxing after a long day of shopping in Charlotte Amalie, at the bottom of the steps!
Beach Hop Around St Thomas
There’s no better way to tire the kids out than with a day of fun in the sun! St Thomas is known for some of the most fun and lively beaches in the USVI.
Coki Beach is great for watersports, Secret Harbour Beach has an awesome double reef off-shore for snorkeling, and Sapphire Beach is the perfect spot to end the day for sunset views and dining.
Related Reading: 8 Amazing Beaches to Visit in Turks & Caicos with Kids
Fort Christian
Fort Christian once served as a fort for the Danish King, and then the police headquarters for USVI.
Fort Christian is now a historic landmark in the process of being restored, and is open for you to explore its exhibits dating all the way back to the stone age!
Really, these are just the beginning of all the things to do with kids in St Thomas!
Family Activities in St John
St John is an amazing island to visit, especially for beaches. Here are my favorite things to do on St John, USVI!
Snorkel and Hop Around St John Beaches
The Virgin Islands are well known for their pristine beaches and clear waters. St John, in particular, is a great spot for snorkeling with the family!
Many of the beaches in St John are secluded. If you’re looking for a quiet place to let the kids run around and splash in the water, St John is a great option.
Some of the most popular beaches in St John are Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Bay, and the very popular Honeymoon Beach! The options are endless when exploring the coasts of St John.
👉 Visit St. John on a day trip from St. Thomas to enjoy snorkeling more easily than dealing with the ferry!
Hike the Reef Bay Trail to the Sugar Mill Ruins and Petroglyphs
👉 This half-day trip to St. John includes the Sugar Mill ruins and several other can’t-miss spots on the island!
As one of the most popular trails on the island, you can’t miss the Reef Bay Trail to the historic Sugar Mill Ruins and ancient Petroglyphs of St John.
The Reef Bay Trail branches off to many of the popular hikes in the Virgin Islands National Park, so you can choose how strenuous or long you want your hiking adventure to last.
Searching for the ruins and petroglyphs makes for a great family scavenger hunt!
Check Out Virgin Islands National Park
Much of St John is in the Virgin Islands National Park. This means a lot of the land is untouched by tourism and development!
Virgin Islands National Park is filled with hiking trails, picnic spots, and off-the-beaten-path beaches to explore.
Family Activities in St Croix
St Croix is a bit less developed than St Thomas or St John but that makes it more exciting to visit! Here are my favorite things to do on St Croix!
Excursion to Buck Island Reef National Monument
👉 This catamaran tour to Buck Island and Turtle Beach is fun for the whole family!
Buck Island Reef National Monument is home to a protected coral reef with some of the best snorkeling on the island!
These excursions will likely take up a full day as you hop on a catamaran to go out of the coral reef.
You’ll stop at Buck Island and spend some time on Turtle Beach, frequently voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!
Explore Christiansted
Christiansted is the capital of the United States Virgin Islands, located on the east side of St Croix.
The city is a great place to explore with the family, as there are plenty of activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained.
Christiansted is home to a number of historical sites, including Fort Christiansvaern, an 18th-century fort that now houses a museum; the Christiansted National Historic Site, which includes several restored 18th and 19th-century buildings; and the Buccaneer Hotel, the first hotel to operate on St Croix.
There are also several beaches near Christiansted, where you can enjoy swimming, picnics, and snorkeling!
Play All Day at Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach is one of the most lively, popular beaches on St Croix. Its calm, clear waters make it perfect for water sports and aquatic activities during the day, and its west-facing location makes it perfect for sunset viewing.
There’s also a beach bar and restaurant, Rhythms, right at the beach, where you’ll find food and drinks for the whole family!
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
The Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is known for its turtle recovery program, which helps provide nesting and safety for the sea turtles of St Croix.
They offer many education programs for hands-on learning with the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Best Time to Go to the Virgin Islands
The best time to go to the Virgin Islands is between December and April.
💦 Hurricane (or rainy) season in the Virgin Islands runs from the beginning of June to the end of November. 💦
If you’re on a budget, prices drop around the rainy season. Hurricanes are tracked regularly in the islands.
As long as there’s no hurricane threat, and you’re okay with daily passing showers, you can try it out during the rainy season.
However, if you’re looking to do family excursions, there’s a higher likelihood of cancellations due to rain.
Best Virgin Island Hotels for Family Vacations
There are several great hotels and all-inclusive family resorts in the Virgin Islands. These are some of our favorites because each resort offers great amenities and kid-friendly activities for families!
St Thomas Family Resorts
St. Thomas is home to some of the best family resorts the U.S. Virgin Islands has to offer!
✅ Marriott Frenchman’s Cove
🏆 Rating: 8.8/10 | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🏨 Check Availability
Located in a stunningly beautiful bay on the north side of St. Thomas, this luxurious resort offers spacious guest rooms and suites, as well as two- and three-bedroom villas which are perfect for larger families.
Amenities include an expansive pool area with water slides, hot tubs, and a private beach.
✅ Secret Harbour Beach Resort
🏆 Rating: 8.6/10 | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🏨 Check Availability
This popular beachfront resort is located on the south side of St. Thomas and offers a variety of accommodations ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites, all with oceanfront views.
The resort is home to two large pools, a private beach, plus kayaking and snorkeling in the clear Caribbean waters.
✅ Point Pleasant Resort
🏆 Rating: 8.4/10 | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🏨 Check Availability
This is one of the few all-inclusive resorts located on stunning Sugar Beach, and it offers three large pools for guests to enjoy. There’s also a golf course nearby!
Families can enjoy spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, plus access to a wide range of activities such as swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and more. The resort also offers an on-site spa and a fitness center.
✅ Bolongo Bay Resort
🏆 Rating: 7.8/10 | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🏨 Check Availability
This family-run beachfront resort is located in the popular Bolongo Bay area and offers a variety of accommodations ranging from studios to one- and two-bedroom suites.
Amenities include a large pool, water sports center, and private beach. Families can also participate in the resort’s weekly activities such as beach barbecues and movie nights.
✅ Emerald Beach Resort
🏆 Rating: 6.8/10 | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🏨 Check Availability
This beachfront resort is located on a tranquil bay and offers spacious accommodations with spectacular views.
Families can enjoy private beach cabanas, kayaking, paddle-boarding and snorkeling in the crystal waters.
St John & St Croix Best US Virgin Island Resorts
While most of the best USVI family resorts are on St Thomas, there are several truly great ones on St John and St Croix, too!
✅ Buccaneer Bay Beach Resort
🏆 Rating: 8.4/10 | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🏨 Check Availability
Located on the tranquil east end of St. Croix, this beachside resort offers a variety of accommodations from studios to two-bedroom suites.
Families can enjoy a large pool and private beach, plus kayaking and other water sports.
✅ Westin St. John Resort and Villas
🏆 Rating: 8.4/10 | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🏨 Check Availability
This spacious resort offers villas and studio, one- and two-bedroom suites with stunning views of Cruz Bay.
Families will enjoy the large pool, private beach, and a variety of outdoor activities such as tennis and basketball courts.
Family Camping in the Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands are a popular vacation destination for family travel, and camping is a great way to experience all that the islands have to offer. I love it!
There are many camping options in the Virgin Islands, from primitive camping sites to luxury RV parks. Regardless of your camping style, you’ll be able to find a spot that’s perfect for your family.
If you’re camping on St. John, you can spend your days lounging on the beaches of Trunk Bay or snorkeling in Coral Bay.
Or, if you’re camping on St. Croix, you can hike through the rainforest at Salt River Bay National Historical Park or relax on the beach at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge.
No matter where you camp, you’ll be able to find plenty of activities to keep your family entertained.
So whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous camping trip, the Virgin Islands are a great option for families.
With its diverse attractions and welcoming atmosphere, the Virgin Islands is sure to make lasting memories for your entire family.
You might not hear about it often, but there are some great campsites around the Virgin Islands!
Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground St John
Cinnamon Bay campground is the perfect place to camp in the US Virgin Islands with your family. The campground is perched on the North Shore overlooking Cinnamon Bay.
This US National Park Service campground has dozens of camping sites, from eco-tents to cottages to choose from, and each one offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The campground gives you access to the Virgin Islands National Park trails, some of the best snorkeling on the island, and plenty of opportunities for family picnics!
With so much to see and do, camping in the Virgin Islands is an ideal choice for families who love spending time outdoors.
Mount Victory Camp St Croix
Offering cabins and tent camping, Mount Victory Camp is a great spot to spend a night or more on the west side of St Croix, near Frederiksted.
The camp is near hiking trails, beaches great for snorkeling and watersports, mountain biking trails, and more.
Mount Victory also hosts workshops if you’re looking to get the family’s brains moving on your vacation!
From stone tool making and pottery to bow making and fire starting, there’s something to keep the whole family occupied during your camp stay in the forest of St Croix.
How to Get Around USVI with the Family
Rental cars and taxis are the best way to get around the Virgin Islands.
Renting a Car in USVI
I would suggest renting a car to get around the Virgin Islands with a family.
It’s important to note that taxis generally charge per person in USVI. So, traveling with a family might end up being considerably costly.
The cost of rental cars in USVI will vary based on the island and time of year, but expect to pay between $50-$100/day for a basic rental car!
Four-wheel drive may come in handy if you want to head to some of the off-the-beaten-path beaches and hikes around the islands.
👉 I recommend using Discover Cars for renting a car on your trip!
Things to Know about Renting a Car in USVI
✅ They drive on the left side of the road!
✅ Some of the roads are damaged or undeveloped. Be mindful of potholes and narrow roads.
✅ US Citizens can drive in USVI for 90 days with a US license.
👉 While we have global health insurance for our day-to-day lives, we also elect travel insurance with SafetyWing for our spurts of fast travel adventure!
Summary: Plan your Virgin Islands Family Vacation!
The Virgin Islands truly offer something for everyone in the family.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking and relaxing vacation spot or an exciting and adventurous trip, the Virgin Islands and their best US Virgin Island resorts for families should be at the top of your list.
With beautiful beaches and plenty of activities to keep everyone in your family entertained, these islands are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Start planning your Family Vacation Virgin Islands-style today. I promise you won’t regret it!
This post was contributed to Our Offbeat Life by Rachel of Caribbean Uncovered. As a lover of all things beaches and freedom, she helps people discover the best gems in the US Virgin Islands.
