Sipping on fresh coconut juice while sunbathing on an island somewhere is a tropical dream where palm trees are swaying, the beach is calling, and laughter never seems to stop. For an ideal island vacation with the family, select travel destinations with children in mind.
If you are looking for family vacation ideas that include family-friendly adventure packages on an island somewhere far from the urban landscape, here are some bucket-list-worthy island destinations to unleash your wanderlust.
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Island Destinations for Family Travel
Coastal Living in the Bahamas
A coral archipelago made up of 700 islands and 2000 cays dispersed around its 100,000sqm turf in the Atlantic Ocean, the Bahamas is one tropical destination that oozes with sunkissed skin locals and colorful coastal towns.
The Bahamas is 50 miles off the coast of another tropical bucket list destination, Florida. It has all the sultry ambiance wherever you are on the island, be it at Grand Bahama or Paradise Island. Andros Barrier Reef is a scuba divers' favorite spot that is situated within the territory of this pristine seaside destination.
From rustic beach resort vibe to luxurious indulgence, the Bahamas has it all in-store that can cater to those who are on a family vacation. The Bahamas is a kid-friendly tropical getaway where your kids will never run out of fun things to do. Atlantis Bahamas is one of the famed water park resorts on the island with a commendable kids club program. Your children can also try horseback riding by the sandy white shoreline of the island while you enjoy a day at the spa.
If you feel like taking the family underwater, Thunderball Grotto is one of the world-renowned dive spots exhibiting an alluring sight of the black coral gardens of Bimini. If going forty meters under the water is too much, plunging on the surface of its crystal clear water with visibility up to 200 feet is enough to quench your salty water appetite.
The Bahamas was discovered by Columbus and since then it has been exploited by the Spaniards and ransacked by pirates, despite this, the island stood tall and became free of exploitation. Now, it is still a lush island with nothing but happy locals and satisfied tourists. So, if you are looking for that unforgettable island family vacation, pamper your family to lavish resorts, go fishing or kayaking around small cays scattered around the island or go deep underwater and get to know the island's under the sea dwellers.
Green Jewel Coast of Bora Bora
If you want something bold and exuding incomparable tropical beauty, Bora Bora is a tiny South Pacific coastal destination stationed in the northwest of Tahiti. It is within the territory of French Polynesia. Looking at the island from the top view, it almost looks like an emerald blending in the cerulean palettes of the ocean. Surely a gem in the middle of the Earth. The pure shores of this equatorial tiny piece of land are besieged in pearl white powdery sands with a turquoise lagoon spiraled in coral reefs. Bora Bora is a voguish aquatic experience, an island getaway like no other around the world.
Once you stepped on this lavish island, posh resorts and freshly squeezed juice will welcome you and your family with open arms. The beauty of its deluxe sultry milieu is surrounded by thatched-roof bungalows perching on top of crashing crystal clear emerald waves of the South Pacific ocean.
Bora Bora is another divers' paradise oozing with unspoiled lively colorful reefs housing diverse sea creatures freely roaming around the island. While the rich waters get all the attention, it is also worth mentioning the majestic view of the dormant volcanoes towering high flaunting two ceremonious peaks. Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu are at around 727-feet high exhibiting a spectacular view adding an extra appeal to the fantastical shores of Bora Bora.
Tropical Haven Hawaii
Hawaii is a tropical haven for many Californians who are making this island their second home. Maui, Oahu, The Big Island, and Kauai is a short six-hour plane ride from the West Coast. Hence, Hawaii became the ultimate holiday destination for many. If the thought of flying with kids is making you anxious, never fear! here are some tips for traveling on an airplane with kids. Be sure to visit our blog for travel inspirations, tips, and information to get you traveling more with your little ones!
Hawaii offers a diverse range of family-friendly water activities all throughout the island making it a top choice family vacation destination. From luxury resorts and spas to lowkey beach vibe huts, families can choose what kind of tropical experience they have in Hawaii. Inclusive resorts have amenities perfect for families on vacation. Hawaii is an ideal spot for all ages. This island is all about the fun under the sun.
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu is a renowned spot on the island that always feels like summer. The ocean breeze, the sunshine, and the happy people are enough to make a good mood.
Indulge in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Imagine a tropical getaway in two contrasting archipelagos creating a breath-taking coastal abode. Turks and Caicos islands are stationed within the British Overseas Territories worldly known for their lush reefs, immense shoreline, and rustic sultry appeal.
Turks and Caicos islands are stationed in the North Atlantic Ocean which is about 600 miles away from Miami.
Located in the North Atlantic Ocean and about 620 miles from Miami, the islands are an incredibly popular vacationing spot that offers excellent snorkeling, diving, fishing, and water sports for the kids while you spend a lazy afternoon stretching your toes on the beach.
The go-to accommodation location is on the island of Providenciales. It is found in Northwest Caicos Island where various luxury hotels, fancy restaurants, and opulent shops await tourists to indulge in different cuisines. Along the shores of Providenciales is the shimmering white beach of Grace Bay. It is a tourist spot where island living and urban conveniences meet halfway. So, whenever you decide to check this destination off your family's travel bucket list, visit Middle Caicos, Salt Clay, and Grand Turk. It is where Cockburn Town is stationed in the middle of the capital city. Turks and Caicos is a noteworthy piece of bliss.
Reconnect with Nature in the Tropical Homestead of Seychelles
Located in East Africa, Seychelles is an archipelago composed of 115 islands. Seychelles is within the turf of the Indian Ocean in the northeast of Madagascar. It is 990 miles away from Kenya and one of the best island destinations in the world. Not to mention the magnificent view of the African Sunset.
Most of the 115 islands of the archipelago are uninhabited. It is truly a perfect example of untouched nature. Seychelles is filled with vivid summer colors with a twist of African tones and atmosphere. The tranquil ocean and its bewildering palette of ocean blue set tropical leisure with the luxuries of distinct African scenery.
Ever since Seychelles became an independent island back in 1976, jet setters, film stars, and high-end vacationers settled in this sublime island for their vacations. Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue are the go-to island for families when in Seychelles. They are the most developed islands where luxury hotels are stationed to entertain guests who love to pamper and indulge in fanciful things during a vacation.
Mahe, the largest and the most beautiful island among the 115, exudes a glimpse of dramatic imagery of lush rugged mountains and luscious rainforest rich in mist and captivating wildlife. The island is home to over 65 pristinely manicured beaches by nature. It has also tiny hidden coves for those who want to spend alone time with their family. A long stretch of hotels, restaurants, cafe's and casinos deliver comfort, convenience, and a lot of extravagances. Victoria, the capital city of Seychelles, and by far the smallest capital city in the world, is swamped with souvenir shops, charming coastal cafes and restaurants, and cultural hubs that you and your family can explore on foot before the day ends.
Spend a Night in the Polynesian Volcanic Easter Island
2,300 miles away from the west coast of South America, lies an opulent volcanic island, Easter Island. It is an isolated abode also known as Rapa Nui, an indigenous name from the roots of Chile. Easter Island is not only a tropical getaway but also an archeological park housing 900 monumental statues called Moai. It is an island a world heritage site that creates unforgettable family memories.
Moai statues have an average height of thirteen feet and weigh about 14 tons. They were formed during the 10th to the 16th centuries by the mystical dwellers of the island many moons ago. These enormous monolithic stones are still a mystery to many researchers as to why their creators made such an effort to create them and how did they manage to form intricate faces using primitive carving tools.
If you are up for a curious island adventure, Easter Island has a lot of mysterious questions and allegations about why the early inhabitants of the island left such a wondrous place. Being away from any influences from its neighboring islands, Easter Island radiates both a coastal appeal and an archipelagic atmosphere. While many theories came up as to what happened to the island's first dwellers, the thriving culture of the island remains intact and inspired by the power of the hand-crafted monuments forged in the middle of the vast landscape of the island.
Unplug in the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands is an archipelagic nation in the South Pacific with a total of fifteen prestigious islands scattered closely to each other. The Cook Islands is halfway between the coast of New Zealand and the islands of Hawaii. It encompasses a total of 2.2 million square kilometers of the vast South Pacific ocean with sloping shimmering white sands and blue lagoons accentuated with the palm-fringed trees enveloping the area.
The Cook Islands is filled with secluded spots where families can spend a day without having to interact with other tourists. All you have to do is to find a spot for your family, relax, and unplug from the urban world. The Cook Island is a paradise housing hospitable locals, exceptional dancers, and genius musicians.
Apart from its enticing appeal, Cook Island lives day by day with strong Polynesian culture and traditions where kids can learn about the diversity of every places' practices. Avarua, a famed spot where ancient churches stood tall for centuries is located at the largest island in the archipelago, Rarotonga. Churches on this island are made of intricately sculpted corals. On Saturdays, guests enjoy an afternoon walking around small stalls and trading goods with the local merchants.
Along the Northern part of Rarotonga, Atiu is stationed where tourists come to learn about brewing "moonshine". Moonshine is a local bush beer locally known as tumunu. Along the neighboring coast of Atiu is where Mitiaro stands in the middle of 14,700 feet deep water. The dashing image of Atiu is flaunting white coral streets streamlined with vividly colored Pumarumaru trees in different shades of tangerine.
The island is home to a vast population of coral reefs and underground caves and lakes. It has a garden island called Ma'uke where the luscious sight of nature is beautifully manicured while the island of Mangria is filled with fossilized corals called makatea.
Explore the Mystical Island of Bali
Bali is a world-famous tropical getaway. Apart from surfers, Bali is one island many families go on a vacation. From Canggu, Ubud, to the island of Nusa Penida, Bali exudes a painstakingly admirable glimpse of tropical heaven.
Driving around the streets of bail will fascinate you with exotic temples and the undying devotion of the locals to Hinduism. Bali also houses various monumental palaces and a vast landscape of ricefields and bamboo plantations.
Wherever you are in this quaint rustic island destination, the food is mouthwatering and beautifully presented. The long stretch of its shoreline is swarmed with laidback surfer vibe restaurants and cafes' where you can just sit around and watch the waves crashing fearless surfers from all over the world.
The stunning mystical beauty of Bali breathes an air of passion and lifestyle. Many tourists settle on this island due to the convenience it brings to its guests and the balance between modern living and traditional beliefs.
Bali is also home to monkeys. Monkeys are considered sacred on the island and the locals treat them preciously no matter how spoiled they can be. The sunset restaurants in Nusa Penida or the Monkey Forest in Ubud are one of the few places that will astonish your children.
In Canggu, where the capital of surfing is situated is also a yoga haven. AirBnBs in Bali typically offers free yoga sessions every day to their guests. On top of that, there are hotels and local BnBs where you can stay in an outdoor hut in the middle of a garden or you can have a whole house for yourselves with pool and kitchen amenities.
Dive into the Big Island of Cebu
Cebu is slowly becoming a world-class dive spot. With the boundless body of water surrounding the island, sea creatures are bound to pass by and greet divers. So, many are going to see what's the fuss is all about. Cebu is located in the Philippine archipelago belonging to the Visayas region.
The sandy sultry coastline of Cebu is surrounded by limestone plateaus and lush coastal plains. Mountain ranges around the coastal shores are soaring up to 3,300 feet high along with shorter hills enveloping the rugged towering structure from North to South.
Coral atolls are what entice most tourists to come and visit the island. Also, the spectacular powdery sands of Cebu bring warmth and comfort to every guest who indulges in the island living culture of the island. Malapascua Island and Bantayan are a few of the island's gems that offer all sorts of water entertainment and a lot of sunbathing.
Top Notch Kids Clubs in Fiji
The islands of Fiji are covered in white sandy beaches and lively coral reef exhibitions. The marine life in Fiji is rich and preserved to keep its ecosystem balanced and thriving. If you are opting for something laidback for your family, lay around the powdery shores of Fiji and enjoy a flashing show of sunset while overlooking the boundless Pacific Ocean.
There are also several private hideaways around Fiji where families can enjoy a quiet time and experience a "Castaway" kind of tropical getaway, without scrounging for food, of course. On some parts of the island, luxury villas with pools were built aligned with the natural form of its environment. At night, your kids can go stargazing in Yasawa Island Resort where the sky gleams due to the absence of city lights.
Island Destinations for Family Travel
There are countless tropical abodes you and your family can explore. From the bold island of the Caribbean to the Dominican Republic or flowing down the lazy river or wandering off to Punta Cana, the world is filled with wonders that can turn your moments into memories to be treasured forever. Now, you may ask, what to pack for kids on a plane? never fear! check out our family travel blog here. The benefits of traveling with family are immense and that's why you should travel with kids.
Happy journeys!
