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  • More Safe Caribbean Islands For Families to Visit!

Summary

  • Traveling to safe Caribbean islands for a family vacation can provide parents and kids with a memorable experience while ensuring their safety.
  • Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bonaire, Cayman Islands, Aruba, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Maarten & St. Martin, Anguilla, and St. Barts are among the safest Caribbean islands for family vacations.
  • Not only are these spots some of the safest family friendly Caribbean islands, but they also offer beautiful scenery, family activities, low crime rates, and a commitment to tourism safety, making them ideal islands in the Caribbean for families with children.

The ability to travel as a family, with small children or even teenagers, is a great memory for families to create together. Excitedly enough, vacations aren’t always just about crafting memories that will last a lifetime; studies have even shown that traveling makes children perform better in school and may even extend their love for education into their careers.

When choosing vacation destinations for families, though, travelers should look into many aspects, including budget, accommodations, excursions, and dates, all of which play major factors in the final decision. However, those traveling with a family shouldn't overlook safety, even when planning to visit any of the beautiful vacation destinations in the Caribbean islands. Indeed, there are a number of Caribbean Islands that are safer than others (especially for solo female travelers), which would make better vacation spots for families with children in particular.

While the Bahamas are often safe (especially the Abacos Islands), places like Haiti, Puerto Rico, and even parts of Jamaica may not be the safest islands in the Caribbean for families, whether it may be due to a high crime rate, a surge in illegal substances, or major and frequent hurricanes. Luckily, here is a list of the safest Caribbean islands for families on vacation, from Antigua and Barbuda all the way to St. Barts!

UPDATE: 2024/01/01 09:38 EST BY LAURALYN BROWN

More Safe Caribbean Islands For Families to Visit!

The Caribbean is a dreamy destination for all kinds of travelers. Whether families are looking for an all-inclusive resort, solo female travelers are dreaming about discovering a new culture, or a group of friends are planning to discover epic parties on a paradisical island, the Caribbean has a spot for all! As safety should be a priority when deciding on a destination, this list has been increased and updated to include more of the safest places in the Caribbean to visit for families in particular.

There are many factors that make Caribbean islands safe or unsafe. For consistency and to inject real-world perceptions of each destination, this list of safe islands in the Caribbean for families to visit has been created based on Safety Index ratings from Numbeo's Crime Indices (the safest island in the Caribbean for families at the end lacked data for Safety Index and has thus been placed based on its exclusivity, 0 Danger Level on Travel Advisory, and extremely low crime rate and 0% murder rate).

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10 Antigua & Barbuda

The only major risk in Antigua and Barbuda is the hurricane season

Shirley Heights, Antigua
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Shirley Heights, Antigua

Antigua and Barbuda have become a paradise for digital nomads, thanks to their zero income tax, natural beauty, and safety. These safe Caribbean island destinations are especially famous for pristine beaches and historical sites, so whether exploring Nelson's Dockyard, indulging in water sports, or savoring the local cuisine, visitors can do so with confidence.

The island's commitment to tourism safety and the warmth of its residents contribute to its reputation as one of the safest Caribbean islands to visit for families. That said, people should perhaps avoid the island between July and November due to the hurricane season.

9 Barbados

Barbados is considered one of the most family-friendly islands in the Caribbean

Bottom Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in Barbados, Caribbean
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Bottom Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in Barbados, Caribbean

Another one of the best Caribbean islands for families is Barbados; the island is known to have endless possibilities for all ages, countless underwater caves to explore, and informative tours of stunning historic abbeys, all of which appear on lists of things to do in Barbados on a vacation. Additionally, Barbados is considered one of the highest-ranking islands in terms of safety for families.

Barbados has plenty of the Caribbean's best-kept secrets; however, it's perhaps most known for its flying fish, which is the country’s symbol and on the national flag. This meal is one of the most authentic Bajan dishes to try; it's normally stewed and served on Fridays with cou-cou, tomatoes, onion, and herbs. To pair with this dish, parents can enjoy the finest and oldest rum in the world, Mount Gay Rum, which dates back to 1703 (the company also offers tours of its factory!).

Attracting nearly a million tourists per year, tourism plays a huge role in the economy of Barbados, and the locals and shop owners are known to be some of the kindest people in the Caribbean. Many of the best beaches in Barbados are family-friendly, too, and some are even known to have incredible pink sands to contrast the turquoise water (the stunning Crane Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Barbados, comes to mind!).

Among the most important things to know before visiting Barbados is that camouflage clothing and items are illegal (yes, even fashion articles with camouflage print). Anybody arriving in Barbados seen to have any items with camouflage on them will have them confiscated by airport officials (they keep the items and return them to tourists upon departure from the country). Airport officials might also search luggage for any more camouflage items and confiscate them temporarily until travelers depart the country. Tourists must also never wear or carry any camouflage clothing or items in Barbados; it's highly offensive and may result in action from law enforcement.

Related:15 Luxurious All-Inclusive Resorts In The Caribbean (That Are Cheaper Than You Thought)

8 Bonaire

Enjoy this picturesque Caribbean island without a care in the world!

View of Bonaire in the Caribbean
Deposit Photos
View of Bonaire in the Caribbean

Travelers seeking low-key Caribbean islands that receive fewer tourists than the most popular spots should check the Dutch Caribbean Islands, especially Bonaire. The tiny island is renowned for its exceptional coral reefs, diving opportunities (though there are plenty of things to do in Bonaire other than scuba diving), and low crime rate.

Visitors can explore the diverse marine life bustling at Bonaire's amazing dive sites, along with the island's beautiful landscapes and quaint capital, Kralendijk, without significant safety concerns. The island's commitment to preserving its natural treasures also aligns with its reputation for providing a serene and secure environment. On that note, the island's green initiatives and marine conservation efforts are among the reasons Bonaire is a top scuba diving destination in the Caribbean.

Ultimately, Bonaire's charm and safety record make it an appealing choice for those seeking a peaceful Caribbean escape.

7 Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands have the lowest crime rate in the Caribbean

Carnival Triumph cruise ship, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
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Carnival Triumph cruise ship, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands offer many things to do and see, but they're especially renowned for their pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. It's not the powdery white-sand beaches and colorful underwater world that solely beckon visitors, though; it's also the fact that this entire destination is among the safest Caribbean destinations for families. In fact, locals are proud of having the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean.

Aside from being the Caribbean island with the lowest crime rate, the Cayman Islands also prioritize hospitality and offer a range of upscale resorts and amenities. Tourists can feel at ease when exploring the renowned Seven Mile Beach or indulging in water activities. Overall, the Cayman Islands' commitment to safety and natural beauty makes them an inviting destination for those seeking a tranquil and secure Caribbean getaway.

6 Aruba

Resorts and gated communities make this one of the safe Caribbean islands for kids

Pink flamingo in Aruba
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Pink flamingo in Aruba

We'll be humming that song "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys all day long here in Aruba! Aruba's white sandy beaches, friendly locals, and insanely blue waters are just a few of the many reasons why people love to vacation in Aruba, especially families. Another reason is due in part to the island being consistently safe for families thanks to its “first-world” modern infrastructure.

For extra security, it's recommended to stay within a resort or gated community; however, Aruba might still have some pickpocketers and scammers around the island. Still, that doesn't take away from the fact that the island is filled with beautiful, natural formations to explore, dreamy beaches like Baby Beach and Eagle Beach, and wildlife adventures that the entire family will enjoy!

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5 St. Lucia

The only thing families should fear in St. Lucia is bad weather!

The Pitons in the background of Pitons Bay in St. Lucia
Photo by Daniel Öberg on Unsplash
The Pitons in the background of Pitons Bay in St. Lucia 

Not only is St. Lucia a budget-friendly and romantic getaway, but it's also an incredibly safe island in the Caribbean with plenty of all-inclusive family resorts. Families can enjoy nature excursions around the island, overwater restaurants, and swimming in crystal clear waters without a second thought.

Saint Lucia has seen some crime in recent years, but it's still considered safe compared to many Caribbean islands (incidents of petty crime, like in most parts of the region, are still a slight problem). Currently, the US Department of State has a Level 1 travel advisory for St. Lucia, which means to exercise normal precautions.

Perhaps the biggest concern in St. Lucia is hurricane season, which typically occurs between June and November. For clear skies and warm temperatures, families should plan their trip during the winter and early spring (actually, Saint Lucia is one of the most incredible islands to visit in December!).

4 Grenada

Studies reveal that the "Spice Isle" is safer than some US cities

An aerial view of lush green tropical vegetation, white sand, and turquoise ocean at Grand Anse Beach, Morne Rouge, Grenada, Caribbean
Photo by Hugh Whyte on Unsplash
An aerial view of lush green tropical vegetation, white sand, and turquoise ocean at Grand Anse Beach, Morne Rouge, Grenada, Caribbean

Grenada, known as the "Spice Isle," is another one of the safe destinations in the Caribbean for families to visit. Most crimes on the island are non-violent, and according to statistics, it's safer than some cities in the US, including New York City and Los Angeles. The low crime rates in Grenada allow visitors to enjoy the country's beauty without worries.

Grenada is also renowned for its lush landscapes, spice plantations (hence its nickname!), and welcoming locals. Exploring the island's historic forts, diving into vibrant coral reefs, or simply enjoying the pristine beaches can be done with confidence. The island's commitment to tourism safety and its emphasis on preserving its natural beauty contribute to Grenada's reputation as a peaceful and secure haven perfect for family vacations in the Caribbean.

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3 St. Maarten & St. Martin

These mostly crime-free Caribbean islands offer stunning resorts, beaches, and epic nightlife

Luxury yachts and boats in Marigot Marina, Saint Martin, St Martin, Caribbean
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Luxury yachts and boats in Marigot Marina, Saint Martin, St Martin, Caribbean

Is it St. Maarten or St. Martin? It depends; they are actually two different islands! St. Martin is a French island, complete with French cuisine with Caribbean ingredients, whereas St. Maarten is an English island that was once run by the Dutch. The English side has various nightlife activities like rum tasting, dancing, and shows. The latter also has the majority of the shopping district of both islands.

As for security, generally, these are among the Caribbean islands that are safe for families; in fact, St. Martin has almost no crime, however, tourists should always be careful of petty crimes like pickpocketing.

For those looking for excursions and sightseeing trips, the islands provide plenty of daytime activities to accommodate the whole family. Day trips to Anguilla are also available through a car rental company or through a tour guide. The drive there and back totals under three hours. However, to offer a true Caribbean experience, families are encouraged to take the local ferry across.

2 Anguilla

With extremely low crime rates, Anguilla is the perfect Caribbean destination for families

Anguilla island bay in the Caribbean Sea
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Anguilla island bay in the Caribbean Sea

Considered another one of the safest islands in the Caribbean for children and parents, Anguilla is a haven for those with young kiddos. Luxury tourism is the reason there are many villas and condos that can be rented in Anguilla, similar to the Bahamas. Each villa offers families a private balcony, some with private pools and hot tubs, with a kitchen and multiple bedrooms to accommodate each family member.

Although this island has very low crime rates, for safety reasons, it’s recommended to avoid hurricane season in Anguilla, which generally begins in June and ends in November. That said, most all-inclusive resorts and tourist attractions will often have their lowest prices between May and August, so a little Mother’s Day getaway to celebrate is great for saving money, but the risk of hurricanes and storms does linger.

Anguilla is also filled with child-friendly activities like horseback riding, swimming with dolphins, epic sandcastle contests on the beach, and even glass-bottomed boat rides to view the marine life below.

1 St. Barts (Saint Barthelemy)

This exclusive celebrity hotspot is easily the least dangerous Caribbean island

Gustavia Harbor in St. Barts
Via Shutterstok
View of the Cheval Blanc St. Barth Isle de France Hotel from the beach

It is not uncommon to walk the streets filled with luxurious villas and a small number of upscale resorts and bump into a celebrity or movie star on the French Caribbean island of Saint Barts; the island is considered one of the most expensive and exclusive islands in the Caribbean, which is also why it's perhaps the safest Caribbean island for families (and everyone else, really).

Amazingly, St. Barts is so safe that some locals even leave their cars and homes unlocked. Moreover, the island has a 0% murder rate and a below-average crime rate, earning it first place among the safest Caribbean islands to visit on the Miami Herald's list. That said, pickpocketing and purse snatching, among other forms of petty crime, do still occur, so visitors should be mindful when storing and carrying valuables, just as they would anywhere else.

Unlike most Caribbean islands, the best time to visit St. Barts is between November and June, but it's especially hot from December until April. However, December is so popular among vacationers that in order to book for the month, it will have to be done a whole six months ahead of time.