10 Awesome Family-Friendly Caribbean Attractions

Any contact with the water—by the boat, a paddle, or a part of the body—makes the water glow bright neon blue and green. Jump in for a neon-lit swim, cruise over the water in a pontoon boat, or board a kayak to paddle through the bay. Nighttime kayak tours typically allow you to learn about the biology of dinoflagellates and their interaction with the Vieques ecosystem.

Dunn's River Falls is a spectacular White River waterfall near Ocho Rios in Jamaica, where cold mountain water cascades 1,000 feet (300 meters) down naturally terraced steps. Those interested in geology will be fascinated with the way the world-famous falls renew themselves via regular deposits of calcium carbonate and sodium, while movie buffs will recognize them from films such as Dr. No and Cocktail.

Plan your visit ahead of time by buying entrance entrance tickets to the Emerald Pool Nature Trail, guaranteeing your access to the trail on busy days. The trail cuts through magnificent overhanging trees and lush vegetation on the way to the pool. Most tours combine a visit to Trafalgar Falls, which can be seen in all their glory from a viewing platform. From here, walk to the smaller waterfall for a swim or find the hot springs at the tallest falls.

Most tours through the rainforest are guided excursions, opening up the chance to learn about the island's unique topography, flora, and fauna. As parrot and cuckoos call out, hike on rugged trails and take a dip under a refreshing waterfall. Some tours continue on with a scenic drive along the east coast stopping at a banana plantation, a rum distillery, and local shops. For a bird’s eye view, glide among the treetops in an 8-person open-air gondola tram, or zipline along 500-feet (150 meters) of cable through trees and above rivers, admiring the jungle scenery.

A permit is required to hike through most areas of the jungle reserve. Have your hotel arrange permission from the St. Lucia Forestry Department to access trails. If not going as a part of a tour, a naturalist or an official guide will be assigned to you, as the trails go through dense jungle.

At the Pirates of Nassau museum, you can discover Nassau’s history as an 18th-century pirate base through replica ships and exhibits. The city was once considered home to the world's largest concentration of swashbuckling seafarers, who continue to capture the imaginations of visitors.