5 Must-See Family Friendly Sites in the Caribbean

Rosalie Bay, Dominica (Wikipedia: Postdlf)

You're in luck if your family is not the beach-going lounge type. Yes, the Caribbean is home to some spectacular beaches, but it also boasts insanely adventurous and exciting alternatives. Kayak in a glow-in-the-dark bay, saunter through a live volcanic park, or drift through caves on an ancient river. These are just a few options to get your whole family’s adrenaline pulsing!

Mosquito Bio-Luminescent Bay: Island of Vieques, Puerto Rico

Families can get their “glow on” at Puerto Rico's Mosquito Bay. The mysterious – and illuminating – Mosquito Bay is filled with tiny micro-organisms that radiate a bluish-green glow when disturbed. Families can sail into the bio-luminescent bay by rowboat, motorboat, or kayak. As the boat glides through the water, kids will be amazed at the glowing trail of water that follows the ship. The glow only lasts a few seconds, but it is sure to spark awe and curiosity in kids of any age. 

Guided nighttime kayaking in Puerto Rico's Mosquito Bay is a very adventurous way for older kids to check out this natural wonder. Visit vieques.com for details.

Good To Know: Mosquito Bay is an outdoor, nighttime event. Families with kids afraid of the dark or not competent swimmers may want to skip this one.  

Turtle Watching: Rosalie Beach, Dominica

From March to September, momma turtles journey to Rosalie Beach in Dominica to lay their eggs. Months later, their newly hatched baby turtles make their dangerous dash to the sea. Rosalie Beach guided turtle tours, led by eco-conscious, educated escorts, take families to Dominia's beaches to catch a glimpse of these extraordinary feats of nature. 

The Rosalie Beach turtle tours do not interact, touch or disturb the wild sea turtles or their hatchlings. In fact, there are a few strict rules families must follow, including staying quiet, no lights, and keeping your distance. For more information about turtle watching at Rosalie Beach, Dominica, visit domsetco.org. 

Good To Know: Patience truly is a virtue. Young, energetic children and those who do not like dark environments may not find this fun. Rosalie Beach hotels can recommend licensed turtle-watching tours that are safe for families and turtles. 

Sulphur Springs Park: St. Lucia

Give the kids something to brag about. Take a family-friendly walk through an active volcano at Sulphur Springs Park in St. Lucia. You won’t see glowing magma or fiery lava flows at Sulphur Springs, but you will see plenty of bubbling hot springs, gurgling mud pots, and hissing fumaroles, which is a fancy word for steam vents. Learn about St. Lucia's geologic history at its visitor’s center. Take a dip in Sulphur Spring Park's natural hot-spring pool, or search for its waterfalls. 

Guided tours of Sulfur Springs Park are an excellent way for families to see the park Sulphur Springs Park has a small picnic area too. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm. There is a small entry fee. For more details, check out Sulphur Springs Park. 

Good To Know:  Kids may turn up their noses at the firm, sulfur smell enveloping the park and surrounding area.

Hato Caves: Curacao

Hidden below the sands of Curacao lies Curacao Hato Caves, a labyrinth of caves waiting for your family to discover. As you venture deep inside Curacao Hato Caves, gaze into mirror-like, subterranean pools, stroll under towering limestone arches, and spy fascinating formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. Curacao Hato Caves even have an underworld waterfall. 

Paths carved through the Curacao Hato Caves are paved and well-lit, but there are stairs, so this excursion is best-taken stroller free. Don’t be alarmed if kids hear screeches; those are just long nose fruit bats, the cave’s elusive residents.  

All Curacao Hato Caves tours are guided and last about 45 minutes. Open daily from 10 am to 5pm. Check Curacao Hato Caves.com for more information. 

Good To Know: Don’t expect to beat the heat as you descend into the caves. It is hot and humid inside. 

Cave Tubing: Belize

Glide through Belize's ancient Mayan underworld in the comfort of a rafting tube. The Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve is home to a series of river caves that welcome adventure-seeking families. Jump in a tube and float the family down an underground river that winds through cathedral-like caverns, shadowy chambers, and mild rapids. Headlamps light up the dark, revealing ancient cave paintings, towering rock formations, and unusual inhabitants, like the eyeless cavefish. 

Most Belize cave-tubing tours include transportation, a lifejacket, a headlamp, and a tour guide. Cave tubing at Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve lasts about 90 minutes, including a 30-minute hike to reach the caves. Some companies require guests to carry their tubes on the walk. Make sure to wear clothes and shoes you don't mind getting wet. 

Good to Know: Cave tubing in Belize is suitable for kids. Ask about child-sized tubes and other child-safety features when booking.

Maribeth Pjosek-Durkin contributed this article to minitime.com. Please check the websites for the latest information.

Enjoy the day!