7 Amazing Family Experiences Sailing the Caribbean Leeward Islands

The Leeward Islands are a bunch of tropical islands in the northern Caribbean. You’ve got crystal-clear water, beautiful sandy beaches, and a ton of stuff to do that the whole family will love. The U.S. and British Virgin Islands plus some French Caribbean spots are just some of them. 

Short ferry rides and quick flights hook up all these islands, so getting from place to place is easy. Every spot’s got something different going on. Here’s the scoop on seven awesome family-friendly experiences that await you while sailing Leeward Islands across the Leeward Islands like the US and British Virgin Islands, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Martin, St. Barths, Anguilla, Saba, St. Kitts & Nevis, Montserrat, St. Eustatius and Guadeloupe.

1 Night Kayaking At Mosquito Bay In Vieques, Puerto Rico

Mosquito Bay in Vieques is seriously famous for its crazy glowing blue water when it gets dark. You hop in a kayak and paddle right into the bay where you can see this wild natural light show. The tour people hook you up with everything you need and show you what to do, so even the kids are totally safe. These tours usually go for about two hours or maybe longer.

2 Grabbing Pizza At Pizza-Pi In Christmas Cove

Pizza-Pi is this ridiculously cool pizza boat just floating around in Christmas Cove. You get there however you want: water taxi, your own boat, dinghy, whatever. They’ve got all kinds of pizza, from the basics to weird toppings that kids go nuts for. You just yell out your order from your boat and boom, hot fresh pizza shows up.  

3 Checking Out The Baths In Virgin Gorda

The Baths are these gigantic rocks just sitting right by the shore on Virgin Gorda. You climb all over them, wander around, and sometimes swim between the massive boulders. There are paths that go through pools, tunnels, and caves. Honestly, the whole place is like one giant natural jungle gym that kids go crazy for. Bring water shoes though because those rocks get pretty slippery.  

4 Tagging Turtles With Marine Biologists

So get this: families can actually go on turtle conservation trips in the British Virgin Islands. Real marine biologists show you how to measure turtles, tag them, and check them out properly. You actually help write stuff down and put these tiny harmless ID tags on the turtles. Kids get to see turtles super close up and learn from actual scientists doing real work.  

5 Getting Tacos At LimeOut In St. John

LimeOut is basically a taco joint that floats in the water near St. John. You paddle out there by boat, kayak, or even on a paddleboard. What they’re serving changes but they always have fresh fish tacos and veggie options. Most families take a dip while they’re waiting or just hang on the floating deck. 

6 Hitting Up The Butterfly Farm In St. Martin

The Butterfly Farm has hundreds of butterflies flying around this bright garden area. You get this cool little talk about butterflies where they explain how they grow and what plants they need. Kids can spot butterflies just chilling on leaves and flowers, and sometimes they’ll even land right on you. The whole experience is really peaceful and interesting, and takes maybe an hour.  

7 Snorkeling At Reserve Cousteau In Guadeloupe

Reserve Cousteau is this protected reef that’s absolutely packed with fish, turtles, and bright corals. The tour folks give you masks and fins and show you the ropes if you’ve never done it before. If you’re a strong swimmer you can go deeper, but newbies usually stay where it’s shallow. The reef is super healthy with bright blue water and you can see everything.  

Families who choose sailing in the Caribbean Leeward Islands come across natural wonders, hands-on things to do, and some really unique spots to grab food. The guides know their stuff and getting around is easy. The whole area gives you this perfect mix of learning new things, having fun, and just kicking back.