The Seven-Day Family Vacation

The Virgin Islands are a great place for children, especially children who enjoy being outside and like the water. A family vacation in the Virgin Islands should be heavy on swimming and snorkeling, with a dash of history and sightseeing. St. John is the perfect home base, since frequent moves will just add stress to your trip. Leave the Gameboy at home, but bring the camera to record your family’s encounters with sea creatures like turtles, dolphins, rays, and conch.

DAY 1
Fly to Cyril E. King International Airport on St. Thomas, and take a ferry to St. John. Check into a campsite or hotel, which will be your home base for the entire trip. Go to the closest beach.

DAY 2
Take the guided snorkel tour at Trunk Bay. Drive to Cruz Bay in the afternoon and visit the National Park information center, which includes exhibits about St. John. Grab an ice cream and watch the waterfront abuzz with activity. If you have teenagers, let them loose in Cruz Bay for some shopping.

DAY 3
Hike the Reef Bay Trail with or without a ranger guide, stopping at the petroglyphs on the way down.

DAY 4
Take a day trip to St. Thomas. Visit Coral World and Fort Christian Museum. Back on St. John, attend the evening campfire presentation at Cinnamon Bay.

DAY 5
Take a day sail to the Baths on Virgin Gorda. Keep a tally of all the fish you see while snorkeling.

DAY 6
Spend the day at Cinnamon Bay. The more active among you can learn to windsurf.

DAY 7
Go for a morning swim before catching the ferry back to St. Thomas for your departure flight.