continiued from Caribbean Islands, p. 1
St. Lucia
- an eastern Caribbean island, between Martinique and St. Vincent
- known for scenic beauty, especially the twin peaks of the Pitons in the southwest; lush with jungle and banana and sugar plantations
- the sea has coral reefs for divers and snorkelers. Not all resorts have clear beaches, though.
- ruled by the French and later by the British; driving is on the left; and many tourists visit from the UK.
- See St. Lucia resorts for families
- Outings include Pigeon Island Museum (has history as pirate hideout and British military fort) , rainforest with zipline in the canopy, "drive-in" volcano
- a Carnival, with parades, is in July
- also in July, look for Kids' Safari, an annual summer camp for local and visiting children ages 5 to 18; aim is to learn about St. Lucia's environment and traditions with activities include hiking, canoeing, craft making, photography.
- a growing number of all-inclusives, including value-priced Coconut Bay Resort & Spa, and Almond Smugglers Cove and Almond Morgan Bay Beach Resort.
- find out more at the St. Lucia Tourist Board site
St. Kitts and Nevis
- upscale for visitors but still mellow, these sister islands are in the western Caribbean, in the scattering of small islands that curve downward, past Puerto Rico
- lush scenery, historic ruins, powdery white beaches
- see introduction to St. Kitts and Nevis, including two family-friendly resorts, the Four Seasons Nevis and St. Kitts Mariott
US Virgin Islands
- two hours from Miami, the US Virgin Islands offer a Caribbean experience that's still part of the US. Three distinct islands offer white-sand beaches, super snorkeling, colonial towns and forts, and some popular family resorts.
- St. John is unique because two-thirds of it is a National Park: which means terrific opportunities to explore land and sea. (Much-photographed Trunk Bay, above, is part of the park and has a "snorkeling trail"). It's easy to rent a jeep and explore the island on your own.
- St. Thomas has a bustling colonial town (shopping!) with a Fort overlooking it, built to foil pirates; Coral World marine park (with sea-trekking) ; and one of the few allinclusives in the USVI: the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, with kids club.
Island-hoppers: from St. Thomas, you can take a day-trip by ferry to St. John.
- St. Croix is a quiet place with two main towns: Christiansted and Frederiksted. Christiansted dates back to 1734 and is beautifully restored; kids will like the fort. St. Croix has amazing snorkeling at Buck Island.
- See Introduction to the Three US Virgin Islands -- including family-friendly resorts
- Top 10 Things to do in the US Virgin Islands
*Ratings are taken from the excellent Caribbean With Kids, which covers many Caribbean Islands
