Island Hopping with Kids in the British Virgin Islands: Two Perfect Ways to Explore Paradise
The British Virgin Islands offer families an unparalleled Caribbean experience where crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and world-class resorts delivering adventure and relaxation in equal measure. Having recently explored this tropical paradise through multiple island-hopping adventures, I can confidently say the BVI delivers on every promise of Caribbean bliss—and then some.
Two Ways to Island Hop
Catamaran Charter Adventures
Chartering a catamaran opens up the BVI in ways that traditional hotel stays simply cannot match. You have two fantastic choices: hire a skilled captain and crew to navigate and take care of you while you relax, or take the helm yourself if you’re skilled at sailing.
The beauty of catamaran life lies in its flexibility. Each morning, you wake up to a new anchorage—perhaps the pristine waters off Norman Island one day, then the vibrant coral gardens near Cooper Island the next. Your floating home becomes the perfect base for snorkeling adventures, beach exploration, and spontaneous stops at waterfront bars and restaurants accessible only by dinghy.
Families love the freedom this provides. Kids can jump directly from the boat into warm Caribbean waters, while parents enjoy sundowners on deck as the sun sets over a different island each evening. The catamaran’s spacious design means everyone has room to spread out, yet you’re never far from the next adventure.
Ferry Hopping with Resort Stays
For families preferring the comfort and amenities of luxury resorts, ferry hopping between islands offers an equally rewarding experience. The BVI’s efficient ferry system connects major islands, making it easy to base yourself at different resorts while exploring the archipelago.
This approach combines the best of both worlds: you enjoy the pampering and amenities of world-class properties while still experiencing the diversity of different islands. Each hotel becomes a launching pad for day trips, water sports, experiencing the property and cultural experiences unique to that particular island.
The ferries are public and range from $40-$100 depending on where you are going. It was a seamless process to arrive, get a ticket, hop on the ferry and enjoy the scenery. You can also charter a private boat for a bit more money.
My Recent BVI Adventure
My recent journey perfectly illustrates how magical BVI island hopping can be. Starting at Oil Nut Bay on Virgin Gorda, I was immediately struck by the resort’s seamless blend of luxury and natural beauty in a private island setting. Oil Nut Bay features spacious villas with stunning seascapes, ranging from deluxe one-bedroom suites perched on rocky cliffs to 6-bedroom Beach Villas directly on white sand beaches, all with private pools. For families, it’s incredibly well-equipped with activities like volleyball, pickleball, beach games, snorkeling, paddling, sailing, tubing and hiking. The resort offers locally-sourced, sustainable island cuisine with options for poolside cocktails, family al fresco dining, or dining in nature. The multilevel villas provide plenty of space for families to spread out while enjoying full resort amenities.
The ferry trip to Anegada Beach Club revealed an entirely different side of the BVI to me. Anegada, the coral island known for its expansive beaches and lobster cuisine, offers a more laid-back, authentic Caribbean experience. The Beach Club’s casual elegance and pristine shoreline made it an ideal spot for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. The resort offers “Glamping” in Beachfront Palapa Retreats and features traditional hotel rooms facing a pool deck as well, plus amenities including a rustic spa suite, water sports shack, and beach bar. The property gets busy as those chartering boats drop anchor and head here as it’s the only property on island with a small pool. It’s described as a “shabby chic yet deluxe retreat” that offers a stunning secluded beach getaway for couples and families. However, Palapa guests must be over the age of 6 years which is worth noting for families with younger children.
Concluding at Peter Island Resort demonstrated the BVI’s range of luxury experiences. This private island resort offers an intimate, exclusive atmosphere where families can enjoy everything from spa treatments to water sports in a refined setting. This is perhaps the most storied of the three properties. Peter Island is the largest private island resort in the BVIs, originally bought by Amway founders Jay Van Andel and Richard DeVos in the 1970s. The resort has an incredible comeback story – it underwent a seven-year renovation after Hurricane Irma’s destruction in 2017 and reopened in December 2024 and is refreshingly beautiful. The resort features luxurious accommodations including villas, with activities like snorkeling, hiking, amazing dining, and spa treatments. The refreshed spa features seven treatment rooms, a yoga and meditation sanctuary, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.
Water Sports Paradise
The BVI truly shines when it comes to water-based activities. The islands offer virtually every water sport imaginable. To name a few:
Snorkeling and Diving: The warm, clear waters host vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Popular spots include the Indians off Norman Island and the coral gardens around Cooper Island.
Sailing and Windsurfing: Consistent trade winds and protected waters make the BVI a sailor’s paradise. Even beginners can learn in the calmer anchorages.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Explore hidden coves and mangrove systems at your own pace. Many hotels provide complimentary equipment.
Deep-Sea Fishing: The waters around the BVI teem with marlin, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. Charter boats can arrange family-friendly fishing excursions.
Kitesurfing and E-foiling: For thrill-seekers, these activities provide unforgettable aerial views of the islands.
Making Day Trips from Each Island
One of the BVI’s greatest strengths is how each island serves as a perfect base for exploring others. From Virgin Gorda, families can easily visit The Baths, the famous giant boulder formations, or take a short boat ride to explore the underwater sculpture park at Bitter End.
Anegada offers unique opportunities for bone fishing and exploring the island’s famous lobster farms. The flat, coral island provides a stark contrast to the volcanic peaks of other BVI islands, giving families a complete Caribbean geological experience. I went on a half day snorkel and conch experience where we snorkeled in crystal clear water and visited conch island– ask me about what this is; it was a highlight!
Peter Island’s central location makes it ideal for day trips to Norman Island’s caves, Jost Van Dyke’s famous beach bars (hopefully you followed along and saw the Painkillers on the beach), or Salt Island’s RMS Rhone wreck site—one of the Caribbean’s premier diving destinations.
Planning Your BVI Family Adventure
The beauty of BVI island hopping lies in its flexibility. Whether you choose the freedom of catamaran life or the luxury of resort hopping, the islands accommodate every family’s travel style and budget.
Consider the time of year carefully. The BVI enjoys year-round sailing weather, but the period from December to April offers the most reliable conditions with minimal rainfall. Hurricane season runs from June to November, though modern weather tracking makes travel planning more predictable. I was there the end of June/early July and the weather could not have been better!
For families new to island hopping, starting with a combination approach works well. You can begin with a few nights at a resort to get acclimated or end with a few nights at a resort to take proper showers before heading home.
The Magic of BVI Family Travel
What makes the BVI special for families isn’t just the pristine beaches or luxury resorts—it’s the way the islands encourage connection. Whether you’re sharing a sunset dinner at a beachside restaurant accessible only by dinghy, or watching your children’s faces light up as they snorkel among tropical fish, the BVI creates those precious family moments that become treasured memories. I talked to every driver, hotel staff and tour operator to get to know them. They loved sharing their story; where they are from, what makes the island special and answer all of my questions. It is the most friendly group of people I have encountered on a trip.
The combination of natural beauty, amenities, and endless water activities makes the British Virgin Islands an ideal destination for families seeking both adventure and relaxation. Whether you choose catamaran charter or resort hopping, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable Caribbean experience that will have everyone planning the next return visit before you’ve even left paradise. I would love to talk with you to discuss which way you’d like to see the islands!
Email me to connect!
