St. Thomas and its neighbour St. John suit families for a simple reason: the distances are short, the water is calm in many places and you can build easy days around one beach, one boat ride and one meal. They are part of the US Virgin Islands, which means US dollars and, for travellers from the US mainland, no passport is needed. This guide is for parents planning days away from the resort pool, with realistic notes on what works for young children, what suits older kids and where to be careful.
Beaches that work for children
Magens Bay on the north side of St. Thomas is the best-known family beach. It is a long, sheltered crescent with generally gentle water, a gradual entry and facilities such as restrooms, snack stands and rental equipment. It charges an admission fee, so check the current rate with the Magens Bay Authority. Its calm conditions suit toddlers and beginner swimmers, but any beach needs an adult within arm’s reach of young children.
Coki Beach is small, lively and good for first snorkelling. Fish gather close to shore, and kids can see reef life in shallow water. It is busier and more commercial than Magens Bay, with vendors and music, so it suits families who want activity rather than quiet. Keep valuables to a minimum, and read our advice on protecting your things before you leave the room.
Water Island, a short ferry ride from the Charlotte Amalie waterfront area, has Honeymoon Beach, which is small, relaxed and easy for a half day. Check the ferry timetable on the day, because a missed return boat is the main practical risk.
A boat day that is not too long
The ferry from Red Hook on St. Thomas to Cruz Bay on St. John takes roughly 20 minutes and is the cheapest and simplest boat outing. Much of St. John is Virgin Islands National Park, run by the US National Park Service. Trunk Bay has an underwater snorkelling trail with signs that explain what you are seeing, which works well for school-age children who can swim confidently. Cinnamon Bay offers a long beach with watersports rentals, and the town of Cruz Bay has places to eat near the ferry dock.
Fees apply at some national park beaches, and gear rental is available on site. Children should wear well-fitted life jackets on any small boat, including for short transfers. For seasickness, our guide on preventing and managing it covers simple steps worth taking before a longer crossing.
Other easy activities
- Coral World Ocean Park at Coki Point combines marine animal exhibits with encounters; check the operator’s current minimum ages and rules for any hands-on activities.
- Paradise Point Skyride near Charlotte Amalie is a scenic cable-car ride that gives older children a view over the harbour.
- Charlotte Amalie has Danish colonial buildings, Fort Christian and shops, which can work as a short stop rather than a full day if your children tire easily.
Driving on the left, with a left-hand wheel
The most unexpected detail for visitors from the mainland is that traffic in the US Virgin Islands drives on the left, while most cars have the steering wheel on the left as well. Roads are narrow, steep and winding, with sharp turns and few barriers. Many families find that taxis, open-air safari-style taxi vehicles and ferries are less stressful than a rental car, particularly in the first days. Our overview of when a rental car is worth it explains the trade-offs.
Sun, heat and safety for kids
Midday sun in the Caribbean is strong, and children burn quickly even in shade or under cloud. Plan beach time for the morning and late afternoon, and use a routine of hats, rash shirts and frequent reapplication. Our notes on sun protection and on beach flags and rip currents both apply to the open north-shore beaches. In national park areas, respect the rules on touching coral and feeding fish.
Where to stay for a family
If you want a resort-style base with an easy pace, our report on Bolongo Bay Beach Resort describes a family-owned all-inclusive on the south side of the island. For general planning around young guests, see our checklist on what to check first when traveling with kids. Flights are also becoming easier, as in Breeze’s new Tampa service to St. Thomas.
Timing and verification
Winter and early spring are the driest and busiest months. Hurricane season runs through November, and our guide on hurricane season explains the planning risks outside the peak months. Before you go, confirm hours, fees and ferry schedules on the official Virgin Islands National Park page and the territory’s tourism site, since all three change between seasons.