4 Must-Visit Dutch Caribbean Islands for Families in 2024

The Caribbean is calling, and with so many islands and destinations to choose from, family travelers are spoiled with choice. But these four Dutch Caribbean islands might just be what the family needs for an exceptional 2024 holiday.

© Visit Curaçao

Get Up Close with Wildlife in Curaçao

Go beyond the island’s many white-sand beaches and venture beneath the waves to see a world waiting to be explored. Go on an all-ages Ocean Lens “cruise” under the surface with the Aquafari Underwater Scooter Tour to see the island’s vibrant sea life. Or, get close with sea turtles at Playa Grandi. Back on land, families can witness the fastest-running birds in the world at Curaçao Ostrich Farm, where kids can learn about these unique birds. And for a fully immersive experience, head to Hofi Mango, a 24-hectare park home to white-tailed deer, colorful birds, lizards and more.

Saba © Kai Wulf

Venture to the Bucket-List Island of Saba

Located a 12-minute flight from St. Maarten, this 5-square-mile island is filled with adventure. The first adventure comes in actually landing from your flight along a mere 400-meter-long runway, the world’s shortest commercial runway. While in Saba, don’t miss the chance to scuba with sharks at some sought-after dive sites. There’s also the opportunity to hike to the top of Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

© Elliott Howell

The Best of Land and Sea on Bonaire

With no traffic lights and a population of less than 23,000, Bonaire is a safe and family-friendly island destination. A water sport hot spot, Bonaire also offers a wide variety of activities for those preferring land experiences. In fact, Bonaire is an excellent destination to try your hand at landsailing with Bonaire Landsailing Adventures’ blokarts. For a closer look at marine life, take to the waters and choose from more than 85 dive and snorkeling sites, including 1000 Steps Beach, where handbill turtles and star coral formations thrive.

© Under SXM

A Caribbean Playground for All Ages on St. Maarten

This island offers some of the region’s most diverse offerings, from shopping to surfing to restaurants to snorkeling and everything in between. New this year, the recently opened underwater sculpture museum Under SXM invites families on an exciting and informative snorkeling adventure. This attraction boasts more than 300 artificial reef sculptures modeled after local moments and figures. Kids seeking a thrill can’t forget a trip to Rockland Escape to take on the steepest zip line in the world, The Flying Dutchman. Over on Maho Beach, families can watch massive planes fly close overhead. For parents, nearby bars serving up tropical drinks await.