If you’ve ever wondered where to take the entire family on a dive vacation without the stress, you’re not alone. To find the perfect spots for both young and seasoned divers, I turned to Margo Peyton, founder of Kids Sea Camp—an organization known for curating all-ages dive adventures across the world. According to Peyton, three destinations rise to the top for ease of travel, calm waters and family-focused amenities: the Cayman Islands, Bonaire and St. Lucia.

1. Cayman Islands

Easy to reach via multiple direct flights from the United States, the Cayman Islands are a top pick for a family dive trip. Sister properties Little Cayman Beach Resort and Cayman Brac Beach Resort both offer “super kid-friendly” setups and shallow, turquoise waters that ease first-time divers into the underwater world.

“The diving is easy for all levels, with those picture-perfect turquoise waters and sugar-like white-sand beaches you can dream about on a cold winter’s day,” Peyton says.

For kids, there’s plenty of topside fun too, from exploring pirate caves to hanging out by the oceanfront pools. Parents can enjoy excellent dining (the dinner menu theme changes nightly, keeping meal options fresh) and even slip away to on-site spas. Of course, the real fun happens beneath the surface, where you can spot vibrant reef fish, turtles, tarpon and even sharks on dramatic wall dives or at iconic wrecks like the Captain Keith Tibbetts.

Contact

Little Cayman Beach Resort

Cayman Brac Beach Resort

2. Bonaire

Bonaire is known as the “shore diving capital of the Caribbean,” making it an ideal option for families seeking no-fuss underwater exploration. Peyton recommends Buddy Dive Resort for its spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as its in-ocean training area that minimizes the pool sessions and gets kids comfortable in the ocean faster.

“My favorite part of the day?” Peyton says. “Jumping off the dock with my kids when they were young divers to explore the calm, shallow reefs.”

Beyond the reef, families can embrace Bonaire’s laid-back vibe—spot free-roaming donkeys, zip around in Blokarts (land sailing) or take a sunset cruise. The short commute to many of the island’s dive sites also means more time exploring the underwater world and less time on the boat.

Contact

Buddy Dive Resort

3. St. Lucia

For those craving a little luxury, St. Lucia offers a lush, romantic setting that still caters to families. At Anse Chastanet, where Kids Sea Camp hosts a “resort takeover,” guests get prime access to vibrant reefs, walls and even baby turtle sightings (the resort’s beach is a nesting site for hawksbill turtles). Valet diving with Scuba St. Lucia, which services resort guests, means all your gear is handled, so you can focus on enjoying the stunning scenery and maybe even indulge in a couple’s spa treatment while the kids bake cupcakes with the resort’s pastry chef.

“It’s a constant stream of happy moments in St. Lucia because you are served beyond your expectations with everything they do,” Peyton says.

At the end of the day, the whole family can gather for a beach cookout, sway to the sound of steel drums or join a jazzy sunset cruise. With multiple restaurants featuring Creole, Indian and vegan menus, there’s something for every palate—and enough fresh flavors to keep everyone satisfied, young and old.

Contact

Anse Chastanet

Scuba St. Lucia