Destinations: Australia, Honolulu, Cozumel, Phuket, Tahiti, Saint Thomas
Themes: Beach Vacations, Cruises, Ecotourism, Romantic Getaways
You can get a basic snorkel for a few bucks, which comes as a relief to parents paying for airfare to get to the best snorkeling destinations. Calm, clear waters in warm climates are the best places to snorkel, and these destinations aren’t always low-cost. The best places are Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Hawaii, the Caribbean and the Red Sea. To commune with whales, try Tahiti’s Rurutu.
However, many snorkeling enthusiasts will tell you that the experience of observing exotic flora and fauna in its native environment is worth the cost. Learning to snorkel is easy and requires little experience and minimal equipment, so even the smaller members of your family can join in. Ancient divers breathed through hollow reeds so they could remain under the water longer, and snorkeling hasn’t strayed far from its roots. A modern snorkel is simply a hollow tube with a mouthpiece. Usually a mask and swimming fins are also worn to aid the underwater sightseeing.
Swim with dolphins, take a dip at a pool casino and gaze at aquariums in your hotel room at this Bahamas mega resort.
Read our expert’s overview to the best that the islands have to offer for a Bahamas vacation sure to please everyone.
Visit this Bahamas Out Island, where you can enjoy solitude and get pampered at the same time.
Navigate your way through great beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island for quality sand, snorkeling, swimming, scuba and surfing.
Visit this British Virgin Island jewel—as part of a B.V.I. vacation or on a day trip from the U.S. Virgin Islands. The only way to get there is to swim ashore, like pirates of yore.
Find the best resorts, attractions and restaurants on the third largest of the British Virgin Islands.
Discover the natural beauty of the underwater coral chutes and the abundant caves on Cayman Brac.
Get close to nature at Grand Cayman’s environmental attractions, and learn more about how the island values its native plants and animals.
Explore beach luxury on Grand Cayman and rustic dive spots on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac on your vacation to the Caribbean trio.
Marvel at the coral-wall diving, learn about booby birds and relax with locals during your beach vacation on quiet Little Cayman.
Mexican cruises offer families warm temperatures, native art and culture, and plenty of adventure.
Want to know what to do in port? Take our expert’s advice and don’t miss these key attractions for cruise ports around the world.
From dolphin excursions to a tour of Hemingway’s house, check out the myriad of family vacation activities in the quirky and charming Florida Keys.
Once a Spring Break mecca, Fort Lauderdale has evolved into a family-friendly city with an overwhelming possibility for adventure.
Best destinations for students or families for a memorable Spring Break getaway.
From pirate ship sailings to glass blowing to volunteer opportunities, there are plenty of off-beach family activities for Cabo vacationers.
Cabo activity options—from whale watching and deep sea fishing, to horseback riding and desert treks and more—are sure to fit any family itinerary.
Find seclusion on a private island vacation, where you can stay in luxurious accommodations and have an entire beach (or more) to yourself.
The Valley Isle of Maui offers adventures for the entire family—from diving and snorkeling to language and hula lessons.
Whether you go to the beach for fun, surf, sun or solitude, there’s a perfect one waiting for you on Oahu.
Follow our experts’ guide to the best sites and activities for planning your vacation to this popular Hawaiian island.
Want to see the Caribbean the way it used to be? Put on your flip-flops and get away to the Bay Islands of Honduras.
Explore the natural and scientific attractions of this laid-back Panamanian archipelago oasis.
Alltournative’s tours are geared for the entire family. Our writer’s day-long adventure with her son featured kayaking, swimming in cenotes, a traditional Mayan meal and four-wheel fun.
Pristine beaches, ancient ruins and eco theme parks—there is something for everyone at this jewel on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
How and where to plan an accessible family beach vacation.
Though no longer a teen, our photo editor grew up going on annual family cruises. Read about her favorite childhood cruise memories and favorite cruise lines for kids.
Costa Rica cruise discount and new yoga retreat, Cayman Islands and Mackinac Island both welcome families with savings packages and discounts, and the Omni Hotels in Texas teach the kids to cater to parents.
Baja California’s warm waters attract the gentle giant fish and adventurous tourists, who are willing to swim with them.
On Providenciales, stroll along elegant Grace Bay Beach, snorkel around coral reefs and celebrate the mighty conch.
You don’t have to dive deep to explore a vibrant undersea world in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Check out our dive expert’s top spots.
Immerse yourself in the diverse cultural mix of Caribbean and Danish influences on a vacation to the most populated island in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Discover St. Thomas’ treasures from duty-free shopping malls, white-sand beaches and historic attractions—but visit when the cruise ships aren’t there.
Chill on gorgeous beaches, ply Caribbean waters, tour historic attractions and shop duty-free on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John—while leaving your passport at home.
Check out these top accommodations and activities for families planning a vacation to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Explore the Big Island and Maui with two guidebooks that highlight outdoor adventure in the Hawaiian Islands.
