Cruising w/ Kids: Bahamas vs. Caribbean

[Safari Tu]

Clearly there is no bad choice between cruising in the Bahamas vs the windward/leeward islands. But if you had to make a choice and you were cruising with kids (ages 9 and 12), where would you go if you had a year?


Some of the things we've been thinking about that will impact how much time we spend where:

• # of other boats with kids
• relatively short hops between destinations
• good mix of total wilderness locations and "civilization"
• learning experiences (other cultures/languages/food/etc)

We're leaning towards the Caribbean because of the diversity of the islands, but have heard that there are many more kid boats in the Bahamas, making the decision a bit tougher.

Any and all words of wisdom are welcome!

Safari Tu

[Hud3]

Safari Tu,

We've spent most of our cruising time in the eastern Caribbean, only a week in the Bahamas (Abacos). The boats with kids on them seem to find other boats with kids on them. They get together, and have a great time. My vote would be for the Caribbean, for the objectives that you mention. Either way, it will be a grand experience for your children! And for you!

[camaraderie]

Except for your point #4, I think the Bahamas meet your other three objectives and to me there are clearly way more kids there though I do agree with Hud that they seem to find each other.
One possibility is to go slowly down the Bahamas chain and enjoy it...then decide whether to stay and explore further or head down the thorny path. You may not get as far down island but you still can enjoy what you do have time to see.