Relaxing Things to do on a Tropical Island

Many of us have busy lives that take up so much of our time. We spend hours after hours on the job, taking care of kids, taking care of parents and other demanding activities which can cause burnout.

We just want to relax.

So, because we want to relax, we plan vacation time with the family. 

When we go on a family vacation, we plan our daily activities such as going to the amusement parks, going shopping or going to children’s museums. 

However, sometimes this can also cause stress, trying to stay on schedule and experience all there is to offer.

Other times, we plan a vacation to visit a Caribbean island to enjoy a beautiful oasis and instead of relaxing, we end up doing so much we never really get a chance to wind down and enjoy ourselves.

Tropical islands like St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands have so much to do for the entire family, but how can you and your family relax during your vacation in the islands?

SNORKEL

Parts of the Caribbean like St. Croix are known for snorkeling. Snorkeling is swimming close to the top of the water while enjoying the underwater.

When snorkeling you are wearing goggles, a snorkel, and flippers on your feet. The goggles give you a clear vision of underwater to see all the beautiful sea creatures such as tropical fish, sea turtles, and starfish.

Check out this beginner’s guide on how and where to snorkel from Snorkeling Report.

SCUBA DIVING

Scuba diving is when you go diving using underwater breathing equipment, called a scuba. Scuba equipment allows divers to breathe while underwater, completely submerging themselves in the underwater world.

When scuba diving, you can stay underwater for longer periods of time while traveling deeper to see marine life such as coral reefs, sharks and stingrays.

Take a look at 8 World’s Best Islands for Diving!!

SURFING

Surfing is the water sport where you are riding ocean waves towards the shore while you are either standing or lying on a surfboard. The surfer is to ride along the water on a surfboard until the wave’s lip breaks (barrel). At that point, the surfer stands on the surfboard and rides the waves.

Watch a cool video that shows how to catch The Perfect Wave!

SWIMMING WITH STINGRAYS

In the Caribbean, stingrays can be found in shallow beach waters, on sandy bottoms, in lagoons and near reefs, where they feed on small fish.

The stingrays that most tourist encounters have been living in clusters in areas by divers who regularly feed and attract them. These local populations are now major tourist attractions in some areas like Grand Cayman.

We’ve visited Grand Cayman islands and experienced swimming with the stingrays on a cruise excursion. That was a time in my life that I would never forget!

SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS

If you rather not swim with stingrays, try swimming with dolphins.

When you swim with dolphins, you get to interact on a personal level with dolphins. During your dolphin encounter, trainers are always with you .

You can hug, kiss and even ride with a dolphin. This is one of the most amazing experiences you and your family will have while getting to learn more about these amazing sea creatures.

Our family went swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. For the first time, I got to get really close and personal with the dolphins. Your family will enjoy it too!

Check out the 14 Best Places to Swim with Dolphins in the World!

FISHING

Fishing is basically a leisure activity of catching fish for recreation as a sport, or for food. Fishing has been known to be very relaxing for many people.

Fishing helps to relax our minds and rejuvenate ourselves from all our everyday stress. Fishing helps us to release stress we may have from our careers and family lives.

Fishing doesn’t have to be done by a professional fisherman, but anyone wanting a relaxing day. Fishing is great for kids too!

You can go fishing in freshwater or saltwater using a rod, line and hook, otherwise known as, fishing tackle.

Grab your bait and your fishing pole and enjoy your relaxing day!

But before you go, learn all about how to catch fish from Take Me Fishing.org.

CAMPING ON THE BEACH

If you enjoy camping, take your family camping on the beach. Camping on the beach is a relaxing summer getaway for the entire family.

Camping on the beach allows you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle from your life and enjoy the wonderful sounds of the waves, feel the sea breeze, and smile at the gorgeous horizons.

You can beach camp with a tent or take sleeping bags. You can build a campfire at your campsite. While beach camping, enjoy other relaxing water activities like snorkeling or surfing.

Need an upgrade from camping? Try “glamping” at Cane Bay Campground in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Check out their website or this interactive Facebook page for updates and events.

TANNING AT THE BEACH

For one of the best relaxing activities, go tanning at the beach! If you want to let go of all the stress, get a spot at the beach and get a good suntan.

Plan a tropical beach vacation to just lay around and get a perfect tan. However, while tanning, be sure to follow safety measures and protect your skin.

SUNRISES/SUNSETS

Get up early in the morning or enjoy the evening watching the sunrise or sunset.

If your hotel has a balcony, sometimes you can enjoy the beautiful sunrises right outside with your family. For an even closer look, take a walk on the beach.

For an exciting experience, you can charter a boat, go kayaking or paddleboarding and catch a glimpse of the lovely sunrise.

BOTANICAL GARDENS

A botanical garden is a place that has a large variety of flowers, trees, and plants for you to see and learn about. Visiting a tropical island gives you the opportunity to see many tropical plants native to the island.

During a visit to the botanical gardens, you can see many different gardens, tropical creatures and maybe an outside concert. Kids can enjoy educational programs too.

EXERCISE

If you exercised regularly before your vacation, continue to exercise on your trip. Keeping your vacation routine similar to your home routine helps to balance life.

On a tropical island, you will have many opportunities to exercise solo or with your family.

Have a yoga session in the early morning on the beach. Put your tennis shoes on and go for a run through the hills. How about a game of tennis on a court surrounded by palm trees?

VISIT LOCAL SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS

What’s a tropical island vacation without eating and shopping?

Take some time out and shop around at local shops or boutiques. Look for a few souvenirs to take back home.

Interested in trying new foods? Check out the eateries and sample local foods from the island. Get a nice cold drink, sit back and relax.

Many times, we think that when we visit a tropical island, we will be so busy doing so much. Or maybe you’re thinking I want to relax, but I want to do something else other than just swimming at the beach.

What can you do on a tropical island that’s relaxing?

Take your family camping on the beach, visit a botanical garden or go swimming with the dolphins. Want water sports ideas? Go fishing, surfing or snorkeling.

These are all relaxing activities that will get you re-energized and ready to take on the world.

Looking for another vacation spot to relax at?

9 Amazing Things to do in Punta Cana with Family

Check out Things to do When Vacationing in Ormond Beach, Florida.

Everything You Need To Know About Mexico Before You Go

What relaxing activities do you and your family enjoy when you visit a tropical island? Share them with us in the comments below.