Memory Making Western Caribbean Family Vacation Ideas

If your idea of having the best family island vacation means a walk on the wild side, Roatán is one of the best places for nature lovers in the Western Caribbean.

At almost 40 miles long, Roatán sports a mountainous backbone surrounded by the world's second-largest barrier reef — the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system — which means excellent snorkeling and diving are in order. (Go aheaf and tick that off your bucket list!)

Head over to the island's West End and West Bay area, where Roatán's fringing coral reef is just a short swim from the beach. Don your mask and snorkel and float above the labyrinthine reefs to mingle with tropical fish of every imaginable color. It's also likely that you'll see brilliant brain coral, pretty sea fans and other marine life like sea turtles and nurse sharks. Divers will want to head to the West End Marine Reserve at Sandy Bay for some of the world's best diving ,with 38 unique sites, all no more than a 15-minute boat ride away from the shore.

You can also opt for a cruise through Roatán's mangrove trees or hike the verdant heliconia-lined trails of the Gumbalimba Park nature reserve to see (and hear!) the resident macaws and white-faced capuchin monkeys. See this natural wonderland, alive with black spiny-tailed and red iguanas, on solid ground or go for the bird's-eye view on a zipline through the rainforest canopy.

If some of your family members would prefer to dig their toes in the sand, Roatán's soft, white-sand beaches are another great way to spend your day. Head to West Bay and Half Moon Bay to set up camp. There, cool off in the refreshing surf or go for another round of snorkeling along the reef. When you're ready to dry off and explore, check out the restaurants, bars and souvenir shops just steps from your beach towel.

When the hunger pangs hit, try local fare, such as a baleada, a folded tortilla filled with refried beans, crema fresca and crumbled farmer's cheese.

Marrying heritage with a modern festive vibe, the island of Cozumel promises one of the best family vacation days you can imagine. With something for the whole family to enjoy, Cozumel is a thriving port that makes a Western Caribbean family vacation truly memorable.

If you're set on checking off ancient Mayan temples from your travel list, Cozumel gives you access to several impressive sites. The Mayas lived in the area for 12 centuries and left their mark at the gorgeous walled city of Tulum on the Riviera Maya. Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya; its heyday was in the 13th to 15th centuries.

Further afield, if you're willing to put in the two-and-a-half hours of travel time. you'll marvel at the spectacular Chichén Itzá, the largest and most fabled of the Yucatán ruins. Founded in 445 AD, the city had about 50,000 residents at its height. By the early 13th century, Chichén Itzá was deserted and relinquished to the surrounding jungle until it was rediscovered in the 19^th century. Its star relic is the magnificent El Castillo pyramid, which was inspired by the Mayan calendar. There are 365 steps to the top, representing the days in a single solar year.

You might prefer to check out Mayan ruins closer to the port at the small San Gervasio archeological site on the island of Cozumel. This way you'll have more time to hit a powdery white-sand beach. Near the town, you'll find the popular Playa Mia, among the best beaches for families on the Yucatán peninsula, with water sports, slides and lots of dining opportunities.

For snorkeling and swimming, the best spots here are the saltwater lagoon, offshore reefs and underwater caves of Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park.

If your focus is more on drinks and eats, go local and sample Mexican dishes like panucho (fried tortillas stuffed with refried black beans and piled with pulled chicken, tomatoes, pickled red onions, avocado and jalapeño peppers) or pescado frito (fried fish). Wash it all down with a chilled bottle of cerveza; you'll find international beer brands alongside local microbrews.