Jamaica and Key West are two tropical locations which have rather a lot to supply guests. From wonderful seashores and wonderful snorkeling and scuba diving, to enjoyable nightlife and wealthy tradition, to nice climate year-round, Jamaica and Key West must be on everybody’s journey checklist.
Should you’re attempting to determine between these two on your subsequent journey, this comparability of Jamaica vs. KeyWest will assist.
Our Jamaica vs. Key West Fast Picks
- Jamaica vs. Key West Value: Jamaica
- Jamaica vs. Key West Snorkeling: Jamaica
- Jamaica vs. Key West Security: Key West
Jamaica vs. Key West: Overview
Should you’re in search of stunning white sand seashores, swaying palm bushes, and loads of romantic actions, Jamaica is the perfect location. Extra perks are the pleasant folks, beautiful sunsets, great food, and naturally consuming many rum punches on the seaside!
The vacationer areas of Jamaica cater to all tastes. In order for you miles of white sand seaside, Negril is good. If you wish to hop off your airplane and be on the seaside in half-hour, contemplate Montego Bay. If you wish to have a vacation spot wedding ceremony and honeymoon in the identical place and plan to ask plenty of visitors, take a look at Ocho Rios.
Jamaica additionally presents a various vary of lodging; from luxury all-inclusive hotels (some that includes romantic overwater bungalows) to beachside family resorts to non-public villas to budget-friendly choices.
Plus, Jamaica has a ton of actions accessible. You possibly can go bamboo rafting on the Rio Grande or the Martha Brae, have unbelievable dinners in seaside caves, do journey sports activities like ziplining and ATV excursions, go snorkeling and scuba diving, discover historic websites and native cities, and luxuriate in sundown catamaran cruises.
In order for you a Caribbean-style trip while not having a passport, nevertheless, select Key West. This tropical paradise has an interesting historical past, charming structure, simply walkable streets, stunning seashores, gloriously clear water, and scrumptious meals–plus a energetic nightlife
Key West has one thing for everybody. It’s a high honeymoon and {couples}’ journey vacation spot, and equally in style with teams and singles who wish to social gathering. It’s additionally an important vacation spot for household journeys, with loads of attention-grabbing historic websites and actions. And naturally, it’s a high spot for many who wish to snorkel, scuba dive, or fish. Nevertheless, Key West is pretty small and also you received’t discover a lush mountainous inside like you’ll in Jamaica.
Jamaica vs. Key West: Seashores
One of many largest attracts for each Jamaica and Key West is the seashores. Each areas have nice seaside areas for relaxation and leisure or water sports activities and actions. Nevertheless, the seashores in Jamaica are way more plentiful and delightful.
Jamaica Seashores
Jamaica is known for its beaches. The northwest coast has dozens of resorts alongside the various breathtaking seashores. Whereas some stretches are personal, there are additionally loads of public seaside areas so you possibly can simply seaside hop in your trip.
One of the well-known seashores in Jamaica is the long-lasting Seven Mile Seashore. This lengthy stretch of white sand and clear water is lined by among the most luxurious resorts on the island. Plus, there’s loads of beachside eating and tons of watersports. You’ll by no means be bored.
Key West Seashores
Key West has a number of good seashores that supply actions in addition to peace and quiet. Most guests benefit from the seashores on the southern facet of Key West. Right here you’ll discover each Smathers Seashore and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Seashore.
Smathers is among the largest seashores in Key West. Not solely is it a half-mile lengthy, but it surely’s additionally centrally situated so that you’re near all of the motion. You will discover the whole lot right here, together with pick-up volleyball video games. Simply know this seaside can draw giant crowds for night seaside events.
One other nice possibility is Fort Zachary Taylor. This is among the greatest seashores for snorkeling as a result of it has such deep waters. However should you don’t wish to expertise life beneath the waves, you’ll discover loads of shaded spots for picnics.
Jamaica vs. Key West: Value
There will be fairly a distinction in the price of visiting Jamaica vs. KeyWest. Whilst you may anticipate the home vacation spot to be cheaper, Key West is kind of costly. The way you get right here and once you go to will have an effect on your journey value.
The cost of a trip to Jamaica can range enormously from cheap to dear. You may get offers and reductions to make your journey reasonably priced, particularly should you journey throughout the offseason. There are funds, mid-range, and luxurious resorts to select from, and eating places vary from low-cost native spots to gourmand superb eating. Actions will be free, similar to hanging out on the seaside or swimming, or fairly costly like scuba diving excursions.
All-inclusive resorts in Jamaica can value between $200 to a number of thousand per particular person per evening, however will embrace all of your meals and most actions. Along with that, you’ll have the price of flights, which can range relying in your departure metropolis and once you journey.
Key West is among the costliest locations within the U.S., however it’s attainable to go to on a funds should you go throughout the offseason. There are usually not many cheap lodging choices, however there are a selection of inns, trip leases, and resorts. Beachfront lodging can value round $1,200 – $2000 or extra per particular person for every week, however they won’t be all-inclusive. There may be quite a lot of eating places and actions right here as properly.
The way you get to Key West will make a giant distinction. Flying into Key West will be fairly costly so some folks select to fly into Miami, lease a automotive, and drive down. Should you’re fortunate sufficient to stay shut sufficient to drive your individual automotive, that may prevent fairly a bit.
Jamaica vs. Key West: Climate
Though they provide wonderful climate more often than not and heat temperatures year-round, tropical locations like Key West and Jamaica can pose some climate issues. Each can have vital rainfall, dampening trip plans. Plus, there may be the specter of hurricanes throughout the season, which is June to November.
Jamaica Climate
Jamaica is an excellent “anytime” vacation spot, because the climate is heat year-round. Nevertheless, there are positively higher occasions to go to. The best time to visit Jamaica is the dry season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April. There may be little rainfall, tons of solar, and heat temperatures.
Jamaica’s wet season is between Could and November. Should you don’t thoughts frequent rain showers, then this isn’t a nasty time to go to both. Actually, the island is at its greenest throughout these months, so it’s a good time to expertise one other facet of Jamaica.
You do have to think about hurricane season when reserving your travels. Whereas hurricanes in Jamaica are uncommon, they do nonetheless happen. August, September, and October are when Jamaica is at its highest menace of hurricane-developing storms, so in case you are planning throughout these months pay attention to altering climate situations and be sure to get journey insurance coverage.
Key West Climate
Winter is peak season for Key West, and costs will replicate that. Temperatures vary from mid-60s to the low-to-mid 70s.
Spring and fall are wonderful occasions to go to Key West, as temperatures are delicate, humidity is decrease, crowds are much less, and costs are decrease. December via April is the dry season, and June via October is the wet season.
In the summertime the warmth and humidity will be stifling, however there’s normally a breeze and a day thunderstorm to chill issues down. Loads of households come on trip so it nonetheless will be crowded, however costs are decrease than winter. June, July, and August are the most cost effective occasions to go to Key West. The months of June to November are hurricane season.
Jamaica vs. Key West: Resorts
Each Jamaica and Key West have wonderful resort choices. You will discover the whole lot from charming inns to boutique lodges to all-inclusive resorts. It’s all concerning the fashion, really feel, and funds of your keep. Beneath are some high selections for resorts.
Jamaica Resorts
Sandals Resorts
There are 7 adults-only all-inclusive Sandals resorts in Jamaica: Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Negril, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals South Coast, and Sandals Ochi.
Every of those luxurious resorts is ready on a surprising seaside and thoughtfully designed for the last word in romantic honeymoons or {couples}’ escapes. They characteristic an enormous number of complimentary watersports together with snorkeling and scuba diving; land actions similar to tennis and golf; a number of wonderful swimming pools; a health heart and a spa; and a variety of eating places and bars.
You’ll additionally discover a rare array of fantastic lodging, a lot of which characteristic upscale facilities like outsized soaking tubs for 2, personal plunge swimming pools, and butler service. Honeymooners love the dreamy overwater bungalows. That will help you select the perfect one, take a look at our article on the best Sandals resorts in Jamaica.
Half Moon Resort
This elegant resort close to Jamaica’s well-known Montego Bay hosts celebrities, royalty, and everybody else on its breathtaking stretch of the Caribbean. A family-run resort, Half Moon Resort options one thing for everybody, particularly {couples}.
Foodies will love the contemporary, domestically sourced elements, used to create conventional Jamaican meals and different scrumptious choices at 4 eating places. The romantic Sugar Mill Restaurant is among the high eating places on the island.
Select from rooms, suites, or giant villas with personal swimming pools and butler service. Take pleasure in 5 bars, a number of swimming pools, watersports, golf, tennis, horseback using, a health heart, a playground, and a spa.
Key West Resorts
Pier Home Resort & Spa
The enduring Pier House Resort & Spa is conveniently situated near the motion however alongside the waterfront with a non-public white sand seaside. It options posh lodging and a swanky full-service spa in addition to a pool, a health heart, and three eating places and bars.
Ocean View Suites have separate residing rooms with couch beds plus wonderful water views from personal furnished balconies. The distinctive Dockside Suite has unbelievable sundown views from the expanded infinity balcony.
The Gardens Resort
For a B&B really feel, The Gardens Hotel is an adults-only spot that gives rooms and suites in a historic dwelling plus cottages with personal swimming pools on the lushly landscaped grounds. Luxurious and charming lodging characteristic personal decks or balconies, marble bogs (most with whirlpool tubs), minifridges, Keurig espresso makers, luxe linens, and robes.
This boutique resort usually options stay jazz within the gardens and has two heated swimming pools, a pool bar, complimentary breakfast, and Wifi, and a self-serve wine gallery,
Jamaica vs. Key West: Issues to Do
Each Jamaica and Key West have loads of actions to supply, however relying on what you’re in search of, one island could also be a greater match than the opposite.
Jamaica Actions
Many individuals spend plenty of their time in Jamaica on the seaside. It is a nice approach to cross the time, but it surely’s not all simply sunbathing and stress-free. Water sports activities are in style because of the stunningly clear and calm waters.
You possibly can go kayaking, paddleboarding, and crusing. There are a variety of corporations that supply parasailing, jet snowboarding, and banana boat rides. You can even take a glass-bottom boat tour to get a glimpse of the colourful marine life.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are wonderful right here. You possibly can snorkel proper off the seaside in Montego Bay alongside thriving coral reefs which might be simply offshore. Or go to the Montego Bay Marine Park, which permits snorkeling and scuba diving in its protected waters which might be dwelling to all kinds of marine life.
You can even go swimming with horses in Jamaica. You possibly can ebook a tour that takes you first on a horseback path journey, then to the seaside the place you’ll take pleasure in a 15-minute swim within the sea whereas in your horse.
Jamaica additionally presents quite a lot of jungle safari excursions that take you deep into the luxurious rainforests, the place you’ll get to see among the island’s considerable wildlife. You can even go ziplining via the rainforest.
There are additionally historic websites to tour and native cities to discover. Within the night, there may be loads of vibrant nightlife to take pleasure in, particularly in Montego Bay.
Key West Actions
Whilst you can positively have a great time on this “social gathering capital,” Key West has much more to supply. It’s enjoyable simply to wander the streets and admire the colourful structure and funky vibe.
Among the hottest Key West actions embrace visiting the Southernmost Level in america for an image subsequent to the large buoy, touring the Ernest Hemingway Residence and Museum, and climbing to the highest of the Key West Lighthouse.
You can even get an outline of the realm by taking the Conch Practice Tour, an open-air “prepare” that guides you previous greater than 100 high websites over an hour and a half. There are all types of museums and historic websites in Key West you could then go discover.
Scuba diving and snorkeling are highly regarded right here because of the offshore reefs and wrecks. You possibly can even snorkel off the shore on the Key West Marine Park, on the southern facet.
Most guests will spend at the very least a number of hours strolling the primary drag of Duval Avenue, which is dwelling to among the most well-known bars within the U.S. Whereas they could be touristy, they’re nonetheless value a cease. Sloppy Joe’s is probably the most iconic.
Jamaica vs. Key West: Security
Just lately, many international locations have issued new journey advisories and warnings for folks touring to Jamaica. There was a rise in violent crime throughout the island, which may make journey there extra harmful. Each the U.S. and Canada have issued “rethink” journey warnings for these planning on taking journeys to Jamaica.
For extra data, take a look at our article “Is Jamaica Safe?”
Key West, however, is taken into account a secure vacation spot for vacationers. General, the crime charge in Key West may be very low. Nevertheless, guests ought to nonetheless take common sense precautions.
The Verdict: Which is Higher, Jamaica or Key West?
So, which is best, Jamaica or Key West? Each supply a tropical getaway with loads of sand, solar, and adventures. The ultimate selection actually comes right down to what sort of journey you’re in search of.
Now that you just’ve learn our comparability of Jamaica vs. KeyWest, which one would you select? Be at liberty to achieve out to our expert travel advisors should you’d like assist planning your journey!
