When dreaming of the right Caribbean vacation spot, two island locations that always prime the checklist are Jamaica and The Bahamas. However which is finest? Is Jamaica higher than Bahamas, or is Bahamas higher than Jamaica? How do you select?
Both vacation spot is certain to ship an incredible expertise, however there are some variations between The Bahamas and Jamaica to contemplate. This breakdown of Jamaica vs. Bahamas gives you a greater thought of what every island has to supply, serving to make that tough selection a bit of simpler.
Jamaica vs. Bahamas Fast Take
- The Bahamas is nearer to the U.S. and considerably simpler to journey to.
- Jamaica is extra inexpensive on common.
- The Bahamas has the most effective seashores.
- Jamaica has a mountainous inside for adventures.
Jamaica vs. Bahamas: Overview
Jamaica is a single giant island. Whereas it has lovely seashores and clear entry to the ocean, there’s extra to this island. The inland of Jamaica is crammed with mountains to discover and adventures like river rafting, ziplining, and mountaineering.
The Bahamas, alternatively, is an island-hopping dream! This Caribbean nation is definitely made up of 700 completely different islands so there are almost infinite seashore choices. Plus, The Bahamas is a prime vacation spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Jamaica vs. Bahamas: Location & Accessibility
The Bahamas is situated nearer to the U.S. than Jamaica. It’s simply 180 miles from Miami, Florida, so flights from the U.S. are quick. The capital metropolis, Nassau, has a big worldwide airport that receives nearly all of flights, and there are loads to select from. You will discover direct flights to the Out Islands via a smaller airport.
And you too can take a 2.5-hour ferry journey from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport. This journey choice solely prices about $100, so it’s a cheap approach to journey, plus it’s scenic.
Jamaica sits 500 miles south of The Bahamas, so touring there takes a bit longer. Nevertheless, as a result of it’s the largest island within the Caribbean, there are many choices for inbound flights from each the U.S. and Europe.
Jamaica vs. Bahamas: When to Go to
When planning a visit to Jamaica, you’ll wish to take note of each peak season and hurricane season. Peak season in Jamaica is between December and April. These months have milder temperatures, normally between the low 70s and mid 80s. This unimaginable climate brings in bigger crowds and may trigger costs to spike.
The island can be within the hurricane belt, so hurricane season (June to November) just isn’t the most effective time to journey there. Jamaica additionally experiences two wet seasons: one from Might to June and a second from September to November.
The Bahamas is an efficient choice almost yr spherical. The Bahamian islands have heat climate and about 340 days of sunshine annually, so it’s at all times a very good day for the seashore. Summer time can deliver larger temperatures and extra humidity; Might to October is the wettest time of the yr. And, in fact, be careful for hurricane season between June and November.
When you’re in search of the most effective time to go to The Bahamas, you’ll wish to shoot for March and April. The temperatures across the islands are milder, and there are normally fewer vacationers. Simply keep in mind, The Bahamas are a extremely popular spring break vacation spot. When you’re in search of quiet and leisure, you’ll wish to keep away throughout these weeks.
Jamaica vs. Bahamas: Lodging and Value
Jamaica is broadly thought-about some of the inexpensive islands within the Caribbean. Vacationers can discover loads of budget-friendly lodging, in addition to a ton of all-inclusive resorts just like the adults-only Sandals and Secrets and techniques resorts or the family-friendly Beaches resorts.
Jamaica additionally has comparatively cheap meals choices. In fact, all-inclusive resorts embrace meals, however for those who’re trying to style a bit extra of the local flavor, you’re in luck. Meals prices in Jamaica are nearly 20% cheaper than related choices in The Bahamas.
The Bahamas is dearer total, with fewer choices for budget-friendly locations to remain. Whereas the price is larger, the lodging are usually extra luxurious and upscale. The Bahamas additionally has all-inclusive resorts, like Sandals, in addition to boutique resorts like Small Hope Bay Lodge.
Jamaica vs. Bahamas: Seashores
Each Jamaica and Bahamas supply fantastic seashores for guests to get pleasure from. However not all seashores are created the identical. Listed here are some issues to contemplate when selecting between Jamaica and The Bahamas.
With over 635 miles of shoreline, Jamaica has no scarcity of sand. It presents some beautiful and iconic beaches, equivalent to Frenchman’s Cove, Physician’s Cove Seashore, and Seven Mile Seashore (usually thought-about probably the most lovely seashore in all of Jamaica). These seashores are very vacationer pleasant and supply tons of facilities, so you’ll be able to keep all day. They’re additionally usually crowded.
The Bahamas presents much more selections, with 3,542 miles of shoreline. You’ll be able to spend weeks making an attempt to expertise all of the choices. These hundreds of miles of shoreline function powdery, white sand seashores, nice for stress-free and having fun with a lazy day.
Plus, the waters round The Bahamas are very calm, making it good for paddleboarding, snorkeling, and swimming, and are very clear, good for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Jamaica vs. Bahamas: Issues to Do
The Bahamas has fascinating historical past and fascinating structure. Take the time to go to Parliament Sq., Christ Church Cathedral, and the three British forts from the early 1700s.
Plus, guests can spend a while in Lucayan Nationwide Park, which holds one of many largest cave techniques. However that’s not all! You will discover dozens of pure excursions, together with mangrove forests, caves, kayaking within the nationwide park, or visiting Leon Levy Native Plant Reserve on a 25-acre sanctuary on Eleuthera.
Maybe the largest profit to The Bahamas vs. Jamaica is the possibility to go island hopping. With so many islands so shut, you’ll be able to simply go to numerous them.
Getting from island to island is fairly easy. You’ll be able to constitution a ship, guide a spot on a tour, or take a ferry or water taxi. These island excursions are a good way to participate within the iconic Bahamas exercise, swimming with pigs at Huge Mayor Cay, Exumas.
The Bahamas presents a calmer nightlife than Jamaica, however you’ll be able to nonetheless discover loads of enjoyable selections. The islands have every thing from casinos to fashionable bars like Senor Frog’s, the Daiquiri Shack, and the Tiki Bikini Hut.
Jamaica has nice landmarks and historic websites as nicely. You’ll be able to go to Spanish City Sq., Rose Corridor Nice Home, and Nationwide Heroes Park to see glimpses of the previous. When it’s time to get a bit of extra adventurous, discover the jungle and mountains. Go ziplining, mountaineering, river rafting, and swimming in waterfalls.
Jamaica additionally has higher purchasing choices. You will discover unimaginable regionally made presents and souvenirs at The Shoppes at Rose Corridor in Montego Bay and the Kingston craft market.
When you’re in search of a livelier nightlife scene, then Jamaica is the place for you. There’s at all times a very good celebration and loads of sizzling spots for a very good drink and a few dancing. Bear in mind to cease by Collette’s Bar and Floyd’s Pelican Bar; you received’t be dissatisfied.
Each The Bahamas and Jamaica are good selections for fishing. They every have glorious deep-sea fishing choices, however for those who’re trying particularly for billfish, then follow The Bahamas. You too can discover boating occasions and regattas in The Bahamas and Jamaica; simply take note of the season.
Jamaica vs. Bahamas: The Meals
Jamaica and The Bahamas each have incredible food for guests to get pleasure from, together with numerous scrumptious seafood.
Jamaica’s nationwide dish is known as ackee and saltfish. This dish is a mixture of the nationwide fruit (ackee) and salted cod. And naturally, you’ll be able to’t overlook the jerk hen or pork. Plus, Jamaica is residence to Purple Stripe, a neighborhood beer that’s fashionable worldwide.
Bahamas has some related influences, however the focus right here is on southern American and Caribbean influences with numerous contemporary seafood. The most well-liked seafood right here is conch. You will discover it in numerous completely different dishes: salad, fritters, stews and soups. Don’t overlook to strive lobster, baked crab, and souse, one other conventional stew.
While you’re thirsty, the Bahamas is thought for coconut water and Switcha, a lemonade-style drink made out of limes. There are many rum-based cocktails right here, in addition to nice native beers.
Jamaica vs. Bahamas: Which Is Safer?
The excellent news is that each Jamaica and The Bahamas are thought-about secure journey locations. When it does come all the way down to selecting a aspect, nevertheless, The Bahamas is mostly thought-about safer.
The U.S. authorities has travel advisories for different areas around Jamaica. This doesn’t imply the whole island is unsafe, simply that vacationers needs to be cautious and keep out of sure areas. The Bahamas is just famous as a spot to train warning (in different phrases, pay attention to your environment and make secure journey choices).
Now that you just’ve learn our comparability of Jamaica vs. Bahamas, which might you select? Tell us within the feedback. And for those who’d like assist planning your journey, be happy to succeed in out to one in all our trusted travel advisors.
