Bahamas Or Barbados: An Honest Comparison To Help You Decide!

Last updated on March 24, 2023 by Wandering our World

When it comes to dream getaways, the Bahamas and Barbados are two destinations that sit top of bucket lists around the world. Both of these Caribbean paradises can offer amazing experiences, especially if you’re looking for sun, sea, and sand.

But choosing the right island is an extremely important decision because these two destinations actually provide very different vacations…

For example, if you’re looking for more of an adventure, great nightlife, and postcard perfect beaches, then the Bahamas could be the better choice. This nation has a huge variety of beaches, and so many island hopping adventures.

In contrast, much smaller Barbados is better suited to tourists who wish to have all the sights and tourist hot-spots in close reach. It tends to be the more affordable destination too. 

However that’s just the beginning when it comes to how the Bahamas and Barbados differ…

Luckily as we know them both well, we compare them below and show you exactly what each has to offer.

We look at which has the better beaches, what activities you can do in each, how the nightlife compares, which is cheaper and much more. All so you can make the right vacation decision!

Bahamas vs Barbados: A Quick Overview & Comparison

For tourists looking to sunbathe and swim, the Bahamas and its hundreds of beautiful islands seem the natural choice.

The Bahamas is huge compared to Barbados, and there are countless islands and beaches to discover. Therefore if you’re wanting a holiday where you can explore and island hop, then the Bahamas may suit you better than Barbados.

In fact Barbados has 60 miles of coastline in comparison to the Bahamas’ 3,542!

There is a tourist vibe in both though. So it’s not uncommon to get harassed by street sellers trying to hawk their goods to sun-seekers on the most popular beaches in each destination.

But Barbados does have an upper hand when it comes to infrastructure. This island is very easy to get around, and cheap to travel around too.

In theory that means you can get from beach to beach, town to town, in Barbados a lot easier than in the Bahamas.

Buses are cheap and easy to get between resorts, which is another big plus point. In fact that is one of the reasons Barbados makes our list of five cheapest Caribbean islands.

We look at the natural scenery and beaches in each destination in more detail next. Before moving on to the sights, culture, nightlife and food.

Which Has The Better Beaches & Landscape?

The Bahamas: The Beaches & Landscape

Prepare to be spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches in the Bahamas. That’s thanks to countless sandy bays and coves spread across 655,000 square kilometers!

In fact when it comes to beaches, we believe the Bahamas has better choices than Barbados.

The Bahamas has many uninhabited islands with swaying palm trees and soft white sand. But it also has busy beaches with a party vibe and lots of action.

Simply put, this is a nation which probably has the most diverse beaches in the Caribbean, and therefore something for every beach lover.

One of our favorites beaches is Greenwood Beach on Cat Island. This long sandy stretch is far less touristy than other beaches.

In many ways this is where the Bahamas shines over Barbados. Here it is still possible to find beaches to enjoy in peace and quiet. Whereas in the much smaller Barbados, it’s hard to find a beach that isn’t very touristy.

That said, beaches on the most popular islands in the Bahamas are also very tourist orientated. So to find your own slice of (quiet) paradise you do have to go off the beaten track.

Iconic and popular beaches such as Pig Beach on Big Major Cay are a must visit too. It’s famous not for the turquoise-hued waters, but the pigs that swim here! Visiting this uninhabited Bahamian island can be expensive though. (Recommended: The Best Island in the Bahamas For You).

A more accessible, and equally iconic beach, is Gold Rock Beach in Grand Bahama.

Regarded as one of the best swimming spots – and beaches in the Caribbean – the sunsets here are unparalleled. In fact it’s the sunset reflecting off a nearby cay that gives this beach its name.

The Bahamas also have some of the world’s best diving spots in arguably the world’s clearest water. And with 340 days of sun a year, there’s rarely a day when scuba diving and snorkeling isn’t possible.

Exumas Cays Land and Sea Park is probably the best snorkeling experience in the country. There you can see a huge variety of colorful sea-life. A great underwater camera – such as this one – is a must.

Although the Bahamas lacks mountains and rainforests, it’s not all beaches and coral reefs. There are forests to be explored in northern Bahamas, especially on Grand Bahama and Andros. However, this country is definitely suited more to a sun-seeker, than an adventure-seeker.

Recommended: Are There Snakes in the Bahamas

In general the Bahamas is that picture-perfect Caribbean holiday many people are looking for. Thanks in part to its upmarket hotels, and beach-side bars set on stunning coasts. But all of that comes with a price. So you’ll find beachside hotels, restaurants, and tourist excursions will cost more in the Bahamas than in Barbados.

Barbados: The Beaches & Landscape

Smaller Barbados is perfect for sun, sea, and sand, but the island can be easily explored within a week. That makes it perfect for a short holiday, whereas the Bahamas may be suited to a longer one.

For great beaches in Barbados, make your way to Oistins and Miami Beach for fantastic swimming waters and one of the best sunsets in the Caribbean.

However, the beaches in Barbados can get busy with tourists. And it’s definitely harder to find a secluded beach here than it is in much larger Bahamas.

You can find turquoise water and golden sandy beaches up and down Barbados though.

One of our favorites is Bottom Bay. It’s not a great swimming spot, but it’s secluded, romantic, and with swaying palm trees there’s a real deserted island feel. Beautiful beaches like this are one of the reasons Barbados made our list of the best Caribbean islands for couples!

Barbados’ teeming sea-life can also be viewed when out and about swimming and snorkeling. Bell Buoy Reef, near Accra Beach is the perfect place to spot angel fish and parrot fish.

While at Carlise Bay Marine Park you can dive among numerous ship wrecks that have been taken over by colorful fish, nurse sharks, and manta rays! Some of the best reefs to explore in Barbados can be found in this.

All in all, Barbados is perfect for the sunseeker looking for pretty beaches on an island that is easy to navigate and one that tends to be cheaper than the Bahamas too.

Which Has The Better Culture & Cultural Excursions?

Along with the natural scenery on offer, both the Bahamas and Barbados have a wealth of attractions and cultural experiences worth checking out.

Barbados has no casinos though, as they are illegal. So if you want to try your hand at blackjack, the Bahamas is the place to be.

Where Barbados does excel, in comparison to the Bahamas, is its Caribbean vibe. The island feels far more authentic and local than the Bahamas, which has become overly developed and ‘Americanized’ in recent years.

Below we look at the cultural highlights in each destination, so you can see which will suit your vacation preferences the most!

The Bahamas: The Culture

The Bahamas is a fascinating mix of culture, with African, British and American influences.

In fact with its close proximity to the U.S., and the many cruise ships that visit, there’s no doubt there’s a very ‘American’ feel to the Bahamas. That’s not so true for Barbados, which definitely feels more ‘Caribbean’.

That’s had a knock-on effect when it comes to nightlife too. You can find plenty of places to party all night in the Bahamas – such as on Paradise Island and Nassau. Whereas Barbados in general has a more laid-back nightlife, thanks in part to the Caribbean vibe that remains on the island.

However despite the American fast food restaurants and chain hotels, the Bahamas still has lots of culture on offer.

The vibrant rhythmic national music of the Bahamas, Goombay, was created as a way for slaves to pass down traditions and customs. Goombay continues to this day, and is a staple of fun summer festivals in the country.

The Heritage Museum of the Bahamas in Nassau is a good place to visit to find out more about the history of the Bahamas.

There’s no doubt that the Bahamas is also a country synonymous with having a good time, so if you fancy a flutter then head to Paradise Island. Here you can try your hand at the casinos, and grab a beach-side cocktail at one of its high-market resorts.

For something a bit more historical then visit Fort Charlotte, which sits on a hill overlooking Nassau. This 18th century fort will introduce you to what the Bahamas was like when piracy was rampant a few centuries ago.

Barbados: The Culture

With a mix of West African and British influences, Barbados is a fascinating country with a rich blend of Caribbean traditions and a culture that emerged out of plantation slavery economy.

Historic Bridgetown is where you should head if you want to learn about the colonial past in Barbados.

A walking tour will introduce you to the country’s tumultuous past, and the colonial relics and architecture that still stand today. You can also tour St Nicholas Abbey, a Jacobean plantation house.

As with many countries that were colonized by the British, cricket quickly became the national sport and a way to beat the occupiers on the playing field! Take a trip to Kensington Oval Barbados to watch a game.

Barbados also has one of the oldest horse race tracks in the world, the Garrison Savannah. Situated just outside of Bridgetown, locals and tourists mix on race day as excitement builds. In fact a visit here is on our list of the best things to do in Barbados!

Where You Should Stay According To Your Budget

Barbados

Budget: With gorgeous sea views from your room’s balcony, and a wonderful outdoor pool for relaxing in, the three-star OceanBlue Resort is a fantastic budget option for those who want to have some luxury but without damaging their bank balance. See photos and rates!

Luxury: It’s hard to find somewhere more relaxing than the five-star St Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort. Their gorgeous villas and penthouse apartments have uninterrupted sea views, hot tubs and direct beach access.

Couple that with the stunning outdoor pool and world-class service and you’ve got a holiday you’ll never forget. See photos and rates!

Bahamas

Budget: Pineapple Fields Resort Eleuthera is worth checking out if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway that still has fun activities like parasailing or jet skiing on your doorstep.

Located on the stunning Eleuthera Island, there’s an outdoor pool here, free WiFi and the beach is just a a short walk away. Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve is a short distance from Pineapple Fields, and Governor’s Harbour is just 4 kilometres away too. And all of that at a budget Bahamas price. See photos and rates!

Luxury: The gorgeous French Leave Resort has all the facilities you’d want and world-class service, but it’s the stunning sea views and outdoor infinity pool that really makes this resort worth staying at.

Located directly on a pristine beach, you’ll be treated to some of the best sunsets in the Bahamas when staying here. It’s luxury and romantic all rolled into one. See photos and rates!

Which Has The Better Food?

Both countries will provide a treat for your taste buds, with cuisine focused around seafood.

The Bahamas: The Food

As a nation made up of numerous islands, it’s no surprise that Bahamian cuisine is focused around seafood. So if you are a seafood lover, this is the island nation for you!

Fried conch (aka cracked conch) is a popular dish served in a variety of ways – look out for it on menus. Baked crab is another very popular dish. It’s made up of crab meat, bread crumbs and egg, all baked within the crab shell itself.

However as the Bahamas is such a popular tourist destination – particularly with cruise ships – you’ll find plenty of international food, American chain restaurants and familiar fast food places too. Which may be a plus point for some.

As for what to drink, you can’t say no to coconut water in the Bahamas! You also have to try Switcha – this is like Bahamas’ version of of lemonade, albeit it’s made with limes.

Want something a little stronger? The beers made by the Bahamian Brewery are definitely worth trying, as are the delicious rum cocktails served up and down the archipelago. The Yellow Bird is a favorite rum cocktail of many Bahamians.

Barbados: The Food

As you’d expect, fish features heavily in Barbadian cuisine too, and fried flying fish is one of the national dishes of Barbados! Give that a taste for a foodie story to take home with you.

However with such a mix of cultures here, you’l find that the cuisine scene in the Bahamas is influenced by West African, British, and even Indian tastes.

With that being the case, popular dishes include chicken curry, barbecued pig tails and even Macaroni pies!

And just like many islands up and down the Caribbean, rum is the drink of choice in Barbados.

Luckily for visitors, Barbadians know how to make some fantastic rum too! Get yourself along to Mount Gay Rum Distillery for a tour and some free tasters.

The Bahamas Or Barbados: Which Is The Better Choice?

Both the Bahamas and Barbados make excellent holiday destinations, and both have gorgeous beaches and vibrant cultures.

However if you’re looking for more of an adventure, great nightlife, and postcard perfect beaches, then Bahamas could be the better choice. This nation has a huge variety of beaches, and so many island hopping adventures.

Traveling around the Bahamas can be expensive though. Especially if you want to visit some of the most beautiful islands, many of which are uninhabited. The Bahamas is also one of the most expensive Caribbean destinations when it comes to hotel accommodation too.

Being much smaller, Barbados is better suited to tourists who wish to have all the sights and tourist hot-spots in close reach. It’s cheaper than the Bahamas as well, and has a more Caribbean feel to it, in comparison to ‘Americanized’ Bahamas.

Recommended For Your Trip To The Bahamas Or Barbados