Bahamas vs Jamaica: An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose!

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Last updated on March 31, 2023 by Wandering our World

When it comes to bucket list vacations, the Bahamas and Jamaica are two dream Caribbean destinations that often make the list. And no wonder too. Both are home to gorgeous beaches, countless fun-filled adventures, and a food scene that’s worth a vacation in its own right!

Yet despite that, the reality is these island nations are actually very different from each other…

For example, when it comes to beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters, the Bahamas is arguably the best beach destination in the world. It also has an impressive nightlife scene, and plenty of hotels, restaurants, and activities geared towards tourists.

In contrast, Jamaica has a more authentic Caribbean vibe. Yet whilst it also has fantastic beaches, Jamaica also has a mountainous interior perfect for hiking and unrivalled cultural activities. That makes a vacation to Jamaica perfect for tourists who want to do more than just swim and sunbathe.

However that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how different – and similar – these two Caribbean destinations are….

That’s where we can help!

After visiting both Jamaica and the Bahamas we compare them below.

We look at which has the better beaches, vibe, food scene, nightlife, what activities are possible in each and more. All so you can make the right vacation decision!

CONTENTS:

  1. A Quick Overview & Comparison
  2. Which Has The Better Beaches & Landscape?
  3. How Does The Culture & Vibe Compare?
  4. Which Is Better For Nightlife?
  5. Which Is Better For Activities?
  6. Where To Stay According To Your Budget
  7. Which Is Better For A Family Vacation?
  8. Which Is Better For Honeymoons & Couples?
  9. Which Has The Better Weather?
  10. Which Is Safer?
  11. Which Is Cheaper?
  12. How Does The Cuisine Compare?
  13. Which Is The Better Choice?
An infographic pitting the Bahamas vs Jamaica and showing some of the key differences that will be discovered later in the article.

Bahamas vs Jamaica: A Quick Overview & Comparison

If your idea of a dream Caribbean holiday is sunbathing and swimming, then the Bahamas and its hundreds of gorgeous islands appears the natural vacation choice.

The Bahamas is huge, and there are countless islands and beaches to discover. It’s also a nation famous for its beachfront resorts and gorgeous white sand beaches.

The beaches in the Bahamas – and the gin-clear water that flanks them – are arguably more beautiful than Jamaica’s coastline too.

That’s not to say Jamaica doesn’t have beautiful beaches, it certainly does. But while the Bahamas is mostly a beach destination, Jamaica offers much more than that when it comes to the landscape.

That’s because Jamaica is a tropical island where the beaches give way to jungle inland, and even mountains. In fact Jamaica’s biggest peak is an impressive 2256 meters high; compare that to the Bahamas where the highest peak is just 63 meters!

Understandably, that landscape means Jamaica is arguably a better holiday destination if you’re looking to do more than just lay on the sand, with a cocktails in your hand. Such as activities like jungle trekking, wild swimming in waterfalls, ziplining and plenty more!

iStock.com/GummyBone

In contrast to Jamaica, there’s not much to do in the Bahamas away from the coast. Although the Bahamas’ famously arid climate and average of 340 sunny days per year, does make it a great place to be stuck at the coast!

Before we delve into the beaches and landscape in more detail, it’s worth talking about expenses. That’s because Jamaica and the Bahamas are very different in this respect.

As Jamaica has a large local population, you’ll find a whole range of accommodation choices in the country that’ll cover all budgets. Food costs outside of resorts are extremely reasonable too, and street food is cheap.

The Bahamas, in contrast, is actually one of the most expensive destinations in the Caribbean. There’s far fewer accommodation choices for lower-budget travellers, and also food and drink costs are substantially more expensive than Jamaica.

In the next sections, we look in more detail at what sort of activities you can do in Jamaica and the Bahamas, how they differ culturally, the food to expect, and some of the best places to check out.

iStock.com/2Mmedia

Which Has The Better Beaches & Landscape?

Bahamas: The Beaches & Landscape

When it comes to the coastline in the Bahamas there is an almost never ending list of countless beaches, bays, and islands.

No wonder too as the Bahamas 655,000 square kilometres big and has 3542 miles of coastline! Compare that to the just 635 miles of coastline that exists in Jamaica.

With that being the case, it’s no surprise that the Bahamas is such a famous beach vacation destination.

So where to start? Well, one of the best beaches in the Bahamas to visit is Greenwood Beach on Cat Island. This beautiful stretch of coastline has far fewer tourists on it than other beaches in the country, and feels like a real slice of paradise.

In fact because the Bahamas has so many islands and such a massive coastline, it is still possible to find screensaver-like beaches that you can have all to yourself – if you’re adventurous enough to find them that is.

In comparison, the much more populated – yet smaller – Jamaica has far fewer beaches that feel remote and rural. Although the popular beaches in both the Bahamas and Jamaica will likely always be busy.

Other beaches you should visit in the Bahamas include the iconic Pig Beach on Big Major Cay (photo below) which is famous not for the crystal clear waters there, but for the friendly pigs that swim in them. Get ready for some spectacular social media photos!

Visiting this beach and the pigs is a must, but it can be expensive to get there as it’s an uninhabited island.

And that’s where the Bahamas has one big disadvantage – the cost to travel around the country – especially if you want to get to the less touristy areas – is substantially more expensive than in Jamaica.

Recommended: The Best Island in the Bahamas For You

iStock.com/shalamov

An easier beach to get to, but one that is just as iconic, is Gold Rock Beach which sits on Grand Bahama.

Regarded as one of the best places for swimming in the Caribbean, we recommend visiting shortly before sunset. Why?

Well the light reflecting off a nearby cay as the sun sets gives this beach its name, and makes it one of the most beautiful places in the country for a sundowner while watching day turn into night.

It’s not all sunbathing though, as the Bahamas also happens to have some of the clearest water in the world. Couple that with the country’s average of 340 sunny days per year and the conditions are perfect almost everyday for scuba diving and snorkelling.

So where should you don your mask and snorkel? Well, Exumas Cays Land and Sea Park is one of the best places for seeing colourful marine life in the country.

There you get to swim with sea turtles and brightly-colored fish, and if you’re lucky maybe even see some reef sharks! So a fantastic underwater camera – such as this one – is a must.

Recommended: Must-Know Insects & Bugs In The Bahamas That Bite & Sting

A woman paddleboarding around the wreckage of a plane that landed in the water off of Norman's Cay in 1980.
iStock.com/Spend Life Traveling

Jamaica: The Beaches & Landscape

Jamaica is a fantastic beach destination as well, and while it arguably doesn’t beat the Bahamas when it comes to sunbathing and swimming, it’s still easily one of the best beach vacation spots in the Caribbean.

It’s a popular snorkelling destination as well, and the turquoise-coloured waters at Bloody Bay are one of the best places on the island to swim, snorkel, kayak, and paddle board. The beach there is gorgeous, and the water is some of the calmest for swimming in Jamaica.

You can actually find great places for snorkelling, scuba diving, and swimming throughout Jamaica’s coastal areas, but one that many tourists head to is the resort town of Montego Bay.

That’s because there you will get the opportunity to not only swim with colourful sea life, but also watch sting rays glide gracefully through the water.

But for a taste of the Bahamas in Jamaica you can’t beat Seven Mile Beach in the town of Negril.

This gorgeous stretch of white sand is as good as any beach in the Bahamas. It also has a romantic air about it thanks to the colourful sunsets you can enjoy while walking there in the evening.

iStock.com/lucky-photographer

However, Jamaica has far more going for it than just sun, sea, and sand. This is a country with an extremely diverse terrain – and that’s one of the major things that sets it apart from the Bahamas.

Travel away from the coastline in Jamaica, and you will find mountains, jungles, waterfalls, and many interesting little villages that are far removed from the tourist humdrum in places like Negril and Montego Bay.

It’s in this interior of Jamaica where you often get a more authentic look at life on the island, alongside plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and river rafting. And that’s what makes this country an arguably better holiday choice than the Bahamas for adventurous travellers.

One of the most gorgeous parts of wild and rural Jamaica are the Blue Mountains, where you can hike through coffee plantations, swim in waterfalls, and even climb Jamaica’s highest peak.

With the incredible star-gazing opportunities in areas like this, some even choose to camp a night or two in the mountains, and in the process they get to take home an incredibly special memory of Jamaica that not many people have. Recommended: Bugs In Jamaica That Bite & Sting

All in all, Jamaica is the perfect destination if you’re looking to spend some of your time sunbathing and swimming, but also some time doing other outdoor activities away from the coast like exploring towns, hiking in the mountains and swimming in waterfalls.

Blue mountains of Jamaica coffee growth place
iStock.com/GummyBone

How Does The Culture & Vibe Compare?

These two countries a very different when it comes to culture and vibe.

There’s no doubt that the Bahamas – as one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world – has quite an ‘Americanized’ feel to it.

In fact you’ll easily find all your favourite hotel and restaurant chains in the Bahamas, and will have to work hard if you want to seek out areas of the country that are less touched by tourist development and instead retain a more Bahamian feel!

Jamaica, on the other hand, has a world famous culture, and although built up resort areas can feel very ‘touristy’, it’s not hard to find areas of the country which are far more local and less geared towards tourists – you just need to leave the coastline, or head to the capital of Kingston.

With that being the case, if you’re looking for a holiday that has more of a ‘Caribbean island’ vibe to it, then Jamaica may be a better choice than the Bahamas.

We’ve also found that Jamaica tends to attract a younger tourist crowd than the Bahamas – which is a big cruise ship destination – and the nightlife in Jamaica reflects that.

Although, the reality is you can have evening fun in Jamaica and the Bahamas whatever age you are.

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

Fishing boats on White River, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
iStock.com/Bogdan Lazar

Bahamas: The Culture

Although there’s no denying that the tourist hotspots in the Bahamas have a very ‘American’ feel to them, this island nation still has plenty of culture to offer travellers who want to find it.

For culture-seekers the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas, in the capital of Nassau, is a great place to visit, as it will allow you to learn about the history of this country. That includes, of course, the history of slavery.

To this day there’s still many African influences in the culture of the Bahamas, which is unsurprising considering around 85% of the population is descended from African slaves.

In fact the national music of the Bahamas, which is called ‘Goombay’, was actually created by African slaves as a way to keep their culture and customs alive. This music can still be found today, especially during summer festivals.

After learning about the culture of the islands, why not have some evening fun? That’s easy to do in the Bahamas, which is a country known for having a good time.

One of the most famous places to go in the evening and enjoy a flutter and a drink is Paradise Island. With its casinos, upmarket resorts, clubs and beach bars, this one-of-a-kind place is one of the Caribbean’s most fun nightlife destinations.

Or for something a little more local and laidback then head to Arawak Cay in Nassau, where you can enjoy the famous Fish Fry.

There you’ll find street food vendors and beach shacks serving delicious BBQ, seafood, drinks and cigars, all with live music in the background and the excited chatter of tourists and locals.

Pastel coloured waterfront houses in Nassau
iStock.com/Henrik Landfors

Jamaica: The Culture

Jamaica is one of the most culturally rich countries in the world, and this island can only be described as a diverse melting pot of different beliefs and cultures. Simply put, if you’re looking for some culture on your holiday then you should definitely visit Jamaica.

And one of the many beliefs in Jamaica that’s well worth learning about is Rastafarianism, whose most famous advocate was Bob Marley.

Jamaica’s most famous son had a huge impact on the world of music and the country of his birth, and you can learn all about him at the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, which is Jamaica’s capital city.

But if you really want to learn more about the Rastafari movement, which was created in Jamaica nearly 100 years ago, then a visit to the Rastafari Indigenous Village near Montego Bay is an absolute must.

There you will meet people who practice the religion, and they will also teach you how to make local food and traditional instruments. It’s one of the best cultural experiences you can get in Jamaica.

iStock.com/Debbie Ann Powell

Which Is Better For Nightlife?

We think both have fantastic nightlife that wouldn’t disappoint anyone looking for lively evening fun. 

However, if we had to choose, we’d give this one to Jamaica. There’s just something about the night air in Jamaica that feels very fun, carefree, and authentic. The icing on the cake is the fact Jamaican locals are super friendly and love dancing.

But to help you decide for yourself, below we show you the nightlife highlights in each country!

Bahamas: The Nightlife Scene

With tourists flocking here from all around the world every single year, it’s no wonder that the country has a great nightlife scene. You’ll find no difficulty at all finding evening entertainment in the tourist areas of this nation.

In particular the country’s capital, Nassau, has a reputation for being a party spot. The downtown area known as Bay Street is filled with nightclubs, bars and casinos. 

Xscape is a great place for those looking to party all night long. It’s one of the most popular clubs in Nassau due to the fun music, great drinks, and service.

But for a more laid-back vibe, go to Tiki Bikini Hut, which is the number one beach bar in the city. They have live music and all sorts of fun events going on at night. It’s lots of fun!

Another area known for nightlife is Freeport. In particular there’s a place called Port Lucaya Marketplace which is essentially an outdoor shopping district. You can find plenty of laid-back entertainment there at night, with casual restaurants and bars playing live music.

There are also many casinos in the Bahamas, including the Atlantis Casino, Crystal Palace, and Baha Mar. You’ll also find more classy and upscale nightlife in those places too.

All in all, you can find all types of nightlife in the Bahamas. The one little issue, in our opinion, is that the nightlife scene is very tourist-centric so there’s not many chances to meet locals.

Multiracial friends having fun dancing together outdoor at beach party - Soft focus on left girl face
iStock.com/DisobeyArt

Jamaica: The Nightlife Scene

Being the home of reggae, nights in Jamaica are vibrant with the air often filled with reggae tunes. Plus Jamaicans love dancing, and you may find yourself being dragged into the midst of the friendly evening commotion.

The best areas for nightlife are the touristy cities, including Montego Bay, Negril, Kingston, and Ocho Rios. 

Montego Bay, named ‘Mobay’ by Jamaicans, is a real party town where you can enjoy laidback drinks on the beach while listening to reggae music, as well as party away the nights until the early hours of the morning. Simply put, this resort town has nightlife that can suit everyone.

Pier 1 is a popular hangout place in Mobay, partly because it has an open-air concept. This seaside restaurant turns into a full-blown nightclub after 10, especially on weekends.

There’s also a fun neighborhood in Montego Bay at Gloucester Avenue, which is often called the Hip Strip by locals, where you’ll hear the sound of reggae blasting from bars. There you can also find chill, cozy bars playing live jazz music, as well as big nightclubs playing trendy pop music for the younger crowd.

Negril’s night scene is more laid back, with the evening fun concentrated on the beach. People here love going to beachfront bars and restaurants to listen to live music, gather around a bonfire, and sip on cocktails.

In particular, there’s a place called Rick’s Cafe in Negril that has become a locals’ favorite for a night hangout. Offering drinks and snacks, Rick’s Cafe is a bar/eatery situated right on the beach. But the best part is that it has cliffside jumping spots and a pool, which make the parties here pretty wild. Although we recommend keeping your feet firmly on the ground!

All in all Jamaica has a very fun nightlife scene, and with many chances to mingle with locals as well as tourists, it feels far more authentic too.

Young women dancing in a nightclub
iStock.com/shironosov

Which Is Better For Activities?

Bahamas: Attractions & Things To Do

We all know that the Bahamas is hard to beat when it comes to white sandy beaches with pristine waters, but what about activities away from the sea?

Even though Jamaica has a more diverse landscape, that doesn’t mean the Bahamas is lacking in fun activities away from the resorts. 

For example, Lucayan National Park is a vast park where the star of the show is an underwater cave system which is said to be one of the biggest in the world. There’s also a mangrove forest with a river running through it where you can do a kayak tour. 

If you’re into history, visit the Old Forts in Nassau. There are three forts dating back to the British-colonial era in the 1700s. In the same area, there’s also the Pirates of Nassau Museum which documents the city harbor’s history as a pirate base in the 18th century.

Another historic place is Queen’s Staircase on New Providence Island. Also called the 66 steps, it was carved by 600 slaves in the 1700s for the British.

Allegedly the staircase took more than 16 years to complete and was named after Queen Victoria, who is known as being the person who abolished slavery in the country.

And if you’re into arts, the National Art Gallery is the place for you. There are both permanent and temporary exhibitions, with themes ranging from visual art and culture to education.

The Bahamas is also known for shopping. Places like the Straw Market and Bay Street are famous for their local crafts and jewelry.

If you can, you should also attend a festival while in the country. There’s never a shortage of events and festivities in the streets of the Bahamas, and the biggest one is the Bahamas Junkanoo Festival that’s held in December and January.

As you can see, most of the activities in the Bahamas tend to be manmade. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, places like The Secret Cenote at the Atlantis Resort are out of this world even if they’re not natural.

However, manmade attractions tend to cost more than natural ones as they involve entrance fees or other forms of spending. So that’s worth keeping in mind.

The drone aerial view of downtown district of Nassau city and port , Bahamas.
iStock.com/Yujie Chen

Jamaica: Attractions & Things To Do

A country with a colorful culture and diverse landscape, there are plenty of activity options in Jamaica. And unlike the Bahamas, many of Jamaica’s activities involve the natural landscape.

In fact Jamaica is home to some of the most magnificent and enchanting waterfalls in the Caribbean. Dunn’s River Falls which is located near Ocho Rios is probably the most popular.

But a less busy one is Reach Falls that’s located in the Montane Forest on John Crown Mountain Range. With multiple cascades falling into the clear water and thick forest surrounding the area, it’s truly a magical place and a wonderful hiking and wildlife-spotting area.

Another iconic spot in Jamaica is the Blue Hole Mineral Spring near Negril. It’s an enchanting mineral spring with a deep natural swimming cave that has a very mysterious feel to it. A similar place to that is the Green Grotto Caves in Discovery Bay, so there’s plenty of options.

And if you’re an avid hiker, going to the Blue Mountains is a must. You’ll find a vast landscape filled with coffee plants, while there are also several waterfalls and natural springs too.

Another activity for those who like to stay active is rafting at Martha Brae River – which is real fun way to see Jamaica’s countryside.

We’ve talked about the Bahamas’ spectacular festivals, and the ones in Jamaica are no less vibrant.

Because people love to dance and party, there are festivals all year round in this country. The biggest one is Reggae Sumfest which is held during the summer in Montego Bay and is said to be the largest music festival in the Caribbean.

Aside from the aforementioned Bob Marley Museum, the National Museum Jamaica is great for those looking to learn about the country’s culture and history. You can even find exhibits of Taino culture and artifacts there.

Jamaica also has several art museums, and the biggest one is the National Gallery of Jamaica in Kingston. They also have a branch in Montego Bay.

For something more historical, Fort Charles is an iconic fort in Port Royal. It used to be the headquarters for the British Royal Navy during the colonial period.

Simply put, Jamaica is a vast country with a diverse landscape and many attractions. From beaches and adventures in the wild to culture and historical sights, there’s far more things to do in Jamaica than in the Bahamas.

waterfall in jamaica
iStock.com/GummyBone

Where To Stay According To Your Budget

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!

Happy couple in infinity pool
iStock.com/grinvalds

Jamaica

Budget: Set on 400 acres, the excellent Half Moon all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay has three kilometers of private white-sand beach and features three restaurants and five bars!

The active-minded can enjoy the basketball, volleyball, squash, and tennis courts, and there’s an 18-hole golf course and spa. It’s one of those resorts we all want to stay in at least once in our lifetime. See photos and rates here!

Luxury: The stunning GoldenEye resort features private beaches, hidden coves, and a saltwater lagoon. GoldenEye was actually author Ian Fleming’s Jamaican retreat, with all 14 James Bond novels being written here.

The property features three outdoor pools and a full spa. Guests can choose from a range of villas, beach huts, and cottages, including beachfront and lagoon-front properties. See photos and rates here!

Amazing tropical paradise beach
iStock.com/Lara_Uhryn

Which Is Better For A Family Vacation?

So which Caribbean island is better for a family vacation? The correct answer is…both! Beaches, scenery, warm weather, adventure activities, food, and culture – you name it – all are available in both the Bahamas and Jamaica.

So how do you choose between the two? Consider your family’s preferences. Are you looking to relax by the beach or indulge in an adventure-filled outing? Do you have young children or teenagers? 

In Jamaica you will have lovely beaches, great food, and plenty of activities, water sports and hiking. It’s probably more suited for active kids though, and happens to be more affordable for families too.

For a fun-filled family day out in Jamaica, head to Kool Runnings Water Park on the west coast. The park features go-karting, paintball, and a number of water slides to enjoy.

Jamaica’s north coast also boasts an adventure park, Mystic Mountain Adventure Park. This park features zip-lining and climbing and also gives you the unique chance to try bobsledding in the Caribbean.

In contrast, the Bahamas tends to be a bit more expensive for a family vacation, although you will still find a ton of things to do and there’s many resorts that have dedicated kids clubs – that’s especially good if you have younger children.

The Bahamas also has more beaches and beautiful islands to explore, such as Blue Lagoon Island, where you can see dolphins and sea lions. And of course plenty of calm water for snorkeling and swimming.

So it depends on what family you are and how old your kids are. If they’re quite young, then the family resorts and kids’ clubs in the Bahamas could be perfect. But if they’re older and like new things to do everyday then Jamaica will likely be the better choice.

Happy family - mother, kid in snorkeling mask dive underwater, explore tropical fishes in coral reef sea pool. Travel active lifestyle, beach adventure, swimming activity on summer holiday with child.
iStock.com/B Raro

Which Is Better For Honeymoons & Couples?

Both are fun destinations for couples, but they provide quite different vacations.

For example, the Bahamas is great for those looking for a slow, easy getaway. So people who like a more traditional honeymoon of lounging around on gorgeous beaches and cozying up in their resort should probably opt for the Bahamas.

On the other hand, adventurous newlyweds may prefer Jamaica for both pretty beaches and other fun activities.

Below we show you the highlights for couples in each country so you can see which will suit you and your partner the most!

Bahamas: For Honeymoons & Couples

As a favorite honeymoon destinations of Americans for decades (along with the likes of Hawaii), the Bahamas has made itself the ideal romantic getaway for newlyweds.

From stunning white sandy beaches and clear waters to all-inclusive resorts, you and your spouse are guaranteed to come back from the Bahamas with a smile on your face and some dodgy tan lines.

There’s countless romantic activities for couples to enjoy in the Bahamas too, and that’s why it’s such a special location.

First of all, you and your partner must visit the romantic Pink Sands Beach and then go and see the adorable swimming pigs at Pig Beach.

And for a romantic evening, book a sunset cruise. You can find this service on most of the islands, especially the tourist-heavy ones like Grand Bahama and Paradise Island.

Horseback riding on the beach is another classic honeymoon thing to do when in the Bahamas. This always makes for a great honeymoon picture, and many couples hire a professional photographer to make those memories shareable.

Another cute place for taking pictures is the Versailles Gardens. It’s a terraced garden overlooking Nassau Harbor, and the lush gardens give off an enchanting romantic vibe. There’s also the Garden of the Groves in Freeport that has a chapel, cascading waterfalls, and fountains.

The Bahamas’ great nightlife and many festivals are other advantages that make a honeymoon here more memorable. And at the very least you should go shopping together and walk hand in hand while navigating the stalls of Straw Market.

As for all-inclusive adult resorts, the Bahamas is definitely more well known than those sort of resorts than Jamaica is. After all, paces like the Atlantis Bahamas Hotel, The Cove at Atlantis, Rosewood Baha Mar, and Sandals Emerald Bay will pamper you and make every day feel like paradise.

Happy, young couple in white summer clothes enjoying their vacation on a tropical beach
iStock.com/SHansche

Jamaica: For Honeymoons & Couples

The best areas in Jamaica for a honeymoon trip are Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril. Those are the places with the most breathtaking beaches and best honeymoon resorts.

If you stay in Negril, make sure to add the iconic Blue Hole Mineral Spring to your honeymoon itinerary because the place has a romantic feel to it. And of course, it would make for great honeymoon pictures to share on social media.

Jamaica is also home to some magnificent waterfalls as we mentioned before. Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Reach Falls near Port Antonio, and Reggae Falls near St. Thomas, all have a romantic vibe to them. 

Or make sure you enjoy an afternoon stroll with your spouse through the colorful stalls of the Kingston Craft Market. There you’ll be able to do some shopping and learn about Jamaican culture together.

Other things to do for couples in Jamaica are river rafting in Rafter’s Village and going out on a boat trip.

In general, Jamaica is a great couples destination, but especially so if you enjoy activities away from the beach.

romantic couple in love sitting together on rope swing at sunset beach, silhouettes of young man and woman on holidays or honeymoon
iStock.com/anyaberkut

Which Has The Better Weather?

One of the reasons so many people love the Bahamas is its weather.

The climate is mostly dry with sunshine year-round, but you should avoid hurricane season which is around July to November. Additionally, the air can get a bit humid during the rainy season from May to October.

As far as swimming and surfing go, the weather in the Bahamas is just perfect. The water is warm and there are consistent clean waves, with the best surfing time being between October and April.

Jamaica is very similar, with a tropical climate that’s perfect for the beach. But it’s best to avoid the rainy season that typically lasts from May to June and September to October. So the best time to visit would probably be during peak season from November to April.

Both countries have similar weather patterns with warm and sunny skies throughout the year and an average of 81°F. However, the Bahamas tends to have lower humidity, and the temperatures are slightly more comfortable than Jamaica, even during the dry season.

An aerial view of the beautiful coastline of Negril on a bright sunny summer day
iStock.com/WireStock

Which Is Safer?

Overall, the Bahamas is safer than Jamaica.

There are several places in Jamaica that the US government advises you not to visit, including spots around touristy towns like Montego Bay. Visit here to see the full list and Jamaica travel advisory.

Meanwhile, the travel advisory for the Bahamas is only to “exercise increased caution”, especially in Nassau. Exercise caution and do preventive measures to prevent burglaries or robberies.

In both countries you should also never swim alone even if you’re an expert, and be mindful of the weather.

Pink sand, crystal clear water, tender surf, Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
iStock.com/eyfoto

Which Is Cheaper?

Simply put, the Bahamas tends to be far more expensive than Jamaica. The Bahamas is very popular with tourists, and that has substantially driven costs up.

You can also more easily find a range of affordable accommodation options in Jamaica. In contrast, in the Bahamas you’ll find that all-inclusive resorts are the norm. 

Another factor is the time of the year you’re traveling in. If you’re visiting between June to November, you’ll find most places have reduced prices, especially in the Bahamas.

However regardless of when you plan on vacationing, Jamaica will always have cheaper accommodations, food and excursion costs compared to the Bahamas.

An aerial view of the beautiful coastline of Negril on a bright sunny summer day
iStock.com/WireStock

A Taste Of Island Life: How Does The Cuisine Compare?

As two island nations that are famous for their food, especially seafood, it will come as no surprise that both the Bahamas and Jamaica are often regarded as foodie paradises.

Bahamas: The Food

Bahamian cuisine is heavily centred around seafood, with the likes of Bahamian Stew Fish, Cracked Conch and Baked Crab, all local favourites.

Cracked conch, which is also called fried conch, is especially popular and almost like a national dish. You’ll find it in restaurants up and down the Bahamas. That is a must try, but almost any seafood dish you’ll get in this island nation is going to be extremely good and fresh.

With all those sunny days and hot weather you will be happy to know the Bahamas has many choices when it comes to drinks as well.

‘Switcha’ is always a good option. This is like the Bahamas’ version of lemonade except instead of being made with lemons, it is made with limes! It’s very refreshing for a hot day at the beach.

Of course as a Caribbean nation the Bahamas has plenty of cocktails to be enjoyed too. To fit in with the locals, why not try the rum-based cocktail called the ‘Yellow Bird’ which is very popular on the islands.

Other than that, definitely try one of the beers made by the Bahamian Brewery. After all, there’s no better feeling than trying a new beer in a new country. Ahhhh bliss.

iStock.com/shalamov

Jamaica: The Food

Let’s be honest, Jamaican cuisine is probably more famous than Bahamian cuisine, and that’s mainly due to the iconic – and now famous Jamaican dish – jerk chicken.

In Jamaica they also make jerk pork and jerk fish, and this type of spicy cooking style is native to the country. It’s believed to have actually been created by escaped slaves who invented it in the wilderness of Jamaica as they cooked over wood fires.

However while jerk chicken is probably Jamaica’s most famous dish, it isn’t Jamaica’s national food. That honor goes to a dish called ‘ackee and salt fish’.

Ackee is actually the national fruit of Jamaica, and that fruit is combined with salted cod to create one of Jamaica’s favorite foods. If you’re not convinced to try it just yet, know that world famous Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt has said in the past that he often eats this dish for breakfast!

Like in the Bahamas – and the rest of the Caribbean – you will find plenty of rum-based beach cocktails to enjoy in Jamaica.

But the drink of choice for many, and what we think you should try, is ‘Red Stripe Lager’. This drink is popular throughout Jamaica, and is also one of its most famous exports.

iStock.com/cacafuegos

Bahamas vs Jamaica: Which Is The Better Choice?

The decision about whether you should visit the Bahamas or Jamaica for your holiday really depends on what you want your vacation to be like.

Both countries have incredible beaches, some of the world’s best snorkelling spots, and an exciting food scene. But if beaches are your priority, the Bahamas may be a better choice for you.

Although the most popular beaches and resort areas in the Bahamas are busy, there are so many islands in this nation that it is still possible to find your own remote, untouched, and isolated piece of paradise.

Simply put, when it comes to beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters, the Bahamas is arguably the best beach destination in the world. It also has an impressive nightlife scene, and plenty of hotels, restaurants, and activities geared towards tourists

However Jamaica has a more authentic Caribbean vibe, and also has some of the best beaches in the region too.

But with its mountainous interior, jungles, stunning waterfalls, and unrivalled cultural activities, a holiday to Jamaica is perfect for tourists who want to do more than just lie in the sand drinking cocktails under the sun.

It also happens to be a much cheaper destination than the Bahamas as well, which is another big plus point.

Recommended For Your Trip To The Bahamas Or Jamaica

Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.