Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!
Jamaica VS Bahamas
Which Is Best For Your Vacation?
Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.
by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer
Jamaica and The Bahamas are two of the most well-known vacation spots in the Caribbean and for a good reason. There are a few things you should think about if you're thinking about visiting one of these two places for your vacation, including the kind of trip you're looking forward to and the activities you like.
New! Take a piece of Jamaica with you💃!
Savour the memories! Now you can get your authentic Jamaican souvenir items, as well as traditional Jamaican herbs, spices and housewares on our popular e-store. Click Here to learn more.
And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!
Attractions and Activities
Jamaica has mountains and a lush green jungle, whereas the Bahamian islands are mostly flat. Jamaica is the better choice if you enjoy adventurous activities like ziplining, hiking, river rafting, swimming, or climbing waterfalls.
Two great options are exploring Holywell National Park or hiking the Blue Mountain Peak Trail past waterfalls and coffee plantations to the top of Jamaica’s highest mountain. The best waterfalls in Jamaica include Dunn's River Falls, Reach Falls, and Secret Falls.
Although they are undoubtedly more tranquil activities, the Bahamas do offer some natural excursions. For instance, the Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama offers opportunities for kayaking, cave exploration, and hiking through mangrove forests.
The Montego Bay Yacht Club Easter Regatta in Jamaica (March/April) and the Long Island Regatta in The Bahamas are just two of the numerous boating events and regattas that take place in both locations (June).
If you enjoy island hopping, The Bahamas is the ideal Caribbean destination because it has hundreds of islands.
You'll have lots of options to explore gorgeous beaches, take in breathtaking sights, go on tours, take ferries or water taxis, swim with pigs (Big Major Cay, Exumas), and more, whether you bring your own boat, charter one, go on a tour, or do any of the above.
Accommodations and Cost
Jamaica is regarded as one of the Caribbean islands with the lowest costs. There are many different places to stay on the island, and food can be very cheap—it is typically 20% less expensive than in The Bahamas. Additionally, the Jamaican dollar is very inexpensive compared to the American dollar, which means you can generally afford a vacation even if you are on a budget.
There are many affordable all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, including Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Here, in Ocho Rios, is Sandals Ochi, the least expensive Sandals resort. There are also plenty of chic, opulent choices, like The Caves, a well-known boutique resort with 12 charming cottages situated on a cliffside with ocean views.
One American dollar is equivalent to two Bahamian dollars, so your money won't go as far in The Bahamas. The Bahamas' accommodations tend to be more opulent and upscale, so tourists have fewer options on a tight budget.
Food
Bahamian food is influenced by the Caribbean and the South and, unsurprisingly, includes a lot of fresh seafood. The conch, a sizable mollusk that comes in a variety of preparations including salad (raw conch with lime juice, tomato, onion, and vegetables), fritters (deep-fried conch mixed with spices), and stews and soups, is the most well-liked seafood in The Bahamas.
In addition, lobster, baked crab, and souse are must-tries (stew with lime, hot chilli pepper, vegetables, and chicken).
Also abundant in Jamaican cuisine, is seafood. The national fruit of the nation, ackee, is combined with salted cod in a dish known as ackee and saltfish. Jerk chicken or pork is a deliciously spicy native Jamaican dish that has made its way around the world.
Other popular dishes include curry and brown stew chicken. Curry goat, roast yam, red peas soup, pepperpot, pepper shrimp, curried crab and escovitch fish and festival or bammy.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Jamaica is livelier than it is in The Bahamas. It’s a more relaxed atmosphere there. However, that doesn't mean The Bahamas don't offer a variety of nightlife options, from casinos on Paradise Island to well-known bars like Seor Frog's, the Daiquiri Shack, and Tiki Bikini Hut in Nassau (which is the main spot for most Bahamian nightlife).
The renowned Nipper's Beach Bar in Abaco is a great, more laid-back option. The Bahamas also host festivals in the summer that feature regional music.
If you like to party, Jamaica is the place to be. There are many hot spots to drink and dance the night away, especially in Montego Bay, the perfect place to go bar and club hopping. Some popular spots on the island include Margaritaville, Jungle, Pier One and Coral Cliff.
Both islands are wonderful and choosing between the two is sure to be a trying task. Good Luck!
You might like these
Majestic Dunns River Falls Jamaica | Jamaica's Most Popular Attraction
See it to believe it! Jamaica's Dunns River Falls is world famous for good reason! I have some captivating pictures and an enthralling video to share with you.
5 Famous Places in Jamaica - Landmarks & Points of Interest In Jamaica
Looking for adventure? Here are five (5) famous places in Jamaica you'll need to add to your bucket list of landmarks & historic places of interest.
Nine Miles Jamaica Tour - An Enchanting Jamaican Experience
Experience the Rousing Nine Miles Jamaica tour
Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)
If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more.
It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica!
Return to Why Travel To Jamaica from Jamaica vs Bahamas
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Jamaica vs Bahamas
References & Sources For Jamaica Vs Bahamas
- Honeymoon Always. 2022. Jamaica vs. The Bahamas: Which Island Should You Visit? [online] Available at: [Accessed 16 September 2022].
Jamaica vs Bahamas | Written: September 16th, 2022
New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿
 |
You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now! |
See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!
 |
My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers. |
Read More ...
New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!
P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for?
Still need help?
Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!
Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.
Featured Video!
Travelling To Jamaica?
Read this BEFORE you go
👇🏿
New Here?
I recommend you START HERE to enjoy the best of this website!
New! For Authentic Jamaican products, from my very own hands, visit my Etsy store here.
Recent Articles
-
Activities In Kingston For Kids|Fun Activities For Kids In the Capital
Dec 16, 24 07:04 AM
Looking for fun activities in Kingston for kids? Explore exciting attractions, outdoor adventures, and creative experiences for children of all ages! -
How Do Jamaicans Celebrate Christmas? | 10 Special Events In The Holiday Season
Dec 14, 24 11:07 PM
by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer See Also: 11 Signs It's Almost Christmas in Jamaica Photo: Christmas Tree Lighting in Sam Sharpe Square Christmas -
Is Jamaica A Good Place to Spend Christmas?
Dec 14, 24 11:00 PM
Is Jamaica a good place to spend Christmas? Absolutely! We swapped the white Christmas for a sandy one, but it’s just as festive and beautiful. -
🎄Old-Time Christmas In Jamaica | By Faye Ellington, Cultural Icon
Dec 14, 24 10:54 PM
Jamaican cultural icon and poopular media personality, Faye Ellington (Aunty Faye), shares old time traditions of Christmas in Jamaica -
Jamaican Christmas Traditions | 16 UNUSUAL Questions, Answered
Dec 14, 24 10:51 PM
Does Jamaica Have Christmas? What are the Jamaican Christmas traditions? That's just one of 14 unusual questions we answered on Christmas in Jamaica. Read here.
About The Author
A patriotic Jamaican who adores its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.
To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day (and over 1.1millon page views monthly)
His efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities. Read more about him here.
He invites you to explore his books and subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest here on site.
You are also welcome to check out his unique Jamaican products on his e-store.
If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts:
You are also invited to join his exclusive JAMHearts community where like-minded Jamaican enthusiasts discuss all things Jamaican.
Didn't Find What You Are Seeking?
Do a quick site search here:
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.