The debate of whether to take a Bahamas vs. Caribbean vacation is a popular one since both of these island chains have captivated the imaginations of travelers for decades.
Both the Caribbean and the Bahamas deliver on their promise of postcard-worthy beaches, dreamy pastel skylines, and laid-back island life, making these two destinations the perfect choice for every kind of trip, from romantic honeymoons to annual summer vacations with the entire family.
Located off the southeastern coast of Florida, the Bahamas are an archipelago of tiny islands, that include stunning spots like Eleuthera and Grand Bahama. In contrast, the Caribbean is composed of over 700 islands. The region is home to thirteen different countries, such as Barbados, Antigua, St. Lucia, and Jamaica, and 15 dependencies, like the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Cayman Islands.
Pearl Island, Bahamas
A Bahamas cruise itinerary usually only visits Nassau, the island’s capital city, while a Caribbean cruise generally visits multiple islands across the region. Of course, this all depends on which itinerary you ultimately choose for your getaway.
Though these two tropical paradises are uniquely different, their common attributes ensure your cruise vacation to either (or both) of these stunning destinations will be unforgettable.
If you’re still undecided about whether to go on a cruise to the Bahamas vs. the Caribbean, it’ll help to consider factors like the weather, cruise itineraries, things to do, and the kinds of experiences you want to have during your vacation. Once you have these things in mind, you’ll be able to start planning your perfect island vacation in no time.
Weather & Best Times to Visit
Antigua
When deciding whether to visit the Bahamas vs. the Caribbean, you might assume that both of these tropical locales have the same weather patterns. And while it’s true that in both you’ll enjoy cool ocean breezes, sun-soaked days at the shore, and a blissful absence of winter year-round, there are some key differences in seasonality.
For starters, much of the weather you’ll experience in either destination depends on the time of year you visit.
Mid-December to April is considered the best time to visit the Bahamas, which is why it’s a top pick for winter holidays and family spring break ideas.
Late April tends to be the rainiest time of the year in the Bahamas, therefore if you’re considering a spring cruise to the Bahamas, you might want to study the forecast before booking during that season.
As for sunny days, the Bahamas edges out the competition, as it enjoys about 340 sunny days throughout the calendar year. And even when it does rain, tropical showers tend to be short bursts that quickly yield back to clear skies.
Blue Lagoon Island, Bahamas
Meanwhile, the weather in the Caribbean tends to be more unpredictable than in the Bahamas.
In the Caribbean, the humidity and chance of rain increase during the region’s rainy season, which lasts from May to October. On average, there are more than 100 rainy days per year across the Caribbean islands, with June usually seeing the most rainfall.
Grand Case Beach, St. Maarten
Even in the winter, the weather in the Caribbean is nothing short of blissful. On the coldest days in January, temperatures only dip to 65-70 degrees, which is why winter cruises to the area are so popular.
Swimmers and divers will also enjoy the consistency of Caribbean waters, which always hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit and rarely dip lower than 70 degrees throughout the year.
If you’re considering a late summer or fall vacation, an important factor to keep in mind is that hurricane season takes place from June to November in both destinations.
Departure Port Location
Miami, Florida
When it comes to the Bahamas vs. Caribbean cruise debate, another factor to consider is the location of the cruise departure port.
Short Bahamas itineraries often set sail from the departure ports of Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and usually stop in Key West en route to Nassau, Bahamas. This itinerary is a great option for travelers who want to spend a few days in the Sunshine State, and for Florida residents who are looking for a quick weekend getaway to a tropical paradise.
Read: What Is Key West Known for?
A selection of Caribbean cruises also depart from the ports of Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa in Florida. These convenient departure ports are located near large airports, making it easy for both domestic and international travelers to arrive at their cruise departure port.
Watch: Discover Puerto Rico With Celebrity Cruises
Meanwhile, Southern Caribbean cruises—which often include stops in St. Kitts, Antigua, or St. Lucia, to name a few—typically depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico. This departure location is a good option for travelers who live near the area or those who are looking to extend a trip to Puerto Rico with a visit to more of the adjacent islands in the region.
History and Culture
Parliament Buildings in Nassau, Bahamas
When thinking of an ideal vacation, history buffs may prioritize more renowned destinations like Western Europe, but there are just as many alluring stories in the Bahamas and the Caribbean to explore. Both of these destinations boast a colorful history that includes pirate invasions, independence wars, and Mayan kingdoms.
In the Bahamas, the main historic landmark is the imposing Fort Charlotte, a building that dates back to the British colonization in Nassau. Built in 1788, the fort measures almost 100 acres long and is the largest fortress in all of the Bahamas. Discover its underground tunnels, 42 cannons, and an encircling moat during a visit to the historic site, where you’ll immerse yourself in 18th-century history.
Or walk along Rawson Square, surrounded by the city’s pastel pink Parliament Buildings. The other must-do experience in Nassau is a trip up to the historic Queen’s Staircase, which offers panoramic views of Nassau from the top.
Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico
When it comes to history, though, the Caribbean has an advantage. Its many islands possess a wealth of history, whether you’re walking through the UNESCO World Heritage city center of Curacao, admiring San Juan’s renowned citadel of El Morro, or exploring Mayan history at the Chichen Itza ruins near the island of Cozumel.
Read: Mayan Ruins Near Cozumel
Outdoor Adventures
Caracas Bay, Curacao
When it comes to the great outdoors, both the Caribbean and the Bahamas possess their fair share of adventures. In both destinations, you’ll be able to go scuba diving, embark on rainforest hikes, and climb up incredible mountain summits that offer unparalleled views of the islands.
If you’re looking for aquatic adventures like diving and marine life sightings, the Bahamas does have a slight advantage.
Blue Lagoon Island, Bahamas
In Nassau, you’ll find plenty of one-of-a-kind activities all in one destination. Nassau is home to the family-friendly Aquaventure Park, one of the best places to visit in the Bahamas. Here, you and the whole family can enjoy its thrilling water slides or simply relax in the wave pool.
Animal lovers will also find plenty to admire in the Bahamas. Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cay, interact with stingrays at Blue Lagoon, or go snorkeling in Nassau among schools of tropical fish.
The Pitons, St. Lucia
For outdoor enthusiasts who prefer to roam on solid ground rather than dive into the deep blue sea, the Caribbean has its share of jaw-dropping natural wonders to explore, like the towering dual pitons of St. Lucia or Grand Cayman’s “Hell,” an intricate system of craggy rock formations.
The Caribbean is also known for having some of the greatest rainforest hikes on the planet. Walk around the lush El Yunque Rainforest in Puerto Rico or go on a trek through the Sage Mountain National Park in Tortola, BVI, which opens up to a picture-perfect panorama from the summit.
Culinary Experiences
Jamaican jerk chicken
In the Bahamas vs. Caribbean vacation debate, one thing is clear: both destinations promise mouthwatering culinary scenes, complete with plenty of fresh seafood and refreshing spirits.
Seafood lovers can’t go wrong with Bahamian food, which features several dishes with conch, from ceviche-like conch salad to fried conch fritters.
Read: What to Eat in the Bahamas
Bahama Barrels Graycliff, Bahamas
Don’t miss the opportunity to sample decadent rum cake, soaked in local rum from John Watling’s Distillery, the oldest distillery in Nassau. Or skip the cake and simply enjoy as many samplings of rum as you please. Wine enthusiasts can learn about the wine-making process in the Bahamas at Bahama Barrels Graycliff, where you can also create your own unique blend of red.
The Caribbean is famous for its fusion of African, Creole, and European gastronomic traditions, which include delicious dishes like callaloo, goat stew, cassava, and jerk chicken.
The benefit of choosing a Caribbean vacation over one in the Bahamas is the opportunity to eat your way through the islands. Sample saltfish everywhere from Jamaica to St. Kitts and discover how each culture prepares each of their regional favorites.
Beaches
Green Turtle Cay Beach, Bahamas
When it comes to beaches in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, it’s safe to say the competition is stiff. Both regions have an abundance of gorgeous beaches for every pace and preference, making it easy for beach lovers to find their ideal stretch of sand, no matter where they go.
However, the beaches in the Bahamas tend to be warmer, and there are more coral reefs and sandbars in the ocean surrounding Nassau. If you’re craving a more active beach day, go kayaking off Balmoral Island or snorkeling alongside sea turtles and bright coral at Green Cay Beach.
Perhaps one of the best beaches in Nassau is the five-mile white sand stretch that surrounds the Atlantis Resort. This pink-hued resort is more than eye-candy; it’s also a tourist hotspot complete with swimming pools, a lazy river, slides, and private cabanas for the ultimate beach day. For a more off-the-beaten-track experience, check out Pearl Island, a tranquil private island just off the coast of Nassau.
Watch: Discover Grand Cayman With Celebrity Cruises
The Caribbean also has some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Enjoy the crystal-clear visibility of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman or go swimming in one of St. Maarten’s top sites, like Maho Beach and Grand Case Beach.
Aside from claiming some of the most beautiful beaches in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, the Caribbean also offers the chance to engage in some unusual experiences by the sea, like diving around Grenada’s underwater sculpture park along Grand Anse Beach, which is deemed a National Geographic Wonder of the World.
The Baths at Virgin Gorda, Tortola
Plus, the Caribbean is also home to a variety of untouched beaches, like Tortola’s pristine Virgin Gorda Baths, where sleek boulders protect a series of stunning grottos and pools, and the unspoiled Smith Bay Beach Park and Eco Reserve in Charlotte-Amalie, St. Thomas.
Beachcombers and sun-seekers will find a world of options available during their tropical adventure. Rent a romantic cabana for two, or lounge in a beach chair with a book and fruity cocktail in hand. Make sandcastles with the kids, snorkel in some of the best coral reef sites in the Caribbean, or board a catamaran ride to untouched sandbars for uninterrupted exploration.
Read: Best Cruise Destinations for Kids
Celebrity Apex
Experience world-class beaches, culinary delights, and bucket-list excursions during your port days in the Caribbean or the Bahamas. While in the evenings and days at sea, relax aboard an award-winning ship and enjoy luxurious amenities, fine dining crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, and non-stop entertainment options.
Browse cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas on our website and book your next vacation today.
