Looking for a dream island to spend your summer holidays? The Bahamas and Bermuda are paradise destinations not far from the east coast of the United States. Even though they both enjoy blue skies and sunshine most of the year, they each have their own unique charm.
If you’re trying to decide between the Bahamas vs. Bermuda, you’re not alone. Plenty of people wonder what the difference is, and many ask, is Bermuda as nice as the Caribbean?
In this article we’ll answer all those questions as we compare both islands to help you figure out which one is better, Bahamas or Bermuda, for your trip.
Bahamas & Bermuda: Location and Accessibility
Receiving 6.5 million tourists every year, the Bahamas is a popular beach destination composed of more than 700 islands and cays located in the Atlantic Ocean just 180 miles from Miami.
The main airport is located in the capital of Nassau, and you can find plenty of direct and nonstop flights from major airports. Average costs range depending on the time of year and departure airport, but here are some guidelines: from Miami for $200, from New York for $400 and from Europe for $800. There are also ferries that take you from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport in just 2.5 hours for around $100 each way.
Bermuda is much smaller than the Bahamas and consists of a group of 7 main islands and 170 smaller islets located in the Atlantic Ocean, 870 miles east of the United States.
There are direct flights to Bermuda from New York and Miami for $350, while a ticket from Europe costs around $800.
Do You Need a Passport to Visit Bahamas or Bermuda?
U.S. citizens will need a passport to visit both the Bahamas and Bermuda.
When to Visit The Bahamas
The Bahamas has warm temperatures all year, with a hot and humid summer season and a dry winter.
The Bahamas are within the hurricane belt so it’s important to be smart about when to go. Hurricane season is from June to November, with a fairly high risk of storms during that time. If you want to be completely safe, avoid those months, but if you do travel to the Bahamas then just be sure to get travel insurance.
Considering that the high season is from December to February and prices are at their highest, March and April are the best months to visit. The Bahamas are a popular spring break destination among Americans so if you want a relaxed holiday try to avoid this period if possible.
When To Visit Bermuda
Bermudahas very pleasant weather year round and is usually cooler and less humid than the Bahamas. The hottest and busiest months are from April to October, and the low season runs from November to February.
Even though it is less affected by hurricanes, it’s advisable to avoid the summer months, making March and April the best time to visit Bermuda.
Bahamas vs Bermuda: Attractions
The Bahamas are a fantastic choice for beach lovers. There are plenty of options with turquoise water and white sand but some of the best ones are the Pink Sand Beach in Harbour Island, Cabbage Beach in Paradise Island, or Tahiti and Great Guana Cay Beach in Abacos.
Other sites worth seeing are the city of Nassau with its colonial heritage, Fort Fincastle, and Lucayan National Park with one of the longest cave systems in the world.
Also known as the playground of the rich, Bermuda is a fantastic destination for those looking for beautiful beaches, great conditions for kayaking, and amazing coral reefs. One of the must-sees is definitely Horseshoe Bay with its turquoise waters and pink sand.
Despite its small size (only 21 square miles), this nation is home to the historic town of St. George, and the capital city Hamilton which has both a traditional and metropolitan feel. Other activities include the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, the famous Crystal Caves and world-class golf courses. Bermuda is great for kids, couples or the whole family.
Bahamas vs Bermuda: Accommodations
The Bahamas offer a wide selection of accommodation options from local hotels to international resorts. A room in a cheap hotel starts at around $100 per night, while a beach resort will set you back $300 and up. A luxurious all-inclusive like the adults-only Sandals Royal Bahamian starts at $300 per person per night and includes all meals, drinks, and activities.
Bermuda doesn’t have as many options as the Bahamas and it tends to be more expensive. A cheap double room in a local hotel costs between $150 and $200, while a night in a beach resort starts at $350.
Bahamas vs Bermuda: Cuisine
Bahamian cuisine has southern American and Caribbean influences and is known for its love of spices. The most popular dish in the Bahamas is the conch, a large mollusk that can be served in different ways: salad (raw conch with lime juice, tomato, onion, and vegetables), fritters (deep-fried and mixed with spices), and in stews and soups. Other must-tries are lobster, baked crab, and souse (stew with lime, hot chili pepper, vegetables, and chicken).
Bermudian cuisine combines English and Portuguese influences with some local elements and fish is usually the star ingredient. Some of the most popular dishes are fish chowder (fish broth with vegetables and spices); grouper or cod fish usually steamed and served with potatoes, vegetables, and bananas; or the traditional rum cake with vanilla & lemon.
Bahamas vs Bermuda: Cost
Which is cheaper, Bermuda or Bahamas? While these two islands aren’t the cheapest options out there, the Bahamas is a less expensive option as a popular tourist destination that offers more variety in terms of accommodations and dining. Staying in mid-range hotels and eating in good restaurants will set you back around $150 per person per day.
Bermuda, on the other hand, is a more expensive destination. The alternatives for accommodation are limited and transportation within the island is expensive, so expect to spend between $200 and $250 per person per day.
Several companies offer cruises that go to these islands; sometimes the packages they offer are great value for the money if you enjoy cruises.
Bahamas vs. Bermuda: The Verdict
Both the Bahamas and Bermuda are stunning places with different things to offer. The former has a larger number of amazing beaches and a wider variety of accommodation and dining options, making it the best choice for those who want to enjoy a beautiful place without spending a fortune.
Bermuda is a more upscale alternative. It has some excellent beaches and cool cities to visit but it doesn’t have many cheap hotels and restaurants, so your time here will be more costly.
He is an expert travel advisor and enthusiast. He has traveled extensively in the USA, Central America, South America, and Europe. He has visited every Sandals Resort and is one of a select few Diamond Elite members of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club.
Dan graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Later he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on people and culture.