Both destinations offer incredible experiences for honeymooners, so the choice ultimately depends on your preferences. Consider factors like activities, atmosphere, culture and budget that resonates with you as a couple while choosing between Jamaica vs The Bahamas honeymoon.
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Jamaica
Jamaica has a distinctly Caribbean vibe and an ideal balance between beaches and mountainous landscapes. Therefore you can expect activities like hiking, river rafting, and ATV tours.
This island is more vibrant due to lively beach towns and excellent nightlife. And if you have a thing for spicy cuisine, you’ll find a variety on this island.
So, if your dream honeymoon destination includes a balance between nature and picturesque beaches, Jamaica it is.
The Bahamas
You can never exhaust the gorgeous beaches in the Bahamas in a single honeymoon. This island has some of the best beaches with warm crystal clear turquoise waters and white sand.
You’ll find luxury at its best in world-class beach accommodations. While, if you want to live on a private beach your entire honeymoon, the Bahamas has several options.
Although it’s more laid back, you’ll still enjoy a thriving nightlife and hearty meals from the plentiful restaurants.
So, if you’re looking for a serene environment to bond with your significant other, the Bahamas is a great option.
Beaches
Jamaica
Beaches in Jamaica feature turquoise waters and powdery white sand. Although there may not be as many as those in the Bahamas, you’ll still enjoy glorious sunsets and tons of water sports.
It has numerous options, whether splurging on a villa with a private beach or soaking up the sun on vibrant public beaches.
Montego Bay and the Seven-Mile Beach in Negril are some of the best places to enjoy luxury or budget-friendly beach life in style.
The Bahamas
Beaches in the Bahamas are numerous and some of the best in the world. With countless islands, you can spend your entire honeymoon from one beach to the next.
They feature crystal clear turquoise waters, and some, such as Pink Sand Beach, have gorgeous pink sand, offering awe-inspiring views.
You can expect soft white sand beaches, including the famous Nassau Beach, where you can enjoy all your favorite water sports.
And you can choose to enjoy them from one of the plentiful beachfront resorts.
Excursions
Jamaica
If you want to explore the outdoors away from the beaches, Jamaica is the place for you. The lush landscapes and blue mountains have a lot to offer nature lovers. Some of the best activities to enjoy include:
- Dunn’s River Falls: Located in Ocho Rios, Dunn’s River Falls is a famous natural attraction where you can climb up the terraced waterfall and enjoy the refreshing pools along the way.
- Blue Hole: Also in Ocho Rios, the Blue Hole is a series of natural limestone pools and waterfalls where you can swim, cliff jump, and explore the surrounding lush jungle.
- Mystic Mountain: It offers various activities like bobsledding through the rainforest, zip-lining, and enjoying panoramic views from the Sky Explorer chairlift.
- Black River Safari: In the parish of St. Elizabeth, you can take a boat tour along the Black River and spot crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Rafting on the Martha Brae: Experience a romantic bamboo raft ride down the tranquil Martha Brae River in Falmouth, guided by a local expert.
The Bahamas
Activities in the Bahamas involve beaches and more beaches. Some of the best you can enjoy are:
- Swimming with Pigs: The Exumas is famous for the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. Take a boat tour and swim with these adorable pigs in crystal-clear waters.
- Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park: Explore the marine life and vibrant coral reefs through snorkeling or scuba diving in this protected area, known for its stunning underwater scenery.
- Blue Lagoon Island: Located near Nassau, you can visit Blue Lagoon Island for activities like swimming with dolphins, kayaking, paddleboarding, and relaxing on the beautiful beaches.
- Thunderball Grotto: Snorkel or dive in the underwater cave system featured in the James Bond film “Thunderball.” This picturesque spot near Staniel Cay offers incredible marine life and vibrant corals.
- Andros Island: Known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, it offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, fishing, and exploring its mangrove forests and blue holes.
Weather
Both Caribbean islands have the same weather patterns. Expect sunny skies all year round that alternates with a rainy season.
They experience perfect weather from December to April, the peak season. And temperatures range from lows of 70 to highs of 84 degrees Fahrenheit in Jamaica and lows of 63 and highs of 82 degrees Fahrenheit in the Bahamas.
So you can visit during this season, with May to November being the best time to avoid crowds.
The rainy season in the Bahamas lasts from May to October, with the hurricane season starting from July to November.
On the other hand, the rainy season in Jamaica is from May-June and September-November. The summer months of July and August have little rainfall but are too hot and humid.
Accessibility
Jamaica and the Bahamas are easily accessible since they have international airports with direct flights.
You can directly fly from most US cities to Jamaica’s Montego Bay or Kingston islands.
When heading to the Bahamas, you can directly fly from most southeastern cities, including Miami and New York, to the Grand Bahama International Airport or the Exuma International Airport.
In addition, transportation in both destinations is easy. You can use taxis, rent a car or take a public bus (in Jamaica) or a shuttle (in the (Bahamas). If you want to move between islands in the Bahamas, you can use domestic flights or water taxis.
Accommodations
You’ll find budget accommodations on both islands. But Jamaica offers the cheapest options. Accommodation in these two islands features the luxurious type including:
- Beach resorts with high-end amenities. You can opt for an adults-only all-inclusive resort like Sandals for the best experience.
- Boutique hotels with unique and stunning architecture.
- Beach villas that offer private beaches for a serene, romantic experience.
- Beach cottages offer secluded amenities such as lush gardens.
But you can find unique types in the Bahamas, such as a luxury charter yacht that lets you sleep on the water.
Jamaican unique accommodation includes a cave on a cliff top that features a candle-lit restaurant, a cave bar, and a spa.
Food and Dining
Jamaica
Jamaican cuisine is spicy and delectable, owing to the special attention that Jamaicans employ when preparing dishes. Seasoning is an art and has to be perfect in this part of the world.
Some must-try foods include Jamaica’s local dish, ackee, and saltfish. It’s made of the country’s national fruit, ackee, and salted cod.
And your taste buds would never forgive you for not trying the deliciously spicy world-renowned jerk chicken or pork. It features a unique spice called jerk spice, making it one of Jamaica’s most famous dishes.
You can also try assorted seafood, callaloo, and Jamaican patties.
The Bahamas
Bahamian dishes are more American-themed and include a lot of fresh seafood. The most popular dish on this island is conch (a large sea snail), served in many variations. You can eat it as a salad (conch salad), conch fritters (dip fried conch), or conch soups.
You can also try fried fish or chicken with Caribbean spices that it outrageously delicious. Other dishes you can try include lobster and baked crab.
Coconut water is a popular Bahamian drink, perfect if you prefer something other than rum-based cocktails.
Nightlife
Jamaica
Jamaicans love to party, hence a great place to dance the night away. You’ll enjoy live dancehall and reggae music in most entertainment joints across town.
Montego Bay and Negril offer a vibrant night scene as they have all sorts of entertainment joints. Negril is more laid back, with plenty of beachfront bars, while Montego Bay has a mixture of more quiet bars and large nightclubs.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas nightlife scene is most vibrant in Freeport and Nassau. Although it’s more laidback than Jamaica’s, you’ll still have a good time in these towns.
Paradise Island is a great place for nightlife, thanks to its casinos and popular bars. If you enjoy dancing the night away in nightclubs, Bay Street downtown is an excellent place.
Cost
Jamaica
Jamaica is one of the cheapest Caribbean destinations. You’ll find numerous budget-friendly accommodations and inexpensive food. In addition, the outdoors offers a lot of free and budget-friendly excursions such as hiking.
The dollar value is more Jamaica, and you can do more with it than the Bahamas.
A honeymoon in Jamaica costs $1,500 to $7,000 per couple for 7 days.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. It offers luxury and comfort since most of the accommodations feature all-inclusive resorts with world-class amenities.
The dollar value equals the Bahamian dollar hence no advantage in the exchange rate. For this reason, it’s pricier than Jamaica.
A honeymoon in the Bahamas costs $5,000 to $7,000 per couple for one week.
Culture
Jamaica
It combines diverse cultures touching on a Caribbean vibe, South American, African, and Spanish. All these tones are represented in their food, entertainment, and people.
Dancehall and reggae music are particularly prevalent and famous cultural contributions. It features the world-famous songbirds Bob Marley, Shaggy, and Peter Tosh. In addition, sports contribute to Jamaican culture and feature Olympic icons such as Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser.
The Bahamas
Bahamian culture has African, American, and British elements. Some events shaping it include slavery and its abolishment, privateering, and piracy.
These elements are evident in the vibrant architecture, art, and dance. In addition, Nassau houses the heritage museum of the Bahamas, where you can learn about the diverse roots of the Bahamian culture.
However, being a popular tourist destination, some islands may feel more American.
Language
Jamaica
The local language in Jamaica is Patois or Patwa. However, they also speak English; you should be able to communicate easily.
The Bahamas
Bahamians converse in English, but some people use Haitian-creole.
Safety
Jamaica
Jamaica is unsafe, with a high prevalence of violent crime, petty theft, and pickpockets. This is especially evident in cities such as Kingston and places listed by the US. You should be alert if you choose to hang out in the area
Also, avoid the streets at night and always be aware of your surroundings. In addition, LGBTQ couples should avoid public displays of affection outside the resorts to avoid discrimination and harassment.
But this doesn’t mean it’s all gloom and doom. Touristy areas such as the resorts in Montego and discovery bays remain safe. With proper general precautions, there’s no reason not to enjoy your Jamaica honeymoon.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is one of the safest places to visit. Crime is unusual in most remote islands and includes minor incidents such as pickpockets and petty theft in populated areas such as Nassau and Freeport.
But, ensure you always stay alert to avoid being a victim of any incident.