When it comes to Bermuda vs Bahamas, which island off the east coast of the United States is best?
These two islands have a lot in common: white sand beaches, turquoise blue water, delicious seafood dishes, and beautiful beach accommodations.
Bermuda is composed of seven main islands and nearly two hundred islets. It has around 64-miles of turquoise coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Bermuda is a popular destination for families because of its pristine beaches, route on cruises, and luxury accommodations.
The Bahamas are 700 islands and cays located right off the coast of Miami in the Caribbean. It has over 3,500-miles of coastline and attracts nearly 7-million tourists a year. The Bahamas is a popular choice for families because of its pristine beaches, affordable Bahamas hotels, and ease of access.
So which one is better, Bermuda vs Bahamas? Read on to see which tropical paradise wins you and your family over the most.
Getting There
Bermuda and the Bahamas are close to the eastern United States, making both of these destinations easy to get to for your next vacation. But which one is easier to get to, Bermuda vs Bahamas?
The short answer is the Bahamas. Keep reading for more details on getting to each destination.
Getting to Bermuda
Bermuda is located 1,044-miles from Miami and 900-miles northeast of the Bahamas. The main airport is the L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA), located in St. George.
- Flights from Miami to Bermuda: 2.5 hours travel time (direct) for $500 per person
- Flights from New York to Bermuda: 2 hours travel time (direct) for $270 per person.
Cruises to Bermuda are a way families can visit Bermuda and many other idyllic islands. Costs range depending on the cruise line and cabin level. A seven-day Bermuda cruise departing from New York can cost as low as USD 400-750 per person.
Getting to the Bahamas
The Bahamas is located in the Atlantic Ocean fewer than 200-miles off the coast of Miami. The main airport is Lynden Pendley International Airport (NAS), located in the capital city of Nassau.
- Flights from Miami to the Bahamas: >1 hour travel time (direct) for $200 per person
- Flights from New York to the Bahamas: 3 hours travel time (direct) for $250 per person.
Cruises to the Bahamas are popular among tourists because you can visit the Bahamas as a long-weekend getaway or on a 7-day cruise visiting several beautiful islands. Cheap Bahamas cruises can start as low as USD 99 a day per person.
The Winner
Who takes the crown for Bermuda vs Bahamas when it comes to ease of travel?
The Bahamas is the winner. If starting in Miami, you hardly have time to settle into your plane seat before landing in paradise. This makes it exceptionally easy for families with kids of any age, especially younger ones who like to cry the entire flight.
Cost
Overall, Bermuda is a more expensive destination than the Bahamas. Keep in mind that Bermuda and the Bahamas are both expensive destinations.
Food that is imported has to travel overseas to get to these islands. Bermuda, being farther than the Bahamas, is more costly for daily spending and flight rates.
Weather
The Bahamas and Bermuda are similar weather-wise. Both islands are tropical and have mild weather year-round.
The Bahamas sits within the hurricane belt. Technically, Bermuda is not, but the islands are close enough that hurricane season should be avoided in both destinations. Hurricane season is between July through November and brings a greater likelihood of poor weather.
Weather in Bermuda
The best time to go to Bermuda is in March and April. This is when crowds are at their lowest and the weather is warm. You will have nice weather from March to July. Beaches tend to get more crowded after April.
The coldest time of year is from December to March. March and April in Bermuda have temperatures around 72 degrees Fahrenheit as a high and 63 degrees Fahrenheit as a low. The average amount of rainfall in March is eleven days of the month.
Weather in the Bahamas
The best time to go to the Bahamas is in March and April. The temperatures are 80 degrees Fahrenheit as a high and 64 degrees Fahrenheit as a low. The average rainfall in March is seven days. Keep in mind that Spring Breakers frequent the Bahamas so, avoid this time when booking.
Like Bermuda, the Bahamas has great weather until July. July is when the hurricane season begins. Families can visit the Bahamas between March and July and expect a memorable vacation.
The Winner
Who is the winner for Bermuda vs Bahamas for best weather? This one is a tie.
The best time to visit both the Bahamas and Bermuda is between March and April when weather conditions are very similar. The Bahamas has higher humidity than Bermuda, but Bermuda sees a few more days of rain during March and April than the Bahamas.
Food Options
Food needs to travel a lot farther to hit grocery stores on these islands. So if you splurge on going out for a nice meal with the family, which island is better for spending your sand dollars? In this category, Bermuda takes the crown.
Food Options in Bermuda
Food options in Bermuda include many fish dishes. Some favorites are:
- Codfish
- Chowder
- Spiny Lobster
- Bermuda Rum Cake
- Mussel Pie
There are no international chain restaurants in Bermuda. You will only find local restaurants here! While some families may groan over this, travel is about trying new flavors, is it not? The authenticity of Bermuda cuisine, the quality, and freshness will have seafood lovers of the family asking for more.
Food Options in the Bahamas
The Bahamas is famous for the many ways they take conch and turn it into something delicious! Favorite food options in the Bahamas include:
- Cracked Conch
- Bahamian Fish Stew
- Shellfish
- Lobster
- Baked Crab
You will find chain restaurants you are used to seeing in the United States here in the Bahamas. Families with picky eaters who appreciate nuggets more than authentic Bahamian flavors are suited better for this destination.
The Winner
Which island has better food choices, Bermuda vs Bahamas? Bermuda has better food options for families ready to immerse themselves into the cuisines of the island. The Bahamas has delicious options as well, but families may be swayed away from trying something new by familiar restaurants.
Fun Things to Do
Which destination has more fun activities, Bermuda vs Bahamas? For this one, the Bahamas takes the win.
Family-Friendly Activities in Bermuda
Bermuda has lots of family-friendly activities. Snorkeling, swimming, and sea glass beaches will fill your time with serene ocean-based adventures. Kids can horseback ride along the shore, swim with dolphins, and explore the history of the island at fun museums.
Popular places for families include:
- The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
- Blue Hole Park
- Horseshoe Bay
- The National Museum of Bermuda
Family-Friendly Activities in the Bahamas
The Bahamas is almost synonymous with the famous resort Atlantis Bahamas. You can visit for the day or stay at the hotel.
Atlantis offers a one-stop shop for families looking for vacation fun. This resort has aquariums, a water park, and a huge variety of activities for kids, teens, and adults.
Some other fun activities the Bahamas has are:
The Winner
It does not take much to find fun upon the turquoise blue waters and pristine sand beaches. Both Bermuda and the Bahamas have activities the whole family will enjoy, but the Bahamas has more. In the Bahamas, kids will learn about pirates and get close to some incredible sea life at Atlantis, snorkeling, or animal sanctuaries.
Safety
Both Bermuda and the Bahamas are safe destinations for families to travel to. The Bahamas has a higher crime rate than Bermuda however, violence towards tourists is low in both countries.
Be cautious in any destination you travel to. Keep valuables out of sight or in the hotel safe and opt for a cab instead of walking at night.
The Final Verdict
Which destination appeals most to you: Bermuda or Bahamas?
The Bahamas is easier to get to than Bermuda, less costly, and has more family-friendly excursions.
The Bahamas has higher humidity than Bermuda and has higher crime rate statistics though is still safe for tourists. This beautiful destination gets more tourism than Bermuda. The Bahamas can be more of a party island than Bermuda, especially around Spring Break.
Bermuda boasts similar turquoise waters and soft sand beaches as the Bahamas.
Bermuda has slightly better weather due to lower humidity but gets a little more rain than the Bahamas. It is farther off the coast of the United States, making food and airfare more expensive than the Bahamas. Bermuda is a better option for families wanting a more luxurious and quiet time together.
There you have it, Bermuda vs Bahamas. It is a close call between these two destinations for which one is better for families, but in the end, we say the Bahamas.
More about our TFVG Author
A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.
Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.
- James Brockbankhttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/james/
- James Brockbankhttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/james/
- James Brockbankhttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/james/
- James Brockbankhttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/james/
