Looking to travel to Aruba or the Bahamas but not sure which suits you best? If so, this article is for you!
Aruba and the Bahamas are two exceptional tropical destinations to vacation to. Aruba is known for its white sandy beaches, rocky bays, and warm hospitality, while the Bahamas is known for its luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, and abundance of tourist attractions.
Aruba is the ideal destination for beach lovers, party-goers, and adventurers who want to explore the island’s natural beauty.
The Bahamas, on the other hand, is ideal for those looking to stay at a luxurious resort and venture out to see some of the world’s most beautiful islands.
But, that’s not all each place has to offer!
Keep on reading to find out whether Aruba or the Bahamas is best suited for you.
We’ll cover the differences in cost, climate, cuisine, nightlife, and more.
Aruba vs Bahamas: A Quick Overview
Aruba | Bahamas | |
|---|---|---|
Landscape | White-sandy beaches with rocky bays, limestone deposits and coral reefs | White and pink sand beaches with turquoise waters, coral reefs, and mangrove swamps |
Climate | Average temperature ranges from 86 F to 91 F | Average temperatures range from between 77°F to 90°F |
Cost | The average daily price for one person is $325 | The average daily price for one person is $249 |
Cuisine | Fresh seafood, hearty stews, pastechi, stuffed cheese, cashew nut cake | Conch salads, conch fritters, fish stews, cassava cake |
Tourist Attractions | Arikok national park, Quadiriki caves, Conchi natural pool, California lighthouse | Pig beach, Garden of the Groves, Aquaventure, Pirates of Nassau, and Queen’s staircase |
Nightlife | Lively and abundant (live music, comedy clubs, nightclubs) | Festive and abundant (beachside bars, casinos, nightclubs) |
Overview of Aruba
Known for its picture-perfect white sandy beaches, Aruba is a popular vacation island located off in the Southern Caribbean Sea.
Aruba’s rocky landscape is composed of boulder-strewn hills and stunning rock formations that are perfect for exploring.
The island is home to several natural attractions such as the Arikok National Park, where visitors can hike, bike, and witness diverse flora and fauna.
The local cuisine in Aruba is a fusion of Caribbean, Dutch, and Spanish flavors, featuring fresh seafood, meat stews, and local favorites such as pastechi and keshi yena.
Aruba enjoys a year-round tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
The island is located outside the hurricane belt, making it a popular destination for vacationers looking for sunny weather and warm temperatures.
Overall, Aruba offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights that make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a memorable Caribbean experience.
Whether it’s exploring Black Stone Beach or the Casibari Rock Formations, you’ll have plenty of activities to do.
The beaches in Aruba are perfect for swimming and there are restaurants, bars, jet skis, lighthouses, and tourist attractions alongside the beaches.
Beaches
Here’s some of the most note-worthy beaches you’ll find in Aruba.
- Baby beach
- Palm beach
- Arashi beach
- Oranjestad
- Eagle beach
- Flamingo beach
- Bachelor’s beach
Attractions
- Arikok National Park
- ATV to Aruba’s Secret beach
- Conchi Natural Pool
- California Lighthouse
- Jeep Safari
- Donkey Sanctuary
- Philip’s Animal Garden
- Aruba Aloe Factory Museum
- The Butterfly Farm
Climate
Aruba has a year-round warm and sunny tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from around 86 F to 91 F.
Compared to the Bahamas, Aruba has a relatively dry climate but is cooled down by the wind.
Languages
The official language in Aruba is Papiamiento, but English is widely spoken as well so you won’t have to worry about getting around.
70% of the population speaks Papiamiento and many people also speak Dutch and Spanish.
Currency
Most vendors throughout Aruba accept US dollars, however, you may want to have some of their currency on hand for tips and local vendors. The currency in Aruba is the Aruban florin, which is a rate of 1.79 florin per 1 US dollar.
Food
The cuisine of Aruba involves tons of fresh seafood, stews, and deep-fried pastries called pastechis.
Their national dish is keshi yena, a stuffed cheese casserole that’s a must-try if you visit.
If you’re a fan of seafood, head over to Quinta Del Carmen in the city of Oranjestad to enjoy some of the country’s most delicious fresh seafood and Caribbean cuisine.
For dessert, Aruba has many cake shops where you can try out cashew nut cake, one of their most prized desserts.
You can also get Italian gelato alongside the beach at Gelatissimo Bus to cool you down during the day.
Aruban cuisine
- Stews
- Pastechi
- Keshi Yena
- Hearty soups
- Smashed bread
- Fried plantains
Nightlife
Aruba’s nightlife is exciting and features many lively nightclubs, beachfront lounges, casinos, and bars.
The strip of Palm Beach and the downtown area of Aruba is packed with different festivities to enjoy solo or with friends on a night out.
The people of Aruba and the Bahamas are both very sociable and nice. Aruba, in particular, is known for being hospitable which translates to its vibrant night life scene.
Here’s a list of popular nightclubs and beachside bars to check out in Aruba.
- The Sopranos Piano Bar
- Aruba Rays Comedy Club
- Gusto Night Club
- Kukoo Kunuku Club
- Bugaloe Beach Bar
- The Beach Bar
- Coco Loco Beach Bar
- Heart Music Bar
- The Wine Room
Safety
Aruba is much safer to walk around than the Bahamas. In the Bahamas, there are more tourist scams and crime overall.
Aruba has one of the lowest crime rates out of the islands in the Caribbean.
Based on the World Bank Data, the homicide rate is 2 incidents per 100,000 people, which is very low compared to the global average.
Overall, Aruba is generally very safe but you should avoid walking alone at night in areas downtown such as the “red light district”, which has higher crime rates.
Overview of Bahamas
The Bahamas is a tropical haven known for having some of the world’s most beautiful islands and luxurious resorts.
With over 700 islands and 2400 cays, the Bahamas offers endless opportunities for fun. The Bahamas’ total area covers 5,358 square miles.
If you’re looking to island-hop, it’s best to stay in the capital of Nassau where you’ll have the most access to the other islands.
Located in Nassau are plenty of luxurious beachside resorts including the Royal at Atlantis which gives you free access to the Aquaventure water park.
Traveling to the Exumas, a chain of 365 islands in the Bahamas, is a must if you’re looking to snorkel, kayak, dive, and explore beautiful coral reefs.
Also located in the Exumas district is “Pig Beach”, where you can swim with pigs in crystal-clear turquoise waters!
Additionally, there is the Exumas Land and Sea Park, which is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including iguanas, flamingos, and turtles.
If you’d like a glimpse into the country’s rich history, you can visit Fort Charlotte, Fort Montagu, or visit the famous Queen’s Staircase in the capital city of Nassau.
If you’re a fan of Southern cooking and seafood, you’ll absolutely love Bahamian cuisine.
It’s culturally diverse and features many seafood dishes inspired by South American and Caribbean cuisine.
The national dish of the Bahamas is conch, which is a large sea mollusk that’s used to make fritters, salads, and stews.
Some of the most popular dishes are conch fritters, johnnycakes, pigeon peas and rice, and guava duff.
In short, the Bahamas is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience luxurious resorts and have the opportunity to island-hop.
Beaches
Here’s a list of some of the most stunning beaches in the Bahamas.
- Cable Beach
- Fortune Beach
- Cabbage Beach
- Gold Rock Beach
- Pink Sands Beach
- Treasure Cay Beach
- Paradise Beach
- Love Beach
Attractions
Although the Bahamas is known for its beautiful beaches, there are offers tons of unique tourist attractions throughout the islands.
These are some of the most note-worthy tourist attractions you won’t want to miss.
- Swimming with pigs and turtles
- Marine habitat at Atlantis
- Ardastra Garden & Wildlife Conservation Center
- Queen’s staircase
- Garden of the Groves
- Pirates of Nassau
- Aquaventure
- Baha bay water park
- Fort Fincastle
Climate
The Bahamas has a subtropical marine climate with warm temperatures all year-round. The average temperature range is between 77°F to 90°F.
The wet season in the Bahamas runs from June to November, where there’s a higher chance of rainfall and tropical storms.
However, there are still plenty of days with great beach weather during this time. The dry season runs from November to June with less rainfall.
Languages
The people in the Bahamas speak English primarily. Many people speak an English-based Creole language, such as Bahamian Creole or Haitian Creole.
Currency
The US dollar is accepted throughout the Bahamas so you won’t need to convert to Bahamian dollars. Bahamian dollars are also fixed to the USD at a rate of 1 BSD per USD.
Food
A staple food in the Bahamas is fresh seafood, with popular dishes being conch fritters, grilled fish, and lobster tails.
There are plenty of fine-dining restaurants along the shore to get seafood, as well as budget options from small shacks.
Other local favorite foods include peas and rice, conch salad, fried plantains, and johnnycakes.
For dessert, make sure to try out guava duff! Guava duff is a delicious dessert made of fresh guava rolled in steamed dough, and drizzled with a rich rum butter sauce.
Coconut tart, bread pudding, and cassava cake are other popular desserts you won’t want to miss.
Bahamas cuisine
- Cracked conch
- Bahamian fish stew
- Baked crab
- Rum cake
- Guava duff
- Pigeon peas and rice
- Bread pudding
- Coconut tart
- Cassava cake
- Conch fritters
Nightlife
Similar to Aruba, the nightlife scene in the Bahamas is lively and abundant. Bahamians are very sociable and nice.
In Nassau, you’ll find plenty of beach bars and nightclubs along Bay Street. There are also many popular casinos on Paradise Island and in Freeport.
- Tiki Bikini Hut
- Atlantis Casino
- The Daquiri Shack
- Pete’s Pub and Gallery
- Senor Frogs Nassau
- Chat N Chill Bar
Safety
The Bahamas has a high crime rate compared to Aruba. There is a high likelihood of crime in both non-tourist areas and tourist areas, particularly in Freeport and Nassau.
It has a crime level of 2, based on the US Department of State’s Travel Advisory, which means you should take extra precautions while visiting.
However, there are plenty of islands in the Bahamas that are family-friendly.
Some of the safest places in the Bahamas are the Abacos Islands, Cat Island, and the Berry Islands.
Aruba vs Bahamas: When’s the best time to visit each island?
The best time to visit Aruba is between April through December when the weather is warmest and the prices for hotels are the lowest.
The best time to visit the Bahamas, on the other hand, is between December to April when the risk for hurricanes is the lowest.
But, if you’re looking for the cheapest prices, between August and November is when the hotel prices drop.
Aruba vs Bahamas: Which is cheaper?
Both Aruba and the Bahamas are both relatively expensive places to vacation, but the Bahamas is cheaper on average.
However, if you plan on staying at a luxurious resort, the Bahamas will likely be more expensive.
The average daily price for vacationing in Aruba is $325 and is $249 in the Bahamas. However, the food and hotel prices in the Bahamas for luxurious resorts are more expensive.
A week’s trip for a couple in Aruba costs $4,548 on average whereas a week’s trip for a couple in the Bahamas costs an average of $3,493.
Aruba vs Bahamas: Which island is more family-friendly?
Both Aruba and the Bahamas are family-friendly. Generally, Aruba is much safer and easier to walk around. However, the resorts in the Bahamas are very safe as well.
Aruba has many kid-friendly tourist attractions including the butterfly farm, donkey sanctuary, off-road safaris, ostrich farm, and much more.
The Bahamas also offers tons of kid-friendly attractions, including water parks, swimming with pigs on the beach, the banana boat tour, the Pirates of Nassau Museum, and more.
Our Final Thoughts: Which is better?
Aruba and the Bahamas are both incredible Caribbean destinations that offer unique experiences for travelers.
Put in a nutshell, Aruba is best for those seeking a laid-back beach vacation with picture-perfect beaches, exciting nightlife, and a hospitable environment that’s easy to navigate around.
The Bahamas is ideal for beach lovers looking to stay at luxurious resorts, enjoy perfect weather, and explore tons of unique tourist attractions.
Regardless of which you choose, these are two excellent options for a tropical vacation.
Also read:
