The Grand Cayman is not located in the Bahamas. The Grand Cayman is situated in the western Caribbean to the south of Cuba, whereas the Bahamas are located to the north of Cuba. 

The Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman islands, which are approximately 749 kilometers away from the Bahamas.

So, what are the Cayman Islands? And, how does the Grand Cayman differ from the Bahamas?

Keep on reading to find out exactly where the Grand Cayman and the Bahamas are located. We’ll also discuss the key differences between these two prized vacation destinations. 

bahama
Photo by: Fernando Jorge

Is Grand Cayman In The Bahamas?

No, the Grand Cayman is not in the Bahamas. The Grand Cayman is located in the Cayman Islands, which are roughly 749 kilometers away from the Bahamas.

Situated in between Grand Cayman and the Bahamas is Cuba. The Grand Cayman is located to the south of Cuba whereas the Bahamas is located to the north of Cuba. 

Where is the Grand Cayman?

The Grand Cayman is located in the Western Caribbean Sea, approximately 450 miles south of Miami, Florida.

The Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cay).

Where are the Bahamas?

The Bahamas are located in the West Atlantic Ocean, approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Florida.

The Bahamas is 5,358 square miles, which is over 70 times larger than the Grand Cayman!

Unlike the Grand Cayman which is an island, the Bahamas is a country made of over 700 islands and 2,400 cays. 

What are the Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands are a group of three islands (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cay) that are a self-governing British Overseas Territory.

The Cayman Islands are a popular vacation spot because they have beautiful white-sandy beaches, luxurious resorts, and lovely weather all year round. 

cayman islands
Photo by: Romello Williams

How do the Grand Cayman and the Bahamas differ?

The biggest difference between the Grand Cayman and the Bahamas is that the Grand Cayman is part of a three-island chain, whereas the Bahamas consists of 700 islands.

On the other hand, the capital city of the Bahamas, Nassau is roughly the same size as the Grand Cayman.

The Grand Cayman is approximately 75.68 square miles, and Nassau is 79.92 square miles. Both the Grand Cayman and Nassau have many beautiful beaches and all-inclusive resorts making them ideal for a vacation.

Here are some of the key differences between the Grand Cayman and Nassau, Bahamas.

  • The Grand Cayman is the capital of the Cayman Islands whereas Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas
  • Traveling around Grand Cayman is safer than traveling around Nassau
  • The average daily price for tourists is $270 in the Cayman Islands and $249 in the Bahamas.
  • The Bahamas is over 50 times larger than the Cayman Islands
  • The Cayman Islands has 3 islands and the Bahamas consists of 700 islands

What is Grand Cayman known for?

The Grand Cayman is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, unique nature attractions, fresh seafood, and vibrant nightlife.

One of the most popular beaches in Grand Cayman is Seven Mile Beach, which offers tourists plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and more.

seven mile beach
Seven Mile Beach (Photo by: Heidi Kiss)

Alongside the shores, you’ll find restaurants that serve fresh seafood and Jamaican-inspired Caribbean cuisine including conch fritters, turtle stew, and jerk chicken.

The Grand Cayman is home to many fascinating nature attractions such as the Crystal Caves, Stingray City, and Starfish Point. The people in Grand Cayman are also very sociable and outgoing, which spills over into their nightlife.

At night in the Grand Cayman, you’ll find many lively nightclubs and beachside bars, especially in the Seven Mile beach area. 

All in all, the Grand Cayman is a great spot for those looking for an adventure.

What is the Bahamas known for?

The Bahamas is known for having some of the world’s most beautiful islands, luxurious resorts, and picture-perfect beaches.

The capital city of Nassau in the Bahamas is where most tourists plan their stay. On Nassau, there are plenty of high-end resorts, fine-dining restaurants, historical landmarks, and tourist attractions.

Throughout the rest of the Bahamas, there are pink sand beaches, large barrier reefs, swimming pigs, national parks, and much more. The cuisine in the Bahamas is similar to Grand Cayman’s cuisine.

It features seafood and Caribbean dishes inspired by Jamaican cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes in the Bahamas are conch salad, johnnycakes, and jerk chicken.

The nightlife in the Bahamas is lively and exciting, with many nightclubs, casinos, comedy clubs, and beachside bars.

Overall, the Bahamas is ideal for those looking to have a luxurious vacation while exploring some of the most beautiful islands. 

bahamas resort
The Atlantis At Paradise Island, Bahamas (Photo by: Mikhail Nilov)

Is the Grand Cayman or the Bahamas better for vacation?

Whether the Grand Cayman or the Bahamas is better for vacation ultimately depends on your preferences.

Both locations have tropical weather, picturesque beaches, luxurious resorts, and fine-dining restaurants.

That said, the Cayman Islands are much smaller than the Bahamas. Despite its small size, Grand Cayman has the perfect mix of unique beaches and nature attractions. However, Nassau Bahamas is roughly the same size as the Grand Cayman.

Nassau is better for those looking to stay at a luxurious resort like the Atlantis and explore historical landmarks and national parks. Compared to Grand Cayman, the capital city of Nassau is not as safe, and there’s a higher likelihood of crime.

But if you plan on island-hopping, the Bahamas will have even more noteworthy attractions like the Pink Sand Beach, Pig Beach, and Andros barrier reef.

swimming pigs
Photo by: Forest Simon

Is the Grand Cayman a US territory?

No, the Grand Cayman is part of the Cayman Islands, which is a self-governing British territory. 

Is the Bahamas part of the US?

No, the Bahamas is not part of the US but rather an independent country within the British Commonwealth

Are the Cayman Islands safe?

Yes, the Cayman Islands are one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. People in the Cayman Islands are hospitable, and navigating throughout the islands is relatively easy. 

Are the Bahamas safe?

No, the Bahamas aren’t considered safe because they have high rates of crime, especially in areas such as Freeport and Nassau.

According to the US Department of State’s Travel Advisory, the Bahamas is at a level of 2, meaning you should exercise caution when visiting.

However, there are still safe islands such as Abacos Island, as well as many areas that are well-patrolled. 

Conclusion

The Grand Cayman is not located in the Bahamas since it’s part of the Cayman Islands, which is 749 km away from the Bahamas.

The Cayman Islands are located in the Caribbean Sea to the south of Cuba while the Bahamas is located to the north of Cuba.

Both places have picture-perfect beaches, delicious seafood, and plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. 

The Grand Cayman is known for its unique nature attractions, Seven Mile Beach, and exciting nightlife. The Bahamas, on the other hand, is known for its luxurious resorts, rich cultural history, and abundance of beautiful islands. 

If you need help deciding which place is better for vacation, view our guide on the Cayman Islands vs. the Bahamas.

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