Cayman Islands vs. Bahamas - Which Paradise Will You Choose?

Cayman Islands vs. Bahamas - Which Paradise Will You Choose?

Decisions, decisions! The Cayman Islands? The Bahamas? Both are known for turquoise waters, sun-kissed beaches and balmy weather. They also differ in ways that make each a one-of-a-kind vacation choice.

 

Take An Unforgettable Cayman Trip With Us!

Established in 1951, Captain Marvin’s has a long, acclaimed history of providing our customers with the very best possible excursions in the Caymans. From swimming with stingrays to deep sea fishing to snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, we promise that your outing with us will be nothing short of epic.

The Cayman Islands are worth a visit for their beautiful beaches and amazing sea life. You can enjoy some of the best snorkeling and diving spots, where you can see colorful fish and coral reefs. The friendly locals and relaxed atmosphere make it a great place to unwind and have fun. Don’t miss out on the unique charm of the Caymans! Choose Grand Cayman and book a Captain Marvin’s excursion today!

 

Still unsure whether to choose the Cayman Islands or the Bahamas for your next getaway? Discover the differences between the two destinations with our helpful guide to make the best decision!

 

Quick Facts About Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is nestled in the Western Caribbean Sea and is about 277 miles south of Cuba. It’s a British Overseas Territory and has two kindred islands: Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. George Town, its capital, is located on the island’s western shore.

Grand Cayman is a pocket-sized, 76 square-mile stretch of land and is about 22 miles long. In addition to its gorgeous beaches, Cayman is ranked as the world’s fifth largest financial hub. Because of its small size, it requires minimal time to plan your vacation and more time to enjoy it!

 

Quick Facts About The Bahamas

The Bahamas are located in the West Atlantic Ocean and consist of a sprawling archipelago of 700 islands. Nassau, on New Providence Island, is the capital and is home to 70 percent of the Commonwealth’s population.

The Bahamas are located 110 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. Islands in the chain other than New Providence and Grand Bahama are called the Out Islands. Only 30 of the islands are inhabited, including:

  • Harbour Island

  • Rum Cay

  • Eleuthera

  • Exuma Island

  • Bimini

Since the Bahamas have myriad islands, you’ll need to spend more time planning your visit than you would for a trip to the three Caymans.

 

Weather in the Cayman Islands and Bahamas is generally similar. But the differences could impact your vacation.

 

Weather In The Cayman Islands

Much of the Caymans’ allure comes from their blissful tropical climate. These islands enjoy year-round warm temperatures during their two seasons:

  • Dry Season (November – April) – During the Cayman’s dry season, highs are about 85 and lows about 75.

  • Wet Season (May – October) – Wet season in the Caymans features highs around 90 and nighttime temperatures around 80.

The Caymans do have a hurricane season (June – November) and are within the Hurricane Belt. However, they’re far enough west that most storms moving through the Caribbean Sea veer north before reaching the Caymans’ beaches.

They’re also shielded by Cuba, which reduces the fierceness and frequency of hurricanes. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions if you visit this time of year.

 

Weather In The Bahamas

The Bahamas also boast glorious tropical temperatures and two seasons:

  • Dry Season (December – April) – During the dry season, highs average around 80 and lows average about 70.

  • Wet Season (May – November) – Highs average 85 and lows average 75 during the Bahamas wet season.

The Bahamas are also in the Hurricane Belt. However, they have historically sustained more hurricane damage than the Caymans and have a higher hurricane risk. This is because the islands’ positioning makes them vulnerable to hurricanes barreling directly from the Atlantic Ocean. Hurricane strikes in the Bahamas are more common in Abaco, Grand Bahama, Bimini and New Providence Islands.

 

Whether you’re traveling to the Caymans or the Bahamas, be sure to bring your appetite! Both offer luscious foods with local and international flavors.

 

Must-Try Dishes & Restaurants In The Cayman Islands

Dubbed the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, the Caymans live up to that lofty title with fresh, mouthwatering food that’s heavily influenced by Jamaican cuisine. Palate-pleasing mainstays include:

  • Jerk chicken

  • Spicy beef

  • Fresh lobster, mahi mahi and other native fish

  • Conch fritters

  • Fish rundown

Save room for the Cayman’s national desert, heavy cake, a confection that’s dense, sticky and temptingly sweet.

With more than 200 restaurants, from upscale waterfront dining to casual fare, you’ll never run out of eateries in Grand Cayman. A few worth checking out are:

The Wreck Bar & Grill

Home of the iconic mudslide cocktail (a velvety mixture of Kahlua, vodka and Bailey’s Irish Cream), the Wreck Bar is located at Rum Point on Grand Cayman’s North Side. Combining tasty food with picturesque waterfront seating, the down-to-earth restaurant is a great place for your family to go when their tummies start rumbling.

Blue by Eric Ripert, Ritz-Carlton

Blue by Eric Ripert is the Caribbean’s only Forbes Five Star Restaurant. Helmed by acclaimed Chef Eric Ripert, the elite eatery is fine dining at its finest. It serves six- and seven-course tasting menus featuring local ingredients with a French flair.

The dress code is resort elegant: slacks, collared shirts and closed-toe shoes for men and chic sundresses with heels or sandals for women.

Tortuga Beach Grill & Bar

If you’re looking for tasty, reasonably priced food in a stunning beachfront setting, look no farther than the Tortuga Beach Grill and Bar. Spend time soaking up its relaxed ambiance and enjoying the delicious flavors of the islands with mouthwatering dishes including:

  • Tuna poke bowl

  • Island conch fritters

  • Chargrilled burger

  • Fish tacos

  • Jerk chicken pizza

As sunset paints the sky, enjoy the nightly happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m.

 

Best Dining Spots In The Bahamas

The Bahamas offer local food with a Southern American twist. Whether served at a high-end restaurant or a humble food truck, staples of the Bahamas’ cuisine include:

  • Cracked conch

  • Fish ’n grits

  • Bahamian stew fish

  • Peas and rice

  • Chicken souse

Ready to go diving into scrumptious food, Bahamas-style? We’ve rounded up a few noteworthy restaurants for you to try during your trip:

Banana Bay

Located on Fortune Beach, Banana Bay is a friendly, beachfront restaurant and bar that offers national and international dishes. Casual and affordable, it’s a great place to savor gorgeous waterfront views and featherlight sea breezes with your meal or drink.

Sit on the breezy deck, or pull up a lounger and sink your toes into the sand. Menu favorites include:

  • Bahamian conch fritters

  • Grouper cakes

  • Coconut shrimp

  • Mahi tacos

  • Signature banana bread

Banana Bay often features live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 PM to midnight.

Graycliff Restaurant

Immerse yourself in 18th Century elegance at the Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant. The Caribbean’s first 5 Star restaurant, it exudes sophistication and refinement. Turn back time in one of this historic colonial mansion’s five dining rooms, and enjoy gourmet food, savor world-class wine from their 250,000-bottle inventory, puff a premium cigar and enjoy nightly grand piano music.

The hotel has a sumptuous menu that includes:

  • Seared tomahawk ribeye

  • Bahamian spiny lobster with truffle risotto

  • Truffle gnocchi

  • Dover sole meuniere

Worth Noting: Graycliff has a formal dress code, so men must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Chic attire is suitable for women.

The Stoned Crab

Touting itself as “the place to be for refined beach bums and chic dining,” the Stoned Crab pairs creative, European-inspired dishes with a gorgeous, oceanfront setting. Eat inside under the Stoned Crab’s soaring steepled roof or relax on a beachfront lounge chair – you can even have your food and drinks brought to you.

The restaurant’s seafood-centric menu includes:

  • Mango shrimp salad

  • Blackened grouper

  • Crab claws

  • Conch fritters

Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure a prime beachfront lounge chair and enjoy a stunning sunset while you sip on a refreshing cocktail!

 

Grand Cayman or Bahamas? Check out the adventures that await in both!

 

Unforgettable Attractions In The Cayman Islands

Stingray City

You haven’t visited the Caymans until you’ve visited Stingray City! Your family will have the experience of a lifetime swimming with stingrays, petting them and even hugging them. Stingrays are often miscast as savage predators, but here, they’re just like overgrown puppies.

Located on Grand Cayman’s North Sound, the City isn’t a town, but an area that has two sections: Valley of the Rays and Stingray Sandbar. Valley of the Rays offers expert divers the chance to swim with stingrays at depths of 12 to 15 feet, where they’re more abundant. Stingray Sandbar is best for people who aren’t strong simmers or who don’t snorkel or scuba dive. The waters there are shallow, but they’ll still teem with friendly stingrays vying for your attention.

Good To Know: Do stingrays sting? Yes. But they’ll only sting if they’re frightened, startled or provoked.

Seven Mile Beach

Proclaimed the “Number One Beach in the World” by US News and World Report, the legendary Seven Mile Beach is a utopia of chiffony white sand and clear, turquoise waters. Since it’s lined with some of the island’s most luxurious properties, the beach is kept impeccably clean, well-manicured and free of tourists trap vendors and cruise crowds.

The beach, located south of West Bay, is public, so you can stroll from end to end even if you’re not staying there, stop at a beachside restaurant or watch a legendary sunset.

Cayman Crystal Caves

The mysterious Crystal Caves in the Cayman Islands are tucked under a lush tropical forest in Old Man Bay. One of the Caymans’ most fascinating attractions, these ancient caverns abound in awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites patiently created one drop at a time over millions of years.

All visitors must take guided tours for a safe journey through three spectacular caves. During the special Dusk-to-Dark Evening Bat Tour, you may see these winged mammals, and you can even book a dinner under the stars!

 

Explore The Best Attractions In The Bahamas

Try Your Luck At The Casinos

If you want to double down on fun during your trip to the Bahamas, visit one of their many casinos. Gambling is legal for non-residents 18 years or older, so enjoy yourself at some of the islands’ top casinos, including:

  • Baha Mar Casino – Located in Nassau, this casino is huge and opulent. Whether you’re a beginner or a high roller, you can test your luck at 119 action-filled gaming tables and more than 1,000 ultra-modern slots. The 100,000 square-foot casino features soaring floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the turquoise waters to make your gaming experience even more fantastic.

  • Atlantis Casino – Enjoy Vegas Bahama-style at Atlantis Casino on Paradise Island. Straddling a seven-acre lagoon adorned with glass sculptures, the casino is illuminated by skylights and towering windows. It offers 85 table games and more than 700 state-of-the-art slot machines. When you’re on the gambling floor, provide your room key to earn exclusive offers and privileges.

  • Bimini Bahamas Casino – Against a fantastic backdrop of dramatic ocean views, 10,000 square feet of gaming excitement await. Known for classic games, Bimini Bahamas Casino features baccarat, blackjack, roulette and craps. Add 160 slot machines and a sports bar featuring delicious wings, gourmet craft burgers and invigorating cocktails, and you’ll have an incomparable casino adventure.

Pig Beach

Pigs may not be able to fly, but on Pig Beach, they can swim! About 20 cute feral porkers and piglets are living their best lives on the otherwise deserted Big Major Cay Island. They’re not native to the island, although there is much speculation about how they got there. There are no other countries with swimming pigs.

The best way to swim with these adorable creatures is from a boat. You and your family can also interact with them on the beach and at the shallow shoreline. Most people are unaware that pigs have poor eyesight and can be easily startled, so be aware of their location at all times. There are several more rules for having the best experience possible with a piggy:

  • Never feed a pig by hand. Always toss food into the water near them, as your fingers could become a side-dish for their meal.

  • Feed them from the boat, never the beach. This reinforces their survival instinct to get their own food.

  • Only feed them approved fruits and vegetables.

  • Don’t think you can outwit them. They are considered to be the fifth-smartest animal in the world.

Pink Sand Beach

Although it’s not Barbie-pink, Pink Sand Beach is still an attention-getter. Located in Harbour Island, the beach has a soft, rosy glow created by tiny pink-shelled organisms. When the critters die, their shells break down and meld with the sand.

The beach is a generous, uncrowded expanse of sand whose pastel hues beautifully complement the shimmering turquoise waters. Take a break from ordinary beaches that you’ve visited, and be sure to check out the Pink Sand Beach at sunrise or sunset, when the pink color is vividly kindled.

 

In addition to diving and snorkeling, both islands offer their own unique water activities.

 

Thrilling Water Activities In The Cayman Islands

Bioluminescence Kayaking

If you want to see the water as you’ve never seen it before at night, jump in a kayak and head for the ethereal Bioluminescent Bay. Located on Grand Cayman’s north side near Starfish Point, the bay was named after a spectacle called bioluminescence. When microscopic organisms are brushed by your paddle, they spray remarkable, neon blue-green sparkles.

In addition to kayaking, you can also snorkel and immerse yourself in this magical display. Only four other areas of the world have bioluminescence. If you’re comparing Cayman Islands vs Bahamas, the Bahamas isn’t one of them.

Pro Tip: Bioluminescent Bay is a must-see in Grand Cayman, where the water glows with a magical light, making for an unforgettable experience!

Horseback Riding On The Beach

Enjoy a peaceful walk or trot along the beach as you savor the ocean’s grandeur and bond with a gentle horse. Horseback riding is a great way to see the island’s beauty from a different perspective.

Or you can take a dreamlike swim with your steed. This means you’ll slowly ride him in waters up to his belly or shoulders. Moonlight horseback experiences are also available under night-cloaked tropical skies.

Scuba Dive With Sharks

If you’re looking for an exciting bucket-list adventure, try scuba diving with sharks. Not the ferocious variety that the movie Jaws made famous, but ones that have little interest in making you their next meal.

Cayman’s warm waters have exceptional clarity that allow you to easily see lemon sharks, reef sharks, blacktip sharks and nurse sharks. Head to the famous dive site, Hammerhead Hill, to marvel at quirky hammerhead sharks up close.

 

Exciting Water Adventures In The Bahamas

Swim With Dolphins

Although there are several manmade “dolphin encounters” in the Bahamas, there’s nothing like seeing these clever mammals in their natural aquatic sanctuary. Swimming with dolphins will be nothing short of a life-changing event as you experience them swirling, whistling and clicking around you.

Dolphins are very sociable and will get more and more excited the more you swim. Nighttime dolphin dives are also a great option for a unique nocturnal romp with these entertaining animals.

Experience Snuba

Snuba combines snorkeling with scuba diving. It’s an innovative means of exploring water up to 20 feet deep without heavy diving equipment. This is shallower than most scuba dives but deeper than most snorkeling. Snuba is usually done with a guide, making it ideal for beginners or people who don’t have scuba certification.

Explore Blue Holes

Unlike black holes, which are in outer space, blue holes are found in the ocean. These underwater sinkholes are called blue because they look blue from above. Blue holes can be extraordinarily deep: Dean’s Blue Hole in Long Island, Bahamas, is a staggering 656 feet deep.

This is the world’s second-deepest blue hole and offers divers amazing underwater caves and marine life. Andros Island also has a blue hole worth visiting: Capt. Bill’s Blue Hole, where you can take the “Leap of Faith,” diving from a ledge into the water.

Try Spearfishing

If you want to experience the thrill of a more hands-on and challenging approach to fishing, spearfishing is an option. Divers use a spear or speargun to target groupers, snappers, hogfish and lionfish, an invasive species whose numbers need to be controlled. Spearfishing is dangerous, so know your limits, never fish alone and be aware of your surroundings.

 

When the sun goes down, island nightlife keeps things hot. With everything from pulsating dance clubs to chill lounges, there’s something for everyone.

 

Lively Nightlife In The Cayman Islands

Nectar Bar

Nectar Bar welcomes you with multicolored pulses of light and an enormous dance floor that borders the DJ’s station on three sides. DJ Yoyo is often there getting the crowd fired up, Wednesday nights feature hip-hop and reggaeton and salsa take over the sound system on Saturdays.

Stogies

For a more relaxed evening, pull up a chair at Stogies, a cigar bar with a fine collection of cigars and whisky. Decorated with cigar-toned sofas, wallpaper and floorboards, it’s worthy of the Godfather’s Tony Montana, himself.

All Stars Sports Bar & Grill

Formerly the Attic, the All Stars Sports Bar and Grill is a great after-hours entertainment spot to drink, eat and play! Casual and fun, it serves up affordable pizza and wings that you can eat while cheering your team on one of 30 big screens. All Stars also offers beer pong, pool, darts and Wednesday-night karaoke.

Good To Know: If you’re out after dark, the Caymans are considered to be very safe.

 

Vibrant Nightlife In The Bahamas

Waterloo

The only thing you’ll have to surrender at this Waterloo are your inhibitions. Hit the huge dance floor while in-residence DJs and special guests spin seismic rhythms. Multiple seating levels and bars await if you take a break from rocking out.

The Getaway Restaurant & Lounge

Looking for a casual night out? Then cruise to the Getaway Restaurant and Lounge, where you can enjoy yummy food and drinks and jam to live bands or their house DJ. The Getaway has a comfortable, welcoming vibe and sports fans will love its multiple big screens, strategically positioned so you don’t have to look at the back of someone’s head.

Tiki Bikini Hut

Tiki Bikini Hut is a lively beachfront bar and restaurant with scenic views of a cruise port. Serving a wide variety of international and Bahamian foods, they have something for every appetite. The Tiki Bikini Hut features diverse local live entertainment, including jazz, steel pan, R&B and Calypso.

Good To Know: The Bahamas have a higher crime rate than the Caymans, so exercise caution if you go out at night.

 

The tropics have countless options for whirlwind purchasing. Get ready to shop till you drop!

 

Shopping In The Cayman Islands

George Town

The Islands’ bustling capital, George Town, is great for tourists seeking discount stores. Luxury merchandise that would be prohibitively expensive costs a fraction of what it would in the US. This is because it’s duty-free and not subject to taxes. So treat yourself to Louis Vuitton, Cartier or Rolex – no one needs to know how little you paid for them!

Rum Point

More low-key than George Town, Rum Point boasts small shops carrying unique, locally crafted items.

Camana Bay

A shopper’s mecca, the 675-acre Camana Bay features clothing, accessories, books, home décor, gifts, art and more.

Good to Know: Know your country’s duty-free limits when buying high-end items.

 

Shopping In The Bahamas

The Bahamas are also duty-free, so you can shop guilt-free. Here are some spots heat up your cold, hard cash.

Bay Street

Bay Street is Nassau’s main avenue for first-class shopping. It’s a smorgasbord of local boutiques, souvenir shops and luxury brands. Enjoy discovering the perfect handcrafted Bahamian items, jewelry, designer clothes and more.

Straw Market

The Straw Market, located in the middle of Bay Street, has over 500 vendors. True to its name, one of its main offerings is beautiful, handcrafted straw items – straw hats, straw bags, straw dolls, straw bowls – well, you get the idea.

It’s somewhat like an indoor flea market, overflowing with a variety of souvenirs such as t-shirts, sunglasses and flip-flops. This is the place for you if you enjoy haggling to get the ideal price for the ideal item.

The Marina Village At Atlantis

The Marina Village at Atlantis is a waterfront locale offering high-end purchasing, entertainment and dining. Spend the day browsing and buying at luxury and designer stores, local artisan stores and specialty shops.

 

And The Winner Is…

Why vacation anywhere else when the benefits of the Bahamas exist in Grand Cayman? We will show you how amazing this beautiful island is during one of our unforgettable excursions.

Founder of the thrilling Cayman Islands stingray encounter, Captain Marvin’s will whisk you away to a world where dreams of interacting with these friendly creatures, snorkeling the Barrier Reef, fishing or glimpsing ethereal bioluminescence really do come true.

Choose Grand Cayman – and book you unforgettable excursion today!

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
10 to 32

Tour #1: Stingrays and Starfish ( Caves on Fridays & Saturdays only)

Enjoy the combo tour with stingrays and starfish, offered for USD65/person each morning at 7:45 before the crowds! On Fridays and Saturdays, you can add the caves tour (USD110/person for both). This tour has a minimum of 10 people.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
Up to 45

Tour #2: Stingrays and one snorkel stop to Barrier Reef OR Coral Gardens

Our two-stop stingray/snorkel tour lasts about two hours and 30 minutes, slightly shorter than our three-stop stingray/snorkel tour. The two-stop trip goes to the Stingray City sandbar plus one snorkel stop, either the Barrier Reef or the Coral Gardens. Our captain will decide when he gets out to the stingray/snorkel areas which snorkel stop to use, based on wind, wave, and tide conditions, as well as on the number of people at each of the two areas. We always try to go to the less populated of the two stops.

Duration
5 hours
Group Size
Up to 40

Tour #3: Beach Lunch, Stingray & Snorkel tour

Capt. Marvin's Beach Lunch Stingray/Snorkel Tour is the best of the best! It includes two snorkel stops (one of which will be a conch dive during conch season, Nov. 1st through April 30th), the Stingray City sandbar for interaction with the stingrays, and a fresh seafood lunch on the beach across the North Sound (near Kaibo/Rumpoint).

Our crew will dive for conch in season and you are welcome to help them. They will even clean up some shells so each family unit who wishes can take one back home with them (supply limited). The rest of the year, you will have extra snorkeling (or Starfish) stop instead of the conch dive.

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 45

Tour #4:Stingray City and Two snorkeling stops to Coral Gardens and the Barrier Reef

Our three-stop stingray/snorkel tour lasts three hours, dock to dock. The three-stop stingray/snorkel trip goes to the Stingray City sandbar plus TWO snorkel stops, both the Barrier Reef AND the Coral Gardens.

We strongly recommend that you bring flotation devices for children under age 3, as our snorkel gear is for ages 3 and over. We provide snorkel vests, life vests, masks, snorkels, and fins for everyone ages 4 and over. You are welcome to bring your own gear if you like. We offer complimentary shuttle service from your hotel or condo on Seven Mile Beach.

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 35

Tour #5: Stingrays, Starfish and Snorkeling

A new tour is being offered on our brand new motor catamaran.

This tour has been getting really great reviews! With approximately 25 people on average, it's a comfortable and high-end unique visit to some of the most beautiful spots on the planet.

The snorkeling will be at either the Coral Gardens OR the Barrier Reef, with approximately 40 minutes at each stop, allowing you more time to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 48

Tour #6: Stingray City Sandbar Experience

A new tour is being offered for those who want to go to Stingray city only. This tour will go to the famous Stingray City sandbar , with approximately 45 minutes at Stingray City.

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 28

North Sounder - Private Charter

USD500/hour, 3-hour minimum (USD1500) for up to 15 people; plus USD80/person for 16-30 people. Add USD10/person for ground transportation. (Holiday Fees apply)

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 50

High Rider - Private Charter

USD650/hour, 3-hour minimum (USD1950) up to 32 people; plus USD60/person for 33-50 people. Add USD10/person for ground transportation. (Holiday Fees apply)

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 50

Miss Anna - Private Charter

USD650/hour, 3-hour minimum (USD1950) up to 32 people; plus USD60/person for 33-50 people. Add USD10/person for ground transportation. (Holiday Fees apply)

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 18

Magic Hook - Private Charter

USD300/hour, 3-hour minimum (USD900) up to 10 people; plus USD60/person for 11-18 people. Add USD10/person for ground transportation. (Holiday Fees apply)

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 35

Oh Boy - Private Charter

USD500/hour, 3-hour minimum (USD1500) for up to 15 people; plus USD80/person for 16-35 people. Add USD10/person for ground transportation. (Holiday Fees apply)

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 50

Cayman Jewel - Private Charter

USD650/hour, 3-hour minimum (USD1950) up to 32 people; plus USD60/person for 33-50 people. Add USD10/person for ground transportation. (Holiday Fees apply)

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 40

Cayman Bear - Private Charter

USD500/hour, 3-hour minimum (USD1500) for up to 25 people; plus USD60/person for 26-40 people. Add USD10/person for ground transportation. (Holiday Fees apply)