Last updated on March 3rd, 2024 at 08:41 am
Comparison St Lucia vs Bahamas – When planning a trip to the Caribbean, St Lucia is a better vacation than the Bahamas if you want an activity-based beach trip, different than your typical resort and beach lounge style vacation.
The Bahamas has incredibly blue beaches while St Lucia has beautiful coves and cays, with some that allow activities like surfing and kitesurfing. In addition, St Lucia also gives you access to nature-based activities like hiking and forest trails. It will be up to you what type of Caribbean experience you want to have. Read here St Lucia vs Aruba and Aruba vs Bahamas
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Where to Stay In Bahamas
There are dormitory rooms that you can rent the bed in the Bahamas as low as $30 USD a night if you want the cheapest option. AirBnb is also available, mostly for about $40-60 USD a night. Double-room hostels can cost up to $60-80 USD a night while mid-range hotels cost more or less $120 USD a night.
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Comparing St Lucia vs Bahamas
The Bahamas is your perfect Caribbean resort and beach vacation, while St Lucia offers the same with a little bit more greenery and activity. Which vacation you will enjoy more, is totally up to you, but here’s a quick side-to-side comparison of Bahamas and St Lucia:
| CATEGORY | ST LUCIA | BAHAMAS |
| Cost of Travel | One person, one week: $700 – $1500 | One person, one week: $1500 – $2000 |
| Beaches and Activities | 1. Hiking Piton Peaks or walking and swimming on beaches with the Piton Peaks views, 2. Anse Des Pitons or Sugar Beach) for snorkeling and diving with the views of the Piton Peaks 3. Rainforest adventures like the Enbas Saut Waterfall, Fond Gens Libre Waterfall, and Diamond Waterfall 4. Swimming in Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay, and Pigeon Island | 1. Swimming with pigs in Exumas 2. Visit the Atlantis Bahamas for the all-inclusive Caribbean experience 3. Cable Beach and Pink Sand Beach for the incredible blue beaches and white sand |
| Nightlife | Go to Gros Islet for their popular Friday night street parties | Nassau is the most popular for Bahamas nightlife with lots of bars, beach clubs, and parties |
| Safety | St Lucia is considered safe for travel, with of course keeping in mind the commmon travel precautions for tourists | Bahamas is incredibly touristy and safe, as long as you practice the usual travel precautions for tourists |
| Climate | Summer is December to April which is the best time to visit as fewer rainfalls and easier transportation around the island. May to November is their winter when they experience non stop rain | Dry season is from November to May, best season but also peak season Rainy season is between June to October, low season however there’s still plenty of sunshine as long as you adjust your expectations as you’ll experience a few showers |
Things to Do – St Lucia vs Bahamas
Public Beaches in St Lucia
Reduit Beach
Located in the town of Rodney Bay, Reduit Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. It has facilities such as restrooms, showers, and food vendors.
Pigeon Island Beach
Located on Pigeon Island, a small island just off the northwest coast of St. Lucia, this beach is known for its beautiful white sand and clear waters. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and has facilities such as restrooms and food vendors.
Choc Beach
Located on the southeast coast of St. Lucia, Choc Beach is known for its calm waters and beautiful views. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and has facilities such as restrooms and food vendors.
Marigot Bay Beach
Located on the western coast of St. Lucia, Marigot Bay is a picturesque beach with crystal-clear waters and beautiful views. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and has facilities such as restrooms and food vendors.
Check out St. Lucia activities
Anse Chastanet Beach
Located on the southwest coast of St. Lucia, Anse Chastanet Beach is known for its beautiful views and serene atmosphere. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and has facilities such as restrooms and food vendors.
There are many other public beaches in St. Lucia, each with its own unique features and amenities. Some may be more secluded and natural, while others may have more facilities and activities.
Yes, there are beaches in St. Lucia that are suitable for surfing. St. Lucia has a number of breaks that can produce good waves, especially during the winter months when the north and northwest swells are at their strongest.
Popular surfing beaches in St. Lucia
Anse des Sables
Located on the west coast of St. Lucia, Anse des Sables is a popular spot for surfing and has a consistent left-hand break.
Anse de Sable
Located on the southeast coast of St. Lucia, Anse de Sable is a popular spot for surfing and has a consistent right-hand break.
Anse La Raye
Located on the west coast of St. Lucia, Anse La Raye is a popular spot for surfing and has a consistent left-hand break.
Anse Cochon
Located on the southwest coast of St. Lucia, Anse Cochon is a popular spot for surfing and has a consistent right-hand break.
La Toc
Located on the south coast of St. Lucia, La Toc is a popular spot for surfing and has a consistent right-hand break.
It’s worth noting that the surfing conditions in St. Lucia can vary and may not always be suitable for surfing, so it’s best to check the local forecast before going out. It’s also important to be aware of the local surfing etiquette and to respect the rights of other beachgoers.
Other Top Things to Do in St Lucia
While St. Lucia is known for its beautiful beaches, there are many other activities and attractions to enjoy on the island. Here are a few top activities in St. Lucia that are not beaches:
Hiking
St. Lucia has a number of trails that offer beautiful views of the island’s mountainous landscape. Some popular trails include the Tet Paul Nature Trail and the Gros Piton Nature Trail. With the Piton Peaks, you can’t miss it, even just walking around seeing their views
Snorkeling and diving
St. Lucia has a number of reefs and underwater features that are home to a diverse array of marine life. The island is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, with a number of tour operators offering guided trips. Anse de Pitons or Sugar beach is of course incredible in St Lucia for snorkeling and diving with the views of the Piton Peaks, a truly unmissable experience if you’re headed to St Lucia.
Rainforest adventures
St. Lucia is home to a number of rainforests and natural reserves, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and nature appreciation. The Enbas Saut Waterfall and the Fond Gens Libre Waterfall are popular destinations for rainforest adventures.
Cultural attractions
St. Lucia has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of African, European, and indigenous Caribbean influences. Some popular cultural attractions include the St. Lucia Folk Research Centre and the Soufriere Estate Diamond Botanical Gardens.
Adventure sports
St. Lucia offers a number of adventure sports, including ziplining, rock climbing, and ATV tours. The Babonneau Adventure Tour and the Quad & ATV Adventures are popular tour operators that offer these activities.
While St. Lucia is known for its beautiful beaches, there are many other activities and attractions to enjoy on the island. Here are a few top activities in St. Lucia that are not beaches:
Hiking
St. Lucia has a number of trails that offer beautiful views of the island’s mountainous landscape. Some popular trails include the Tet Paul Nature Trail and the Gros Piton Nature Trail.
Snorkeling and diving
St. Lucia has a number of reefs and underwater features that are home to a diverse array of marine life. The island is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, with a number of tour operators offering guided trips.
Rainforest adventures
St. Lucia is home to a number of rainforests and natural reserves, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and nature appreciation. The Enbas Saut Waterfall and the Fond Gens Libre Waterfall are popular destinations for rainforest adventures.
Cultural attractions
St. Lucia has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of African, European, and indigenous Caribbean influences. Some popular cultural attractions include the St. Lucia Folk Research Centre and the Soufriere Estate Diamond Botanical Gardens.
Adventure sports
St. Lucia offers a number of adventure sports, including ziplining, rock climbing, and ATV tours. The Babonneau Adventure Tour and the Quad & ATV Adventures are popular tour operators that offer these activities.
There are many other activities to enjoy in St. Lucia, such as golfing, horseback riding, and boat tours. The island has something to offer for every type of traveler.
Public Beaches in the Bahamas
Cable Beach, Nassau
Located on the western side of New Providence Island, Cable Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Bahamas. It is known for its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, as well as its many resorts and restaurants.
Paradise Island Beach
Located on Paradise Island, just across the bridge from Nassau, this beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful white sand. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island
Located on the island of Eleuthera, Pink Sands Beach is known for its beautiful pink-hued sand and crystal-clear waters. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Book Activities in the Bahamas
Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island
Located on Paradise Island, Cabbage Beach is known for its wide stretch of white sand and clear waters. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Treasure Cay Beach
Located on the island of Abaco, Treasure Cay Beach is known for its beautiful white sand and clear waters. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Check out Activities in Bahamas
Private Beaches in the Bahamas – St Lucia vs Bahamas
Baha Mar Beach
Located on Nassau’s Cable Beach, Baha Mar Beach is a private beach that is only accessible to guests of the Baha Mar resort. It features white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, as well as a variety of amenities and activities.
Sandals Royal Bahamian Private Island
Located on Nassau’s Cable Beach, the Sandals Royal Bahamian Private Island is a private beach that is only accessible to guests of the Sandals resort. It features white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, as well as a variety of amenities and activities.
Sandals Emerald Bay Private Island
Located on the island of Great Exuma, the Sandals Emerald Bay Private Island is a private beach that is only accessible to guests of the Sandals resort. It features white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, as well as a variety of amenities and activities.
The Cove Atlantis
Located on Paradise Island, The Cove Atlantis is a private beach that is only accessible to guests of the Atlantis resort. It features white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, as well as a variety of amenities and activities.
One&Only Ocean Club
Located on Paradise Island, the One&Only Ocean Club is a private beach that is only accessible to guests of the One&Only resort. It features white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, as well as a variety of amenities and activities.
Other Top Things to do in the Bahamas that are not beaches
While the Bahamas is known for its beautiful beaches, there are many other activities and attractions to enjoy on the islands. Here are a few top activities in the Bahamas that are not beaches:
Visit Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas
Nassau is known for its colonial architecture, as well as its vibrant nightlife and shopping. Some popular attractions in Nassau include the Nassau Straw Market, the Bahamas National Trust, and the Nassau Public Library.
Take a boat tour to see the blue holes and sunken ships of the Bahamas
The Bahamas is home to a number of unique geological formations, including the famous blue holes and sunken ships. There are a number of tour operators that offer boat tours to these destinations.
Go on a nature tour to see the varied flora and fauna of the Bahamas
The Bahamas is home to a diverse array of plants and animals, including flamingos, parrots, and iguanas. There are a number of tour operators that offer guided nature tours of the islands.
Visit Nassau’s historic sites
The Bahamas has a long and fascinating history, with many historic sites to explore. Some popular sites include Fort Charlotte and the Queen’s Staircase.
Take a ferry to the neighboring island of Eleuthera
Eleuthera is a tranquil island known for its pink sand beaches and laid-back atmosphere. It is a popular destination for those looking to escape the crowds and relax in a more natural setting.
There are many other activities to enjoy in the Bahamas, such as deep sea fishing, horseback riding, and visiting the many cultural and historical sites throughout the islands.
Specific activities: If you’re interested in specific activities, such as whale watching or fishing, you may want to plan your trip around the best season for those activities. For example, the best time for whale watching is usually from March to May.
Final Thoughts – Bahamas vs St Lucia, which is better?
With St Lucia’s volcanic activities, snorkeling and diving with the Pitons views, and hiking the Pitons if your health and strength allows it, we choose it over the Bahamas. This doesn’t lower the beauty of Bahamas as it’s world-renowned when it comes to its beaches.
What did you end up choosing? Let us know in the comments!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.
William Halstead
Tuesday 27th of June 2023
I don’t know why travel writers continue to suggest that the Bahamas are in the Caribbean. They are in the Atlantic Ocean as are the Turks and Caicos and I’ve even seen some travel writers suggest that Bermuda is in the Caribbean as well. If they were then Miami Beach would be too! All of the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are coral islands. The vast majority of Caribbean islands, with a few notable exceptions, are volcanic islands so the topography, and beach experience, can be very different.
Joshua
Thursday 2nd of November 2023
@William Halstead, Due to the Bahamas and the rest of the caribbean sharing mostly similar history. The Bahamas would most definitely be apart of the caribbean even though it is placed inside of the atlantic ocean.