The last time I visited Antigua was five years, while the Bahamas has been my favorite island. However, I still want to visit Antigua because of its laid-back nature and fewer crowds.
Living in Florida for seven years has helped me appreciate the Caribbean climate and its relaxation. In this guide, I will discuss why people prefer going to Antigua and the Bahamas.
Is Antigua better than the Bahamas?
No.
The Bahamas is better than Antigua with its hustling and bustling nature and amazing accommodation offers.
Antigua and the Bahamas are both beautiful places. Regardless, they are quite different from each other. Antigua happens to be more authentic than the Bahamas, and is quieter.
Since Antigua is in the Caribbean, it also has a true Caribbean culture so if you’re looking for a place with more Caribbean vibes, then Antigua is the best choice. For convenience and beaches for your vacation, the Bahamas is a preferable option.
All year round, the average temperature in Antigua is usually in the 80s although it is worth noting that some months will be more enjoyable than others, with fewer crowds and a lot more sunshine.
The Caribbean Climate and Tourism
Before you make up your mind about the island to visit, you should understand that the climate can influence your decision.
Here is what to expect in the Caribbean during this period:
December to February
From December to February, you’ll get some of the best weather. It is also the peak tourist season so expect a lot more crowd, expensive flights, tours and hotels as well.
March to April
In the months of March and April, you’ll also enjoy amazing weather but the island can be a bit crowded with vacationers and cruise ships.
May to November
From May through November, you’ll experience the hottest and most rainy months of the year. There is still plenty of sunshine and warm water for water sports such as snorkeling and diving.
Hurricane season usually peaks from June to November. Thus, it is advised that you keep an eye on the forecasts and even get travel insurance.
Because it is the hurricane season, there are fewer tourists which means that the hotels, flights and tours didn’t this time at lower rates.
The Bahamas and the Caribbean
Visiting the Bahamas is always an exciting thing to do.
Let me compare the Bahamas and other Caribbean islands.
All year long, the weather is generally very warm in the Bahamas. However, it rains in the summer and late summer. If you’re not a spring breaker, then you should definitely avoid the March To mid-April time period.
The Caribbean islands have a hurricane season and more rainfall is witnessed around this time period although most of the islands do not witness much of the hurricane season because they are located outside the hurricane belt.
Prices for the Bahamas and Caribbean are highest during the winter season. This is the time when many people from the north who are suffering from cold and snow move down to the warmth and sun offered by this region.
When you live in the cold, there is really nothing like the beach. Comparing the Bahamas and the Caribbean is quite unbalanced as there are more options within the Caribbean.
This does not mean that the Bahamas are lacking as they still have some of the best Caribbean beaches in the world. However, there are lesser options to choose from unlike the Caribbean.
In the Caribbean, some of the beaches you cannot afford to miss are:
- Bathsheba Beach in Barbados: This is an adventure beach where you’re allowed to surf and see the “Soup Bowl.” The famous “Soup Bowl” is a natural phenomenon that gathers so many photographers from around the world.
- Grace Bay Beach in the Turks and Caicos: This beach happens to be one of the most fabulous beaches in the world. In this beach, you’ll get some of the best waters for snorkeling and you can explore the very large reefs.
- Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands: This beach boasts of an amazing scene. Some of the biggest all-inclusive resorts are located on this beach and there is no shortage of fun activities you can engage in here.
On the flip side, the Bahamas features:
- Pink Sands Beach in Harbour Island: This beach surprisingly has pink sands which will take your breath away! It is very expansive and you can find privacy here. On this beach, you can bathe in the sun, horseback ride and engage in so many fun activities.
- Cabbage Beach in Nassau: This beach takes you to a whole new world. It is a paradise island although the name doesn’t do it any justice.
- Treasure Cay Beach in North Abaco: In this beach, you’ll be opportune to bond with marine life. It is also not as crowded as those on Exuma.
What is so special about Antigua?
Antigua has white sand beaches, the largest nesting colony of frigate birds, culinary delicacies, the 18th century Nelson’s Dockyard, and others that make it a special island to visit. I first came to Antigua when I was fourteen with my parents.
Then, Antigua used to accommodate majorly luxury visitors and my father wanted something exotic to celebrate his work promotion, so he selected this island.
Do you know Antigua is referred to as the Premier Caribbean Island Tourist Destination?
Today, you can visit the island because it can suit your budget. Coming to Antigua has become a sort of vacation ritual for me because I feel at home. Since the English language is spoken on this island, I don’t have a problem communicating with everyone.
Some evenings, I walk to the beach and watch luxury sailboats drop and pick people. Meanwhile, I love the combination of British and West African influences on the island.
I can eat some African dishes like jollof rice, especially when I visit my old friend, Dan from Nigeria
This island is famous for being a world-class dive location and you’ll get to see a lot of scuba divers here as well. Antigua is one of the safest and most prosperous places in the Caribbean.
The crime rates here are very low although there is still a chance that crimes toward tourists or a crime of opportunity can occur.