Key West and the Bahamas have a lot in common. They’re both filled with sensational beaches, vibrant nature and memorable adventures. They also have unique differences that make each destination a special vacation choice.
Key West offers a laid-back island vibe with rich history, charming streets, and easy access to mainland Florida, while the Bahamas dazzles with its tropical resorts, crystal-clear waters, and diverse island-hopping experiences.
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Whether you’re craving cultural charm or an exotic escape, both destinations have something amazing to offer!
Bahamas vs. Key West – Say Yes To A One-Of-A-Kind Key West Adventure With Us!
We love Key West because it truly has something for everyone, and its sandbars are one of the most incredible highlights! At Key West Sandbar Tours, we’re here to show you just how unforgettable they can be.
Through sun-drenched expanses of sand to mysterious tunnels of mangroves, we’ll whisk you away to a Key West adventure that’s sure to take your breath away. Say yes to fun and book your next trip today!
Trying to make a decision about Key West vs. Bahamas for your next vacation? Our detailed guide will break down the similarities, differences and what they mean for you.
Quick Facts
The Florida Keys are a necklace of 800 islands (keys) spanning 180 miles. They’re bookended by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, and Key Largo is the first island in the chain. Reaching them is effortless: No passport is required and visitors can simply drive the scenic Overseas Highway from the mainland through all of the keys, instead of resorting to airplane or boat. This makes it extremely easy to breeze through on a quick weekend escape. Key West, the Keys’ capital, is the southernmost city in the continental United States and only 90 miles from Cuba.
The Bahamas are almost as far-reaching as the Florida Keys. Tallying 700 islands, only 30 in this sprawling chain are inhabited. Nassau, located on New Providence Island, is the capital and largest city. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, the islands are neighbors of Florida – however, they can only be reached by plane or cruise ship. Because these islands are so spread out, it can be difficult to figure out how to get to them and how to get around on them. This also makes it more challenging to have a quick weekend trip. Additionally, visitors need a passport because the Bahamas are a separate country.
Soak Up The Sun At Breathtaking Beaches
Both Key West, Florida and the Bahamas offer exceptional beaches where your only responsibilities during your trip are soaking up the sun, enjoying the aquamarine waters and curling your toes in the sand.
Best Beaches In Key West
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Higgs Beach – Located on the Atlantic Ocean, Higgs Beach is a sweeping 16.5 miles of pristine sand. It also boasts two piers and a Civil War fort. Higgs’ calm, shallow Gulf waters are perfect for families who want to have a relaxed beach day and swim with their kids.
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Smathers Beach – Ready to take a walk – or swim – on the wild side? Then head to Smathers Beach, a lively beach where it can get crazy, crowded and clothing seems optional. One of Key West’s most popular beaches, it’s about half a mile long and offers great swimming, jet skiing, kayaking and people-watching.
Fun Fact: Due to erosion of their coast, most of the Florida Keys’ beaches are made of sand from the Caribbean.
Best Beaches In The Bahamas
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Pink Sand Beach – The gorgeous Pink Sands Beach is Mother Nature at her best. Located in Harbour Island, the sand is a delicate, blush-rosé that looks especially beautiful bathed in sunset or sunrise. This unique hue is caused by tiny, pink-shelled organisms whose hulls break down and blend with the sand when they die.
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Gold Rock Beach – Gold Rock Beach is a great getaway for vacations far from teeming crowds. This secluded, unspoiled beach on Grand Bahama remains pristine because it’s part of the protected Lucayan National Park. At low tide, the beach’s shoreline rolls far into the sea, earning it the name Grand Bahamas Welcome Mat.
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Cable Beach – Cable Beach in Nassau is a great spot for phenomenal crystal waters and marshmallow-soft sand, as well as luxury resorts, sizzling nightlife, live music, a huge casino and a world-class golf course. Also offering water sports and other fun-in-the-sun activities, Cable Beach is the ultimate tropical playground for your visit.
Explore Exciting Attractions
Both Key West, Florida and the Bahamas are excellent destinations with exciting, one-of-a-kind attractions for all interests and age groups.
Must-Visit Attractions In Key West
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Hemingway Home and Museum – Author Ernest Hemingway’s home, now a museum, is the Florida sanctuary where he penned renowned classics including the Snows of Kilimanjaro, To Have and Have Not and For Whom the Bell Tolls. It’s also where he resided with his beloved, six-toed (polydactyl) cats. About 60 of these cats, all descendants of his first cat, Snow White, insist on being the main attractions there.
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Mallory Square – Mallory Square is a popular waterfront plaza in Old Town Key West. It hosts the vibrant Sunset Celebration, a nightly arts festival uniting tourists and locals who watch the spellbinding sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. The Sunset Celebration also features street performers, musicians, food carts and local crafts. Since Mallory Square is a major Key West cruise port, it could get crowded when ships docks there.
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Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory – Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a wondrous, glass-domed habitat filled with hundreds of exquisite, fluttering butterflies, 20 gaudy, exotic birds and two flamboyant flamingoes. Don’t be surprised if one of these flying rainbows decides hitch a ride on your head or shoulders!
Fun Fact: Every summer, Key West hosts a Hemingway lookalike contest, where contestants compete for the best resemblance to the great writer.
Must-Visit Attractions In The Bahamas
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Rock iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay – Bitter Guana Cay is a gorgeous, tropical locale and home of remarkable Bahamian rock iguanas. The population of these ancient-looking reptiles is steeply declining, so if you’re interested in seeing them, it’s best to visit soon. These special animals are used to human interaction, so they’re fairly friendly, but be mindful of their boundaries.
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National Art Gallery – Add an educational twist to your trip with a stop at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. NAGB supports the culture of the country by displaying contemporary and historic Bahaman art. Located in downtown Nassau’s historic Villa Doyle House, it offers an enriching experience that the whole family can enjoy. The gallery is one of the cheaper tourist spots, with an entry fee of only $10.
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Casinos – Who needs Vegas when you can gamble in the Bahamas? The country is bejeweled with immense, opulent casinos, including the Baha Mar Casino in Nassau. All the gambling houses provide breathtaking views of the ocean, making gambling a spectacular experience that you won’t forget.
Get Hooked On Fishing
The fish that cruise Key West and the Bahamas are robust and plentiful. Each destination offers different types of fish, and you can access the angling grounds from a charter or your own boat.
Fishing In Key West
Thanks to warm waters and diverse marine life, Key West offers world-class, year-round fishing. Key West is an ideal choice for angling because it provides your boat with easy access to hunting grounds from land. Famous for its superb reef population, Key West’s top game catches include:
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Snapper
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Bonefish (anglers typically fly fish for bonefish)
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Grouper
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Dolphinfish (Also called mahi mahi, this fish is not related to the lively marine dolphins.)
The peak of flats casting (catching fish in shallow water) coincides with the peak of Key West’s hurricane season (September and October). However, serious anglers say the sport during this time is nothing short of epic.
There are regulations you must follow when catching fish in Key West. During your visit, you’ll need to have a license and adhere to bag and size limits, be aware of protected areas and follow catch-and-release rules.
Fishing In The Bahamas
Unlike Key West, the Bahamas require longer boat rides to the angling site of specific islands. They are especially renowned for big game such as:
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Marlin
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Wahoo
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Sailfish
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Barracuda
Hurricane season in the Bahamas (June – November) can be prime time for amazing catches. Storms whip up the water, making fish easier to catch. Be prepared to steer your boat toward shore if you feel threatened.
Before you hit the water, familiarize yourself with the sport’s regulations. You’ll need to have a permit and be aware of catch limits, gear and protected species.
Treat The Children To Kid-Friendly Attractions
Both the Bahamas and Key West are excellent destinations for families with children.
Explore Key West With Kids
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Key West Aquarium – Smaller than typical aquarium attractions, the Key West Aquarium is proof that good things come in small packages. Located in Mallory Square, it’s entertaining and educational. Kids will have a blast getting close to marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, barracuda and colorful tropical fish.
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Snorkeling with dolphins – If your kids are comfortable in the water, several tour companies offer unforgettable dolphin snorkeling trips. Many dolphin pods call Key West home, so it’s likely that your children will encounter these vivacious mammals while they swim. It’s also a great way to beat the heat if you visit in summer.
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Key West Shipwreck Museum – This fascinating museum houses two floors of Key West shipwreck artifacts from the 1600s, 1700s and 1800s. In addition to learning about the area’s rich history during their visit, kids can also climb the museum’s 65-foot lookout tower for a panoramic view of the island.
Family-Friendly Attractions In The Bahamas
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Aquaventure at Atlantis Paradise Island – Located at the luxurious Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Aquaventure will thrill kids with its 141-acre water park. The attraction offers exciting water slides, including the pulse-pounding Abyss, with a nearly vertical 50-foot drop and a 200-foot-long body slide. This water world also features Poseidon’s Playzone, a water-activity zone for children under 54 inches tall. Aquaventure is free for all resort visitors.
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Pirates of Nassau Museum – Although you won’t see Capt. Jack Sparrow at the Pirate Museum in Nassau, there’s plenty to shiver kids’ timbers. At the unique, interactive attraction, children will learn about Nassau’s history as a pirate hideout in the 17th and 18th centuries. The museum makes learning fun, with exhibits and a replica boat.
Our Choice For The Winner Of Florida Keys vs. Bahamas
It may be good in the Bahamas, but it’s best in Key West. Although both are gorgeous, the Florida Keys get our vote because they offer a fantastic, seamless experience that creates a relaxed, carefree visit.
One of the best ways to enjoy your trip is by exploring pearly sandbars, spellbinding mangroves and delightful marine life with Key West Sandbar Tours. The sandbars are waiting to be discovered – make reservations with us now!
