Turks and Caicos Vs. Bahamas: Where Should YOU Go?

At first glance, the islands of Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas may seem very similar. Both places have beautiful beaches, impeccably blue waters, and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean.

But dig a bit deeper, and you’ll see that they are pretty different from each other, which can make it difficult to choose where to spend your vacation.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit both the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, and I can honestly say that you can’t go wrong with either. But to help you with your planning, there are a few things about each place to keep in mind.

Which is Better? Turks and Caicos or the Bahamas?

It can be hard to choose between the Bahamas vs. Turks and Caicos, as both places have pristine tropical beaches, turquoise waters, and tons of fun activities to enjoy.

Turks and Caicos is perfect for a relaxing island getaway, as there are fewer crowds and a strong focus on island living. However, prices tend to be much higher compared to the Bahamas, which doesn’t make it the most budget-friendly vacation destination.

The Bahamas is much larger and may be better suited for families and adventure lovers, as there are a seemingly endless number of activities to do on land and sea.

But unless you’re spending time on one of the outer islands, you’ll likely be sharing your space with other travelers.

I know it can be confusing to decide where to go, as both places have their advantages and disadvantages. To help you choose, I put together this guide so you can compare which one is better suited for your vacation style! 

Location and Weather

Both the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are located in the Caribbean off the coast of Florida and Cuba. While the Bahamas are a bit closer to the US, the islands of Turks and Caicos aren’t much further. In fact, you can fly from Nassau to Providenciales in just 1.5 hours! 

Weather-wise, both places have a tropical climate with pleasantly warm temperatures throughout the year.

Turks and Caicos sees about 350 sunny days a year, while the Bahamas gets about 340, so both destinations are ideal for your beachy getaway.

And when it comes to the heat, temperatures do not vary greatly between the two places. Winters can be a bit colder in the Bahamas, although it generally does not dip lower than the mid-70s.

If you’re planning to visit in summer, you can expect the weather in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos to be somewhere between 85 and 90 degrees.

It’s also important to note that both the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos go through hurricane season from June to November.

While temperatures will still be high, they can be an increased chance of rain and, in some cases, hurricanes.

Storms aren’t very frequent or dangerous, although they can impact your travels if you’re hoping to spend your time outdoors or on the beach.

Beaches

Both Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas are world-famous for their sparkling white sand beaches, which are, in my opinion, some of the best beaches in the world.

But with 3,542 miles of coastline, the Bahamas simply has more to offer.

You’ll find shallow sand bars around the Exuma Cays, pink sand beaches on Harbour Island, and even a deserted island only inhabited by pigs! 

However, the beaches in the Bahamas tend to be quite busy, especially in New Providence and Grand Bahama.

In addition to having almost half a million residents, the country is also one of the biggest tourist destinations in the Caribbean islands!

While there are plenty of smaller, more secluded beaches on other islands, they can be harder and more difficult to reach.

Turks and Caicos is smaller in size (242 miles of coastline) and population (45,000 residents).

It also receives 1/5 of the visitors that the Bahamas gets, so there is plenty of room for you to find some peace and solitude. Even the most popular beaches, like Grace Bay Beach, can still feel very quiet and exclusive. 

However, the beaches in Turks and Caicos don’t have as many facilities compared to those in the Bahamas. If you want a bustling atmosphere with seaside restaurants, souvenir shops, and water sports rental booths, then Turks and Caicos may be too quiet for you.

On the other hand, it’s hard to top the beauty of the beaches in Turks and Caicos. The idyllic setting of swaying palms and gently lapping waves is the true epitome of tropical paradise.

Attractions and Activities

As with many tropical destinations, Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas are ideal places to go swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and more. 

But because the Bahamas is larger (it has over 700 islands and cays compared to the 40 in the Turks and Caicos), it offers a wider range of activities compared to Turks and Caicos. Some islands are great for nightlife and adventure, while others are better suited for beach-going and relaxing.

The Bahamas is also more touristy, meaning they are more developed in excursions and activities. You’ll find water parks, museums, shopping centers, and water and land sports.

Here are a few other fun activities you can do during your stay in the Bahamas:

• Playing at Aquaventure Water Park
• Caving in Lucayan National Park 
• Bone fishing in Exuma
• Gambling at the Paradise Island Casino
• Flamingo encounter at Ardastra Gardens
• Rum tasting at John Watling’s Distillery
• Swimming with dolphins at Blue Lagoon Island
• Golfing at the Champion Norman Greg course
• Swimming with pigs on Big Major Cay

Although Turks and Caicos has fewer big-name attractions, it’s still a fantastic choice if you’re into natural beauty and water sports. For example, you can go:

• Boating through the Caicos Cays
• Diving and snorkeling in the Grace Bay and Leeward barrier reefs
• Parasailing over Grace Bay
• Bone fishing in Bottle Creek flats
• Paddleboarding in Chalk Sound National Park
• Horseback riding at Long Bay Beach
• Hiking through the Crossing Place Trail

Accommodation 

Choosing where to base yourself is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your trip. Thankfully, both places have a wide variety of accommodation options, from private vacation rentals to 5-star luxury all-inclusive resorts.

The majority of people who travel to Turks and Caicos stay on Providenciales. This lively island is home to amazing resorts (the Alexandra Resort is one of my favorite picks), restaurants, and some of the world’s best beaches.

If you prefer the comforts of home, you’ll also find many vacation rental properties here as well. Although they might not be directly on the ocean, they do tend to be much cheaper than staying at a hotel or resort.

Grand Turk is another island in Turks and Caicos that I would recommend, especially if you’re into history (it’s home to the capital of Cockburn Town). While there aren’t as many big resorts, there are some cute and cozy guesthouses, like the colonial-style Turks Head Inne.

If you’re traveling to the Bahamas, you’ll have tons of accommodation options to choose from. Nassau is the capital and most populated island.

As such, you’ll find luxury resorts in addition to budget-friendly hotels. This is also where you’ll find the iconic Atlantis Hotel, which has its own waterpark, golf course, and dolphin habitat.

Other people may choose to stay in Exuma (an archipelago of over 300 islands that I consider to be the most beautiful part of the Bahamas). There are resorts, boutique hotels, and lots of vacation rental properties. 

Dining

When it comes to food, you can’t go wrong with the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos. Both places have tons of great restaurants for every budget and palate. 

The Bahamas is an excellent foodie destination thanks to its unique mix of African, British, and American cultures. Seafood plays a huge role in Bahaminian cuisine, with many dishes containing fish, lobster, crab, and the beloved conch snail.

Of course, you’ll also find other non-seafood-related foods like pork, rice, and the Caribbean-style biscuit bread – the Johnny cake.

Local dishes served in Turks and Caicos aren’t drastically different than what you’ll find in the Bahamas.

The cuisine is also influenced by African, European, American, and indigenous cultures, so your tastebuds are in for a mouthwatering treat no matter what you choose to eat.

You’ll also find many seafood dishes here as well, like fried conch fritters, crab and rice, and boiled fish and grits.

Nightlife

Not ready for the night to end? If you’re looking for endless activities to do when the sun goes down, then you’ll want to base yourself in the Bahamas.

There are upscale cocktail lounges, live entertainment venues, and classy nightclubs (with entry charges and dress codes) to keep you occupied. 

And if you’re looking for something really unique, then you can also join one of the many party boats for drinking, dancing, and swimming. 

You’ll have far more options in the Bahamas compared to Turks and Caicos, as there are parties and events happening on practically every populated island. 

But don’t get me wrong – the Bahamas also has a quieter side to it as well. If you prefer to relax with a cocktail at a chill beach bar, then you can also do that too. 

Nightlife in Turks and Caicos exists, but it’s definitely more tamed. There tend to be more beach bars and live music venues and fewer nightclubs and upscale lounges.

If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, I recommend staying at an Turks & Caicos all-inclusive resort, as many of them have dance clubs or weekly themed parties.

Travel Costs

One of the biggest things to consider when deciding whether to visit the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos is cost. Unfortunately, both destinations can be very expensive to visit. 

The Bahamas is one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in. For this reason, prices for goods, services, and foods tend to be quite high.

On the plus side, flights from the US are frequent and generally affordable (if you’re coming from the east coast), which can offset some of the cost of your trip. 

If you’re planning to stay in the islands of the Bahamas, consider the following costs to estimate the total cost of your trip:

• Budget hotel: $90 – $150 a night
• Mid-range hotel: $200 – $300 a night
• Luxury hotel or all-inclusive resort: $500+ a night
• Meal at a local restaurant: $10 – $15
• High-end meal: $20 – $30
• Cocktail: $10 – $15
• Local beer: $4
• Snorkel tour: $80 – $120 per person
• Pig beach tour: $200 per person
• Day pass to Aquaventure Waterpark: $85 per person 

If you thought traveling to the Bahamas was expensive, then wait until you see the prices for Turks and Caicos.

These islands are smaller and more remote, which means accommodation options are limited.

Most hotels and resorts are high-end (some of them are even on private islands!), so you’ll be lucky if you find anything for less than $200 a night. 

To help you plan your trip to the Turks and Caicos islands, here is a breakdown of how much things might cost:

• Mid-range hotel: $200 – $300 a night
• Luxury hotel or all-inclusive resort: $500+ a night
• Meal at a local restaurant: $15 – $20
• High-end meal: $25 – $35
• Cocktail: $10 – $15
• Local beer: $7
• Snorkel tour: $120 – $140 per person
• Parasailing tour: $60 – $80 per person
• ATV tour: $110 – $130 per person

As a reminder, these are just average prices.

If you’re traveling during the high season (December to April), you can assume that your flight and hotel costs will be a bit higher!

Comparison Chart

	Turks and Caicos	The Bahamas
Location	~ 180 miles from Miami	~600 miles from Miamai
Weather	Tropical climate, 350 sunny days per year	Tropical climate, 340 sunny days per year
Beaches	Smaller size, less crowded, exclusive feel	Wide range of activities, water and land sports, nightlife, and attractions
Attractions	Natural beauty, water sports	Wide range of activities, water and land sports, nightlife, attractions
Accommodation	Resorts, vacation rentals	Resorts, hotels, vacation rentals
Dining	Influenced by African, European, American, and indigenous cultures	Influenced by African, British, and American cultures
Nightlife	Tamer nightlife, beach bars, live music venues	More options, upscale lounges, nightclubs, party boats
Travel Costs	Expensive, high-end hotels and resorts	Less expensive, more accessible accomodations

Turks and Caicos is the best choice if you’re interested in world-class beaches and laid-back island vibes.

However, it’s not a cheap destination, which can deter many families or budget travelers. The Bahamas also has some beautiful beaches, although they can be extremely crowded and touristy.

But there are also more activities and interesting sights, so it’s perfect for adventure lovers or those seeking non-stop fun.

As you can see, each place has pros and cons, so at the end of the day, it ultimately comes down to your vacation preferences.

But I know that no matter which island you choose to visit, you’ll have an unforgettable time in one of the most beautiful places on earth!