Originally Posted On: Fiji Vs Bahamas: Vacation Destinations Compared – Turtle Fiji

 

For most visitors to Fiji and Bahamas, the top attractions are the powder-soft white beaches, the crystal-clear water and year-round sunshine.

Fiji and Bahamas share a lot of similarities: both are archipelagos scattered over vast blue oceans; Fiji comprises more than 300 islands and 540 islets in the South Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and New Zealand; the Bahamas, sitting off the east coast of Florida, has 700 islands scattered across the Atlantic Ocean with 16 main islands to choose from.

And while Fiji and Bahamas are the ultimate in fly-and-flop vacations, there’s more to them than sand and sea. Read on to help you decide between Fiji or Bahamas.

FIJI VS BAHAMAS: ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURES

FIJI

Jam-packed with rugged volcanic mountains, lush waterfalls and verdant rainforests, Fiji is a playground for adventure-seekers with activities ranging from hiking and cycling to horse riding and visiting traditional villages, steeped in Fijian culture. And with 333 islands to explore, it’s the perfect place to island hop – in particular in the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands, two stunning group of islands to the west of Fiji.

Surrounded by the warm tropical temperatures of the Pacific Ocean, much of Fiji’s appeal is the water. Fiji’s varied marine life includes dolphins, sea snakes, corals and colorful, exotic fish. It’s home to five species of sea turtles including the Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Leatherback and Pacific Ridley and plenty of sharks, including Black Tip, White Tip and Grey Reef, with Hammerheads to be found in the open waters.

 

Known as the ‘soft coral capital of the world’, Fiji is home to more than 1,200 species of reef fish including lion fish, angel fish and butterfly fish, as well as moray eels, giant manta rays and octopus.

If you’re craving adventures on the water, there’s kayaking, sailing, stand-up-paddle-boarding and surfing. A popular surf location in Fiji is the Mamanuca Islands which are home to some of the best surf breaks in the world, including Cloudbreak, off Tavarua Island. Easy to reach from Fiji’s capital, Nadi, they’re a popular place to visit.

BAHAMAS

If you’re considering a Bahamas vs Fiji vacation you’ll be spoilt for choice for activities. The Bahamian capital of Nassau (which is also used to describe the island of New Providence) has more than just beaches. Here it’s all about big hotels, casinos and duty-free shopping. There’s also the Junakanoo festival – a street parade with music, dance and costumes of mixed African origin that takes place on Boxing Day.

Escape the crowds by heading to any of the remote Out Islands (or Family Islands as locals like to call them). The Out Islands are all different but offer secluded beaches, outdoor adventures and ocean-fresh dining.

Favoured by the A-listers, Harbour Island is known for its pastel-colored houses and ‘buggy life’ – the best way to get around. It’s also home to a beautiful pink beach – called Pink Sands – where a unique mix of coral, broken shells, miniature rocks and calcium carbonate speckles the sand with pink fragments.

The Exuma Islands attract the more adventurous types, with sailing, sport fishing, snorkeling and swimming with the pigs– yes, you read that correctly! No-one knows how the pigs got to be on Pig Beach on Big Major Cay, an uninhabited island. Some say they were left by a group of sailors, others say they swam over from a shipwreck nearby. Whatever the story, there are now about 20 pigs living their best life with daily visits from Bahamians and tourists.

FIJI VS BAHAMAS HONEYMOON: ROMANTIC DESTINATION

Romance is all about lounging in a hammock, cocktail in hand, warmed by the tropical sunshine. Whether you opt for a Fiji vs Bahamas honeymoon you’ll be assured total romance and relaxation.

FIJI HONEYMOON

Fiji constantly ranks as one of the top destinations for honeymoon vacations and it’s easy to see why. The beaches are spectacular, the marine life is world-class and the resorts are built using sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.

Honeymooners who opt for a Fiji vs Bahamas vacation will most likely stay in a villa or bure, with accommodation influenced by Fijian houses, with a thatched roof, sitting alongside a beach or overlooking a lagoon. They can expect Fijian spa treatments using local ingredients, plus lots of Fijian customs to enjoy, including lovo, where fresh seafood, caught that day, is cooked in an underground oven, and lively traditional dance events, called meke.

On Turtle Island Fiji, which is couples only apart from certain times of the year when families can visit, all guests are assigned their very own ‘bure Mama’ when they arrive. From her very first ‘bula!’ greeting, she’ll attend to your every whim, from unpacking your suitcase and taking care of your laundry, to ironing your clothes and arranging private beach picnics. You’ll soon find you can’t live without her!

BAHAMAS HONEYMOON

Once the domain of pirates and smugglers, the islands of the Bahamas are a mixture of romance from years gone by and a Caribbean laid-back way of life. Whether you’re keen on water sports, nightlife and entertainment, or you’re happy to lay in the sun and let the world drift by, the Bahamas has long been a top spot for honeymoon couples.

Resorts and hotels in the Bahamas come in all shapes and sizes – from over-the-top opulence to English country house charm mixed with Caribbean flair. Most will be all inclusive, with many exclusively for couples, with indulgent spas, infinity pools, swim-up bars and private villas. Activities include scuba diving expeditions to nearby coral reefs, a round or two of golf and award-winning restaurants.

 

FIJI VS BAHAMAS: WEDDING

Fiji and Bahamas both hold their own when it comes to weddings. In Fiji you can rent your own island – ideal for a destination wedding. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to get married on your own island, surrounded by friends and family? If you’re looking to choose between a Fiji vs Bahamas wedding, it’s worth researching which islands can be rented and the different wedding packages available.

A Fiji resort wedding might be in a chapel or on the beach, where the arrival of the bride will be heralded by the sound of a conch shell blown by a Fijian warrior.

If you’re getting married in the Bahamas, you’ll have a choice of saying ‘I do’ on a private island or in luxurious hotel. The Bahamas lives up to its reputation as one of the world’s leading wedding destinations where the white sand and turquoise blue sea is the ultimate backdrop for the wedding photos.

HOW TO GET TO FIJI AND BAHAMAS?

The Bahamas has 20 international airports that welcome scheduled flights from around the world. They are tantalisingly close to the US and Canada, with many airlines offering direct flights to Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport. The flight time from Denver is four hours, while from New York, Dallas and Toronto it’s just three. Miami is the closest jumping off point at just an hour’s flight to Nassau.

Travellers flying into Nassau have easy access to connecting flights to dozens of Out Islands including the Exumas, Eleuthera, Andros, Abacos or Berry Islands.

Travelling to Fiji from the US takes around eight to 11 hours. From Australia or New Zealand, the flight time is just four to seven hours. Fiji’s national carrier is Fiji Airways which operates daily direct flights from Sydney, Auckland, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Singapore.

Flying into Fiji, you’ll land at Nadi International Airport on Viti Levu, from where you can head out to the smaller islands by boat, seaplane or helicopter. Looking to visit both destinations? Then you may ask yourself how far is Bahamas from Fiji? As the crow flies, it’s12, 247km. Flights from Bahamas to Fiji would be from Freeport, via Los Angeles, to Nadi.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT FIJI OR BAHAMAS

Thanks to their year-round temperate climates Fiji and Bahamas are wonderful to visit at any time of the year.

In the Bahamas, mid-December through to April is the peak season, with the highest rates and the biggest crowds of the year. The off-season, from May through mid-December, typically brings the lowest airfares and hotel rates, and fewer crowds.

The hurricane season in the Bahamas officially stretches from June to November, with September and October the two months at risk of hurricane activity.

In Fiji winter (the dry season) runs from May to November where temperatures range from 19°C – 29°C. Winter (the wet season) runs from December to April and sees temperatures sitting at a comfortable 22°C – 33°C.

COST OF FIJI VS BAHAMAS

Bahamas is the third most expensive place to live in the world, according to Numbeo, a cost of living database. When you can expect to pay USD10 for a beer and 18USD for a cocktail, it’s hardly surprising that most visitors will opt for an all-inclusive resort, where food and drinks are included in the price.

Compare the cost of Fiji vs Bahamas and you’ll find accommodation in Fiji is much more affordable, with nightly resort rates fluctuating depending on the season, with typically more deals around November to March. In Fiji you’ll also find the activities, local transport and restaurants much cheaper than the Bahamas.

For travelers coming to Fiji from the US, the flights will be more expensive. But a visit to Fiji can be combined with a trip to Australia and New Zealand, making the most of the long distance. Plus, when your plane descends into Nadi, you’ll know the journey was worth it.

EXPLORE TURTLE ISLAND FIJI

For an authentic Fijian vacation, shared only with 14 other couples, Turtle Island is your own slice of paradise. With 500 acres of lush forests to explore and 12 private beaches, at Turtle Island you really can escape the crowds.

Contact us today to find out more about your next vacation to Turtle Island.