jan

We are late 20 somethings - we have priced and are choosing a vacation in the beginning of March to either Marathon Key (about $1300.00) or Radisson Cable Beach in the Bahamas (all-inclusive - about $1700.00) - which would you choose????

Your Host

If you are looking for great beaches, then I suggest Bahamas over the keys. The keys have nice but small man-made beaches. The sand is hauled in from other places & all of the beaches are of coral rock. If you do decide to go to Marathon, I would suggest some beach shoes or sneakers if you plan on going into the water. My view of the keys & beaches are better than going elsewhere, but that is my opinion. Also, go to Bahia Honda State Park for the nicest beach in the keys, not far from Marathon.

ann

A lot depends on the length of time you're staying, but you would be safer with the weather in the Bahamas, and if you're drinkers at all all-inclusive is the way to go.

bahama mama

I heard that Radisson Cable Beach is hit or miss as afar as service and cleanliness of rooms. If you want to know that you are getting cleanliness, I say Marathon, and I the snorkeling is great if you like that

Dennis

Marathon could be considered rustic, almost nothing to do at night but drink, pizza hut for dinner.....however if you are there for the fishing (fly or otherwise...is what makes marathon famous-some of the best in the hemisphere) and snorkeling,diving then maybe that won't matter to you...you can rent a boat right off marathon and take it out to the reef or wherever you want to go. Approx 30 min. drive to key west (good food, more going on esp. drinking). I would think most people would rather go to the bahamas, a radisson all inclusive will be head and shoulders above any of the accomodations on marathon. hope it helps.

rob

.....i was 10 the last time i went to bahamas so....but i go to the keys all the time for diving excursions. marathon is starting to become over developed in most areas....which could be good or bad depending on your needs. you'll have a much wider selection of returants, hotels etc., ...but standing in the parking lot of a Home Depot isn't very tropical. yes, the beaches (if you can call them that) are really bad in all of the keys. as a floridian i love the keys 'cuz they're easy to get too. however if you're flying in from out of state, i say go for bahamas.

lovey

bahamas!

tom

my wife and i love the keys, but the beaches aren't great if that is what you want - snorkeling is good - very laid back

Phil

Beaches are better in the Bahamas, weather will be better, you can gamble at the many casinos on Paradise Island or not, you can snorkel either place and with an all inclusive, you can drink and eat to your heart's content.

Celeste

I agree with what everyone says in terms of beaches - if that's important to you, go to the Bahamas. You need to know, by the way, that Marathon is NOT only 30 minutes to Key West; more like an hour if there's no traffic.

Key West is unlike any other place I've been and by all means spend at least a day there if you do stay in the Keys. I wouldn't recommend Marathon, though. If you don't want to stay in Key West, consider staying on Big Pine Key (30 minutes south of Marathon, 30 minutes north of Key West) or Little Torch Key. If you like laid back living, I recommend Parmer's Place on Little Torch Key.

Donna

Tough question cuz at least in the keys you can safely leave your resort and do other things. In the Bahamas your not going to feel safe leaving the resort, and besides your resort there is not a lot to do in the Bahamas. But if your looking to spend time lying on the beach than you will have to go to the Bahamas.

Marcia

There is absolutely nothing doing in Marathon except to go fishing. It's right in the middle of the keys, about 45 minutes to Key West. I live in Florida & I would think you would have a much better time in the Bahamas. Have a great trip wherever you land!