Atlantis

Travel Guide

Everything you need to know

Planning a trip to the Bahamas? This Atlantis travel guide will tell you everything you need to know before basking in the sun in the Bahamas! Located on Paradise Island, just across the bridge from downtown Nassau, lies this gorgeous, world-famous resort. Renowned for its beaches, seafood, eco-friendliness and adventure activities, Atlantis is the perfect beach getaway for sand lovers and adventure fanatics alike. The resort is also home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, featuring 14 lagoons, 8+ million gallons of ocean water, and over 50,000 aquatic animals! And just in case you want even more to do, the resort offers the second largest casino in the Caribbean, a 141-acre waterpark, 20 swimming areas, over 40 restaurants, and endless excursions. Its the perfect place for a couples trip, a family trip, or even a relaxing solo trip. This Atlantis travel guide will give you the run-down of the best places to eat and drink, best accommodations, things to do  & more!

Quick Tips

CURRENCY

The official currency for the Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is equivalent.

WHEN TO VISIT

The best time to visit the Bahamas is Mid December through Mid April.

TIME ZONE

The time zone in the Bahama’s is Eastern Standard Time (GMT-4).

Getting There

Lynden Pindling International Airport is the largest airport in the Bahamas and the largest international gateway into the country. It is just a short flight away from any East Coasters, with nonstop service from many major US and Canadian cities. Upon arrival you will take a taxi a quick 30- 40 minutes to Atlantis on Paradise Island. You can expect to pay around $45 for the ride.

What To Expect

 

COVID REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING THE COUNTRY?

Like everywhere else in the world, COVID keeps popping back up in the Bahamas like that unwanted ex you just can’t get rid of. Be prepared that most indoor places still require you to wear masks. Additionally, you will need to apply for a travel visa and show proof of a negative COVID test in order to enter the country.

IS IT SAFE TO VISIT?

This resort town is mainly owned by the world-famous Atlantis resort and it is extremely safe to visit! As always, be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings safe. But have comfort knowing that Paradise Island is mostly filled with tourists, families, and incredibly friendly locals.

GETTING AROUND

Atlantis is extremely walkable, providing breathtaking views no matter where you wander! Additionally, Atlantis resort provides a free shuttle bus service that will take you to and from The Reef, The Cove, The Royal, Harborside Resort, The Coral, The Beach, Ocean Club and the Ocean Club Golf Course. If exploring outside the resort you will need to grab a taxi. But be prepared that taxi rides can get expensive!

WHAT TO PACK?

Swimsuits, coverups, flip flops and sunscreen are musts! You should also plan on packing resort-casual attire for dinner and evening activities. When in doubt, dress to impress!

WHAT IS THE TIPPING CULTURE?

No matter where you go on the island, always look to see if a tip is included! Most restaurants include a 15-20% tip, but rarely point it out to you. If the receipt says ‘Extra Gratuity: ___’ then assume the tip is included. In regards to transportation and tours, tip around 20%, as you would in most countries.

IS IT EXPENSIVE?

Costs vary depending on which hotel you book, but be prepared in advance that this is not the most budget-friendly vacation destination! Hotel rooms start around $300-$400 a night. Additionally, you can expect a resort fee of $60 – $70 per room per night, as well as a 21% room rate charge for other taxes and surcharges. Once on the island, the cost of food and drinks varies greatly at each restaurant. Overall, you can expect to pay around $20 per meal at a concession stand or deli.

HOW’S THE WEATHER?

The Bahamas gets about 340 sunny days per year and average temperatures of 83ºF. However, the islands do fall within the hurricane belt, so you can expect storms June through November. Regardless, don’t forget to slap on plenty of reef-safe sunscreen to avoid getting a sunburn!

Atlantis Accommodations

From luxury five-star resorts and beautiful beachfront hotels to secluded tranquil retreats, Nassau Paradise Island has an outstanding selection of accommodations that have hosted celebrities, families and couples from around the world.

Harborside Resort at Atlantis

Located just across the marina, this gorgeous property provides a secluded escape for the seasoned traveler. The simple, yet luxurious water-side villas are best for large groups, offering large suites with private kitchens. 

The Cove

The newest, most modern, and most luxurious place to stay in Atlantis. Starting around $500 a night, this hotel offers 5-star suites, a private adults-only pool, luxurious living rooms, and VIP lines in the water park.

The Royal 

The most iconic tower of the Atlantis resort, located smack dab in the middle of the action! This is the place to stay if you want to experience Atlantis to the fullest.

The Coral

The Coral, which was renovated in 2017, has a casual, beachy feel and offers gorgeous marina views. It is an affordable option and is conveniently located near numerous restaurants, shops, the beach, and the pool.

The Beach

This casual hotel is located just steps away from Atlantis Beach and offers the most affordable rooms in Atlantis. You can expect standard hotel rooms starting at $189 a night. But be prepared for lots of walking, as the hotel is located the furthest from the resort’s pools. 

The Reef

The Reef, which was just renovated in 2019, offers residential-style studios and suites with up to three bedrooms and multiple full bathrooms. Starting around $450 a night, this hotel offers private kitchens, in-unit laundry, a private pool, access to a private strip of Paradise Beach, and floor-to-ceiling ocean views.

Other Paradiee Island Accomodations

RIU PALACE PARADISE ISLAND

Moderate Hotel

This all-inclusive resort caters to adults only and is on the coast of the Atlantic, positioned right next to the Atlantis Resort. It’s a great four star option with rooms starting at $250 per night.

THE OCEAN CLUB BAHAMAS

Luxury Hotel

Set along a 5 mile stretch of natural, white-sand beach on Paradise Island, this gorgeous hideaway has been a playground for celebrities and discerning travelers alike. Starting at $2,800 per night, you can expect private balconies, restorative spa treatments, some of the best seafood on the island, and the ultimate luxurious vacation.

Staying In Atlantis?

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

When you take a trip to Atlantis you’ll get full access to all of the resort’s water park features, including 20 swimming areas, 18 water slides, two mile-long River Rides, the protected Paradise Lagoon, The Dig, the Predator’s Lagoon, all of the marine life habitats and the beaches associated with the resort. Meals are not included in your room price, however the resort does offer two meal plan options if desired.

WHERE DO I GET WRISTBANDS?

In order to use the Atlantis amenities, you must have an Atlantis wristband on. Wristbands can be collected at any towel kiosk in the resort by using your room key. You can get a fresh wristband each day if desired.

WHAT IF I STAY SOMEWHERE ELSE?

You can still visit Atlantis! The resort offers a day pass option for $135 per person, allowing full access to the Atlantis amenities. Purchase your day pass online or onsite, and get ready for a wild day of waterslides, wildlife, marine exhibits, shops, restaurants, gorgeous white sandy beaches, and more!

Things To Do

 

Atlantis Bahamas Resort boasts amazing water adventures, beautiful sand beaches, countless dining options, luxurious accommodations, and an immense array of amenities. Whatever your ideal day in Paradise looks like, this massive resort is sure to deliver! And one of our favorite parts about Atlantis is its commitment to protect, preserve, study and replenish our natural surroundings through the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation. This nonprofit foundation fosters the preservation and conservation of coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks, manatees, and cetaceans, along with their Bahamian ecosystems, by funding scientific research, sea animal rescue programs, and marine education in the community. With a team of more than 165 full-time marine biologists, aquarists, veterinarians, lab technicians and water safety specialists, they aim to keep the Bahamian waters beautiful and full of life for years to come. 

Read on in our Atlantis Travel Guide below for a few of our top recommendations:

 

EXPLORE ATLANTIS BAHAMAS AQUARIUMS

With over 50,000 aquatic animals, Atlantis is home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world! You’ll find nurse sharks in Reef Lagoon, green sea and hawksbill turtles in Hibiscus Lagoon, rays in Stingray and Royal Ray Lagoons, and our personal favorite… Smalltooth Sawfish. In fact, Atlantis is the first facility in the world to have had a successful birth of these engaged creatures.

ENJOY THE GORGEOUS BEACHES

This speaks for itself. Little compares to the gorgeous Bahamian beaches.

GO SHOPPING

Stroll through jewelry stores, clothing boutiques, restaurants, and ice cream shops throughout the Marina Village in Atlantis. If visiting on the 2nd or 4th Saturday of the month, don’t miss the Art Walk, featuring locally grown products. Don’t forget that many luxury goods such as watches, jewelry, liquor and fragrances are duty-free in The Bahamas.

ENJOY A SPA DAY

Head over to the Mandara Spa for a wide variety of treatments, including body treatments, facials, massages, manis and pedis and more! Don’t miss the spa’s warm and cold plunge pools, as well as steam rooms and saunas!

VISIT DOLPHIN CAY

This habitat, dedicated to conservation, rehabilitation, and education, is one of the largest and most sophisticated marine-mammal habitats in the world. Here you are able to play with dolphins and sea lions which have been rescued from the Mississippi Gulf Coast after their original habitat was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. For additional fees, book a variety of sea mammal interactions from kayaking or paddle boarding with dolphins to playtime with sea lions or even swimming with dolphins.

DEEP SEA FISHING

We cannot recommend fishing with Hunter Charters enough! In a few short hours we reeled in 7 mahi-mahi and one blue marlin and smiled so much our cheeks hurt! Regardless if you’re new to fishing or a fishing expert, this charter company will show you one of the best days of your life. Head over to our full blog on Hunter Charters linked here!

SNORKEL & SCUBA DIVE

With crystal clear water and a vibrant marine ecosystem, the Bahamas offers unbelievable underwater adventures.

ATLANTIS CASINO & NIGHTLIFE

Take a walk on the wild side or share a quiet nightcap. With the many bars, lounges and one of the largest casinos in the Caribbean, Nassau Paradise Island is the place to be after dark. The casino boasts 85 gaming tables, over 700 slots, and is the only place you will find free alcoholic beverages.

VISIT STINGRAY LAGOON

Watch graceful stingrays swim and play in the shallow stingray lagoon. Be sure to check this out during scheduled feeding times, when guests can actually pet and interact with the rays! 

SPLASH AROUND AQUAVENTURE WATER PARK

This 141-acre waterpark is the biggest in the Caribbean and the 4th largest in the world! It includes 20 swimming areas, 18 water slides, two mile-long River Rides, Paradise Lagoon, The Dig, the Predator’s Lagoon, all of the marine life habitats and five miles-worth of beach access. One slide even sends daredevils through a shark-filled lagoon via a clear acrylic tunnel!

Restaurants

From quick and casual to fine dining, Atlantis’s 21 on-site restaurants have something for everyone! But don’t stop there… Paradise Island is full of delicious restaurants, offering an array of flavors ranging from classic French and family-style Italian to Asian-fusion and traditional Bahamian cuisine. Dine at casual beachfront cafés, celebrity chef restaurants, familiar fast-food spots, seaside bars and grills and world-renowned resorts. We have included a few of our top recommendations in our Atlantis travel guide below.

The Poop Deck at Sandyport

Get ready to spot celebrities at this ‘hole-in-the-wall’ local joint overlooking the marina! The Poop Deck is your one-stop-shop to socialize, devour fresh seafood, and even cook your own catch of the day! 

Dune

The chicest restaurant in the Bahamas, featuring celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Get dressed up and get ready for an unforgettable evening overlooking the water. Don’t forget a light jacket!

Nobu

A big city staple, serving the freshest seafood possible! If you are a seafood fanatic, you can’t miss this Bahamian outpost of acclaimed master chef Nobu Masuhisa.

Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant

This five star restaurant is another exceptional option for a fine dining experience. Put on your heels and get ready to eat endless local lobster and conch in divine dishes that blend Bahamian specialties with European cuisine.

Viola’s Bar & Grill

Head to Viola’s to kick off your shoes, eat delicious (affordable) food, throw back some drinks, and truly feel like a Bahamian! This is our favorite casual spot to hang out on the island.

Arawak Cay Fish Fry

 Located just outside of downtown Nassau is this small community of Bahamian restaurants!  that specialize in seafood delicacies. Enjoy all kinds of seafood delicacies, from grilled shrimp and lobster tails to fried snapper and cornbread.

Carmine’s

When the seafood just isn’t cutting it, head over to this NYC-famed restaurant for delicious Italian food! Trust us when we say that the Titanic dessert is not to be missed.

Anthony’s

Located within walking distance of Atlantis, this affordable, family-friendly restaurant is a must-not-miss! You can expect a massive menu serving everything from Bahamian specialties to zesty burgers.

Additional Recommendations

  • There are tons of vacation packages and deals offered at Atlantis to make a family vacation more affordable and budget-friendly. Be sure to do your research in advance!
  • Be sure to ask your taxi driver for a card to book rides in advance.
  • Money saving tip: Book a suite with a kitchen and stock up on breakfast and lunch foods to help save some money.
  • Enjoy dinner on the earlier side, as the island shuts down fairly early, 

Conclusion

From the beaches and crystal clear ocean, to the gambling and endless adventures, Paradise Island truly has it all! It is the perfect destination for a family vacation, a couples trip, or even a relaxing getaway. Trust us when we say you will not want to leave!  Thanks for reading our Atlantis travel guide! Head over to our destinations page to check out all kinds of worldwide travel guides.