One of my best friends decided she wanted to celebrate her milestone birthday with a girls trip to Atlantis Bahamas. She has been such a good friend to me, I would have gone just about anywhere to help her celebrate.
The trip far exceeded my expectations and we all had so much fun! I didn’t want to leave the Atlantis Resort and I can’t wait to go back. Whether you are planning a girls trip to Atlantis, going as a couple, or taking the whole family, I know you will enjoy it too.
If you are still trying to decide if an Atlantis vacation is right for you, wondering which hotel tower you should book, or what to do during your Atlantis trip, my Atlantis Bahamas guide has the information you will need, plus some tips to help save money. These Atlantis tips and review are based on my personal experience.
UPDATE August 2019: Atlantis was not in the path of Hurrican Dorian. Our thoughts are with those in the Bahamas that were affected.
Note: This post includes affiliate links. See disclosure for more information.
The Best Things to do at Atlantis
You will never be bored at Atlantis, there is so much to do! Aquaventure, the Atlantis Bahamas water park area, has something for everyone. We had no idea there were two areas that have water slides – Mayan Temple and Power Tower – until our last day.
There were a few scary slides that none of us were brave enough to go on like the “Leap of Faith.” The “Leap of Faith” slide goes straight down into the shark tank, so it is not for the faint of heart. You can check out the video I found on Youtube and see what you think of the Atlantis slide!
Right next to the “Leap of Faith” Slide, they have a little tamer (although still fast) slide called the “Serpent Slide” that you ride down on in a tube. I went on a two-person tube with my friend. The slide also goes through the shark tank.
Another friend followed us on the ride, but when we got to the end of the ride, an empty tube came out after us. At first, I worried that she had fallen out of her tube. Actually, the lady helping everyone at the start of the slide let go of her tube before she could get in. So she had to go back down and get a new tube before she could go on the ride. Luckily the line was not too long.
They also have a tame lazy river (closed for renovation during our stay) and a more exciting one with rapids called – “The Current”. This was definitely my favorite part of the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort. It is a mile-long river where you go through river rapids, big waves, and even a water escalator (which was a little odd). I could have stayed on it the whole day. There are two person tubes that you can take on this ride too. It is not as intense as some of the warning signs may make it out to be, but don’t try to carry a cocktail.
Additionally, there are 11 pools at Atlantis, so we didn’t get to try them all. It was nice that there always were plenty of lounge chairs. Our favorite was the Baths pool which is located close to the Cove. It has a beach entry, waterfalls, and caves. Plus in the afternoon there was a great DJ and dance area.
Also for those that like to swim for exercise, there is also a lap pool by the fitness center. If you stay at the Cove or the Reef, you have access to the Atlantis adult-only pools.
There are two main ocean beaches by Atlantis. We went to the one closer to the Cove as the water seemed calmer, although it did close at 3 pm for a private event the day we were there. There is another beach on the lagoon with some water sports (snorkeling, paddle boats, and bikes) that I wanted to go to, but did not have time.
Atlantis is also almost like an animal sanctuary. They have sharks and stingrays and turtles in the various lagoons on the property. They also have a fantastic aquarium called the Dig. Visually the Dig is stunning and you can even snorkel inside the Atlantis aquarium. They also have a dolphin encounter, where you can swim with dolphins. My friends did that before I arrived and enjoyed it.
As you can see, Atlantis is a fun place for both adults and kids. If you wanted, you could even do an excursion to Exuma to swim with the pigs. For more family-friendly vacation ideas, check out this list of the best islands to visit with kids.
Atlantis Dining & Drinks
Many people mistakenly think that Atlantis is an all-inclusive resort. There are no all-inclusive packages but you can purchase an Atlantis dining plan. While the options are not cheap, children 11 years and under do get to eat for free with the purchase of an adult Atlantis meal plan. You will have plenty of food options to choose from at Atlantis but most are overpriced as you might expect.
I recommend bringing something for breakfast (like protein bars
) that you can eat in your room to save money. Some of the Atlantis Resort Hotels (Harborside Resort and the Reef Atlantis) do include kitchens or kitchenettes. I think that would be nice especially if you plan on staying for a week.
Lunches were reasonable, we usually grabbed something from one of the shacks by the pool. I enjoyed the roti wrap that I had. Dinners were expensive, but many of the restaurants had portions that were large enough to split. Bimini Road was excellent and the best value. The food portions were huge – especially the cracked conch, which was delicious. They even had a live band the night we dined there. It has since been replaced by Frankie Gone Bananas.
There are also lots of options for cocktails. Atlantis has plenty of bars throughout the pool area and inside the resort too. The pool bars all had cocktail menus and you could also customize your own frozen drink by choosing the fruits (strawberry, banana, and mango) and the alcohol. Of course, you can also have frozen drinks without alcohol.
Atlantis Nightlife
In the evenings, you can find plenty of different things to do. One night we went to the comedy club (there was a $25 cover, which cannot be charged to the room). We weren’t too impressed with the first comic we saw, but we really enjoyed the headliner, Andy Woodhull. We decided to be brave and sit in the front row, so we got lots of attention.
Another night we went to the nightclub, Aura, which wasn’t too crowded. We spent most of our time there on the dance floor since the DJ was playing a good mix of music. If you get there early (before 11 pm) there is no cover charge. In addition, there are several other bars, some that even have live music, a movie theater (no extra charge), and a casino with a sportsbook.
Atlantis Accommodations Options
Atlantis Bahamas is a huge resort with several different towers (Royal Towers, Beach Tower, Coral Towers, The Reef, The Cove). The Royal Towers are known as the “heartbeat of Atlantis.” The Reef and the Cove have adult only areas and significantly more expensive than the other towers. The Coral and Beach Towers have more affordable rates but a little farther from the waterpark area. There is also the Harborside Resort at Atlantis which is located not too far away in the Marina.
We stayed in the Royal Towers but I think next time I go, I might stay in one of the cheaper towers at the Atlantis resort. I barely spent any time in the room anyway. The room was nice, but I was disappointed when I realized that our balcony was barely wide enough to stand on. Only a few rooms in the Atlantis Royal Towers actually have real balconies.
If you’re planning a trip to Atlantis, it can be hard to decide which Atlantis tower is best. The table below is a brief rundown of the different properties with access to Atlantis. I listed them in order from most affordable to most expensive to help you decide where to stay in Atlantis Bahamas.
Hotel Tower
Hotel Information
Comfort Suites Paradise Island
While this hotel is not located on the Atlantis property, guests do get complimentary Atlantis day passes (as of 1/1/2019). You also get free wifi and complimentary hot American-style buffet breakfast. If you don’t mind staying off the resort, you can really save a lot of money. This hotel will definitely be your best budget option.
The Beach at Atlantis
Standard hotel rooms currently undergoing renovations (as of Oct 2017). Located on Atlantis Beach, but it is the furthest away from Aquaventure Waterpark. Formerly known as the Beach Towers.
The Coral at Atlantis
Standard hotel featuring newly renovated rooms. Conveniently located close to the Marina Village with lots of dining options. Formerly known as the Coral Towers.
The Royal at Atlantis
The “Heartbeat” of Atlantis and where I stayed. It is the iconic building that you picture when you think of Atlantis. If it’s your first time at Atlantis it is nice to stay in the middle of everything! Formerly known as the Royal Towers.
Harborside Resort
Located at the Atlantis Resort marina, These colorful private villas are located in the Atlantis Marina and come with a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette. I think it is the best place to stay at Atlantis with kids because you will have more space and it’s a quieter area.
The Reef at Atlantis
Each spacious accommodation at the Reef includes kitchen facilities and private furnished balcony. Guests have access to the adults only pool at the Cove.
The Cove at Atlantis
The Cove has been the most fashionable place to stay at Atlantis since it opened in 2007. It has its own large outdoor pool area just for adults and a private beach.
When planning your budget you need to consider the Atlantis resort fee in addition to the room charge. The resort fee includes 2 bottles of water, access to the gym, and wifi (note: Atlantis Bahamas wifi was not very reliable).
The Atlantis hotel grounds are absolutely gorgeous and well-maintained. I enjoyed exploring especially early in the morning when it was quiet and the rest of the guests were still sleeping. There is a lot to see and plenty of good Instagram-able spots. I took lots of pictures of Atlantis, its one of the top places to go in the Bahamas.
Getting Around at Atlantis Bahamas
It is a bit of a walk from any of the rooms to the pools and waterparks. Carry what you need with you for the day, don’t expect to be able to go quickly back to your room to grab something. We used the lockers by the waterpark to store our phone and other items while we were in the water. It’s $10 well-spent. The only problem is the lockers close early (around 5 pm most days we were there).
If you prefer not to walk, there is a free shuttle that runs around the resort (every 30 minutes) but we never used it. You can also take the shuttle to the Ocean Club resort (formerly known as the One&Only Resort). next door where they filmed scenes from the James Bond movie “Casino Royale“.
Booking Your Atlantis Vacation
While Atlantis can be expensive, you may be able to find promotions on their website and sometimes there will be special deals on Atlantis vacation packages. If your plans are flexible, you will probably be able to get a better rate on Atlantis packages. You can also use Marriott points here, although you still will have to pay the resort fee for each person (check the fine print to find out the current fee).
Next time I go back, I will probably try a less expensive option like the Coral Towers or Beach Tower. If there aren’t any promotions or groupons, you can click here to check the prices and availability on hotels.com. Hotels.com has a price guarantee so if you find a lower rate after you have booked, they will refund you the difference.
What to Wear at Atlantis
If you are getting ready to pack for your vacation, you need to decide what to bring to Atlantis. This depends on what you plan on doing. For the most part, casual clothes and flip-flops will be fine around the resort. If you plan on going clubbing or visiting some of the higher end restaurants, bring some more stylish outfits and nicer shoes. If you want to take advantage of the gym at Atlantis, pack your workout gear.
Be sure to bring several bathing suits (at least two) because you will probably be spending a lot of time in the water. You will need a cover-up too.
Atlantis Bahamas Day Pass
Visiting Atlantis is definitely one of the best things to do on Paradise Island! If you are visiting Nassau on a cruise or don’t have time to spend the night at Atlantis, you can also purchase an Atlantis Bahamas day pass although these are now extremely limited and a bit pricey! An Aquaventure Water Park Day Pass includes unlimited access to the 141-acre Aquaventure Water Park plus all the pools and beaches. You can also purchase experiences at Dolphin Cay or other water adventures.
If you are a group of 3-4, instead of booking Atlantis day passes, it may be more cost effective to book a night at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island. Guests of the Comfort Suites can access Atlantis for free. Check the prices for the Comfort Suites here, be sure to add in the resort fees and charges for extra people when deciding if it will be cheaper than buying day passes for Atlantis.
Atlantis Bahamas now only allows these day passes to be purchased by the resort’s established partners and Bahamian residents/citizens. Cruise lines and some local hotels are considered established partners. These day passes are complimentary for guests of Comfort Suites Paradise Island. Don’t try to say you are on a cruise or you are a resident if you are not, as they will ask you to provide proof (i.e. residence card or cruise line key).
The Atlantis day pass needs to be booked in advance as they do sell out. Click here to get details, current prices, and availability.
Getting to Atlantis on Paradise Island
In the Bahamas, Atlantis is located on Paradise Island. You will want to book your flight to Nassau (NAS) and then you can take a taxi from the airport to the resort. The taxi prices are regulated and will cost around $35 depending on the number of passengers and luggage. The ride takes about 30 minutes. This is probably the most cost-effective and efficient way of getting from the Nassau airport to Atlantis on Paradise Island.
I found the taxi drivers in the Bahamas very friendly and professional, but if you prefer you can also book the airport transfers through Atlantis. Atlantis bus transfers are $33 roundtrip per person. The bus may make stops on its way to Atlantis. They also offer more expensive options like limos or SUVs, which might make sense if you have a large party. Airport transfers organized by Atlantis can be booked at the time you make your reservation.
Note: I would not recommend renting a car for your Atlantis vacation. If you would like to explore Paradise Island or Nassau, you can hire a taxi.
To wrap up, if you haven’t already been to Atlantis, you really should plan a trip. We had such a great time and left fantastic Atlantis Bahamas reviews. It really is the best place to stay in the Bahamas. Personally, I can’t wait to go back. If you have been to Atlantis, I would love to hear about your trip. Do you have any additional Atlantis resort tips? If you haven’t made it to Atlantis yet, what is stopping you?!
-Anisa
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Expert Tips for a trip to Atlantis Bahamas
- Be flexible with your travel dates so that you can take advantage of the deals for Atlantis vacations.
- There is something for everyone at Atlantis – waterpark, pools, beach, casino, aquarium, nightlife, and a comedy club just to name a few.
- Atlantis food options are expensive. Bring breakfast and try to share plates to save money on food costs.
- Bring what you need with you for the day and use lockers. It will save you the long walk back to your room at Atlantis.
- Make sure to go on “The Current,” you will thank me later! It was my favorite ride in the waterpark.
- If you just have a day, purchase an Atlantis day pass in advance. You can enjoy all the amenities!
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I am going in May. Is there a store on grounds to buy food? And is shopping at all the store normal cost or is high like the food?
Crystal – In the main resort area, I only saw gift shops which just really had snacks and yes they were expensive. I would think there might be a food shop by Harborside but I am guessing it would be expensive.
Excellent blog post. Thank you for sharing the information. A few girlfriends and I are doing a girls trip to Atlantis SOON, so your post was right on target for us! We will be staying multiple days, but I get a straaaange feeling that we’ll be returning in the future! Can’t wait to go. Other tips that I’ve been told are not to wear jewelry in the waterparks. Very easy to lose everything. Phone’s not waterproof, so I’m wondering whether to just get a waterproof disposable camera. I’m PLANNING to do the rock climb, the Leap of Faith, you name it! Bucket list time! We would like to take an excursion to Pig Beach and to possibly also swim with wild dolphins, but I don’t know if we’ll have enough time. Atlantis sounds like we will never leave. Another tip we received was to stop at a grocery store on the way to Atlantis from the airport to stock up on items…and to remember passports. Thank you again for your wonderful tips. I look forward to becoming a fellow Atlantisian Mermaid (yes, we are adult women and have mermaid tails to wear one day)! You only live once…….. 😉 Take care and make sure to give back, and to practice Random Acts of Kindness every chance you get. Sincerely, Jana Sheeder
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for the tips. For your phone, I would recommend a waterproof case instead of getting a disposable camera. You ladies will have a great time.
Thanks so much, Anisa! Great tip about phone case. -Jana
Thank you for doing the leg work! We are going for the first time and we are using your recommendations!
Awe Vee. That is so nice to hear. I am sure you will have a great time.
This looks amazing! I’ve been to the Bahamas before but I didn’t get a chance to check out the inside of the Atlantis!
Kelly – I had so much fun at Atlantis I really want to go back. I am sure you would love it too!
Hey Anisa, my husband and I are thinking about going to Atlantis for our honeymoon, but originally we were looking for something adults only. Were there a ton of kids everywhere?
Maegen – Yes there were a lot of kids in the main parts of Atlantis. For your honeymoon, I would suggest either the Cove or the Reef which have adult only areas.
Thanks Anisa! So we would be staying in a time share, which limits us to Harborside Resort. We have other options for honeymoon destinations with fewer kids though. If we don’t stay at the Cove or Reef do we not have access to the adults only areas? Thank you again!
Unfortunately those Adult-only pool is for those staying at the Cove only. There is another what they call family-friendly pool for the Cove and Reef guests only which I imagine doesn’t have many kids. At the Harborside resort you would not have access to either unfortunately.
I was struggling to find a place then right after reading this I’m convinced that I will go to Atlantis!! I cant wait ✈️😍🇧🇸
Angie – That is great to hear! Which tower will you be staying in? I am sure whichever one you chose, you will have an amazing time.
October 2019
We LOVE Atlantis, but it can be disturbingly expensive. We are getting ready for our fifth trip to Atlantis in five years. For the first time we are going during the busy season, the week of Thanksgiving. I am learning quickly that it will be a different world. Just called (4 weeks+) ahead of time and was fortunate enough to get cabanas for two days that week, as they are already 99% full. Cabana’s were more than double the cost of last year during slow season, but still a great deal at $400 a day. Restaurants are also booking up quickly.
My best practices for enjoying Atlantis is going off Atlantis property to eat and drink and making friends with a host at the airport. These tips will easily save a couple $1000 or more a week and will enhance, not compromise the wonderful experience. (More about drinks and hosts below) We travel a lot and spend a considerable amount of our income on travel. We are not cheap but hate feeling like we are being taking advantage of when traveling. You can easily feel that way at Atlantis, but don’t need to.
The food is MUCH better across the bridge in Nassau and the price is easily half of what you will pay on Atlantis property. (Lunch snack bars are the exception. You can still get a decent lunch/snack for $10-$15 on property.). Last year with the increase in VAT tax, onsite at Atlantis a beer is just at $10 and a frozen drink close to $16. Onsite food can’t compare to the wonderful dishes you will find at Fish Fry and other local restaurants in Nassau. Even with the cost of a taxi, you will save money and be thankful for the wonderful food. Montagu Gardens will transport you from and to your hotel for free. Just call ahead for Oscar. Food is great and inexpensive. Atmosphere leaves something to be desired, but still a good experience.
Grocery store prices are high in the Bahamas, so if you snack, consider bringing items from home. Liquor store prices are the same as the US for liquor, beer is about triple the US (you can bring one case per person from the US, so do). Example: A can of Bud Light from home $.90, $2.50-$3.00 at a liquor store, $5-7 at a local restaurant, and $10 at an Atlantis bar/restaurant. Even the local beers are about the same price, usually $1 less. (See final note about airport hosts.)
If you don’t want to leave Paradise Island, there are some great cost savings right near Atlantis property. Just across the street from the Marina Village is a strip mall. This is a 3-4-minute walk from Harborside and a 2-minute walk from the lobby of The Coral. In the strip mall is a liquor store and small grocery. The grocery is expensive, but still better than buying food/drink on property. The liquor store is similar to the US on liquor, maybe a $1 or $2 a bottle more, but well worth it. Beer is expensive, but still a third of the cost of buying on property (Less than $3 a can.). (There is also a small drug store and items are a fraction of what you will spend on Atlantis property. Example: Sunblock in the drug store or strip mall gift shops $10-$12, at Atlantis $30+ – no kidding.) All rooms at Atlantis have refrigerators. Take a stroll over to the strip mall and pick up your own beverages and snacks. Buy a small cooler, or better yet bring one from home. You can take it to the beach or any pool. Ice is available at all snack bar self-service stations. You will save a fortune! The strip mall also has several gift shops with items about half of what you pay at Atlantis. Go into Nassau for the best shopping deals. (I am NOT a Straw Market fan. Vendors are WAY too aggressive and prices are the same or less in the local Nassau gift shops.) Hands down our best buy ever were insulated cups from a downtown gift shop. You will need one to keep drinks cold for any reasonable length of time.
Regarding soft drinks. You can buy a drink at any Atlantis snack bar and get free refills the rest of the day (only at the self-serve snack bar machines). Can’t remember all the brands, but they do have coke products. If you want cans, the grocery in the strip mall and the liquor store can provide at about $1 a can. They have many US brands.
There are two off property restaurants just steps from Atlantis. Anthony’s is in the strip mall and the food is excellent and much more reasonable than anything on Atlantis. The Green Parrot is across the street from the Strip Mall at Hurricane Hole Marina. It is bar food, some average, some great, but a better choice that most Atlantis restaurants. Both restaurants offer happy hours. For full meal choices, great inexpensive food, and a fun outdoor/waterfront atmosphere, cross the incoming bridge, go up one block and over a few more to the Green Parrot in Nassau. Traffic gets a little crazy to cross the streets, so I suggest a taxi even during the day, and absolutely after dark.
There are some interesting restaurant choices across the out-going bride at Potter’s Cay. This is for a daytime trip only and let’s just say it is extremely “rustic”. You can see fresh seafood coming in and being cleaned and can buy fresh seafood and produce. There are many small restaurants and bars, okay shacks. This is where a lot of local go and Potter’s Cay does have a bit of a yuck-factor. However, it can’t be beat for a cheap drink and excellent lunch. Had the best conch fritters and conch salad of my life there. Despite the atmosphere, everyone is very nice and accommodating, and it is very safe during the day. Be sure to stop in and watch the local seniors paying dominoes in the shack at the entrance.
Another great waterfront seafood restaurant choice just over the outbound bridge is The Poop Deck. Again, take a taxi at night or during the day anticipate a long walk. It is about 1/2 mile to your left after you cross the bridge. They too have a good happy hour.
REMEMBER: EVERY restaurant and bar in Nassau, even snack bars at Atlantis, charge an automatic 15% gratuity and a 12.5% VAT tax. That is 27.5% on top of all charges, even inflated ones at Atlantis. Many receipts DO NOT break down the tip and tax and actually have an additional separate tip line. Don’t be caught off guard.
Now about the airport hosts. When you get to baggage claim, you will see men and women with dollies. Grab one. S/he will get your bags and take you through customs without any questions or inspecting your luggage. They can even get you a taxi. There is technically an $18 charge per cast of beer, but a host can whisk you through customers. I have never been asked if I have alcohol. Only once was the subject broached by a host and she said, ” You don’t have any alcohol, right”. If by chance your case of beer is discovered, the $18 charge is still worth it, as opposed to $60+ for a case in Nassau and $250 for 24 individual cans on Atlantis property. Do be cautious about any taxi, even those procured by a host. Establish the rate BEFORE you get in. This is every time you take a taxi anywhere in the Bahamas. Legal charges are clearly posted at the airport and at each hotel taxi stand. Taxi sharing at the airport won’t save you much unless you are going to the exact same hotel on Atlantis property. I typically tip my host $20 dollars for two of us, $30+ for three or more. Worth every penny and they are grateful. (Keep in mind they share with the custom agents and taxi drivers in some cases, so be generous.)
One final note. DON’T MISS FISH FRY! I have eaten at restaurants all over the world and few can compare to the food you get a Fish Fry. My personal favorite in the Bahamas is any grilled seafood dish at Goldie’s at Fish Fry (best $20 meal you will ever have) and the mango daiquiris at the Athena Cafe & Bar in downtown Nassau. Try them both. You will be very happy you did.
Okay, two final notes. If you have a large party, make friends with a taxi driver who has a van. By large group I mean five or more people. Most taxis won’t hold more than 4 people. Establish a relationship, secure reasonable pricing, and get a direct cell phone number. You will never be without transportation or be over charged. My driver and best new Bahamas’ friend is Marcel.
Okay, three final notes. Do your drinking before you get to the airport. Drinks at the airport bar make Atlantis prices a bargain.
Enjoy Nassau and Atlantis. Remember to be nice, it goes a long way.
Julie – Glad to hear you loved Atlantis and thanks for sharing your tips.
4 of us are goin in just 50 days. Staying at the beach in atlantis. First time for us. I’m excited and nervous
Thanks for all the info
Shawn
Shawn – You guys will have a fabulous time. Enjoy it!