The Secrets of Atlantis in the Bahamas

atlantis resort in the bahamas
by Anisa // 59 Comments

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.

Note: This post includes affiliate links.  See disclosure for more information.

The Royal Towers of Atlantis -
The Royal Towers of Atlantis are the centerpiece of the resort.

COVID-19 Notice: Get the latest information about traveling to the Bahamas and Atlantis here

About Atlantis in the Bahamas

The Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas is loosely themed after the mythical island of Atlantis mentioned in some of Plato’s works. In the end,  Atlantis fell out of favor with the deities and was submerged into the Atlantic Ocean.  You will notice ruins, temples and other marine decor around the property.

The resort was originally part of the Paradise Island Hotel and Casino, which was owned by Resorts International and opened back in 1968.

It was purchased by Kerzner International Limited in 1994, and opened as Atlantis Bahamas in 1998 once the Royal Towers were built.  In 2007, the Cove and the Reef opened.

Since 2014, Atlantis Bahamas has been owned and operated by Brookfield Hospitality.  Kerzner still owns and operates the other five Atlantis resorts around the world including Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, Atlantis Sanya in China; The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences in Dubai, and Atlantis Ko Olina Resort in Hawaii.

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.

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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.

the current at Atlantis in the Bahamas
“The Current” was my favorite attraction at Atlantis.

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.

Slide through the shark tank at Aquaventure. -
You can go on a slide through the shark tank at Aquaventure.

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.  Get details on the dining plan choices here.

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.

The conch at Bimini Road was delicious and there was plenty to share. -
The conch at Bimini Road was delicious and there was plenty to share.
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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. 

They alsho have 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, 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 Tower has more affordable rates but is 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.

HotelDescription
Comfort Suites Paradise Island While this hotel is not located on the Atlantis property, guest do get complimentary access to the Atlantis resort. You also get free wifi and complimentary hot American-style buffet breakfast.

If you don't mind staying off the resort, you can save a lot of money. This hotel will definitely be your best budget option.
Read Tripadvisor reviews here.

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Coral TowersStandard hotel featuring newly renovated rooms.

It's designed for families and conveniently located close to the Marina Village with lots of dining options. The Coral pool has a swim up bar. There is also a teen nightclub and ice cream parlour.
Read Tripadvisor reviews here.

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Royal TowersThe "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!Read Tripadvisor reviews here.

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Harborside ResortLocated at the Atlantis Resort marina, These colorful one-bedroom 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.
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The ReefEach spacious accommodation at the Reef includes kitchen facilities and private furnished balcony. They have studios and suites with up to three bedrooms.

Guests have access to the adults only pool and private strip of Paradise Beach.
Read Tripadvisor reviews here.

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The CoveThe Cove has been the most fashionable place to stay at Atlantis since it opened in 2007.

Featuring luxury oceanfront suites, a private beach area, and its own large outdoor pool facility just for adults.
Read Tripadvisor reviews here.

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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.

Rope bridge I found while exploring the Atlantis Resort. -
I found a rope bridge while exploring the Atlantis Resort.

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.

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 to book your stay, although you still will have to pay the resort fee for each person (check the fine print to find out the current fee).  Points cannot be used for The Reef.

Next time I go back, I will probably try a less expensive option like the Coral 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.  Cover-ups (and shoes) are required in the lobbies and all indoor restaurants, lounges and public places.

The view from our room in the Royal Towers. -
The view from our room in the Royal Towers was wonderful.

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 (who have booked their stay in advance) can access Atlantis for free.  Check the prices for the Comfort Suites here, but 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.

The Atlantis day pass needs to be booked in advance as they do sell out.  Click here to get details, current prices, and availability.

atlantis in the bahamas
You will have a blast at Atlantis whether you spend a day or a week!

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.  This is probably the most cost-effective and efficient way of getting from the Nassau airport to Atlantis on Paradise Island.

The taxi prices are regulated and will cost around $35 depending on the number of passengers and luggage.  The ride takes about 30 minutes. 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 charged 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.  You would end up paying more for parking.  If you would like to explore Paradise Island or Nassau, you can hire a taxi.

Is Atlantis in the Bahamas Worth Visiting?

Yes.  While it isn’t the cheapest place to stay or visit for a day, it has so much to offer that I still feel like it offers good value.  There aren’t many other places that can offer a waterpark, casino, aquarium, beaches, restaurants, bars, clubs, shopping, and more.

To wrap up, if you haven’t already been to Atlantis, you should plan a trip.  We had such a great time and left fantastic Atlantis Bahamas reviews.  It 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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Atlantis hotel and beach with text overlay

 

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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Last Updated on December 1, 2022

About the Author

Anisa is an experienced international traveler with extra pages in her passport and stamps from 41 different countries across 5 continents (and counting). She was born and raised in Texas. After a 13 year stint in NYC, she moved to England to live with her husband.

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