Atlantis Paradise Island: Dive Into Aquaventure Fun

The Bahamas is a collection of around 700 islands, with about 30 of them being home to people. Most Bahamians, almost 70%, live on the large island of New Providence, where the capital city, Nassau, is located. This year marks 50 years of independence for the Bahamas from Britain, yet some reminders of its colonial past can still be seen, like driving on the left side of the road, red post boxes, and statues of Queen Victoria. Today, a large majority of visitors come from America, as Miami is just a short flight away.

Visiting Paradise Island

As you arrive at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, you’ll likely see the Atlantis Paradise Island resort. This massive, coral-colored building is inspired by the legend of Atlantis, a lost city from Greek mythology. The resort’s design echoes this theme, from the artwork in the lobby to the bar named after Plato, the philosopher who first wrote about Atlantis. Everywhere you look, there are impressive decorations, including glass sculptures by an American artist, indoor waterfalls, and fountains.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this resort sits within beautiful gardens and features a huge water park, one of the largest in the world. You can choose from different types of places to stay, like luxury villas, rooms for adults only, suites for families and groups, and more budget-friendly rooms.

Accommodation Options

I stayed in The Royal tower, which is in the center of the resort. From my room, I had a great view of the resort below, where you could see rays swimming, and beyond that, the Atlantic Ocean. The rooms are bright and spacious, decorated with soft colors that remind you of sand and the sea, with touches of driftwood. After a long flight, the firm but comfortable beds were very welcoming. The rooms had blackout and sheer curtains, and the air conditioning was easy to control, helping me sleep well. There was also plenty of storage space, including a chest of drawers and a wardrobe. A padded bench at the end of the bed and a table with two chairs provided extra comfort.

For technology, there was a large flat-screen TV and USB sockets. You could also borrow a plug adapter from housekeeping if needed. The bathroom was large, with a separate toilet and a shower over a short bath. A helpful detail was a line for drying wet swimwear.

Dining Experiences

Get ready to eat well, as there are more than 20 restaurants on the resort, offering food from all over the world. It’s a good idea to book tables in advance, especially for popular spots. You can try conch, a local specialty, at Bimini Road, or enjoy a variety of fish and seafood dishes at Fish by chef José Andrés. For Japanese cuisine, Nobu is famous for its black cod. I tried the fresh vegetable maki and crisp tempura there.

If you enjoy Italian food, especially seafood, Paranza by chef Michael White is a great choice. Dining on the terrace surrounded by tropical plants is lovely. For a more casual experience, I stopped by Shake Shack. I listened to the bartenders chat while they mixed drinks, and I even sampled a “Bahama Mama,” a cocktail made with rum, coconut rum, orange juice, and pineapple juice.

What are some food highlights?

Don’t miss trying conch, a very popular local dish. You can find it at Bimini Road. For international seafood, Fish by José Andrés is highly recommended. If you like Japanese food, Nobu offers excellent options like black cod and maki rolls. For Italian seafood lovers, Paranza provides a fine dining experience, especially on its terrace. For casual drinks and a fun atmosphere, Shake Shack is a good spot to try local cocktails like the Bahama Mama.

Things to Do at Atlantis

Paradise Island has a beautiful coastline with five miles of white sand beaches and clear turquoise water, backed by palm trees. You’ll find plenty of sunbeds with built-in shades. Right at the hotel is Aquaventure, a huge water park covering 141 acres with thrilling slides, rides, and 14 pools. The “Rapids River” is a mile-long lazy river where you can float in inflatable rings and enjoy the scenery, occasionally getting splashed by the rapids.

For the very adventurous, the “Leap of Faith” slide plunges you vertically down from the Mayan Temple. Lifejackets are available for all ages, and there are three pools designed for younger children with play structures and gentle slides. If you’re looking for more active water sports, you can try snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and water bikes in the Paradise Lagoon. The resort also has impressive marine habitats, including “The Dig,” an aquarium designed to look like an ancient ruin, and Predator Lagoon, where you can see sharks, barracudas, rays, and giant groupers through viewing tunnels.

What activities are available for families?

Aquaventure water park offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Younger children will enjoy the dedicated pools with gentle slides and aquatic apparatus. For families seeking a bit more thrill, the “Rapids River” provides a fun and scenic float. Older children and adults can certainly enjoy the more adventurous slides, though some may prefer to stick to the calmer parts of the water park. Snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking in Paradise Lagoon are also great family options. The marine habitats, like “The Dig” aquarium, offer an educational and visually engaging experience for everyone.

My daughter Lily loved the gentle slides in the kids’ area, and Ethan was fascinated by the colorful fish in the aquarium. Even Michael enjoyed floating on the Rapids River with us, chuckling as we went through the gentle waves.

Exploring Nassau

The main part of Paradise Island is about one square mile, but it’s worth venturing out to see the capital city, Nassau. You can take a taxi, which costs about $15 each way plus a $2 bridge toll, or a boat taxi, which is $7 per person each way. Nassau is a lively city, especially around the cruise port at Prince George Wharf and the main street, Bay Street.

You’ll find street vendors and stalls in the Straw Market selling crafts like basket weaving and wood carving, alongside typical souvenirs. There are also many duty-free shops offering luxury items. For history and culture, you can visit the Pompey Museum to learn about indigenous people and slavery, and the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas to admire local art. To cool down, try a beer at Pirate Republic, the Bahamas’ only craft brewery.

What are the main sights in Nassau?

In Nassau, you can explore the busy streets around Prince George Wharf and Bay Street, where you’ll find numerous shops and market stalls. The Straw Market is a popular spot for crafts and souvenirs. For cultural insight, the Pompey Museum offers a look into the Bahamas’ history, including its indigenous past and the era of slavery. The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas showcases local artistic talent. For a taste of local brews, visit Pirate Republic, the country’s only craft brewery. Many duty-free shops are also available on Bay Street for those interested in luxury goods.

If you need some relaxation, you can book a massage at the Mandara Spa, walk along Cove Beach to see wooden sculptures, or simply unwind in the hammocks between palm trees. Watching the underwater world glide by is also a peaceful experience.

The Bahamas offers a wonderful mix of resort entertainment and cultural exploration. It’s a place where you can create lasting memories, whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of everything. I’m already thinking about when I can return, perhaps to explore more of the outer islands in 2026.