My family and I chose Atlantis Bahamas on Paradise Island, Bahamas, for a special trip to celebrate my daughter’s fifth birthday. This famous resort, a huge resort by resort standards, offers spectacular hotels, restaurants, and activities for kids and adults.
Our three night stay during a week-long stay was the perfect choice for vacationing. With planning and research, we enjoyed fun experiences, from pools to Aquaventure, though huge crowds and high prices for food and experiences were drawbacks. Still, the beautiful experience felt worth it.
This resort isn’t just a hotel/tower: it’s a content-rich hub for social media captions and covers. We had free time to explore the local area with ease, avoiding feeling stuck or disappointed.
My personal opinion? Atlantis is great for a long weekend or eventful trip, blending relaxing vibes with fun.
Useful tips: pack light, eat early to dodge crowds, and research activities for kids and adults. This comprehensive travel guide shares the best and worst things based on our context and travel preferences, ensuring a stress-free escape.
Spending money here is worth it, but knowing the size can be overwhelming. For us, it was a fun, special trip I’d recommend.
Atlantis Bahamas Review Travel Guide
Atlantis Bahamas Review Travel Guide offers an honest look at whether this resort is worth staying, covering top hotels like The Royal, The Cove, The Reef, and more. Explore maps, dining options from NOBU to local delicacies, pools, waterpark, activities for kids and adults, plus money-saving tips to make your Atlantis Bahamas vacation unforgettable.
An honest review
My family loved our stay at Atlantis Bahamas, a world-class resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas, opened in 1998 with a $900 million glow.
The Aquaventure waterpark, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters were a hit, while restaurants kept things lively. Packed with activities, this city-like island hotel offers endless fun.
Our guide and review? It’s worth staying for a 25 years iconic vacation with top food and information galore.
Is Atlantis Bahamas worth staying?
My family had a blast at Atlantis Bahamas, a fun place worth staying for any age group. We celebrated my three year old’s birthday with fun family time in the aquapark and on beaches.
Activities for kids and activities for adults kept us busy, while the casino, golf course, fine dining, and shopping at Marina Village made it a perfect vacation spot.
The marine habitat amazed us, and though food and expenses at the hotel were high, it met expectations. I recommend it for a relaxing vacation, couples getaway, or group trip with friends.
Atlantis Bahamas Location & Resort Map
My family and I loved discovering Atlantis on Paradise Island, Nassau, in New Providence, a stunning spot right by the Calendar port where cruise ships dock.
This massive 140+ acre resort, with its five hotel towers and thrilling waterpark, feels like a world of its own. We used the Atlantis app to download a handy map that guided us through every corner, from beaches to pools, making it super easy to explore and enjoy our vacation without getting lost.
Tips and recommendations for your stay
Navigating the large, overwhelming Atlantis Bahamas resort as first timers is easier if you download a map from their website or use the Atlantis app to orient yourself. I got lost until I used the map to find the waterpark, pools, casino, and Marina Village.
Free shuttles run every 5-10 minutes between hotels and the hotel/tower, saving you from taxis or Nassau Downtown walks. Use US dollars or Bahamian dollars (same value) for taxi fares or to tip staff, as Atlantis is a cash free resort, but cash helps for small expenses.Pack summer essentials like sunscreen, a hat, flip flops, sun dresses, and a tote bag for the Bahamas sun.
Food is expensive since goods are imported, and dining three times a day at restaurants adds up quickly. Save money by grabbing snacks or sundries from a grocery store or liquor store near the airport.
Kids get hungry, so stock up to avoid pricey resort snacks. Your hotel guest wristband unlocks free activities like pools and waterparks, which are popular and fun. Book activities early via the app, as they can be sold out.
Link your keycard to a credit card for accommodation and restaurants. These experiences are top tier, so plan to maximize your stay!
Getting to and around Atlantis Bahamas
From Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), a 30 min drive gets you to the Atlantis Bahamas resort on Paradise Island. I found plenty of taxis at baggage claim, with fares of $40 to $60 USD. Use cash to tip.
Book a shuttle or transfer ahead for special needs like wheelchairs or car seats for family trips. At Atlantis, shuttles connect towers/hotels, Marina Village, Golf Course, and Four Seasons resort, making riding convenient and fun.
A ferry ride from Nassau Downtown feels like a mini cruise on the water. I loved the ferry to Blue Lagoon, but boat tours to the Exumas are awesome too. After a flight or ship arrival, recommend a regular cab from the airport or Nassau for a quick, easy trip.
Which hotel to stay in Atlantis Bahamas?
Picking the right hotel to stay here at Atlantis Bahamas is an important step to make your stay enjoyable, especially with the overwhelming array of 5 hotel options. I loved a hotel with a kitchenette for easy meals. For a romantic, couples’ only escape, the luxury amenities shine, while family friendly spots with fun preferences delight kids. Check each hotel’s review to find your perfect match!
The Royal at Atlantis Bahamas
Stepping into The Royal here with its Royal Towers here, including Royal Towers East and Royal Towers West, feels magical with those pink towers. I loved the connecting bridge linking to the exciting casino, delicious restaurants, and lively nighttime venues. Convenient access to the thrilling water park was a hit, and rooms renovated in 2022 and 2023 felt fresh. As a hotel fan, the ease and vibe made my stay amazing!
The Cove at Atlantis Bahamas
Nestled at The Cove here, Book your stay at The Cove here shines as a luxurious gem among Atlantis Bahamas hotels, offering chic, contemporary accommodations with ocean views and private balconies.
I enjoyed the exclusive pool and adults-only pool, perfect for a romantic couples stay. It was my favorite hotel! The small casino, restaurants (The Fish, Sea Glass, Fresca), and gorgeous lobby views make it an ideal hotel, though it’s expensive.
Compared to The Reef on the far side of the property, or an upgrade to Royal with upscale suites, it blends adult only pool peace with family friendly fun.
The Reef at Atlantis Bahamas
Checking out The Reef here, Book your stay at The Reef here boasts sweeping views of the ocean, ideal for a family vacation. I enjoyed the kitchenette with my toddler for a quick früh breakfast or snack, plus studio style rooms, kitchenettes, and larger suites with full kitchens suited for longer stays.
Bell service and elevators eased travel, and a quick walk from the lobby reached the pools, kids’ pool, and private beach, which was even better than The Cove guests’ access to Starbucks during the super busy morning. With no casino, unlike The Royal Towers or The Cove, the family-friendly pool and Reef listening vibe shone in my Reef Atlantis review!
The Coral at Atlantis Bahamas
Check out The Coral Tower here, Book your stay at The Coral here makes The Coral a great choice for a value oriented, mid-range hotel on the property. I loved the pool, lazy river, and swim up bar near Marina Village, plus the tasty restaurants and fun shops. Compared to the fancy Royal Towers, this older tower feels a bit dated, but the stay shines with access to the water park, other pool areas, and Atlantis Beach. It’s perfect for a budget-friendly trip with amazing beaches!
Harborside Resort at Atlantis Bahamas
Discovering Harborside Resort here, Book your stay at Harborside, which offers residential-style villas with a kitchen and laundry, perfect for families with multiple kids or a party of five. I loved the spacious accommodation and apartment style accommodations to cook in, a better value than the expensive on site hotel towers. Near the Marina across from Atlantis Resort’s main property, shuttle service links to the main resort, great for larger families needing two rooms!
A Money Saving Hotel Option
Comfort Suites
Exploring Comfort Suites Paradise Island here brings a budget friendly option to enjoy Atlantis resort and save money. I used the shuttle last year to access the resort’s great amenities, beaches, and water park, though it’s less convenient to walk from there. It’s a perfect money-saving choice!
Fun Fact: The Michael Jackson Suite
Glancing at the Michael Jackson Suite unveils a luxurious, 5,000 square foot hotel room at Royal’s East and West Towers, loved by the singer. I heard celebrities enjoyed its huge balcony with a bridge view, costing a steep $25,000 per night! It adds a fun flair to Atlantis Bahamas.
Our Room at the Reef
Marking a special occasion at The Reef here brought an upgrade to a King Studio with Ocean View, feeling clean and comfortable with a king size bed and pull out sofa for my son. The kitchenette had a mini fridge, cooktop, microwave, pots and pans, and cookware to make a quick meal or snack for hungry kids, while the bathroom featured double sinks, separate shower, and giant soaking tub. The balcony offered pool and beach views, shining in my Reef Atlantis review!
The Drink Situation
Enjoying cocktails or simple mixed drinks like vodka soda on a beach vacation at The Reef costs $16, so I used the kitchenette fridge in my room to mix drinks with vodka like Tito’s, a bottle of wine, and mixers like club soda from a grocery store or sundry shops on the property. I grabbed snacks and grocery items for convenience, saving on hotel or resort prices while chilling by pools or on the balcony in the evening!
The Service
Checking online reviews, service at Four Seasons delivers five star service with staff being generally friendly service, friendly, and helpful at the resort. I saw the volume of people and the crowded resort environment kept wait times under 45 minutes, though Starbucks coffee or a sandwich from the walk up snack bar (often undersized and understaffed) took 30 minutes. No negative attitudes showed, but I felt disappointed by unauthorized charges on my bill after room charges, fixed by front desk staff at the front desk, unlike Rosewood or Baha Mar!
Activities to do in Atlantis Bahamas for kids and adults
Enjoying Atlantis Bahamas brings fun for every age group with private beaches and public beaches of turquoise waters and white sand, a paradise feel. I loved the peaceful, pleasant Cove beach at The Cove, while The Reef delights kids to play in water at Aquaventure Waterpark, the biggest, exciting water park with water slides, not-so-lazy river, and splash pools.
Exploring the underwater world with 50,000 sea creatures (including sharks, rays, exotic fish, turtles, and manta rays) at The Dig and Dolphin Cay amazes all.
The Junior Trainer for a Day program here offered a four hour thrill to feed fish and meet sea lions, tropical birds, a pricey birthday treat, though photos with photographers had an extra charge feeling nickel and dime. Dolphin Encounters let us swim with dolphins in a natural lagoon with intelligent creatures for $30/person, which felt stingy but was budget-friendly for animal encounters.
Adults enjoy water activities like SUP, kayaking, pedal boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving by ruins, though snorkeling and scuba diving face cloudy water. Pack snorkel gear from the Atlantis packing list for a half day at Paradise Beach or Cove Beaches. Golf at Ocean Club Golf Course with The Four Seasons, gaming tables in The Royal tower, excites. I savored a romantic dinner at Dune for brunch, lunch, or dinner, plus a relaxing massage or facial at Mandara Spa to schedule.
Marina Village’s outdoor shopping area with local stores, ice cream shops like Ben & Jerry’s, and Marina Pizzeria for pizza buzzes with bustling people, music, and a parade at night. Nightlife with live music, DJs, bars, nightclubs offers fun-filled nights, while arcades and play centers thrill parents.
Restaurants and shacks serve tastier, less expensive seafood like conch salad at McKenzie’s Conch Shack or Anthony’s, via shuttle bus or walk to orient the resort. Beat chair vultures at popular pools by 7am to 8:30 for chair claiming, grab a seat with towels from towel stands by 9am, though wristbands mean a long line for fresh towels.
The property’s beautiful grounds invite a stroll day or night, with the aquarium’s theming, including a sunken city, fish tanks, lobby tunnel, and underground exhibit, showing marine wonders. Cooking classes and high end stores to shop add flair, while Coral Towers and Royal Towers near private yachts in the marina area enhance the convenient vibe. Rides at the Mayan temple and a beach area dip with snorkel recommendations make the best things in the Bahamas shine!
The Pools & Waterpark & Aquariums
Jumping into Aquaventure, the largest water park in the world at 140 acres, brings fun for kids and adults with slides, Rapid River, water slides, and a lazy river I rode eight times with my son, an eight year old who loved the terrifying tower drops and kiddie slides at Poseidon’s Playground, a water play area with a fort and sprayground.
Younger kids under 48″ tall enjoy shallow water and zero entry at pools, while family time shines with beach-like areas and beach access near lagoons, though it gets crowded with hotel guests and cruise ships docking 3-5 times daily for excursion. I found lines long but manageable for rides, with water temp feeling chilly—my friend’s 11, 7, and 3 year olds needed rest/naps in a stroller—and we ate affordably to keep our vacation budget happy.
The aquariums steal the show with fish, sharks, sting rays, lobster, and turtles behind observation glass walls and walk through tunnels, a highlight where I watched my son dream of a scuba dive.
Water park attractions close at 5pm, but night swimming at beach resort pools extends evenings past 7pm in summer, though a weekend disappointment hit when sunset crowds thinned the seat and towels vibe at Atlantis. Amenities make this resort a splashy escape!
Food, Excursions & Other Amenities
Tasting dining options on the property at Atlantis Bahamas can be expensive with 15% gratuity, 10% tax, and high prices hitting astronomical marks, but meal plan packages offer great value as a solid investment.
I researched restaurants for my trip, booking reservations weeks or even months ahead since they get busy, which helped me avoid a 1-2 hour wait at peak dining hours. The breakfast lines were especially crazy!
Excursions include photos to purchase, while the kid-care space for parents with kids aged 3–12 in morning, afternoon, or evening feels inviting with a children’s museum, arcade, and interactive activities like a cooking class, though pricing needs planning.
Where to eat in and around Atlantis Bahamas?
Exploring Atlantis Bahamas here unveils a foodie haven with 20 restaurants and dining options across price ranges and tastes. I enjoyed Nobu for sushi, Fish by José Andrés for seafood, Olives for Italian, and Café Martinique for fancy French, all near Marina Village here with great variety!
A few things to note about dining at Atlantis Bahamas
Securing fine dining at restaurants like Nobu in Atlantis Bahamas requires reservations a month ahead, as they’re often booked and I dine twice with a reservation after walk-ins failed.
The lounge and patio areas at Marina Village offer great food options, while Fish Fry, where locals eat, adds flavor. Drinking water is free via water canisters at refill stations around the resort, a nice touch I loved!
Is food at Atlantis expensive and worth the price?
At Atlantis Bahamas, dining can dent your wallet, but strategic choices make it worth the price. My recent visit showed fine restaurants like Nobu, Olives, and Fish serve delicious seafood entrees for $40-$70, with a 15% gratuity added to the bill.
Breakfast fare at mid-range spots often feels mediocre for $20-40. To save $$, I bought snacks, groceries, and liquor from a local store, far cheaper than poolside restaurants charging high for basics. Mixing fine and budget eats keeps costs down and meals enjoyable.
A review of our favorite restaurants
On our recent stay at Atlantis, we dove into the 20+ restaurants on the resort property. Hungry for variety, we found the pricey menus worth it for a special trip.
NOBU
I dined at Nobu twice during my stay at Atlantis Bahamas, and this famous restaurant chain never disappoints. The food is exceptional, with the miso black cod melting in your mouth, wagyu bursting with flavor, tuna with crispy rice offering a crunchy bite, and rock shrimp tempura delivering a spicy kick.
The service is fast and friendly, enhancing the vibe. Enjoy sake or creative cocktails; the Lychee Martini is my pick! For dessert, the lava cake with green tea ice cream is divine. Book reservations early, around 5pm, for lounge or patio seating, as availability fills up quickly.
OLIVES
My dinner at Olives on my trip to Atlantis Bahamas was a mix of hits and misses. The complimentary focaccia with olive tapenade appetizer was a favorite, so delicious it felt special. The olive combo and caprese were tasty, and the garlic spinach side was great, but the seafood entrees were a bad dish, tasting mediocre and disappointing for the $50+ entrée price. The expensive bill stung, especially in the noisy, smoky casino setting, which dulled the vibe.
Chopstix
My dinner at Chopstix on my trip to Atlantis Bahamas was fun, especially for my son’s birthday. The simple, tasty dishes like dim sum appetizers and veggie fried rice were a favorite. The staff sang a birthday song and brought ice cream with a candle, making it special.
Marina Pizzeria
My final meal at Marina Pizzeria was a casual dinner by the pools, better than expected. The pizza and falafel pita were popular, tasty options for grab and go or take out at 6pm when it’s jam packed. Near Triton’s, Shark Bites, or The Cove, it outshines Bimini Road. For local fare, try Nassau spots like Margaritaville, The Poop Deck, or Fish Fry, as these Nassau activities also save money.
Fish by José Andrés
I enjoyed breakfast at Fish by José Andrés multiple times in the Bahamas, and it was always good. The benedicts and Bahamian boiled fish were must try dishes, simple yet delicious, capturing the Bahamas’ fresh flavors perfectly.
Other mid-range restaurants at Atlantis Bahamas
My breakfast at Fresca was fresh and tasty, while Lagoon Bar and Grill offered great food with ocean views. Murray’s Deli served hearty sandwiches, and Starbucks at The Reef was perfect for a quick coffee and light breakfast bites.
Marina Village restaurants to try
Marina Village buzzes with busy eateries. McKenzie’s Conch Shack serves zesty conch salad, a tropical traditional gem.
Anthony’s offers tasty seafood, while Carmine’s dishes hearty Italian. Cafe Martinique impresses with fancy French fare. Burger Shack has juicy burgers, Marina Pizza nails classic slices, and Ben and Jerry’s scoops creamy treats. Even Dunkin’ Donuts fits for a quick coffee.
LOCAL DELICACIES of The Bahamas that you must try!
In the Bahamas, food is a lively part of the Caribbean Islands experience. My first bite of conch salad at Marina Village was a zesty delicacy, blending the edible sea creature conch with vitamins-rich veggies for a heavenly lunch.
I loved it at McKenzie’s Conch Shack in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, but the raw version here is just as delicious. Toddler-friendly with mild flavors, it’s a TOP pick at The Cove at Atlantis. Don’t miss conch fritters, crispy and yum, especially at Fish Fry spots like Oh! Andros.
For heartier meals, locals at restaurants serve Bahamian boiled fish or stewed fish with grits for breakfast, or fried fish and grilled fish like Bahamian grouper for dinner. These simple entrees shine with sides like peas and rice, plantains, or cole slaw. Pair them with popular local beer like Kalik or Sands at less expensive Fish Fry joints for a true taste of the islands.
Final thoughts & Reviews
Our weekend trip to Atlantis Bahamas was a mix of adventure and relaxation, with hits and misses that shaped our vacation. The water park’s rapid river thrilled my kids, and Dolphin Cay’s Junior Trainer Program was a loved highlight.
Staying at The Reef was family friendly, with beaches nearby, while The Cove suited a romantic stay with luxury pools. Harborside offered world-class amenities, like luxury shopping for watches, jewelry, and bags, and a vibrant casino at the center of action. The property’s size meant 10-20 minutes of walking, and stroller-friendliness was a difficulty due to steps, which we didn’t like.
The Atlantis in the Bahamas is a massive resort with mixed feelings from visitors. The dining options are many, with some tasty food but also pricey meals that feel like a rip off. Crowds, long lines, and some hassle are expected at the waterpark, and certain pools get closed by 5pm, which can limit evening fun. From Nov – April, temps sit in the low 70s with a light breeze, but overcast skies make the water cool enough to leave you shivering.
Safety concerns outside in the local area can feel sketchy after dark, but inside feels safe thanks to tight security staff, strict room keys, and overall strong security level. Private airport transfers really eased my arrival, while some off-property excursions required re-routing through the US, handled well for group worries.
In this tourist area, there are still plenty of wonders, and a stay is worthwhile if you plan around food prices and the large layouts. And just like asking Are There Burritos in Mexico, some answers seem simple until you see them yourself.
Faq
Is Atlantis Bahamas Worth Visiting?
My three nights at Atlantis were packed with plenty of fun, making the trip worth it for the water park and marine life activities. The Atlantis Water Park thrilled us with slides and rivers, while marine life activities like dolphin swims were unforgettable. A longer trip could offer more, but three nights covered the best of Atlantis.
Is It Safe to Go to the Atlantis Bahamas Right Now?
The Bahamas has a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory due to crime, including violent crime like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults. Swimming-related risks and strict firearms and ammunition rules mean traveling safely requires staying on the Atlantis resort, which felt secure during my visit.
Which Part of the Atlantis Bahamas Is the Best?
The Cove at Atlantis Bahamas is the most luxurious of the hotels, offering chic contemporary accommodations with ocean views and private balconies. Its exclusive pool and adults only pool provide calm.
What Is the Best Month to Go to the Atlantis Bahamas?
Visit Atlantis Water Park in the Bahamas from December to April for clear waters and sunny skies, ideal for water fun. June to August has a lively atmosphere with street festivals and bustling beaches, but December to April is best for a relaxing escape.
