We recently went on a family cruise to the Bahamas, visiting Nassau and Freeport. In Nassau, we decided to see the Atlantis Resort, Bahamas Resort, Bahamas Hotels, Island Resorts | Atlantis Paradise Island, we all had seen so often in travel ads on television.

We hired a taxi that brought us from the boat to the resort. As we crossed over the bridge that leads from Nassau onto Paradise Island, we were in awe of the size of the Atlantis Resort. It is absolutely enormous!

We first went to the guest services counter to purchase tickets and ask for a property map. Yes, the Atlantis resort is so large that it warrants it’s very own map.

While you are grabbing a map of your own, you will also want to pick up a copy of the day’s itinerary. Listed will be the feeding times of marine animals, movie times (yes, they have their own theater), kids activities and so much more.

Right off the bat you will be amazed by the marine habitats found throughout the resort. I spent a good deal of time just taking pictures of the many areas of habitats in which Atlantis claims to be the largest marine habitat in the world, second only to Mother Nature. Not only will you find some of the largest fish tanks all around you, you will be able to view these sea animals from several under water viewing tanks, via your walks around the resort, and even from a rope suspension bridge. Or, how about eating your Lunch sitting in a room with walls of glass showing off some of the most magnificent marine habitat you have ever seen? Whether it is the sea turtles outside of the Beach Towers lobby, or the hammer head shark right outside of the Royal Towers, you will find these marine habitats throughout the park.

Having all these marine habitats throughout the grounds truly enhances the beauty of this resort. We spent several hours just walking around and around the resort in awe of these marine habitats. Outside of the Reef Wing of the Coral Towers you will find nurse sharks in lagoons located directly outside some guestrooms, and sidewalks. Yes, you could walk right up to the edge of this lagoon and be so close to these amazing animals, it wasn’t funny. No, there were no fences holding people back. Only a few signs posted nearby that said something to the fact that these animals have large teeth.

Without going into great detail, I’m going to mention several of the Marine Life Exhibits and viewing locations found throughout the resort.

~ Royal Stingray Lagoons ~ Located directly outside of the Royal Towers, this lagoon is packed with stingrays. Not only can you view from a bridge above, but you can also get a close up view from the ground.

~ Predator Falls & Rope Suspension Bridge ~ Located near the Coral Towers, we found this to be a really neat viewpoint of the marine life. At one point when we walked over this bridge, we had three sawfish sharks lying directly below us. We could also see the stingrays trying to hide their identity by burying themselves in the sand.

~ The Dig ~ Located in the Royal Towers, this is an amazing site. And, if you are not a guest of this hotel, you will pay to view it! While on the tour, we were mesmerized by the many different habitats found in the dig. The jellyfish and the lobster tanks were the biggest hits with our children.

~ Predator Lagoon, Reef & Underwater Viewing Tunnel ~ Yes, I’m back to the Predator Reef again! But this time, you can go underneath the reef, which provides a whole new look at these animals!

~ Mayan Temple Predator Lagoon ~ Located at the Royal Towers, this lagoon is packed full of some serious predators. Sharks! Want a closer look? You can view above the water, from the ground, or directly inside if you are brave enough to ride the Serpent Slide.

Spend some time just wandering around the resort and noting the incredible detail that went into building it, from carvings to murals to statues.



One of our family members opted to swim with the Dolphins.



Make sure to bring plenty of film with you, as you will want to capture everything! And if you forgot your film, don’t worry. Not only can you purchase film in one of the gift shops, but there is also photo processing done on grounds, complete with the option to purchase photos their staff members have taken.

The Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island has so much to offer. We were enchanted with our visit. Yes, I would recommend it as a “MUST visit” just once to see it! To stay at the Atlantis Resort, make sure to save up for this trip, because it will not come cheap. You can stay during the off-season more reasonably than during the peak season. So bring your credit card, sunglasses, swimsuit, sun tan lotion and money and be prepared to have a great time! Not only is the resort lovely, but so is the staff as well. Come as a couple, or come as a family, you will have a great time!