Bucket list worthy for sure, but is Atlantis Bahamas worth it?
When my friend called to ask if I was free for a very last-minute trip, I caved and started packing. It’s not very tough to convince me to go on a trip, lol! Unsure of where to go on such short notice, we selected the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas and this is my review.
Atlantis had been on my travel bucket list for years so I was ecstatic to finally have the opportunity to go. Spoiler alert, in case you just want me to cut to the chase, yes, Atlantis Bahamas is worth it! Read on for my full review of the Atlantis Bahamas resort and why I recommend it.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these links I receive a small commission that enables me to continue providing you with awesome and informative blog posts like this one.
Is Atlantis Bahamas all-inclusive?
No, Atlantis is not an all-inclusive resort. They call themselves a full-service resort. While staying at Atlantis, access to the Aquaventure water park is included, but food and drinks are not. All meals will cost you extra. You can charge everything to the room, but there will be a bill at check-out.
We spent A LOT of money on food and drinks. To give you an idea, we could have stayed at a Sandals 5-star luxury all-inclusive resort for a week for less than what we ended up spending on food and drinks at Atlantis in a week. Having said this, we were not on a tight budget and we did splurge on what we wanted to eat. But the higher-end, nicer restaurants like Nobu are quite expensive.
Atlantis Bahamas dining plans
Atlantis is not all-inclusive, but they used to offer dining plans, however, they currently do not. Their website does not state whether or not they plan on offering dining plans again in the future. If they did, it would certainly make a difference in the amount of money spent on food. Dining plans aren’t the same as being all-inclusive, but they certainly do help with food costs on a vacation.
Have I already convinced you to book a trip to Atlantis? You won’t regret it!
Which is the best hotel at Atlantis?
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas resort has five hotels and one resort where you can stay on Paradise Island. This decision regarding where to stay will largely be based upon whether or not you are travelling with children and how much money you wish to spend. They all look amazing so I’m sure no matter which one you pick, you’ll be happy. In this Atlantis Bahamas Resort review, I will provide my experience staying at The Cove.
We decided to stay at The Cove because it was just the two of us and we wanted a luxury vacation. It was absolutely stunning. While expensive, I highly recommend staying at The Cove. The entrance, hallways, service, and our room were all excellent. When we arrived, we found a beach bag, water bottles and flip-flops waiting for us in our room. We were very happy with our decision to spoil ourselves.
We had a suite with two queen beds and a sunken living room with a sofa and a desk. The beds were very comfortable, and so were the pillows. I don’t know about you, but cloud-like pillows make all the difference for me! The best part of the room was our patio and its sweeping views of the ocean and resort. I made a reel that you can check out here to see our view. There is also a picture further down in this post. It’s stunning!
Since we were travelling without kids, we wanted a luxury experience as well as an adults-only pool environment where we could relax. Being able to lounge at The Cove’s exclusive pool and listen to the DJ spin without hearing children screaming was worth every penny. Our wristbands were a different colour, signifying that we were guests of The Cove and could use the adult pool.
If you are travelling with kids, I would suggest staying at The Royal. It is centrally located as it is the epicentre of the resort. We went into The Royal every day. There is a lot to see and do inside The Royal hotel. Many of the restaurants, bars and casinos are located inside it. The interior even houses a giant aquarium. Kids could easily be entertained for hours inside this hotel. We didn’t venture into any of the other hotels, but you can compare them here.
What is there to do at the Atlantis Bahamas Resort?
You could easily spend a week at Atlantis and never have to leave. There are 11 pools, lots of waterslides, river rafts, lagoons filled with stingrays and sharks, golf, tennis, a spa and the list goes on. Many water activities are included, but they also offer a wide variety of marine activities at additional costs.
There is so much to see and do without leaving the Atlantis resort. In fact, we only left the resort twice. Once to explore the town of Nassau, and the second time for a Swimming with the pigs excursion. It’s a thing and it was a really fun day! We were out on the water all day long and we visited 5 different islands, including Pig Island. If you’re interested, check out my review and 10 pro tips for swimming The Bahamas’ pigs.
The marine adventures they offer include swimming with the dolphins, scuba diving, snuba, snorkelling and more. We found these activities to be extremely expensive so we did not do any of them. However, if I hadn’t already swam with dolphins in Mexico, I likely would have paid for that one.
Regardless of which hotel you decide to stay in, you have access to the entire resort. We ventured into The Royal every day to explore its attractions, check out the casino and dine in several of the restaurants.
You can easily spend a day exploring the grounds and checking out all of the Instagram-worthy spots, such as the heart swing and rope bridge. I created a Bahamas highlight for all of my Instagram stories during my stay at Atlantis. You can check it out here. It will really give you a feel for the entire resort. It even includes a room tour of our room at The Cove.
How is the food at the Atlantis Bahamas resort?
This is the one area of the resort that was disappointing. My Atlantis Bahamas Resort review is entirely positive, except where the food is concerned. The food was very expensive, yet not very good. I will mention that due to Covid not all of the restaurants were open. In fact, many of their restaurants were closed when we visited. This was rather disappointing.
I’m not one to give negative reviews unless they are fully justified, but dinner at Carmine’s was awful. The portions are beyond ridiculous. Thankfully, we saw dinner being served at a table next to us so we decided to share a pasta dish. It was enough food for four people. I hate food waste, but with no fridge or microwave in our room, we couldn’t take it with us.
The best meal we had was at Nobu. Their sushi was so decadent that we went back a second night. Their Bahama sushi roll is a must-try! A close second was our dinner at Seafire Steakhouse. The bone-in ribeye I had was spectacular. We also enjoyed lunch on the patio at Olives overlooking the superyachts.
Reservations must be made in order to dine at the restaurants so be sure to book well in advance of your arrival. You can use the app Open Table for your bookings. It’s fast and efficient and syncs with your phone’s calendar. Our trip was last-minute but we booked many of our dinners online before we arrived. Had we not, we would have surely missed out on some of their fine dining establishments.
What does an Atlantis Day Pass include?
Atlantis’ Aquaventure water park
If you are staying at the resort, access to Aquaventure is included. Aquaventure is the 141-acre water park that encompasses the Atlantis Bahamas resort. It includes numerous water slides, tube slides, river raft rides, lagoons and more. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring all the water park has to offer. Even as adults, it is highly entertaining and a ton of fun!
There are lots of activities to experience at Aquaventure and guests staying at the resort have access to all of it. However, even if you decide to stay at a different hotel in the Bahamas, you can visit Aquaventure for the day. Day passes to Aquaventure can be purchased for those who are not staying at the resort.
The basic day pass starts at $95 for kids and $190 for adults and provides access to the Aquaventure park, water slides, beach etc. The Leap of Faith waterslide is pictured below where you zoom through a shark tank. And yes, I did it. It was an exhilarating ride!
Other activities are available at additional costs, including swimming with the dolphins or sea lions, paddleboarding, snorkelling and much more. The dolphins were rescued from Hurricane Katrina. We didn’t swim with them, but we did visit Dolphin Cay to watch them swim around. With access to Aquaventure, you can also visit the dolphins at no extra cost.
Is the Atlantis Bahamas resort worth it?
Honestly, in my opinion, yes it is. My Atlantis Bahamas Resort review is overall very positive and I would recommend visiting Atlantis. For me, it was a bucket list trip and it lived up to the hype. If you’ve been thinking about a trip to Atlantis, you won’t regret it!
I hope this article has helped to sway you in the right direction to book a trip to Atlantis.
Staying at The Cove at Atlantis was spectacular. The experience was absolutely worth it. I wish the food had been better, but overall we had an amazing vacation. It’s hard to have a bad day when you wake up to these views…
Do I need a visa to travel to the Bahamas?
Trip map created with Wanderlog, the best trip planner app on iOS and Android
The Bahamas’ entry requirements vary. You can check to see if you need a visa here as it depends on which country you are travelling from. Currently, all visitors to the Bahamas are required to have a health declaration. You must have this completed and available to show at customs upon arrival.
If you’re planning a trip soon, be sure to check out this list of essential items you need for travelling during the pandemic. Travel will hopefully return to normal soon, but until then, these items will make your travels easier and much smoother.
I hope you found this review of the Atlantis Bahamas Resort helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below and I will address it as best I can. If you are travelling on a budget or with a family and would prefer an all-inclusive resort where your meals are included, use these tips to help you pick the best all-inclusive resort for your needs.
Related
FAQs
What is special about Atlantis Bahamas? ›
Atlantis, Paradise Island - the most popular resort destination in The Bahamas - features the world's largest open-air marine habitat; Aquaventure water park, including the iconic Mayan Temple's Leap of Faith slider; 11 unique pools; renowned beaches; 18-hole golf course; the largest casino in the Caribbean; over 21 ...
What do I need to know before going to Atlantis? ›- Bring Your Walking Shoes. When staying at Atlantis, you will be walking a lot! ...
- Download The App. ...
- Make Restaurant Reservations In Advance. ...
- The Speak English. ...
- Everyone Is So Nice. ...
- Plan To Be Outside All Day. ...
- Book A Dolphin Cay Adventure. ...
- Food Is Expensive.
With five days in our tropical paradise, you can enjoy everything Atlantis has to offer, from heart pounding adventure to blissful relaxation. Discover Mandara Spa for rejuvenating therapies or enjoy spectacular ocean views and challenging play at Ocean Club Golf Course.
What age is best for Atlantis? ›For young kids
While many resorts have kids clubs available to children starting at age four (or even older), Atlantis has activities and space for children as young as three years old. Atlantis Kids Adventures is for children ages three to 12 years old.
IS ATLANTIS AN ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT? Atlantis is not an all-inclusive Resort; we are a full service Resort. As our guest, you have full access to all Atlantis water park features at no additional cost.
Can you swim in the ocean at Atlantis Bahamas? ›5 MILES OF WHITE-SAND BEACHES, TURQUOISE OCEAN. AND 11 POOLS
Stroll along some of the most beautiful beaches in The Bahamas and soak in the sun's rays. There are three inviting beaches available to guests of Atlantis, each with its allure and charm.
Upgrade to our Concierge Tower to enjoy even more amenities including access to the resort's 25th floor Concierge Lounge and complimentary continental breakfast.
Is it expensive to eat at Atlantis Bahamas? ›Dining & Restaurants. Next in this Atlantis Bahamas review, let's talk about dining recommendations and tips. The most important thing to note at the outset is that all food and drinks at the Atlantis are extremely expensive, plus 15% gratuity and 12% VAT tax are added.
What shoes should I wear to Atlantis? ›Beach, sand, and deck surfaces may be hot. Wearing shoes, sandals or "aqua socks" is strongly recommended, especially for children of all ages.
What is the best month to go to Atlantis Bahamas? ›The best time to visit The Bahamas is November or late April, when you'll have fine weather and fewer crowds, and you're still outside the hurricane season.
Is the Waterpark free if you stay at Atlantis? ›
Access to the Aquaventure Waterpark and marine habitats at Atlantis are FREE for guests staying at the resort. Passes may be purchased by day visitors, but availability is limited – and may be closed – during periods of high resort occupancy.
Do you need to bring your own towels to Atlantis? ›Please be advised that you are most welcome to bring your own towels or you may also rent a towel from us.
Can you bring your own food to Atlantis? ›Food and Beverage Options
Atlantis totally allows you bring in a cooler with outside food and drinks. So whether you bring your own from home or stop in at a Nassau or Paradise Island store to stock up, you'll have exactly what you need to keep your food and/or beverages cooled.
- Explore The Aquaventure Water Park. ...
- Enjoy Self Guided Tours Throughout the Marine Exhibits. ...
- Jumpstart Your Day At The Fitness Center. ...
- Take A Complimentary Gaming Lesson at The Atlantis Casino. ...
- For Bragging Rights Attempt To Complete The Atlantis Bucket List. ...
- Let's Go Window Shopping.
Re: How many days at Atlantis are enough? Four days was certainly enough for me. I had just as much fun at the Comfort Suites and going to the Dolphin Encounter at Blue Lagoon Island.
Does Atlantis have free airport shuttle? ›Complimentary airport shuttle, to and from Atlantis.
The shuttle departs the airport every 30 minutes, on the quarter hours, and can be found directly outside baggage claim. It departs Atlantis every 30 minutes, on the hour and half hour. For more information, please call 775.825. 4700.
Free Drinks!! The moment you sit down to gamble, a waiter will make his/her way over to you and ask what you would like to drink. Need i say more?? This place is pretty big and not too crowded.
Is Atlantis free after 6? ›Highly recommend walking through this aquarium as the size and variety of sea specimens is great. The best time to visit is after 6pm when its free.
Can you drink tap water at Atlantis Bahamas? ›Yes, the tap water in Atlantis Bahamas is safe to drink.
Can you use all pools at Atlantis? ›Yes, If you stay in the Beach tower you can access all pools, water rides, restaurants, beaches, aquariums etc. The only things you can't access are the exclusive areas to the Cove and Coral like their pools.
Is Atlantis crowded? ›
But the Atlantis is anything but long forgotten, it is the biggest resort and also the most crowded with nearly millions of people who check in each year. With six hotels of different stature the Atlantis can be a confusing mess to even think about at first.
Can you wear water shoes at Atlantis? ›The Atlantis resorts in The Bahamas and Dubai have huge water parks with water slides, pools and river rides. Water shoes are your best footwear option if you don't want to go barefoot. These shoes are water resistant, and you won't risk violating the park's rules about accessories and metal on the rides.
Do rooms at Atlantis have refrigerators? ›The Royal at Atlantis offers 1201 accommodations with iPod docking stations and safes. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels and pay movies. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and coffee/tea makers.
Is the beach at Atlantis free? ›All beaches in the Bahamas are 'free' to swim at and walk on. It is a matter of access. To access the beaches at Atlantis, if you are not a guest there or staying at Comfort Suites or Harborside, there is a public access path to the right or east of the Riu hotel next door.
How much is Atlantis breakfast? ›However, the best suggested time to visit would be either for their Breakfast Buffet priced at AED 165 per person or Weekend Lunch Buffet priced at AED 180 per person.
Why is Atlantis hotel so expensive? ›Marine Habitat. I think one of the reasons why the Atlantis is so expensive is to pay for the upkeep of their marine habitat. The resort offers 14 lagoons, eight million gallons of saltwater, and more than 50,000 aquatic animals representing over 250 marine species.
What is the cost of one night in Atlantis? ›Atlantis, The Palm from ₹ 3,956. Dubai Hotel Deals & Reviews - KAYAK.
What do you wear to Atlantis dinner? ›Atlantis may close certain restaurants from time to time. Dress Code: During the day the dress code is casual, during the evening the restaurants prefer guests to be smart-casual, so shirts and trousers (full length) for men. During Ramadan some restaurants may close or alter their opening times.
Are the pools at Atlantis open? ›Our Splashers pool and water playground is temporarily closed for renovations to bring you a “splash-tacular” new kids' water play area this November! Discover more kid-friendly pools and beaches and check the Atlantean for daily activities and games just for little ones.
What is included in Atlantis full board? ›Full Board option: includes breakfast, lunch and dinner with soft drinks. Lunch is available in 3 restaurants: The Shore, Wavehouse and Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay. Breakfast and dinner options are the same as with the Half Board option.
What is the cheapest time to go to Atlantis? ›
But July and August, being the key off-season months, will be cheaper months to travel. Also, a combo ticket from Atlantis that combines flight and accommodation can see one save up to $300.
How do I get the best deal at Atlantis Bahamas? ›Check the resort's website for special offers and flash sales. It's also a good idea to sign up for the resort's deal newsletter so you stay on top of new offers. There are three dining plans at Atlantis.
What is the coldest month in the Bahamas? ›Coldest month: January (average 72 F) Wettest month: August (average rainfall: 6.2 inches) Best month for swimming: July (water is average 84 F)
How much is an underwater room at Atlantis? ›The Suite Life: The $8,167-a-Night Neptune Suite at Atlantis, The Palm.
How much is taxi from Nassau Airport to Atlantis? ›The quickest way to get from Nassau Airport (NAS) to Atlantis Paradise Island is to taxi which costs $60 - $75 and takes 15 min. How far is it from Nassau Airport (NAS) to Atlantis Paradise Island? The distance between Nassau Airport (NAS) and Atlantis Paradise Island is 15 km. The road distance is 14.5 km.
What should I wear to Atlantis water park? ›Good to know
Boardshorts, speedos, one and two piece swimsuit, burkinis, and rashguards are the only acceptable types of swim attire for Aquaventure rides and attractions.
Hotel Information
NOTE: The Atlantis works with a cashless system throughout the property. Cash is no longer accepted in any of the resort outlets or at the Front Desk upon check-out. All incidental charges are charged to a guest room or paid electronically by card at the point of purchase.
Please note the pools at Harborside Resort at Atlantis and the pools and beaches at Atlantis, Paradise Island close at 6 p.m. during the winter and 7 p.m. in the summer.
Can you pay to use Atlantis pool? ›As well as to Atlantis beaches, resort pools, Aquaventure water park, The Dig aquarium tour. Aquaventure Day Pass purchase is required for all non-resort guests. Prices vary by date & season. Adult: 13 years and older | Children: Ages 4 – 12 | Under 3 is free.
Do you need water shoes in the Bahamas? ›Water shoes are useful for just about any water activity you can think of, especially when going to secluded beaches, like those located in the out islands in The Bahamas. You can rent these, but it's more economical to take your own, if you have them.
How much is a beer at Atlantis Bahamas? ›
| Meal in a cheap restaurant | 28 USD (12-50) |
|---|---|
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 4.00 USD (3.00-4.50) |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 5.00 USD (4.00-8.00) |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 2.50 USD (1.50-5.00) |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 1.70 USD (1.00-4.00) |
Atlantis is open to the public
You can walk right into the resort. Personally, I brought my boat and docked it at their free dinghy docks. You can walk right up to the resort though as well and enjoy their casino, restaurants and bars, as well as a few other things that are listed below.
Although the beaches are more crowded, the best time to visit the Bahamas is during high season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April, making it a great spot for a warm winter getaway. Bahamian summers are generally warm and sometimes rainy, with daytime temperatures reaching about 89.7°F.
When should I go to Atlantis Bahamas? ›The best time to visit the Bahamas is from mid-December to mid-April, the country's peak season. Though temperatures here are great year-round (they rarely dip below 60 degrees), the islands fall within the hurricane belt, so hurricanes may be a factor between June 1 and Nov. 30 (the Atlantic hurricane season).
Which Atlantis Hotel is most expensive? ›The Atlantis Atlantis Bridge Suite $25,000 per night
The Atlantis Bridge Suite has the distinction of being the most expensive hotel suite in the world---it's $25,000 a night.
Plato's Atlantis
Plato (through the character Critias in his dialogues) describes Atlantis as an island larger than Libya and Asia Minor put together, located in the Atlantic just beyond the Pillars of Hercules—generally assumed to mean the Strait of Gibraltar.
Visit the boardwalk for free
Atlantis Bahamas is so big, it's like it's own little town. The boardwalk has activities, shopping and restaurants. It also has a great view of the water. The marina is right next to the boardwalk.
- Explore The Aquaventure Water Park. ...
- Enjoy Self Guided Tours Throughout the Marine Exhibits. ...
- Jumpstart Your Day At The Fitness Center. ...
- Take A Complimentary Gaming Lesson at The Atlantis Casino. ...
- For Bragging Rights Attempt To Complete The Atlantis Bucket List. ...
- Let's Go Window Shopping.
Still one of the biggest waterparks in the world, it also boasts one of the largest open-air marine habitats, with more than 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays, including The Lost Chambers Aquarium, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through the ancient city of Atlantis.
What body of water is Atlantis? ›Athanasius Kircher accepted Plato's account as literally true, describing Atlantis as a small continent in the Atlantic Ocean.
Is Atlantis a 7 star? ›
About Atlantis, The Palm | Luxury Hotel & 5 Star Resort In Dubai.
What ocean is Atlantis? ›Atlantis, also spelled Atalantis or Atlantica, a legendary island in the Atlantic Ocean, lying west of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Does Atlantis have free breakfast? ›Upgrade to our Concierge Tower to enjoy even more amenities including access to the resort's 25th floor Concierge Lounge and complimentary continental breakfast.
Does Atlantis give you towels? ›Please be advised that you are most welcome to bring your own towels or you may also rent a towel from us.
Is there a free shuttle from Nassau Airport to Atlantis? ›There are no free shuttles from Nassau airport to Paradise Island.
How much is a meal in Atlantis, The Palm? ›Lunch in Michelin star restaurant Hakkasan in Atlantis the Palm costs 79.95 euros per person and does not include drinks and any extra dishes. You can easily book your Hakkasan lunch in advance at the GetYourGuide website.
Can you walk around the Atlantis Palm? ›Yes, you can go and walk around the public areas like the lobby and eat in the restaurants.
Does Atlantis, The Palm have a shuttle? ›The resort is set on a private beach. It's about 15-minutes' drive away from LEGOLAND Dubai and Motiongate Dubai, or 25 minutes from Dubai Marina. The hotel runs a free shuttle service to some of the local shopping malls, including the Dubai Mall.