Paradise Island, Bahamas Planning Guide

Are you dreaming of pristine beaches? Crystal clear water stretching for miles creating an endless sea of aquamarine? Paradise Island delivers all of this, along with sunsets dripping shades of tangerine, peach, and scarlet. Heady fragrances of lush tropical flowers waft through the air.
Paradise Island Bahamas

Along with natural beauty, families can find activities for everyone. Whether it’s a family-friendly getaway or a multigenerational vacation, Paradise Island has options ranging from budget-friendly to luxury. A short plane ride away from most of the East Coast, planning a weekend getaway has never been easier!
We were guests of the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. However, all opinions are our own.

Where to Stay on Paradise Island:

Ready for a trip to a tropical paradise? Paradise Island’s name says it all! Here are our choices for a luxury getaway and a family-friendly stay.

Atlantis Aquaventure
Atlantis, Paradise Island

For Those Who Want Luxury-

Atlantis-

From the underground aquarium, known as The Dig, to the rushing of the Rapids River, Atlantis, Paradise Island is an iconic destination. Featuring a 141-acre water park and the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, this is the perfect spot for a multi-generational getaway.
Atlantis Paradise Island
The View of Atlantis From the Beach

The hotel itself consists of six properties; the Beach, the Reef, the Cove, the Royal, the Coral, and Harborside Resort. The Coral is considered the most budget-friendly property and is located beside the Aquaventure Water Park. The water park itself is worth the trip. Tropical gardens are spread throughout the park, providing natural beauty and much-welcomed shade.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy the eleven pools and the 18 world famous water slides. Our favorite ride was the mile-long Rapids River, a lazy-river featuring several tunnels with rapids and a conveyer belt that pulls everyone up and down a slope.

Aquaventure at Atlantis
One of the water slides at Aquaventure.

Located around the water park are 14 Marine habitats, each with different animal exhibits. Home to over 50,000 animals and 250 Marine species, guests can view everything from native Hawksbill turtles to giant lobsters.

For the adults, there’s five miles of private beaches, a casino, spa treatments, high-end shopping, and golf adventures. Those who enjoy retail therapy can visit Marina Village and a Straw Market, both located within easy walking distance.
Sun and Ice Atlantis

 

Treat yourself to one of the delicious flavors of seasonal ice cream at Sun and Ice. They have several gluten-free and dairy-free options as well. Here’s a scoop of “Ibie Nuts,” made with peanut brittle.

Tips for Atlantis:

*The property is huge. Be sure to pick up a map of the property and allow plenty of time to walk from one section to another.
*The Aquaventure water park is open each day from 9 AM to 7 PM. The least crowded times to visit are before 11 PM and after 4 PM. It’s also cooler during these times!
*Wear water shoes or flip-flops! I can’t stress this enough. The paths can be very hot and you’ll need protection.
*Take a high SPF sunscreen and apply it frequently to prevent burns. We used a 70 SPF, reapplied every two hours, and still had mild sunburns.
*Children must be 48 inches tall to ride the waterslides. Kids slides can be found in the “Splashers” kid-zone.

Atlantis Paradise Island
Atlantis Paradise Island

 

Marina Village-

This cozy shopping center is located on the Atlantis property. You can browse for souvenirs or enjoy a meal at one of the casual or fine dining restaurants. I’m a fan of Tortuga rum cake so I was thrilled to find a Tortuga stand among the shops. Every second and fourth Saturday an Art Walk is held between the hours of 12 pm and 7 PM. The event features locally produced goods and crafts by Bahamian artists.
Biminis Conch Fritters

We had dinner at Frankie’s Gone Bananas, a restaurant that served traditional Bahamian dishes. On the advice of our server, Anastasia, we tried such delights as the Conch fritters, the Jerk Chicken served with rice and beans, the Lobster Mac and Cheese, and the Key Lime Pie. She even recommended a special drink that was not on the menu! Afterward, the kids danced to a local band performing outside the restaurant.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, stick around for the Junkanoo Parade held at 9 PM. Junkanoo, a Bahamian cultural celebration, is thought to have its origins in slavery. Slaves were given three days off during the Christmas season. They used this time to go from house to house, dressed in colorful costumes while singing and dancing. Today, the participants of this parade celebrate their heritage by dressing in colorful costumes, singing, and playing drums and other musical instruments.

Bimini's Lobster Mac and Cheese
Frankie’s Gone Bananas Lobster Mac and Cheese.

For Those Who Want a Budget-Friendly Option

Comfort Suites: Paradise Island

Nestled beside Atlantis is one of the Bahamas best-kept family secrets; the Comfort Suites Paradise Island. This recently renovated property boasts 223 rooms, a free American style continental breakfast daily, an outdoor swimming pool, and free WI-fi. Those are great benefits, but here’s the secret: Comfort Suites guests have free access to all Atlantis activities including the swimming pools, the private beach, and Aquaventure.
Comfort Suites Paradise Island

Our room.

The rooms are comfortably furnished and have a beach theme vibe. Our room came with two full-sized beds, along with a small sitting area consisting of a couch, coffee table, and desk. There were plenty of outlets for electronics. Because all outlets use the same configuration as American devices, no adapters are required. Our room also included a mini-fridge, an added bonus for storing snacks, drinks, and leftovers.

 

Crusoe’s Garden Restaurant is located on the property and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast consists of the typical American staples: pastries, bagels, yogurt, toast, oatmeal, fruit, waffles, eggs, and bacon or sausage. Lunch and dinner feature traditional Bahamian dishes. Be sure to try the conch fritters served with Calypso sauce. You won’t regret it! If you’re looking for dessert, the Guava Bread pudding, a spongy concoction topped with ice cream, is worth the calories.

Comfort Suites Paradise Island Pool

The pool at Comfort Suites is located beside Crusoe’s Garden Restaurant and has a lifeguard on duty until 8 PM.

Tips For The Comfort Suites

*The walk to Aquaventure from the Comfort Suites will take approximately fifteen to twenty minutes.
*A Manager’s Rum Punch Party is held on the Pool Deck on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
*When using the Day Pass to Aquaventure, purchases at Atlantis can be charged to your room. However, you might want to keep a spare credit card with you in case of emergencies or mix-ups. Lockers can be rented at Atlantis to store gear for the day.

Comfort Suites Paradise Island Courtyard
Comfort Suites Paradise Island Courtyard

Tips To Know Before You Go:

*Visitors traveling via cruise ships or staying at other properties can purchase a day pass for Atlantis.
*Visitors arriving by air will need a valid passport and a Bahamas Immigration Card, which will be provided on the incoming flight, to enter the Bahamas.
*It is a short ferry ride to downtown Nassau. The cost of tickets is minimal. (At the time of this writing, tickets cost $4 per person for one-way fares.)
*Cabs are also available. The prices of fares can be found on signs posted around the island. Look for one at the corner below the Comfort Suites.
*Resort casual (and no bathing suits) are recommended for restaurants.
*A VAT (value added tax) of 12% is added to all purchases.
*Many restaurants automatically add a 15 to 20% gratuity to your bill. 
Courtyard Comfort Suites Paradise Island

Once you visit you’ll see why their tourism slogan is “It’s better in the Bahamas.” Have you visited Paradise Island? Where is your favorite place to stay? What was your favorite activity?

17 Comments

  1. Pingback: Hyatt Baha Mar Resort, Nassau, Bahamas

  2. This is a great post! I would love to go there sometime. Thanks for the planning guide.

  3. The food looks amazing. I’d go there for the entertainment, but stay for the food. yum!

  4. I definitely would love to go to the Bahamas with my husband and son someday so thank you for all these tips. The food looks amazing!

  5. I have never been to Paradise Island. The lobster mac n cheese looks so good!

  6. We went to Paradise Island in the 80s on a cruise. Spent two days there and we loved it! It was just developing but I can see it turned out beautifully!

  7. Vacation is in the air when I look at these photos! I love this place! So beautiful!

  8. Oh my goodness, I would LOVE to go to the Bahamas one day!! It is high up on my bucket list!!

  9. Bahamas is such an amazing place to stay. There will always be celebrities in it, if not always, most of the times. This place is iconic.

  10. I want to go right now! I can’t wait until we start booking vacations. It is on the agenda soon.

  11. I was just telling my husband we need to get back to the bahamas ASAP! We toured Atlantis but haven’t stayed there yet. I hope to plan a visit there soon with the whole family!

  12. A trip to the Bahamas would be amazing! To be able to relax on the beach, and not worry about anything for a few days would be heaven. I would love to visit Atlantis.

  13. We went to Paradise Island and stayed at Atlantis many years ago. The water park wasn’t open much and there weren’t as many dining options as you’ve laid out. I’m so excited to hear that it has expanded — and for that budget friendly tip to stay at Comfort Suites!

  14. Paradise Island has been on our travel bucket list for so long. This looks like such an amazing vacation and I can’t wait for it to happen for us

  15. Oh my gosh, I’d love to go to the Bahamas one day. It looks amazing. We’ve always wanted to check out Atlantis.

  16. We take a trip to the Caribbean once a year. My oldest grandson wants to visit Atlantis – we’ve never been – so I’m glad I saw this before we plan a trip. I’ll make sure we all have our flip flops on when walking on the hot pavement.

  17. I want to go there so bad! It is definitely on our hit list to check out. There’s so many places I want to go there. I cannot wait to check out all these places that you recommend.