With its five distinct hotels, 14 pools, 40 restaurants, and a seemingly endless array of activities – including stunning beaches, a world-class marine habitat, water park, spa, and the Caribbean’s largest casino, Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas is more than just a place to stay. It’s a full-blown vacation destination.
But with a price tag that often exceeds typical beach vacations, it’s reasonable to ask: Is Atlantis worth the splurge?
For my family, the answer is an easy yes. And coming from the West Coast, that “yes” included a red-eye flight from Los Angeles to Miami, a caffeine-fueled layover, and then another flight to Nassau, Bahamas, which did not get us to the resort until almost lunchtime the next day.
Despite that grueling travel day, the answer still is yes. And once we dipped our toes in that sugary soft sand, the answer soared to “Absolutely yes.”
If you’re debating whether a vacation at this luxury resort is worth the money, here are 5 things that make a stay at Atlantis totally worth it.
Read More: 13 VIP Tips for Making the Most of a Trip to Atlantis Paradise Island Resort
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Aquaventure Water Park
Atlantis Paradise Island is home to one of the largest and most thrilling water parks in the Caribbean. And let’s be honest, if you are visiting Atlantis with kids, Aquaventure is probably the main reason you are there. That sure was true for us the first time we visited when my son was 10, when zipping down a water slide with sharks swimming overhead was the height of awesomeness.
These days, the water park is still awesome, even though my son is a teen. Spanning 141 acres, Aquaventure features high-speed water slides, a mile-long rapids river with currents , wave pools, and kid-friendly splash zones.
It is also steps away from the beach, so it is very easy to swap between the two environments depending on what kind of experience you are in the mood for that day.
Access to Aquaventure Water Park is included with your stay, meaning your days are filled with unlimited fun without the need to purchase additional tickets.
Opportunities to Get Close to Marine Life
Atlantis isn’t just a resort—it’s also the largest open-air marine habitat in the world. Guests can view and interact with more than 50,000 marine animals, including sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and dolphins.
One of our favorite spots is The Dig. Modeled after the mythical lost city of Atlantis, The Dig is a unique underground aquarium with ancient ruins, glowing jellyfish tanks, and interactive exhibits.
You’ll also want to check out all the different lagoons around the resort, including Predator Lagoon & Tunnel, Green Turtle Lagoon, and Stingray Lagoon. The resort posts a feeding schedule so you can gather and watch.
If viewing marine life is not enough, you can take advantage of the special Marine Life Experiences offered at Atlantis. A portion of the proceeds from these programs supports the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation.
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Luxury Accommodations
One of the things that makes Atlantis in the Bahamas so special is its wide array of accommodations. The resort is comprised of five different hotel towers, offering a variety of options from more family-friendly rooms at The Coral to ultra-luxury rooms at The Cove and The Reef. You can tailor your stay to match your comfort level and budget—without sacrificing access to the resort’s best features.
Here’s a quick rundown of the five hotels that make up Atlantis Paradise Island.
The Coral
The Coral is the most budget-friendly tower and a great choice for families who want full access to all of Atlantis’ amenities while keeping costs in check. We stayed in this tower on both of our trips.
Rooms are simple but comfortable. It is located close to the beach and marina, though it is farthest away from Aquaventure (about a 10-minute walk). It is also home to the newest (and quietest) pool at Atlantis.
The Royal
If you’ve seen photos of Atlantis, you’ve seen The Royal! Known for its iconic pink towers and the dramatic Bridge Suite, The Royal is at the heart of the resort. It offers immediate access to Aquaventure, The Dig, and many of the resort’s signature attractions. Great for first-time visitors who want to be in the center of the action.
The Reef
The Reef is great for families because it is comprised of residential-style suites with all the comforts of home, perfect for longer stays or those who want a kitchen. Plus it’s right on the beach and close to all the action!
The Cove
A luxurious, all-suite property, The Cove is perfect for couples or families seeking an elevated, tranquil experience. It offers a private adults-only pool with cabanas and beach access. Rooms here are larger and offer sweeping ocean views.
Harborside Resort
If you are looking for that Caribbean vibe, a stay at Harborside Resort might be perfect! These colorful, 4-story buildings feature one, two, and three-bedroom villas and are located right on the marina.
Activities for Every Age
While Aquaventure Water Park is no doubt the star of the show when you stay at Atlantis, there are many other fantastic things to do that make an Atlantis vacation worth the splurge.
Beautiful, White-Sand Beaches
The resort sits on five miles of the most picturesque beaches in the Bahamas, with crystal-clear turquoise water and soft white sand stretching as far as the eye can see. Just walk outside and sink your toes into the sand. This is something people of all ages can enjoy.
Family-Friendly Activities
Atlantis is designed with families in mind. From supervised activities for young kids to a teen nightclub to adventures designed just for tweens, Atlantis offers something fun for every age group. Parents can relax while kids stay engaged with safe, exciting, and age-appropriate entertainment.
Other family-friendly activities available at Atlantis include an escape room, numerous pools, golf and mini golf, tennis, snorkel and kayak rentals, and tour excursions around the island.
Casino and Nightlife
For adults, the Atlantis Casino offers Vegas-style gaming in a glamorous oceanfront setting, while bars, lounges, live music venues, and even a theater keep the energy going late into the night.
Be sure to also catch the Junkanoo Rush Out happening twice weekly at 9 pm in Marina Village. This is a great way to experience Bahamian culture with all the music, costumes, and energy of a parade.
Amazing Dining Options
You won’t have to leave the property to enjoy great food; there’s something for every craving and every budget.
Many people ask if Atlantis is an all-inclusive resort. It is not, but with more than 40 restaurants, snack bars, lounges, and even a buffet – the dining scene at Atlantis is diverse and high-quality. You can enjoy everything from affordable casual bites to gourmet meals by celebrity chefs.
Conclusion: Is Atlantis Bahamas Worth the Splurge?
If you’re looking for more than just a beach vacation—something that’s equal parts beach hotel, water park, marine sanctuary, and luxury getaway—Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas delivers.
While it’s definitely a splurge, the sheer number of activities, amenities, and memorable experiences make it worth every penny. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat your family to an extraordinary trip, Atlantis Paradise Island can be an unforgettable vacation in paradise – even if you have to travel cross-country to get there.
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