Atlantis Aquarium & Aquaventure
Marine Life and Water Adventures on Paradise Island
Located on Paradise Island, just across the bridge from Nassau, Atlantis is a sprawling resort complex known for its massive water park and marine exhibits. Even if you’re not staying at the resort, day passes are available, making it a popular destination for travelers looking to experience more than just the beach.
The Aquarium
The marine exhibits at Atlantis are spread throughout the property and are collectively known as The Dig and Predator Lagoon. They combine open-air lagoons, glass tunnels, and marine tanks that showcase a wide variety of sea life—many of which are native to Bahamian waters.
You’ll see everything from nurse sharks and stingrays to moray eels, sea turtles, and schools of colorful tropical fish. The Dig is designed to resemble the ruins of the lost city of Atlantis, with coral-covered columns and winding underground paths. Predator Lagoon features a long glass tunnel that runs through a large tank filled with sharks and barracuda.
While some exhibits are behind glass, many are in open-air habitats with elevated walkways that allow for close-up viewing. The marine areas are integrated into the resort grounds, so even a walk around the property offers opportunities to see wildlife in action.
Aquaventure Water Park
Aquaventure Water Park covers over 140 acres and is included with resort stays or day passes. It’s not a typical water park packed with rides—its layout is more like a series of interconnected attractions that blend into the tropical setting.
Some of the highlights include:
- The Current: A mile-long river ride that includes rapids and waves.
- Lazy River: A gentler option for floating and relaxing.
- The Power Tower: Features four high-speed water slides, including The Abyss, a 200-foot body slide that drops into a dark tunnel.
- Leap of Faith: One of the park’s most well-known slides, it sends riders down a steep drop through a clear tunnel that passes through a shark tank.
In addition to the slides and river rides, there are several freshwater and saltwater pools spread throughout the grounds, plus dedicated areas for younger kids.
What to Know Before You Go
- Location: Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island (connected to Nassau by bridge)
- Access: Free for resort guests; day passes available for non-guests (Prices vary by date & season)
- Timing: It’s best to arrive early to make the most of the day, especially if you plan to explore both the aquarium and the water park
- What to Bring: Swimsuit, water shoes (some areas have hot pavement), sunscreen, and a change of clothes
The resort is large, so expect a lot of walking. The layout is designed so that marine exhibits, water rides, and pools are all spaced out across the property.
A Flexible Day Trip Option from Nassau
Whether you’re traveling with kids or just want to spend a day doing something different from the usual beach lounging (like I did), Atlantis Aquarium and Aquaventure offer a variety of activities in one place. You can spend the whole day at the water park or just explore the marine habitats on foot. You do not need to pay to access the property, you can visit the casino, restaurants and some of the aquarium exhibits for free. The day pass is however required if you want to use the facilities and the waterpark.
While it’s more structured than some of the off-the-beaten-path spots in Nassau, the scale of the exhibits and facilities makes it worth considering—especially if you’re interested in marine life or water-based activities.
Are you ready to start discovering Bahamas?
This is the tour I did during my time in the Bahamas and personally recommend—leaving the link below so you can check it out for yourself.
More things to see in Bahamas
Eating Conch in the Bahamas: What to Expect
Discover the flavors and textures of conch, the national dish of the Bahamas. Learn what conch tastes like and explore its various...
Pinder’s Point Lighthouse: A Quiet Beacon on Grand Bahama
Explore Pinder’s Point Lighthouse near Freeport, a longstanding maritime marker overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Learn about its history...
John Watling’s Distillery: Rum and History in Nassau
Visit John Watling’s Distillery in Nassau to learn about Bahamian rum-making, explore a historic estate, and enjoy a slow-paced glimpse...
Taino Beach: A Wide Stretch of Sand Near Freeport’s Shoreline
Explore Taino Beach in Freeport, Grand Bahama—a spacious public beach with calm waters, local food stands, and nearby amenities...
Island Hopping the Exumas: What to Do in This Bahamian Paradise
Island hopping in the Exumas gives you a chance to experience the Bahamas beyond the resorts. Whether you’re feeding iguanas, swimming...
Junkanoo Beach: A lively and accessible escape
Junkanoo Beach in Nassau is a vibrant, centrally located beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and soaking in Bahamian vibes...
Bahamas Maritime Museum: Exploring the Islands’ Seafaring Past
Discover the Bahamas Maritime Museum in Freeport, a cultural site that traces the country’s maritime history through exhibits on...
Graycliff Chocolatier Tour: A Sweet Escape in the Heart of Nassau
Indulge your senses on a delicious journey with a Graycliff Chocolatier tour, where Bahamian culture meets handcrafted chocolate magic...
Garden of the Groves: A Quiet Retreat in Freeport
Visit Garden of the Groves in Freeport, Grand Bahama—a tranquil space with walking paths, waterfalls, native plants, and birdlife. Learn...
Versailles Garden: A European Escape in the Bahamas
Escape to Versailles Garden Paradise Island, a tranquil spot in Nassau with ocean views, blooming gardens, and the ruins of a 12th-century...
Rand Nature Centre: A Quiet Look at Bahamian Flora and Birdlife
Visit Rand Nature Centre in Freeport, Grand Bahama—a low-key nature reserve with walking trails, native Bahamian plants, and...
Visiting the Famous Swimming Pigs in the Bahamas
The Bahamas swimming pigs have become a bucket-list sensation for all visiting the Bahamas. Learn how to get there, what to expect...
Pirates of Nassau Museum: Step Into the Golden Age of Piracy
From legendary buccaneers to immersive ship replicas, the Pirates of Nassau Museum brings the island’s swashbuckling past...
Andros Great Barrier Reef: A Comprehensive Guide
Explore the Andros Barrier Reef in the Bahamas, the world's third-largest barrier reef system. Discover its rich marine biodiversity...
Port Lucaya Marketplace: A Central Hub for Culture and Crafts
Explore Port Lucaya Marketplace in Freeport, Grand Bahama—a colorful mix of local shops, food, and music near the marina. Discover what to...
The Pink Sand beach on Harbour Island
Visit Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island, Bahamas—famous for its pale pink sand and calm turquoise waters. Learn how to get there...
Dean’s Blue Hole: One of the World’s Deepest Marine Sinkholes
Discover Dean's Blue Hole in the Bahamas, the world's second-deepest marine sinkhole. Learn about its formation, diving opportunities...
Queen’s Staircase: Nassau’s Historic Passage
Discover the Queen’s Staircase in Nassau, a historic 66-step landmark carved by enslaved people in the 18th century. Learn its powerful...
Compass Cay: Swimming with Sharks in the Exumas
Swimming with sharks might sound intense, but at Compass Cay in the Exumas, it’s surprisingly peaceful. This unique spot offers visitors...
Feeding the Sharks at Pier One: Marine Encounters in Freeport
Experience shark feeding at Pier One in Freeport, Grand Bahama—an evening event where Caribbean reef sharks gather under the lights...
Pablo Escobar’s Crashed Plane – An Unusual Dive Site in the Bahamas
There is a very unusual and not-at-all advertised attraction in the Bahamas: Pablo Escobar’s plane wreck. Located just off Norman’s Cay and..
Columbus Monument
Explore the Columbus Monument in Bahamas—a significant historical site marking Christopher Columbus's first landfall in the New...
Nassau’s Straw Market: Local Craft and Culture
Explore Nassau’s Straw Market, a lively shopping destination known for handmade crafts, local art, and Bahamian souvenirs...
Lucayan National Park, an Ecological and Historical Landmark
Explore Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island, featuring diverse ecosystems, extensive underwater caves, and the...