Paradise Island
Paradise Island, located just off the coast of Nassau, New Providence in the Bahamas, is a haven of luxury, beauty, and endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Formerly known as Hog Island, Paradise Island is now a bustling resort area renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life.
It's home to the world-famous Atlantis Resort, a sprawling complex that includes a casino, water park, and aquarium among its numerous attractions. But the island offers more than just high-end amenities; it provides a quintessential Bahamian experience complete with local cuisine, water sports, and the kind of scenic beauty that postcards are made of. Whether you're looking to lounge on sun-kissed beaches, try your luck at the casino, or explore the underwater world through snorkeling and scuba diving, Paradise Island promises a fulfilling and memorable experience for travelers of all ages.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Paradise Island in the Bahamas depends on what you're looking for in your vacation—whether it's ideal weather, fewer crowds, or budget-friendly options. Here's a breakdown by season:
High Season (December to April)
Weather: These months offer the most reliable weather with warm temperatures (ranging from 70-85°F or 21-29°C) and low rainfall.
Crowds: As these are the peak months, expect larger crowds, especially during holidays like Christmas, New Year's, and Spring Break.
Cost: Accommodation and flight prices are generally higher during this season.
Events: The Junkanoo Festival on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year's Day (January 1) are big cultural events.
Shoulder Season (May to June)
Weather: Still warm and less rainy compared to the late summer and fall, with temperatures similar to those of the high season.
Crowds: Fewer tourists visit during these months, so attractions and beaches are less crowded.
Cost: Prices for flights and accommodations start to decrease, offering better value.
Low Season (July to November)
Weather: Hotter and more humid, with a higher likelihood of rain and potential hurricanes, especially from August to October.
Crowds: Significantly fewer tourists, except for a small bump during summer vacations.
Cost: This is the most budget-friendly time to visit, with lower prices for flights and accommodations.
Events: If you're a fan of fishing, the Bahamas International Fishing Tournament occurs during these months.
How to Get There
Getting to Paradise Island in the Bahamas usually involves a combination of flights and either a ferry or a taxi ride, as the island is just off the coast of Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas. Here are the general steps:
Step 1: Flight to Nassau
From the United States: There are direct flights from multiple U.S. cities to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau. Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue frequently operate these routes.
From Canada: Direct flights are available from cities like Toronto and Montreal.
From Europe: There are no direct flights from Europe; however, you can easily find flights connecting through major U.S. hubs like Miami or New York.
From the Caribbean: Regional carriers like Bahamasair offer direct flights from other Caribbean islands.
Step 2: Getting to Paradise Island from Nassau
After arriving in Nassau, you have a few options to reach Paradise Island:
Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the airport. The ride to Paradise Island takes about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Ferry Boat: You can take a ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island. Ferries typically leave from Prince George Wharf and drop you off at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal. The trip takes about 15 minutes. Note that you'll have to take a short taxi ride to reach Prince George Wharf from the airport.
Private Car Service: Some high-end resorts offer private car services for their guests. Check with your hotel to see if this is an option.
Rent a Car: Car rentals are available at the airport, but keep in mind that driving in the Bahamas is on the left-hand side of the road.
How to get Around
Getting around Paradise Island is generally straightforward, given its relatively small size. Here are some options:
Walking
For short distances, especially within resort areas or between nearby attractions, walking is an easy and convenient option.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available, especially near hotels and popular attractions. They are convenient but can be more expensive than other modes of transportation. Always confirm the fare before you start your journey.
Water Taxis
Water taxis operate between Nassau and Paradise Island, docking at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal. This is a fun and scenic way to travel, especially if you're staying near the terminal.
Bicycles and Golf Carts
Some resorts and rental shops offer bicycles and golf carts, which are useful for short trips around the island.
Resort Shuttles
If you're staying at a larger resort like Atlantis, shuttle services within the resort property are often provided for guests. Check with your resort for details.
Public Buses
Known locally as "jitneys," these are an inexpensive way to travel but are generally more useful for getting around Nassau than Paradise Island.
Rental Cars
While available, rental cars are often not necessary unless you plan to explore more of New Providence. Keep in mind that driving is on the left-hand side of the road in the Bahamas.
Private Car Service
For a more luxurious experience, some visitors opt for private car services, which can be arranged through the resort or other service providers.
Scooters
Scooter rentals are another way to explore the island. However, exercise caution and ensure you're familiar with local driving laws and conditions.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Paradise Island
Top 5 Beaches in Paradise Island
Paradise Island is known for its stunning beaches, featuring powdery white sand and turquoise waters. While the island isn't large, it offers a range of beach experiences for different tastes. Here are some of the top beaches you might consider visiting:
Cabbage Beach
Location: Northern coast of Paradise Island
Features: One of the most popular and longest beaches on Paradise Island, Cabbage Beach offers soft white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Activities: Water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides are available.
Accessibility: Easily accessible and usually populated with both locals and tourists.
Paradise Lagoon
Location: Within Atlantis Resort
Features: This man-made lagoon offers a calm, shallow area perfect for families and children.
Activities: Snorkeling, paddle boarding, and other water activities are available for rent.
Accessibility: Primarily for guests of the Atlantis Resort but also accessible with a day pass.
Atlantis Beach
Location: Adjacent to Atlantis Resort
Features: Well-maintained with chairs and umbrellas usually set up for resort guests.
Activities: Lounging, swimming, and water sports.
Accessibility: Primarily for guests of the Atlantis Resort but also accessible with a day pass.
Cove Beach
Location: At the Cove Atlantis
Features: A more private, upscale beach experience with softer crowds and a tranquil setting.
Activities: Relaxing, swimming, and some water sports.
Accessibility: Restricted to guests staying at the Cove Atlantis or those who purchase a day pass.
Montagu Beach
Location: Located on New Providence Island, a short drive from Paradise Island
Features: A local beach often frequented by residents, it offers a different atmosphere from the resort-centric beaches.
Activities: Popular for kite surfing and picnics. Montagu Fort is also nearby for those interested in history.
Accessibility: Public beach that's accessible by taxi or rental car.
Top 6 Attractions in Paradise Island
Beyond its stunning beaches, Paradise Island offers a variety of attractions that appeal to different interests. Here are some of the top attractions to check out:
Atlantis Resort
What It Offers: This sprawling complex is almost a mini-city unto itself. While known for its beaches, Atlantis offers much more, including the following specific attractions:
Aquaventure Water Park: A 141-acre water park featuring numerous slides, a lazy river, and rapids.
The Dig & Ruins Lagoon: An elaborate aquarium styled to look like the lost city of Atlantis.
Atlantis Casino: For those interested in gambling, this is a must-visit with its various table games and slot machines.
Dolphin Cay
What It Offers: Also part of Atlantis, this 14-acre dolphin habitat allows you to swim and interact with dolphins in a controlled environment.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving with dolphins and sea lions.
Versailles Gardens and French Cloister
What It Offers: A piece of European architecture and garden design, inspired by the gardens at the Palace of Versailles.
Activities: Perfect for a romantic stroll or for finding a quiet place to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Note: This spot also offers panoramic views of Nassau Harbor.
Paradise Island Golf Course
What It Offers: A Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole golf course that is one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean.
Activities: Golfing, of course, and the club also offers a restaurant and pro shop.
Marina Village
What It Offers: A shopping and dining hub near Atlantis, it's a great place to explore Bahamian shops and international brands.
Activities: Shopping, dining, and often live entertainment in the evenings.
Ocean Club Golf Course
What It Offers: Another golf course, but with the added benefit of stunning ocean views.
Activities: Golfing along a beautifully-designed course that caters to various skill levels.
Top 12 Activities to do in Paradise Island
Paradise Island isn't just about beautiful beaches; it offers a range of activities for every type of traveler. Here are some top activities you can consider when visiting:
Water Sports
What to Do: Jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.
Where to Do It: Most activities are available at Cabbage Beach and through Atlantis Resort.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
What to Do: Explore underwater caves, coral reefs, and even sunken ships.
Where to Do It: Numerous diving centers around the island, including those affiliated with Atlantis Resort.
Golfing
What to Do: Enjoy a round of golf.
Where to Do It: Paradise Island Golf Course and Ocean Club Golf Course both offer world-class golfing experiences.
Dolphin and Sea Lion Encounters
What to Do: Swim and interact with dolphins or sea lions.
Where to Do It: Dolphin Cay at Atlantis Resort.
Spa Treatments
What to Do: Enjoy a relaxing massage, facial, or other spa treatments.
Where to Do It: Most of the luxury resorts, including Atlantis, offer spa services.
Aquarium Exploration
What to Do: Explore marine life without getting wet.
Where to Do It: The Dig & Ruins Lagoon at Atlantis offers a maze of aquariums with exotic species.
Fine Dining
What to Do: Indulge in gourmet meals featuring Bahamian and international cuisine.
Where to Do It: High-end restaurants in Atlantis Resort and other luxury hotels on the island.
Casino Night
What to Do: Try your luck at slots or table games like blackjack, poker, and roulette.
Where to Do It: Atlantis Casino is the main spot for gambling.
Shopping
What to Do: Shop for luxury brands, local crafts, and souvenirs.
Where to Do It: Marina Village is a prime location, but Atlantis Resort also has numerous stores.
Sunset Cruise
What to Do: Take a boat cruise to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean sunset.
Where to Do It: Various operators offer sunset cruises, which usually depart from the Nassau harbor area but include pickup from Paradise Island.
Yoga or Fitness Classes
What to Do: Keep up with your fitness routine while enjoying beautiful surroundings.
Where to Do It: Many resorts offer outdoor or beachside yoga and fitness classes.
Fishing
What to Do: Try your hand at deep-sea fishing for tuna, marlin, and more.
Where to Do It: Fishing charters are available and usually depart from Nassau but offer pick-up services from Paradise Island.
Island Hopping
Island hopping from Paradise Island can be a fantastic way to experience the diversity and natural beauty of the Bahamas. Although Paradise Island itself is relatively small and directly connected to Nassau on New Providence Island, its convenient location makes it an ideal launching point for exploring other nearby islands. Here's how you can enjoy island hopping from Paradise Island:
Nearby Islands and Cays to Consider:
Rose Island: Known for its tranquil beaches, it's only about a 30-minute boat ride away.
Exuma Cays: Famous for the swimming pigs and clear blue waters, Exuma is a bit further but worth a day trip or overnight stay.
Blue Lagoon Island: Officially known as Salt Cay, it's a private island offering dolphin encounters and beach relaxation.
Andros Island: The largest of the Bahamian islands, it's famous for diving, particularly into the "blue holes."
Harbour Island: Known for its pink sand beaches, it's about a two-hour ferry ride from Nassau.
Bimini: The closest Bahamian island to the United States, known for its rich history and deep-sea fishing.
Ways to Island Hop:
Day Tours: Many companies offer day tours that include transportation, activities, and sometimes meals. These are the most straightforward ways to go island hopping.
Private Charters: For a more personalized experience, you can charter a private boat. This is usually more expensive but allows you the flexibility to go where you want.
Ferries: Regularly scheduled ferries can take you to many of the larger islands. The Bahamas Ferries company, for example, offers services from Nassau to various destinations.
Flights: For more distant islands, taking a domestic flight might be more efficient. Bahamasair and other smaller carriers offer short flights from Nassau to other islands.
Sailing: If you're an experienced sailor, you might consider renting a sailboat to explore at your own pace.
Best Shopping
Paradise Island in the Bahamas is known for its luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, and a range of shopping options that mostly cater to tourists. Most of the shopping is concentrated around resort areas, particularly the Atlantis Resort, which has multiple retail areas.
Here are some places you may want to consider:
Atlantis Resort Shops
If you're staying at or visiting the Atlantis Resort, you'll find various shops that sell everything from high-end luxury brands to Bahamian crafts. Crystal Court Shops offer a selection of international designers such as Versace, Cartier, and Ferragamo. The Marina Village is another shopping area within the Atlantis complex, where you can find a variety of boutiques and souvenir shops, as well as dining options.
Paradise Shopping Village
Located near the Atlantis Resort, this shopping area has various stores where you can buy souvenirs, clothing, and essential items. Though not as high-end as the Atlantis shops, it provides another shopping option for tourists.
Bahamian Craft Markets
For local crafts, the straw market in downtown Nassau is a short trip away from Paradise Island. You can take a ferry or a quick taxi ride to explore local Bahamian crafts, including straw hats, bags, shell jewelry, and other handmade items. The market is a great place to experience the culture and interact with local artisans.
Nassau
If you're willing to venture off Paradise Island, Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, offers more diverse shopping options. The Bay Street area is well-known for duty-free shops, luxury boutiques, and local craft stores. This is also where you'll find the famous Graycliff Chocolatier and John Watling's Distillery if you're interested in gourmet chocolates or local rum.
Festival Place
Located at Prince George Wharf where the cruise ships dock, this is another place to shop for Bahamian souvenirs and crafts. It's easily accessible from Paradise Island and offers a variety of local products.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Paradise Island in the Bahamas is a hub of entertainment and nightlife activities, most of which are centered around the large resorts and tourist-focused venues. Whether you're interested in enjoying live music, dancing the night away, or trying your luck at a casino, there are a variety of options for both families and adults. Here's a rundown:
Casinos
Atlantis Casino
The most prominent place to gamble on Paradise Island is the Atlantis Casino, offering a Vegas-style experience with a Caribbean flair. You'll find a wide range of table games and slot machines. It's a high-energy atmosphere with various bars interspersed throughout the gaming areas.
Bars and Clubs
Aura Nightclub
Located in the Atlantis Resort, Aura is a high-end nightclub featuring popular DJs, a sizable dance floor, and VIP table service. It's one of the go-to places for a vibrant nightlife scene.
Live Entertainment
Joker's Wild Comedy Club
Located in Atlantis, this comedy club features performances from both local and international comedians. It's a good option if you're looking for some laughs.
Live Music
Many bars and restaurants on Paradise Island offer live music, particularly featuring local genres like calypso, reggae, and junkanoo.
Family Entertainment
Marina Village
During the evening, the Marina Village at Atlantis becomes a lively hub of activity suitable for families. You'll often find live music, street performers, and other family-friendly activities.
Movies at Atlantis
The Atlantis Resort also has a movie theater where you can catch the latest films, a great option for families or couples looking for a more relaxed evening.
Off-Island Options
Nassau
For those willing to venture off Paradise Island, Nassau has a variety of nightlife options, from local pubs to dance clubs. Downtown Nassau comes alive at night, especially along Bay Street and the surrounding areas.
Cuisine
The cuisine on Paradise Island in the Bahamas reflects a blend of local flavors and international offerings, often presented in a setting that capitalizes on the island's stunning natural beauty. From high-end gourmet dining to casual beachside grills, the island offers a range of culinary experiences.
Local Bahamian Cuisine
Conch Salad: One of the most popular local dishes, fresh conch is diced and mixed with vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, all marinated in citrus juices.
Fish Fry: A variety of fish, typically grouper or snapper, is deep-fried and often served with Bahamian peas and rice.
Cracked Conch: This dish features tenderized conch that has been breaded and fried, often served with a side of dipping sauce.
Peas and Rice: A Bahamian staple, it's made from pigeon peas and rice cooked with tomatoes and spices.
International Cuisine
Given that Paradise Island caters to tourists from around the world, the dining options are quite cosmopolitan.
Asian Cuisine: Sushi, Chinese, and other Asian cuisines are often available, particularly in high-end resorts like Atlantis.
Italian: From fine dining to casual eateries, Italian food, including pasta and pizza, is readily available.
American Favorites: Burgers, fries, and other American classics can be found in many restaurants and casual eateries.
Notable Dining Locations
Atlantis Resort
Atlantis offers a plethora of dining options, from fine dining to casual eateries. High-end restaurants in the resort often require reservations and may have a dress code.
Nobu: Offers gourmet Japanese cuisine.
Café Martinique: Features French gourmet dining.
Marina Village
Located at the Atlantis Resort, the Marina Village has various dining options from fast food to sit-down restaurants. Seafood, Bahamian dishes, and international cuisine are all available.
Dune
Run by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, this fine dining restaurant at The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort, offers fusion cuisine blending French, Asian, and Bahamian elements.
Casual Spots
In addition to high-end restaurants, there are plenty of casual spots where you can get sandwiches, salads, and other easygoing fare. Many of these places will offer beautiful ocean views, and some may even have live music.
Beach Bars and Grills
Many of these are situated right on the beach, offering the likes of grilled seafood, tropical cocktails, and other casual fare.
Given that tourism is a significant industry for the island, many places will offer a variety of options to accommodate different dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Accommodations
The choice of where to stay on Paradise Island in the Bahamas depends on various factors such as your budget, the kind of experience you're looking for, and who you're traveling with.
Luxury Resorts
Atlantis Resort
One of the most famous resorts not just on Paradise Island but in the Caribbean, Atlantis offers a wide array of experiences for all types of travelers. The resort is divided into several areas, each with its own character:
The Royal: Iconic and central, perfect for those who want to be at the heart of the action.
The Cove: For a more upscale, adult-oriented experience.
The Reef: Offers residential-style studios and suites, ideal for families.
Facilities at Atlantis include a water park, an extensive marine habitat, a large casino, and a wide range of dining and shopping options.
The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort
This resort offers a more intimate, high-end experience. Amenities include a golf course, spa, and fine dining at Dune by Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Mid-Range Hotels
Comfort Suites Paradise Island
Located adjacent to the Atlantis Resort, guests at this hotel get access to Atlantis' facilities without the higher price tag. It's a good budget-friendly option if you want to enjoy Atlantis without staying there.
Warwick Paradise Island
This is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort that provides a more laid-back atmosphere. It’s a good option for couples or groups of adults.
Vacation Rentals
Various vacation rentals, ranging from condos to villas, are also available on Paradise Island. This can be a good option if you prefer a more home-like setting or are traveling with a larger group.
Nassau as an Option
If you're looking for a broader range of budget options, consider staying in Nassau and making day trips to Paradise Island. Nassau offers a wider range of accommodations, from budget to luxury, and it's just a short trip across the bridge or a quick ferry ride to Paradise Island.
Special Considerations
Family or Adult-Only: Some resorts are family-friendly, offering activities and amenities for younger guests, while others are adult-only.
All-Inclusive vs. A La Carte: Consider whether you want an all-inclusive package where meals and some activities are included, or if you prefer to pay-as-you-go for more flexibility.
Activities: Choose your accommodation based on the kind of activities you’re interested in. Some places offer golf, water sports, or proximity to casinos.
