Going on a vacation in the Bahamas is one of the dreams of many people around the globe.
The white-sand beaches, amazing sceneries, and the turquoise waters are just some of the reasons why it’s a top destination for tourists.
If you are planning a vacation in the Bahamas, Paradise Island is one of the best places to visit.
There are many Nassau Paradise Island hotels and resorts where you can stay in and have fun with your family.
You will also find numerous exciting activities to do while on the island.
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Places to Visit and Activities to Do
Before you decide where to stay, check out the activities you can do to make your trip a memorable one.
1. Dolphin Cay, Atlantis
Dolphin Cay is one of the biggest marine habitats and animal rescue and rehabilitation facilities in the world.
It is also one of the top tourist destinations in Paradise Island.
This is because, aside from caring for sea lions and dolphins, it offers a unique educational experience for the whole family.
Here, you can have a creative and non-disruptive interaction with the dolphins, stingrays, and sea lions, helping build awareness and fund the foundation's conservation efforts.
Here are some of the activities that you can try at Dolphin Cay:
Dip ‘N Discover
You can get a chance to have a face-to-face experience with the dolphins. The activity lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
Swim in Wonder
Swim freely with the dolphins in deep water. It lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
Hang Time
Spend time with their experts while feeding and caring for the dolphins. This experience lasts for 30 minutes.
Stingray Experience
Enjoy a hands-on encounter with cownose stingrays. You can feed them and have the opportunity to swim alongside them.
Playtime with the Sea Lions
This activity gives you a more up-close experience with sea lions and watch them bark, cavort, and splash.
You can also see how the vets and trainers feed these marine mammals.
Sunrise Fitness
This is a yoga class that you can’t find anywhere else.
It’s a 45-minute standup paddleboard yoga class where you strengthen your core in the middle of the dolphin habitat.
2. Aquaventure
With over 20 swimming areas, 11 pools including three kiddie pools, fun water slides, and a mile-long ride on a river, Aquaventure is the ultimate destination for all types of water activities.
You can check out The Power Tower, which is a 120-foot tower with four jaw-dropping slides:
- The Abyss (a 50-foot near-vertical drop with a 200 feet body slide)
- The Drop (a single and double inner tube ride that begins with a drop through the darkness)
- The Falls (where you will be propelled through a water roller coaster)
- The Surge (an inner tube ride where you will be dropped into a cavern, followed by white-water rapids)
The Mayan Temple, on the other hand, features five slides:
- The Five-Story Corkscrew Serpent Slide
- The Jungle Slide (for kids)
- Two Challenger Slides
- The Leap of Faith
Suppose you don’t want adrenaline-inducing water activities but instead prefer a chill and relaxing moment. In that case, the Lazy River is the best choice.
Here, you can enjoy a relaxing and scenic ride on a quarter-mile loop with a tropical landscape.
3. Snorkeling at the Ruins of Atlantis
Experience a thrilling 30-minute snorkeling activity on the sunken ruins and artifacts of Atlantis.
This includes snorkeling through the Ruins Lagoon, the home to over 20,000 deep reef and pelagic fish.
You can also choose to snorkel and swim alongside sleek sharks, spotted rays, and colorful tropical fish.
4. Baha Mar Casino
If you love playing in casinos, the Baha Mar Casino at Cable Beach in Nassau is your best bet.
The casino has floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a breathtaking view of the ocean.
The 100,000 square-foot area features different modern slot machines, table games, and private gaming salons.
5. Jazz Bar
Do you want to just relax with soothing jazz music while drinking your favorite cocktail?
The Jazz Bar in Cable Beach is the perfect place for you to visit.
It is an elevated piano bar that serves small-plate menu items and amazing cocktails while treating its guests to live jazz music.
There is a wide range of appetizers available, like fresh crab cakes, Bahamian-inspired petit fours, and more.
6. Shopping
You should never miss out on some of the best shopping areas in Nassau. From designer boutiques, gift shops, and luxury goods, Nassau has them all.
We listed some of the best shopping areas that you can check out while you are in Nassau.
- Atlantis Logo Stores is where you buy all of the Atlantis souvenirs you want for adults and children.
- Shops of Baha Mar offers designer fashion, luxury goods, jewelry, and unique Bahamian arts and crafts shops.
- Bay Street Shops features some independent shops and stores from big names in fashion. Here, you can find high-end dinnerware, local souvenirs, and more.
- Crystal Court Shops is a haven for fashionistas, as it has many designer boutiques and haute couture labels.
- Festival Palace is the place to check out if you are looking for authentic handicrafts made by some of the best local artisans.
7. Nassau Jeep Tour
Do you want to enjoy a guided sightseeing tour riding a custom Jeep Wrangler? You can do that in Nassau Paradise Island.
Travel to legendary forts, historical gems, natural caves, and other places while sampling the local treats.
Someone will you up directly from your hotel, and you will see the breathtaking sceneries while feeling the sunlight and ocean air.
You will learn about the Bahamas culture, try different costumes, and participate in music and dance performances.
The tour will take you to Tasty Teas, a traditional tea house, and Watling’s Distillery to taste their signature pale, amber, and reddish-gold rum.
The series of military forts, limestone caves, and the Queen’s Staircase would complete your Nassau tour.
You will then head to the Arawak Cay Fish Fry and check out some of the food stalls to taste the Bahamas' local delights.
8. Aura Nightclub
When it comes to nightlife, Paradise Island is always at the top, especially the Aura Nightclub. It is an embodiment of luxury and decadence.
This nightclub is located at the top of the Atlantis Casino, where you will find a staircase that will lead you to the nightclub.
There are two bars, two VIP sections, and a private VIP parlor to offer a more intimate experience to the tourists.
The nightclub features a European-style bottle service, a sunken glass dance floor, and a separate VIP seating where you can enjoy a personal server and a more extensive drink menu.
Nassau Paradise Island Hotels: Where to Stay?
Before you go to Paradise Island, you would want to check out the availability of the hotels you wish to stay at.
Although you can just look for accommodation once you get there, it is hard to find a decent one if you will not book a room ahead of time.
Here are some of the best Nassau Paradise island hotels that you can check out:
- The Atlantis Resort
- The Cove
- Comfort Suites
- Hotel Riu Palace
- Sunrise Beach Club and Villas
- Best Western Bay View Suites
- The Reef
- Paradise Harbour Club & Marina
- Harborside Resort
Paradise Island FAQs
1. Can you walk from Paradise Island to downtown Nassau?
Can you walk from Paradise Island to downtown Nassau or do you need to call a cab or ride a ferry?
If you want to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the view, you can definitely walk your way from Paradise Island to downtown Nassau.
However, it would take you roughly around an hour and 20 minutes walking at a steady pace.
The area over the bridge is a 30-minute walk already. It is a seven-kilometer walk, so if you are not in good shape, it is better to get a cab or ride a ferry.
2. Where is Paradise Island located in the Bahamas?
If you’re wondering where is Paradise Island located in the Bahamas, you will see that it’s a few kilometers off the shore of Nassau.
This island was formerly known as Hog Island, with an area of 277 hectares. Nassau is located on the northern edge of New Providence Island.
Two bridges connect Paradise Island and the City of Nassau.
The first bridge was built by Resorts International in 1966, while the second bridge was built in the 1990s.
3. How far is Paradise Island from Nassau?
Paradise Island is around 7.5 kilometers from the city of Nassau.
To go there, you can take a cab, a ferry, or you can just walk if you want to enjoy the scenery.
However, we suggest that you take a ferry if you don’t plan to bring any luggage with you, especially if you are only visiting downtown Nassau.
The ferry only costs around $4 one way. It is a cheaper alternative, but it would take you more time to reach your destination.
4. How much is a cab from Nassau to Paradise Island?
A cab from Nassau to Paradise Island costs around $12 to $15. It might go up depending on the number of luggage and the number of passengers.
You have to remember that taxi cabs are not metered. The fare would be established before you get into the taxi.
The cab driver will determine the amount that you would pay, depending on where you plan to go.
The fares are usually based on two passengers with two small luggage per person.
If there is another passenger with you, there will be an additional $3 for every passenger.
As for the luggage, you need to pay $2 for every additional luggage.
5. Is Paradise Island, Bahamas safe?
It is very safe to stay in Paradise Island because most of the Island is owned by Atlantis.
There is a lot of security staff around, so unless you are trying to find trouble, you won’t have to worry about your safety.
However, like other places around the globe, there are some areas to avoid, especially the downtown area, but crimes are very minimal.
The Bottomline
Paradise Island is a haven for people who love beaches.
The white sand, clear blue skies, turquoise waters, and the fantastic adventures you can experience here will complete your dream vacation.
Whether you want adrenaline-inducing adventures or prefer a more relaxing vibe, Paradise Island in the Bahamas should be on your list of top destinations.
