Upon returning from our Atlantis in Bahamas family vacation, we sat down and talked about our favorite things. We all agreed it was a blast and we’d love to go back again in a few years when our little guy is ready to participate in more of the water activities. There is so much to do at Atlantis Hotel in Bahamas, it would probably take several trips to see it it all. We were only there for five days and four nights so we just barely got started on our exploration of Atlantis in the Bahamas. Here’s our Top 10 List to share with you.
The Dolphin Cay at Atlantis in Bahamas is our top pick.
1. Dolphin Cay: We all agreed this was the highlight of our trip. It was our little boy’s eighth birthday and we did the Shallow Water Interaction at the Dolphin Cay at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. I recommend scheduling this from home before your trip if you know you’re going to do it. That morning we caught a shuttle to the Dolphin Cay as it is quite a hike from the Beach Tower. We were given wet suits and a locker to store our belongings. Personal cameras are not allowed, so be prepared to purchase the pictures they take which are quite expensive. We paid $150 for and 8×10, 4 3×8s, a frame and a CD with all the pics. The CDs are only available in packages – not a la carte. We then were offered non-alcoholic beverages at no additional charge which we gladly took advantage of some canned sodas. There was a brief orientation and then we were in the water. Our trainer introduced us to our dolphin, Tracy, and had her show off some of her skills. The two children in our group of 10 got to feed her a fish or two. We all got to hug her and give her a kiss. We were never in water over our waist. In fact, I didn’t even get my hair wet. Be sure to visit the gift shop before you leave.
Gazind at the lion fish in the Dig at Atlantis in Bahamas.
2. The Dig/Ruins Lagoon: WOW! That pretty much sums up the best display or marine life I have ever seen. The Ruins Lagoon is the largest outdoor display of ocean life, including the only manta rays displayed in the Western Hemisphere. The mantas were our favorites for sure. It was like they were flying through the water. Be sure to look for the fish that hide beneath them and swim along with them. Although the Ruins Lagoon is outdoors, it is best viewed from inside the lower level of the Great Hall of Waters or from within The Dig. These areas are both within the Royal Towers of the Atlantis Resort in Bahamas. The Dig provides incredible close-up viewing of marine life including Goliath groupers – these are really cool. You’ll also see jellyfish, lion fish, moray eels, piranhas, seahorses, spiny lobsters and clown fish. Our favorite was the lion fish. The Dig is free for guests of the Atlantis Hotel in the Bahamas. Non-guests have to pay to view this amazing aquarium. The only thing that would have made The Dig better would be signage giving names and descriptions of the wildlife. Be sure to take your Atlantis map and you can read a little about what you are viewing in the section Aquatic Wildlife Exhibits.
Mayan Temple slides at Atlantis in Bahamas was a top pick for the younger set.
3. Mayan Temple: The absolute best thing about the Mayan Temple are the two small slides at the south steps near the stairs up the temple. Kids were constantly going down these two slides and then getting out and going again. The first slide emptied in a tiny pool a little higher and then the second emptied into the main pool. The current then pushed the kids to the steps and they were out to do it again. The water at the bottom of the second slide is around 5′ deep, so you’ll want to be ready to catch your child if you need to. Our little boy is just learning to swim and he was doing it on his own by the end of our trip. He would have been happy with just these two slides. There was no wait and you don’t have to lug an inner tube around.
Hold on! The Atlantis in Bahamas Current whisks you around for a mile.
4. The Current: We loved this! It is like the Lazy River, but kicked up a notch. We called it the Crazy River! First of all, it is a mile long. The slides coming off The Power Tower feed through the current, so you don’t have to walk while lugging your inner tube. Simply ride back to The Power Tower, get out and walk back up the stairs. Plus the current pushes you along really fast at times. Be sure to hold on and have your kids wear a life jacket. My husband and little guy got wiped out and I saw a few other do the same.
The Power Tower slide at Atlantis in Bahamas was a favorite.
5. The Power Tower: We liked The Drop and The Falls. These were inner tube slides from the mid-level of the Power Tower. We didn’t care for The Surge, also an inner tube slide but from the top of the tower. Our eight-year-old son said it hurt his back. I would not recommend The Surge for smaller kids or those with back trouble. That being said, the other two were great. The inner tube slides are nice because they give your body a little cushion. Also there are double tubes. These are nice for smaller kids to ride with a parent. Please note the 48″ height requirement is enforced. We actually saw someone sent back down the stairs. Even if you don’t do the slides, it is worth climbing to the top of The Power Tower for the views. I got some incredible pics.
Cove Beach is the most beautiful of the three Atlantis in Bahamas beaches.
6. Cove Beach: Cove Beach is the middle beach at Atlantis and the most beautiful. The coastline curves around and it is almost enclosed. There were a lot of people snorkeling here. I took a brief swim and then walked the beach. It is a beautiful beach to walk. If you walk out to the western side, you’ll have some wonderful views back to the resort.
A great view of Atlantis in Bahamas with the Challenger Slides to the left.
7. Challenger Slide: You are supposed to be able to race someone down this side-by-side slide, however, only one side was open while we were there. That didn’t bother my husband or son, however, they really liked this slide. I did this slide once and all I can say is “wedgie!” I wouldn’t recommend this slide if your back bothers you as it is without a tube.
Jamming in the Marina Village area of Atlantis in Bahamas.
8. Marina Village: The Marina Village has many dining options especially for families. We ate at Johnny Rockets, Murray’s Deli and Marina Pizzeria while we were at Atlantis. They also have a Starbucks, Jamba Juice and Ben & Jerry’s as well as some pricier options. The area was very festive in the evening with live performers and even a jam session in which the children could participate. The evening we ate at Murray’s Deli, they had a clown. You’ll also find shopping at the Marina Village. We also liked it because it was so close to the Beach Tower of the Atlantis Resort in Nassau Bahamas.
Great Hammerheads prowl the Atlantis in Bahamas Predator Lagoon.
9. The Predator Lagoon: Take a walk across the rope suspension bridge and you’ll feel like you’re in an Indiana Jones movie. Don’t look down – there’s sharks! Great Hammerhead sharks to be exact. Located below the Lagoon Bar & Grill, outside the Coral Towers, the Predator Lagoon is a fascinating wildlife habitat under the sea, featuring predominately deeper reef fish. Sharks, barracudas, rays, sawfish and giant grouper live among vibrant schools of fish in a natural environment. You can also walk through the 100-foot clear underwater tunnel submerged in the lagoon.
The Atlantis in Bahamas Casino features glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly.
10. Casino/Theater: My husband visited the Atlantis Casino Bahamas and gave it a place on our Top 10 list. We all walked through. I’d recommend at least walking through to see the fabulous glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly. We all caught a movie one evening at the theater of Atlantis in Bahamas. The movies are free of charge, however, you have to pay for your snacks. The 5 p.m. daily shows seemed to be the most family friendly. It is also a good time if it it rains or you simply need a break from swimming. The first movie is at 5 p.m. and then there were two more each evening at 7 and 9 p.m.
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