Paradise island Bahamas
Rating
Family of 4
USD 400-800+ per day depending on whether you're staying at Atlantis or purchasing day passes; day pass for Aquaventure water park runs USD 100-140 per adult, less for kids
Duration
Full day
Best Ages
6-17 years
About
Paradise Island sits just across Nassau Harbour from downtown Nassau, connected by two bridges that families can walk or drive across. While the island is dominated by the Atlantis Paradise Island resort, the broader island experience has plenty to offer families at different budget levels.
At the top of the list is Atlantis's Aquaventure water park — one of the Caribbean's largest and most feature-packed, with over 20 water slides including the famous Leap of Faith (a nearly vertical plunge through a shark-filled lagoon), a mile-long river ride, and dedicated kids areas with age-appropriate slides for younger children. Access requires either an Atlantis hotel stay or purchase of a day pass, which runs approximately USD 100-140 per adult and less for children.
Beyond Atlantis, the island has public beach access on the eastern tip — Cabbage Beach is free and consistently rated among the best Bahamian beaches. It's significantly less crowded than the resort-controlled beach sections, and the turquoise water and soft sand deliver exactly what families come to The Bahamas hoping to find.
The marina area has restaurants, shops, and harbour views that are pleasant for a casual family walk. Kids enjoy watching the boats and the general activity of the waterfront. The Atlantis Discovery Channel aquarium areas are included with certain Atlantis packages and offer impressive shark and ray displays.
For families staying in Nassau, Paradise Island is an easy half-day or full-day excursion. Taxis and rideshares cross the bridge readily.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Indoor & Outdoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings to beat cruise ship crowds; avoid school holiday peak weeks
Wait Times
30-60 min for popular Atlantis rides at peak times; minimal wait for beach areas
Nearby Food
Atlantis has extensive dining including casual poolside options and quick-service restaurants. Marina Village has additional family-friendly restaurants at moderate prices. Bring snacks to avoid resort food costs.
Why Kids Love It
Paradise Island is the home of Atlantis, one of the Caribbean's most celebrated water parks — kids who've been there talk about the slide through the shark tank for years afterward. Even beyond Atlantis, the island's beaches, marina, and tropical atmosphere create instant vacation excitement that kids respond to the moment you cross the bridge from Nassau.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Purchase Aquaventure day passes online in advance — they sometimes sell out during peak weeks and online booking can save you time at the gate
- Cabbage Beach (public access, free) is on the far eastern end of the island — it's much less crowded than the hotel-front beach sections
- The Atlantis kids area water slides are designed for younger children and have shorter waits than the main ride sections
What to Bring
- Water shoes — some pool and waterpark deck surfaces get extremely hot in Bahamian sun
- Reef-safe sunscreen — Bahamian waters require it and some resorts enforce this
- Cash for taxis and smaller food vendors that don't take cards
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
USD 400-800+ per day depending on whether you're staying at Atlantis or purchasing day passes; day pass for Aquaventure water park runs USD 100-140 per adult, less for kids
Tips to Save
- Book Atlantis day passes online in advance for small discounts.
- Visit the public beach areas (free) to experience the island without resort pricing.
- The bridge walkway and harbour views are completely free.
