Best way to get to Paradise Island

[cathie]

We would like to visit Paradise Island & the Aquarium when we go on the 4 Day Wonder Cruise in February. What is the best way to get there & how long does it take? I'll be going with the kids ages 15, 12, & 9. My sister will be staying with my handicapped friend since there is no accessible transportation that we know of. I kind of need to know how long I'll be away from the ship because I am Steve's nurse (my disabled friend) & need to be back on board within 3-4 hrs. Thanks!! Cathie

 

[FLeisure]

For a start forget the water taxis's..organised chaos !
Get yourself a taxi about $ 3 per person last time I was there and it's about a 10 minute ride maximum.

3-4 hours is plenty of time but to be honest, I think the aquariumj is something of a rip off anyway. If you can, go to SeaWorld where you can see all that plus so much more.

 

[MarkRG]

...And pay so much more at Sea World too.

Atlantis is atotally self sufficient resort, with rodeo drive shop with the matching rodeo drive prices, some resaurants, that are a bit pricey, but the the real neat thing is to just go there and tour the resort at your own pace. It is a goregous resort, want to see some pics? here:Nassau: Day 4 of the DVC 4 day Member's cruise (click on any of the pics for a much bigger one)

The Dig (the aquariums and ponds) are integrated into the resort and you'll cover most of the resort while visiting them. There's a lot to see, the open water shark and stingray pools are impressive.

Unlike the last poster, I think it is a good little excursion to do and still get back to the ship by lunchtime.

It's also easy to do and I do have a prewritten set of directions just for when this question pops up, I'll paste them here:

• Leave the ship and go to the end of the dock.
• Take one of the numerous taxis for (right now, price partially depends on a bridge toll) $5 per person to Atlantis, much more pleasant than the overcrowded, water taxi. Or, you can find limos for hire there as well for comparable prices.
• Walk to the center of the casino upon arrival, to the kiosk with the blue globe(Temple of the Moon).
• Buy a wristband for $25 each Adults, $19 Kids 4-12, under 4 free, for access to all the resort except the water recreation(you can still walk out to the beach, just not on it).
• Walk the Dig at your own pace. It's long, at least a mile or more, but it is exceptional. And you basically walk about 2/3 of the property in doing so, they give you a map. You can go where you wish, at your own pace.
• Whenever you're done, just go back to where you were dropped off for another taxi ride back to the ship.

Any questions, feel free to ask

 

[cat1239]

We went to Paradise Island on our 4 day in September. We went to see the resort and the aquarium. We were able to see everything in 3- 4 hours. We also took a taxi there, it's not far at all. You can see Atlantis from the ship. We really enjoyed the aquarium.

Cathy

 

[FLeisure]

But you do get to see so much more at Sea World and you get all day there plus another day at half price if you enjoy it that much.

It is a nice resort...no dispute there but I personally prefer to go to the "free" public beach and relax there rather than paying $25 to see Atlantis and even then not be able to use their swimming pools.

 

[ChattyKathy]

Can I please ask- what is a dig? I never heard that before..? Sorry.

Another thing, MY opinion ~ I was to Nassau 10 yrs ago and I dont remember a thing, But the thing about the options are you can goto SeaWorld anytime in the USA....its here and there...
Where as in Nassau, you can see this dig,
Is the aquarium and dig worth it? How long is this walk?


Thanks~

Kathy

 

[CGC33A]

There is a small tourist information building near the taxi stand. I have picked up various publications (advertising magazines etc) that have had a $5. off coupon in them for the Atlantis "tour/Dig". Don't know if they still exist, the the staff in the tourist info place should be able to tell you. It is right where the taxi's are. It would help pay for the ride over.

 

[cathie]

Thanks to everybody for all the info! So from what I've read we need to take a taxi at the end of the dock to get to Paradise Island..something like 5.00 per person. When we arrive there do we have to get tickets @ the casino or is there somewhere else to buy them? The aquarium is 25.00 per person & the beach is free...how far from the aquarium is the beach & is it a good place for kids & teens? You guys are great, thanks again!! Cathie

 

[jkovick]

I am pretty sure that you can't use the beach unless you have a room at the hotel or book an excursion that includes beach access.

 

[cathie]

Is there a free public beach near the Aquarium? A couple more questions, what do you get for the 25.00 & what is "the dig"? Thanks for any info. Cathie

 

[cat1239]

The dig is basically part of the aquarium. There are two sections and one of them is called the dig because it is set up as if someone found the city Atlantis and dug it up. It displays artifacts in between the parts of the aquarium. You get the bands for the aquarium in the casino and they are $25.00 a piece. If you have more than 4 or 5 people in your group it is cheaper to book a room at Comfort Suites if you want full access. As far as the beach.....you have to get a room at Atlantis or Comfort Suites to use the beach, but there is a free beach near by - didn't go so I don't know how far.

Cathy

 

[cathie]

Thanks Cathy . I guess we'll give it a try in Feb. I'll try to find out where the free beach is because we won't be booking a room. Do you think it's all worth the 25.00? Cathie

 

[cat1239]

We debated and debated about whether we would do Atlantis, but I am glad we did. It is worth the $25.00. It is a little pricey, but we really enjoyed our day there. My son loved the aquarium, the way it is set up makes it pretty unique. They have a HUGE manta ray and they even had starfish in shallow water where you could touch them. The aquarium is split up in two so it is easy to miss the shark tunnel. I also really enjoyed seeing the resort. It is a beautiful resort. If you have time, you might want to walk around the grounds a little bit - there are several pools, a beach, a section that had stingrays, the lazy river, etc... I probably wouldn't do the aquarium a second time, but I was glad that we did decide to do it.

Cathy