Bahamas

Freeport

THINGS TO DO 

Soak up the sun on Junkaboo or Taino Beach.

Catch a party at the Wyndham. If day drinking and beach parties pique your interest, the Wyndham is the place to be. Most hotels will offer free bus rides over if you’re not staying there already.

Snorkel or book an ATV tour.

Souvenir shop, grub or checkout the entertainment at Port Lucaya Marketplace and Count Basie Square. 

 

PLACES TO EAT

Daddy Brown’s Conch Stand: Small shack with the best fried seafood around. Perfect for a quick, casual bite.

Agave Lucaya: Mexican fusion so good that we ate here twice! However, don’t go in a hurry. Service is slow but worth the wait if you have time.

 

PLACES TO STAY

Grand Lucayan: Beautiful resort with optional, all-inclusive packages. Great location with the Port Lucaya Marketplace right across the street.

Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach: All-inclusive resort known for getting rowdy. If you’re looking for a minimal-planning party vacation, this is your best bet.

 

GENERAL TIPS

Freeport is definitely a resort-driven small island. While there are enough things to do to fill any vacation, we recommend sticking to the resorts for accommodations and consider the all-inclusive packages to maximize your time.

Nassau

THINGS TO DO 

We know you probably have the sea excursions down already (but if not, more great recommendations in paradise island below). Here are some fun on-land ideas:

Do a wine tasting at Bahama Barrels. Or sample some rum at John Watling’s Distillery (Nassau is also known for having some of the best Rum Cake in the world).

Explore the old grounds of Fort Fincastle.

Check out the Straw Market for the cutest souvenirs.

 

PLACES TO EAT

Graycliff: Perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner. The owner holds claim to one of the most expensive and exquisite wine collections in the world. 

Frankie Gone Bananas: A local spot with the best conch salad on the island.

Meze Grill: Tucked away in a small shopping center, expect great food and delicious cocktails.

Baha Mar

Fi’lia: Great Italian and seafood option. The shareable Caesar is made fresh and delicious.

Cleo: Trendy Mediterranean spot on the SLS side. Book a reservation well in advance- it’s always full. 

Katsuya: Asian cuisine 

Stix: Great noodle bar for a quick, casual bite if you’re not in the mood for a fancy sit-down.

Shuang Ba: Upscale Chinese restaurant that won’t disappoint

 

PLACES TO DRINK

Aura: The islands night club. People from all over the island & other resorts come to party here with some of the best DJs. It starts getting busy around 12-1! 

The Point: Start your night here with $5 happy hour from 5-7 everyday. Here they top your drink with more alcohol instead of ice. Try the Yellow Bird or Sky Juice if looking for something different than The Bahama Mama.

 

PLACES TO STAY

The Baha Mar is Nassau’s newest adult paradise and we highly recommend staying here. There are 3 properties: The Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood (the most expensive). We stayed at the Hyatt (most affordable) and it was incredible. It also shares amenities and restaurants with the SLS so you’re really not missing anything.

Paradise Island

THINGS TO DO 

Aquadventure:  This water park is one of the largest in the eastern Hemisphere and includes a range of water slides for all ages as well as a not so lazy river that includes white water rapids. When not exploring the park there are a variety of swimming pools to relax by and sip on tropical drinks.

Beaches: From spending the day soaking in the Bahamian sun to splashing in the crystal clear water you can’t go wrong. If staying at Atlantis checkout The Cove beach. Less crowded due to the walk but the sand is softer and the water is more calm. 

Day trip to Exuma: A little pricy, but an out of this world experience of swimming with Pigs and exploring the island that the Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed on. Whether booking through local boat tours or directly with Atlantis Resort there are a variety of different tour options. 

Scuba Diving: The Bahamas has the most beautiful clear waters to dive in. Ask your captain to take you to Shark Alley if you’re looking for an added thrill!
The Casino: Play your had in a game of 21 or find yourself partying in the club that goes until 4am with Djs from around the world

Water Activities: If you’re looking to book anything from jet skis, parasailing, to scuba diving, we recommend finding a local tour guide rather than booking through your cruise or hotel – you’ll likely find a cheaper, more personal and authentic experience. 

 

PLACES TO EAT

Atlantis offers tons of dining options that are listed all on their website. There are also local restaurants that listed below if you’re looking to discover stuff outside the resort on the island.

Green Parrot: located on the harbor nuzzled amongst yachts and fishing boats you won’t regret checking out this outdoor restaurant. Order a Kalik the local Bahamian beer and the coconut shrimp. 

Anthony’s: happy hour everyday starting at 5-7. Try The conch a Bahamian delicacy 

Tip: If traveling on a budget, check out the marina restaurants. 

 

PLACES TO DRINK

Aura: The islands night club. People from all over the island & other resorts come to party here with some of the best DJs. It starts getting busy around 12-1! 

The Point: Start your night here with $5 happy hour from 5-7 everyday. Here they top your drink with more alcohol instead of ice. Try the Yellow Bird or Sky Juice if looking for something different than The Bahama Mama.

 

PLACES TO STAY

There are 5 different hotels on the Atlantis resort property provide for many different options depending on what you’re looking for:

The Cove: Luxury hotel with a mix of Bahamian vibe and Asian design influence. Perfect for couples or adults looking to party it up. They have daily pool parties and outdoor gamboling at the adults only pool. When staying here you gain access to this exclusive pool and beaches. 

The Reef: Another great hotel for older adults or someone looking for the same luxury of The Cove for a little more space and less party action. This hotel also includes a pool and beach access only available to the guests staying at this hotel.

The Royal: When you think of Atlantis you think of this iconic hotel with its two towers connected at the top and the classic design seen throughout the hotel which is inspired by the Lost City of Atlantis. This hotel is great for families or couples since it’s right at the center of all the attractions.

Harborside: Harborside are Atlantis’ family friendly time shares. They get its name for being right on the Harbor. These apartment like rooms comes with more amenities such as a kitchen and laundry facilities and are perfect for groups or people interested in boating or yachting.

The Coral: This hotel is situated off to the side of the Royal, opposite to The Cove. This area is family friendly as it has quick access to the water park and the busiest beaches.

The Beach: This hotel is further away from the main attractions but is great if you’re looking to travel to Atlantis on a budget

 

 

TRANSPORTATION

From the Airport: Once you arrive at the airport follow the signs to exit the airport. Once downstairs you will can head over to the Atlantis counter where they can call a Taxi for you. A taxi is the fastest way. There is also a bus service but it can be unreliable.
These normally start at $38 since it is about a 40-50 minute drive depending on traffic. Prices can go up also depending on number of people you’re riding with and the amount of bags you have. 
 
To & From the island: Paradise island is separate from Freeport/ New Providence but they are connected by two long bridges. Atlantis offers shuttles over to downtown Freeport at a small fee and are able to be arranged very easily.
 
On the Island: Atlantis is HUGE. It seriously it makes up its own island. The resort offers free shuttles to take you around the island.
 
Tip: In off season you might be the only ones on the shuttle. Be super friendly to the drivers and ask them questions about other places to see around Atlantis. If you’re lucky you’ll get the VIP treatment and they’ll take you right to where you need to go Instead or walking 

 

GENERAL TIPS

Coconuts: the island is overflowing with beautiful well kept landscapes and there is no shortage of palm trees. Wake up early and walk around the property. If you see them trimming the coconuts off the trees don’t hesitate to ask for one and for them to open it. You’ll be happy you did when you’re sipping on fresh coconut water! 

Locals: Bahamians are some of the most friendly and happy people you will ever meet. Their native language is English so there is no language barrier- make sure to take the time to get to know them. They might even share with you some of the islands secrets and even more about their homes amongst the other islands in the Bahamas. 

Groceries: If planning to stay on a budget or wanTing to eat your own food ask your taxi driver on the way from the airport to stop for groceries. They are so much cheaper on this side of the bridge than once you cross into Paradise Island (almost nothing is under $10 at the grocery store- cheezits were $12… yes, you read that right). There is also a shuttle over the bridge in the morning for groceries at 10am & Sunday’s at 8am from Harborside.

Visiting on a cruise: We recommend pre-purchasing tickets to Aquadventure through your cruise ship or Atlantis’ website. There are a limited number of tickets so plan this in advance