Bahamas

Come face-to-fin with a flamboyant lionfish inside the world-famous marine habitats of Atlantis Paradise Island.

Paradise Island in the Bahamas is home to Atlantis, a sprawling resort whose marine habitats rival many of the world’s top public aquariums. Wandering through The Dig and Predator Lagoon, visitors come within inches of mesmerizing reef dwellers like this striking red lionfish, its feathery fins fanned out in a sunlit display.

With over 50,000 aquatic animals across 20 million gallons of saltwater lagoons, Atlantis blends entertainment with genuine marine education. The lionfish — beautiful but venomous — is a star of the reef exhibits, drifting hypnotically among ancient-looking ruins designed to evoke the lost city of Atlantis.

It’s a destination where Caribbean beaches, luxury resorts, and immersive ocean exhibits combine into one unforgettable island getaway.

Highlights

• Stunning red lionfish and over 250 marine species on display
• The Dig: themed ruins of the lost city of Atlantis filled with reef life
• Predator Lagoon with sharks, barracuda, and stingrays viewed through underwater tunnels

What to Do

• Take a self-guided tour of the Atlantis marine habitats and aquariums
• Snorkel in Ruins Lagoon for a hands-on reef experience
• Relax on Cabbage Beach, one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful stretches of sand
• Try the Aquaventure water park with its thrilling slides and lazy river

Best Time to Visit

December through April offers the best weather — sunny, dry, and warm — ideal for both beach time and indoor aquarium exploration.

Getting There

Fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, then take a 25-minute taxi or shuttle across the bridge to Paradise Island.

Visitor Tips

• Aquarium access is included for Atlantis resort guests; day passes are available for non-guests
• Bring a polarizing lens or turn off your camera flash for clearer photos through the glass
• Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds at popular tanks

Nearby

• Cabbage Beach — soft white sand just steps from the resort
• Downtown Nassau — colonial architecture, Straw Market, and local Bahamian cuisine
• Blue Lagoon Island — a short boat ride away for dolphin encounters

Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast or a sun-seeker craving Caribbean luxury, Paradise Island delivers wonder above and below the waterline. Come for the beaches, stay for the lionfish — Atlantis will leave you spellbound.

Location Map