Paradise Island is a small, flat island about 4 miles (6 km) long, lying across the harbor from downtown Nassau and joined to it by two arching bridges. Once a quiet strip of sand called Hog Island, it was renamed in the 1960s and is now the Bahamas’ most famous resort enclave: the pink towers of Atlantis, with its water park, casino and open-air marine habitat, fill the middle of the island, while the north shore is one long sweep of white sand, Cabbage Beach. The eastern end is quieter, with luxury hotels, a golf course and gardens built around a medieval French cloister. Stay here for the beach and resort life, and cross the bridge for Nassau’s forts, food and culture. December to April brings dry, breezy weather; June to November is hot, humid and hurricane season, with lower prices.
Right now in Paradise Island
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Paradise Island at a glance
- Best for: beach holidays, families and water parks, casinos and nightlife, snorkeling, boat trips, and easy access to Nassau.
- How long: 3–4 days for the beach and Atlantis; 5–7 days with Nassau, a boat day and the Exumas.
- Best time: December to April, with highs of 79–86 °F (26–30 °C) and few rainy days. June to November is hot and hurricane season.
- Getting there: fly to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, then a 35- to 45-minute taxi ride; cruise passengers take a water taxi or taxi from Prince George Wharf.
- Getting around: walk, use the resort shuttles, or take taxis and water taxis to Nassau.
- Before you go: entry rules, money, departure tax and general safety are in our Bahamas travel guide; for US entry rules on the way home, see our United States travel guide.
Paradise Island’s areas and who each one suits
Atlantis and the marina (center)
The heart of the island: the Royal, the Coral, the Cove, the Reef and Harborside resorts of Atlantis, with Aquaventure, the marine habitat, the casino, dozens of restaurants and the Marina Village, where superyachts tie up. Best for families and people who want everything in one place, but it is busy, big and expensive.
Cabbage Beach and the north shore
The island’s long Atlantic-facing beach runs east from Atlantis past several resorts and condos. Best for beach lovers; hotels here are a short walk from the sand.
The eastern end
Quieter and more exclusive, with the One&Only Ocean Club, the Versailles Gardens and French Cloister, the Ocean Club golf course and smaller hotels. Best for couples and travelers who want calm.
The harbor side and the bridges
The south shore faces Nassau Harbour, with smaller hotels, apartments and restaurants near the bridges, and views of downtown. Best for value, and for easy trips into Nassau.
Top things to see on Paradise Island
Prices and hours below were checked on official sites in October 2026 where they were available; check again before you go.
Cabbage Beach
About 2 miles (3 km) of soft white sand on the north shore, one of the most beautiful beaches near Nassau and, according to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, one of the island’s main attractions. Vendors rent loungers and umbrellas and offer jet skis and parasailing. The Atlantic side can have waves and strong currents, and there are few lifeguards, so swim with care; the western end near Atlantis is usually calmer. Public access paths run between the hotels.
Atlantis: Aquaventure and the marine habitat
Atlantis says Aquaventure is the biggest water park in the Bahamas, with 141 acres of slides, pools and a rapid river and 20 million gallons of water, and it calls its marine habitat the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, with more than 250 marine species, including sharks, rays and critically endangered smalltooth sawfish. Highlights include the Mayan Temple slide, which shoots through a clear tunnel in a shark lagoon, and The Dig, an aquarium built like the ruins of the lost city. Hotel guests have unlimited access; non-guests need a day pass, which Atlantis sells only on a limited basis, for Aquaventure, Dolphin Cay, the marine habitat and the resort’s beaches. Day pass prices vary by date and are high; book online in advance, especially on cruise days.
Versailles Gardens and the French Cloister
At the eastern end, terraced gardens with statues lead up to the stone arches of a 12th- to 14th-century Augustinian cloister, brought from France stone by stone and rebuilt here in the 1960s. It is on the grounds of the One&Only Ocean Club, so ask about access, or see it from a dinner or drinks reservation.
Paradise Island Lighthouse
The white lighthouse at the western tip of the island, built in the early 19th century, has guarded the harbor entrance for about 200 years and is one of the oldest in the Bahamas. It isn’t open to the public, but you can see it from Nassau’s waterfront, from boat trips, and from the beach at the island’s western end.
More to see and do
- Marina Village at Atlantis: shops, restaurants and the yachts of the Atlantis Marina.
- Atlantis casino: one of the largest in the Caribbean; adults only.
- Dolphin Cay: Atlantis’s dolphin and sea lion program; animal-welfare views differ, so decide for yourself.
- Ocean Club Golf Course: 18 holes on the eastern end, with sea views.
Other things to do on Paradise Island
Snorkeling and boat trips
Snorkeling is best on calm days on the reefs off the north shore and around Athol Island and Rose Island to the east, reached by boat. Boat trips leave from the Paradise Island and Nassau waterfronts: sunset sails, catamaran cruises to Rose Island and Blue Lagoon Island, and full-day speedboat or air tours to the Exumas. Divers usually go out with operators on New Providence’s south-west coast.
Beaches and water sports
Besides Cabbage Beach, Paradise Beach (for guests of two Atlantis hotels) and the calm lagoon beaches inside Atlantis are good for children. Kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis and parasailing are offered on the beaches; use your hotel’s water-sports desk or an established operator.
Food and nightlife
Paradise Island has some of the Bahamas’ most expensive restaurants, from celebrity chef dining rooms at Atlantis to the Ocean Club. For local food at local prices, cross the bridge to the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay or the conch stands at Potter’s Cay Dock, right under the bridge on the Nassau side. Evenings revolve around the casino, bars and lounges at Atlantis.
Beach safety and sargassum
Most Paradise Island beaches have no lifeguards. Cabbage Beach faces the open Atlantic and can have rip currents when the wind blows from the north; swim close to shore and only in calm conditions, and keep away from jet ski lanes. Sargassum seaweed drifts through the region mainly from spring to late summer; according to the University of South Florida’s Sargassum Watch, 2026 is at least the second-largest sargassum year on record, though amounts were falling in September and expected to keep falling until about November. North-facing Cabbage Beach can see some weed in heavy months; resorts clear their beaches each morning.
Day trips and onward travel
Nassau
Downtown Nassau is a 10-minute taxi or water taxi ride away: the Queen’s Staircase, Fort Fincastle, Parliament Square, the Straw Market and the Fish Fry. See our Nassau travel guide.
Rose Island and Blue Lagoon Island
Cays a short boat ride east, with white beaches and reefs, on organized day trips from the Paradise Island and Nassau waterfronts.
The Exumas
Full-day speedboat or air tours to the swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto and the sandbars, or a few nights there instead. See our Exuma travel guide.
Nearby destinations
- Nassau1 km
- Exuma198 km
- Miami Beach293 km
- Miami297 km
Getting there and getting around
By air and taxi
Fly to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, which has direct flights from many US cities, Canada and London. According to the airport, the fixed taxi fare from the airport to Paradise Island is $45 for two people plus a $2 bridge toll, as of October 2026, with $5 for each extra passenger and $2.20 for each extra bag beyond two per person. The ride takes about 35 to 45 minutes, longer at rush hour. Many resorts also sell airport transfers. Flying back to the US, you clear US immigration and customs at the airport’s preclearance facility before boarding, so arrive early.
From the cruise port
Water taxis cross from the downtown waterfront near Prince George Wharf to Paradise Island in about 10 to 15 minutes; taxis go over the bridge. Atlantis and other resorts require day passes for non-guests to use their facilities, but public beach access to Cabbage Beach is free.
Bridges and getting around the island
Two bridges link Paradise Island to Nassau: one carries traffic onto the island and the other off it. Pedestrians can walk across the bridges, but the walk is steep and hot. On the island, most places are within walking distance, resorts run shuttles, and taxis wait at the hotels. You don’t need a car here.
When to go and how long to stay
Paradise Island shares Nassau’s climate: dry, sunny and breezy in winter, hot and wet in summer. The table uses the official 1991–2020 climate normals for Lynden Pindling International Airport, about 10 miles (16 km) away, submitted by the Bahamas Department of Meteorology to the World Meteorological Organization: average daily highs and lows, and days with at least 1 mm (0.04 in) of rain.
| Season | Average high / low | Rainy days per month | What it’s like | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 79–80 °F (26–27 °C) / 65–67 °F (18–20 °C) | 5–7 | Sunny and breezy; cool fronts can bring waves to Cabbage Beach | Beach, golf, casino; peak prices |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 81–86 °F (27–30 °C) / 66–72 °F (19–22 °C) | 6–10 | Warm, dry, calmer seas | Swimming, snorkeling, water park; busy at spring break |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 89–91 °F (32–33 °C) / 76–77 °F (24–25 °C) | 15–18 | Hot and humid, short heavy showers | Family holidays, Aquaventure, lower rates |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 90 °F falling to 83 °F (32 to 28 °C) / 76 °F falling to 70 °F (25 to 21 °C) | 17 in September, 9 in November | Peak hurricane season early; quiet and good value | Deals, with flexible bookings |
The airport averages about 56 in (1,426 mm) of rain a year, with June the wettest month at about 8.7 in (220 mm).
Hurricane season: according to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October. The Bahamas’ two most recent major hurricanes, Dorian in 2019 and Melissa in October 2025, struck other islands, not New Providence and Paradise Island. As of early October 2026, the 2026 season had produced eight tropical storms and no hurricanes, according to the NHC. Resorts have hurricane plans and often flexible cancellation policies in a storm; ask before you book, and buy travel insurance that covers hurricanes.
How long to stay: 3, 4 and 5 days
3 days: day one, Cabbage Beach and the marina; day two, Aquaventure and the marine habitat; day three, cross to Nassau for the Queen’s Staircase, Parliament Square and dinner at the Fish Fry.
4 days: add a catamaran or snorkel trip to Rose Island. 5 days: add a full-day Exumas tour, or Fort Charlotte, Cable Beach and the Clifton Heritage National Park on New Providence.
Where to stay on Paradise Island and the hotel tax
- Atlantis: five hotels from family-friendly to all-suite luxury, all with access to Aquaventure and the beaches.
- Cabbage Beach resorts and condos: right on the sand, often cheaper than Atlantis, but day passes are extra if you want to use Atlantis.
- The eastern end: the One&Only Ocean Club and smaller upscale hotels, quiet and exclusive.
- Harbor side: smaller hotels and apartments with kitchens, best for value.
Paradise Island is the most expensive place to stay in the Bahamas, particularly from Christmas to Easter. According to the Department of Inland Revenue, VAT is charged at the standard rate of 10%, and it applies to hotel rooms as of October 2026. Atlantis and many other resorts add a daily resort fee and gratuities for housekeeping and services, so check the total price per night, including taxes and fees, before you book.
Practical tips for Paradise Island
- Day passes: book Atlantis day passes online ahead, as they are limited and sell out on busy cruise days.
- Eat off-resort: cross to Potter’s Cay or Arawak Cay for cheaper, local food.
- Cash: carry small notes for water taxis and beach vendors; US and Bahamian dollars both work.
- Beach vendors: agree prices for loungers, jet skis and parasailing before you start, and pay afterward.
- Sun: the sun is strong all year; shade and water matter, especially for children at the water park.
- Emergencies: call 919 or 911.
What to pack for Paradise Island
Pack two or three swimsuits, a cover-up, flip-flops and water shoes, a hat, polarized sunglasses and reef-friendly sunscreen. Add rash vests for children at the water park, a waterproof phone pouch, and smart-casual outfits for resort restaurants and the casino, where some venues ask for long pants in the evening. Bring a light sweater for air-conditioned rooms, insect repellent and a compact umbrella from May to November.
Paradise Island travel FAQ
How do you get from Nassau to Paradise Island?
Take a taxi over the bridge or a water taxi from the downtown waterfront, about 10 to 15 minutes. From the airport, the fixed taxi fare is $45 for two people plus a $2 bridge toll, as of October 2026.
Can you visit Atlantis without staying there?
Yes, with a day pass, which Atlantis requires for non-guests to use Aquaventure, the marine habitat, Dolphin Cay and its beaches. Passes are sold on a limited basis; book online ahead.
Is Cabbage Beach free?
Yes. Beach access is public and free; loungers, umbrellas and water sports cost extra. Swim carefully, as waves and currents can be strong and lifeguards are few.
Is Paradise Island walkable?
Yes. The island is about 4 miles long and most hotels, the beach and the marina are within walking distance. Resorts run shuttles and taxis are easy to find.
What is the hotel tax on Paradise Island?
Hotel rooms carry 10% VAT, as of October 2026. Resort fees and gratuities often come on top, so compare total prices.
Can you walk from Paradise Island to Nassau?
Yes, across the bridge, but it’s a steep, hot walk with traffic. Most people take a water taxi or taxi.
What is the best time to visit Paradise Island?
December to April for dry weather and calm, breezy days, or May for warm water and lower prices. Summer is busy with families; September and October are quietest.
How big is the Atlantis water park?
Atlantis says Aquaventure covers 141 acres with 20 million gallons of water, making it the biggest water park in the Bahamas.
Is there sargassum on Paradise Island?
Sometimes, mainly from spring to late summer, and mostly on north-facing beaches like Cabbage Beach. 2026 is a heavy sargassum year in the region, but amounts were falling by autumn, and resorts clear their beaches.
Do I need a car on Paradise Island?
No. Walk, use resort shuttles, and take taxis or water taxis into Nassau.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Atlantis facilities, Aquaventure size, the marine habitat and day pass rules from Atlantis Paradise Island; taxi fares, the bridge toll and US preclearance from Lynden Pindling International Airport and US Customs and Border Protection; island and beach facts from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; VAT from the Department of Inland Revenue; hurricane season, Hurricane Melissa and the 2026 season from NOAA’s National Hurricane Center; sargassum from the University of South Florida’s Sargassum Watch; climate from the WMO 1991–2020 normals for Lynden Pindling International Airport. The island’s history, the cloister, the lighthouse, beach length, bridge layout, travel times and golf course are general references flagged for checking. Prices and hours change, so check the official sites before you go. For entry rules and money, see our Bahamas travel guide; for US rules on the way home, see our United States travel guide.
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