Things to Do in Paradise Island, New Providence

Best time to visit

December through April offers ideal weather with warm temperatures and low humidity. Summer months bring hotter weather and occasional afternoon showers. If you are visiting primarily for Aquaventure, the water park operates year-round but is most enjoyable when temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Getting there

Paradise Island connects to Nassau via two bridges accessible by car or taxi. From the cruise port at Prince George Wharf, a taxi ride takes about 10 minutes and costs around $10. Water taxis also run from the downtown Nassau ferry dock for approximately $4 each way. From Lynden Pindling International Airport, the drive takes about 25 minutes.

History and the Hartford Legacy

Paradise Island was not always paradise, at least not in name. Until 1962, this 685-acre stretch of scrubland and mangroves across Nassau Harbour was known as Hog Island, a decidedly unglamorous title that belied its potential. The transformation began when Huntington Hartford II, heir to the A&P grocery fortune, purchased the island from Swedish billionaire Axel Wenner-Gren in 1959. Hartford envisioned a tropical Monte Carlo, a playground for the wealthy and famous.

Hartford petitioned the Bahamian parliament to rename the island, and in 1962 Hog Island officially became Paradise Island. He hired Palm Beach architect John Volk and set about creating an exclusive enclave, building The Ocean Club, Cafe Martinique, Hurricane Hole marina, and an 18-hole golf course. Hartford imported a 12th-century Augustinian cloister stone by stone from France, originally purchased by William Randolph Hearst in the 1920s and stored in a Florida warehouse for decades. The cloisters now anchor the Versailles Gardens.

The island changed hands multiple times before Merv Griffin and Sol Kerzner transformed it with the Atlantis Resort in the 1990s. Today the island balances Hartford's original vision of understated elegance at the Four Seasons Ocean Club with the family-friendly spectacle of Atlantis.

Getting Around Paradise Island

Paradise Island connects to Nassau via two bridges, making taxi and car access straightforward. From the cruise port at Prince George Wharf, a taxi ride takes about ten minutes and costs around ten dollars. However, the water taxi offers a more scenic alternative, departing from Woodes Rogers Wharf in downtown Nassau and arriving near the Paradise Island bridge in about ten minutes for approximately seven dollars per person.

The water taxi runs roughly every thirty minutes between 9 AM and 6 PM, and the crossing doubles as a mini harbor tour. Onboard guides point out cruise ships, historic landmarks, and even celebrity homes along the waterfront. The ferry drops passengers near Margaritaville and the bridge, within walking distance of Marina Village and Atlantis.

Once on the island, most attractions cluster close enough to walk between. The island stretches only about four miles in length, and Atlantis provides complimentary shuttles between its hotel towers. Golf carts and taxis are available for longer distances or when hauling beach gear. Marina Village, the Ocean Club golf course, and Cabbage Beach are all accessible on foot from the main resort area.

Where to Eat and Drink

Dining on Paradise Island extends well beyond the Atlantis property, though the resort dominates the scene. Marina Village offers public access to over a dozen restaurants without requiring hotel admission. Carmine's serves family-style Italian, Murray's Deli dishes up deli classics, and Frankie Gone Bananas brings tropical flair to casual seafood. The Village Burger Shack satisfies quick cravings, while Pirate Republic Brewing Co. pours local craft beer.

For a splurge, Cafe Martinique and Seafire Steakhouse rank among the resort's fine dining options. Outside the Atlantis complex, Carnivale recently opened within walking distance and has quickly earned a following for its fun atmosphere and inventive cocktails. Anthony's Grill and The Green Parrot offer independent alternatives for those seeking a break from resort dining.

Under the Paradise Island bridge at Potter's Cay Dock, Mackenzie's serves fresh conch in a no-frills waterfront setting popular with locals. This is where the mail boats depart for the Out Islands, and the energy feels authentically Bahamian. For visitors arriving by charter catamaran, the ability to dinghy to Potter's Cay for lunch provides a perfect contrast to the polished resort scene above.

Day Trips and Nearby Attractions

Paradise Island serves as an ideal base for exploring beyond the resort gates. Downtown Nassau lies just across the bridge, and a morning spent walking the historic core takes in Parliament Square, the Queen's Staircase, Fort Fincastle, and the Straw Market. The water taxi makes the crossing easy and scenic.

Blue Lagoon Island, a short boat ride from Nassau, offers dolphin encounters, sea lion interactions, and pristine beaches without the Atlantis crowds. Book in advance, especially during cruise ship days. For divers and snorkelers, Stuart Cove's operation runs reef trips, shark dives, and submarine excursions departing from the western end of New Providence.

Those with more time can catch a morning flight to Harbour Island for a day on the famous pink sand, or arrange a boat charter to the Exumas to swim with the pigs at Big Major Cay. The flexibility of a crewed catamaran charter makes these Out Island adventures particularly seamless, with the captain handling logistics while guests simply enjoy the journey.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to stay at Atlantis to visit the water park?

Day passes are available for non-guests but must be purchased in advance online. The Atlantis Day Pass includes access to Aquaventure, the marine habitats, and the resort beaches.

Is Cabbage Beach free to access?

Yes, Cabbage Beach is a public beach in the Bahamas. Access points exist near the Atlantis property and along the island's north shore. Only resort beach chairs and cabanas require payment.

What is the best way to get around Paradise Island?

The island is compact enough to walk between most attractions. Golf carts and taxis are available for longer distances, and Atlantis offers complimentary shuttles between its hotel towers.

Are there dining options outside of Atlantis?

Yes, the island has several independent restaurants including Anthony's Grill, Frankie Gone Bananas, and The Green Parrot. Marina Village at Atlantis also offers various dining options without requiring hotel admission.

Why was Paradise Island originally called Hog Island?

The island was used for raising livestock in the colonial era, and pigs roamed freely on the land. Huntington Hartford successfully petitioned the Bahamian parliament to rename it Paradise Island in 1962 as part of his vision to develop it as a luxury resort destination.

Can I visit Marina Village without staying at Atlantis?

Yes, Marina Village is open to the public daily from 10 AM to 10 PM. The shopping and dining complex features over twenty shops and a dozen restaurants, including Carmine's, Frankie Gone Bananas, and Pirate Republic Brewing Co., all accessible without hotel admission.

How do I take the water taxi to Paradise Island?

Water taxis depart from Woodes Rogers Wharf in downtown Nassau roughly every thirty minutes between 9 AM and 6 PM. The fare is approximately seven dollars per person, and the ten-minute crossing includes commentary from local guides pointing out harbor landmarks.

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