A Guide to Snorkeling the Ruins at Atlantis, Paradise Island
For visitors seeking a truly unique marine adventure, the Atlantis resort offers an experience that goes beyond typical ocean snorkeling. The ability to snorkel the ruins at Atlantis provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim within a massive, curated marine habitat themed around the legendary lost city.
This program is a premier Atlantis snorkeling activity, allowing participants to get incredibly close to a diverse array of aquatic life in a controlled, stunning environment. It remains one of the most popular attractions for families and marine lovers visiting the Bahamas.
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What is the “Snorkel the Ruins of Atlantis” Program?
This 60-minute guided program includes a 30-minute snorkeling adventure inside the Ruins Lagoon, a massive 2.7-million-gallon marine exhibit. The lagoon, located in The Royal (also known as the Royal Towers), is viewable from other guest areas like The Dig but this program allows you to get inside the water.
The entire habitat is adorned with artifacts, sunken structures, and columns inspired by ancient Atlantis, creating an underwater world for you to explore.
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Marine Life in the Ruins Lagoon
This is no ordinary snorkeling spot. The Ruins Lagoon is home to more than 20,000 deep-reef and pelagic fish. This snorkeling Atlantis Bahamas adventure gives you the rare chance to swim alongside:
- Sharks (in a safe, integrated environment)
- Spotted rays
- Brilliantly colored tropical fish
- A variety of jacks
- Snappers
- Spiny lobsters
Program Details and Requirements
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests and the animals, you must follow specific guidelines for this Atlantis Bahamas snorkeling excursion.
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Age and Swimming Requirements
- Age Limit: All participants must be 6 years of age or older.
- Guardians: Guests under 13 must be accompanied by a participating parent or guardian.
- Swimming Ability: Participants must be able to swim. This is not a shallow-water experience; the Ruins Lagoon habitat varies in depth and can be up to 15 feet deep.
What’s Included
The resort provides all essential gear for your adventure. Your booking includes:
- Wetsuits
- Masks and snorkels
- Personal lockers for your belongings
- Beach towels
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Important Rules and Restrictions
- No Personal Cameras: To ensure the safety and well-being of the marine animals, participants cannot use personal cameras, cell phones, GoPros, or any other electronic devices during the program.
- Photography: A group photographer is available to capture your experience. These photos can be purchased at an additional cost after your program.
Supporting Marine Conservation
Participation in this program also supports a vital cause. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving sea species and their habitats throughout The Bahamas and the surrounding Caribbean Sea.
For anyone looking for a standout paradise island snorkeling activity, the chance to snorkel the ruins at Atlantis offers an unforgettable, family-friendly, and immersive journey into the water.
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A Visitor’s Guide to The Dig at Atlantis
A centerpiece of the Atlantis resort, The Dig at Atlantis offers an immersive experience that is part-aquarium, part-mythical journey. It is a massive, walk-through marine exhibit themed as an archaeological excavation of the lost city of Atlantis.
This unique attraction allows guests to explore winding tunnels and chambers that provide an underwater view of the Ruins Lagoon, a vast habitat depicting the sunken city. The entire experience is an imaginative journey into the legendary civilization.
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What is ‘Atlantis Bahamas The Dig’?
Located in the heart of the resort, The Dig at Atlantis is an elaborate recreation of the mythical lost city. The experience is based on the legend of Atlantis, which, according to the myth, was submerged by a catastrophic volcanic eruption, earthquake, and flood.
- Design: Built by Olio from Venice, California, The Dig is regarded as one of the world’s largest recreations of the mythical Atlantis.
- Concept: Based on Plato’s writings, the exhibit is designed to imitate a 600-foot-long archaeological dig in search of signs of the lost city.
- Structure: The attraction features 15 distinct chambers filled with artifacts, hieroglyphs, and “Atlantean” technology.
The Story and the Experience
The journey through this paradise island The Dig begins as you descend the steps below the lobby of The Royal. As you approach the entrance, you are met with a remarkable underwater view of The Ruins, the enormous aquarium that The Dig winds through.
The adventure starts in the first chamber, the South Anteroom. This room is themed to look like the base camp of archaeologists from over a century ago, who supposedly found a way to access the legendary city by removing a “Stone Seal.”
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A Visitor’s Guide to The Dig at Atlantis
A centerpiece of the Atlantis resort, The Dig at Atlantis offers an immersive experience that is part-aquarium, part-mythical journey. It is a massive, walk-through marine exhibit themed as an archaeological excavation of the lost city of Atlantis.
This unique attraction allows guests to explore winding tunnels and chambers that provide an underwater view of the Ruins Lagoon, a vast habitat depicting the sunken city. The entire experience is an imaginative journey into the legendary civilization.
What is ‘Atlantis Bahamas The Dig’?
Located in the heart of the resort, The Dig at Atlantis is an elaborate recreation of the mythical lost city. The experience is based on the legend of Atlantis, which, according to the myth, was submerged by a catastrophic volcanic eruption, earthquake, and flood.
- Design: Built by Olio from Venice, California, The Dig is regarded as one of the world’s largest recreations of the mythical Atlantis.
- Concept: Based on Plato’s writings, the exhibit is designed to imitate a 600-foot-long archaeological dig in search of signs of the lost city.
- Structure: The attraction features 15 distinct chambers filled with artifacts, hieroglyphs, and “Atlantean” technology.
The Story and the Experience
The journey through this paradise island The Dig begins as you descend the steps below the lobby of The Royal. As you approach the entrance, you are met with a remarkable underwater view of The Ruins, the enormous aquarium that The Dig winds through.
The adventure starts in the first chamber, the South Anteroom. This room is themed to look like the base camp of archaeologists from over a century ago, who supposedly found a way to access the legendary city by removing a “Stone Seal.”
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Marine Life in ‘The Dig of Atlantis’
While the theme is archaeological, the main attraction is the incredible marine life. The tunnels of The Dig of Atlantis are lined with massive acrylic panels, offering clear views into the 2.7-million-gallon Ruins Lagoon.
As you explore the chambers, you will come face-to-face with a dazzling array of sea creatures, including:
- Sharks
- Spotted Rays
- Piranhas (in a dedicated exhibit)
- Spiny Lobsters
- A variety of Jacks and Snappers
- Thousands of brilliantly colored tropical fish
This attraction blends marine biology with imaginative storytelling, making it a must-see for visitors of all ages.
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