Getting To Atlantis

Getting There and Getting Around Town

Getting to Atlantis Paradise Island, Nassau: Your Nassau Bahamas Travel Guide

Whether you are looking for a quick weekend escape or a luxury resort stay, getting to Atlantis in the Bahamas is straightforward and highly accessible. Located on Paradise Island, just across the bridge from Nassau, Bahamas this world-renowned destination is reachable by sea and air.

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Traveling by Cruise

A cruise to Atlantis is one of the most popular and scenic ways to visit. Most major cruise lines departing from Florida include Nassau as a primary port of call, allowing passengers to spend a full day exploring the resort’s water parks and marine exhibits.

Major Cruise Lines

Royal Caribbean Atlantis Excursions: As a leading partner, Atlantis Royal Caribbean shore excursions are frequently available. These packages often include transportation from the pier and access to the Aquaventure water park.
Carnival Cruise Line: Offers extensive itineraries with stops in Nassau, providing easy day-pass access for guests.
Margaritaville at Sea: Known for its “Nassau Getaway” itineraries, this line offers 2- to 4-day cruises departing from Palm Beach, Florida. Margaritaville at Sea offers a 3 and 4 day cruise that goes to Nassau departing from Palm Beach, Florida.
Disney & Norwegian Cruise Lines: Both offer dedicated transfers and private cabana packages at the resort.

Atlantis Cruise from Miami

If you are looking for an Atlantis cruise Miami departure, you will find the highest frequency of sailings in the industry. Ships depart nearly daily from PortMiami, with transit times to Nassau typically taking just one night of sailing.

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2025-2026 Cruise Comparison Table

Here is a comparison table of current cruise offerings and flight information. This data is updated for the 2025-2026 season to ensure our readers have the most accurate pricing and scheduling details.

This table highlights popular sailings that include stops at Nassau for access to Atlantis.

Cruise Line	Primary Ship	Departs From	Typical Duration	Est. Starting Price (PP)	Key Highlight
Royal Caribbean	Utopia/Wonder of the Seas	Miami / Ft. Lauderdale	3–4 Nights	$279 – $530	Frequent Royal Caribbean Atlantis tours
Carnival	Carnival Conquest	Miami	4 Nights	$245 – $284	Most budget-friendly cruise to Atlantis
MSC Cruises	MSC Seaside	Miami	3–4 Nights	$180 – $221	Best value; includes Ocean Cay private island
Norwegian (NCL)	Norwegian Getaway	Miami	4 Nights	$309 – $359	Flexible “Freestyle” dining and excursions
Margaritaville at Sea	Paradise	Palm Beach	2–3 Nights	$259 – $299	Quickest turnaround for Florida residents

Note: Prices are estimates based on double occupancy and vary by season. Atlantis cruise Miami departures are most frequent on Fridays and Mondays.

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Direct Flight Routes to Nassau (NAS)

If you prefer flying to Atlantis, here are the primary carriers and flight times from major Florida hubs.

Departure City	Atlantis Airline Carriers	Average Flight Time	Frequency
Miami (MIA)	American Airlines, Bahamasair	55 Minutes	Multiple Daily
Ft. Lauderdale (FLL)	JetBlue, Southwest, Silver	45 Minutes	Multiple Daily
Orlando (MCO)	JetBlue, Bahamasair, Southwest	1 Hour 15 Mins	Daily
Tampa (TPA)	Silver Airways	1 Hour 30 Mins	Select Days

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Pro-Tips for Your Visit

Booking Excursions: If you are on an Atlantis Royal Caribbean or Carnival cruise, book your “Aquaventure” day passes early via the cruise app, as they frequently sell out.
Currency: The Bahamian Dollar is pegged 1:1 with the USD, and US currency is accepted everywhere on the island.
Peak Season: Prices for both cruises and flights peak during Spring Break (March/April) and the December holidays.

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Traveling by Plane

For those staying overnight at the resort, flying to Atlantis is the fastest option. Visitors fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, which is approximately 13 miles (30 minutes) from the resort.

Direct Flights and Carriers

Several major carriers function as a primary Atlantis airline connection, offering non-stop service from key U.S. hubs:

JetBlue: Non-stop service from New York (JFK), Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Boston.
American Airlines: Direct flights from Miami, Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Chicago.
Southwest Airlines: Convenient routes from Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Baltimore.
Delta Air Lines: Daily service from Atlanta and New York (LGA).
United Airlines: Direct connections from Newark, Houston, and Denver.
Bahamasair: The national carrier offers frequent short-haul flights from Florida cities.

Florida to Nassau Information

Because Atlantis is located so close to the Florida coast, flight times are exceptionally short:

Fort Lauderdale/Miami: ~45–60 minutes.
Orlando: ~1 hour and 15 minutes.
Tampa: ~1 hour and 30 minutes.

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Local Transportation in Nassau

Once you arrive at the airport or cruise pier, reaching the resort is simple:

Taxis: Readily available at the airport; the fare to Paradise Island is approximately $45 USD plus tolls.
Airport Shuttles: Atlantis offers pre-booked round-trip shared or private transfers for resort guests.
Water Taxis: If arriving by cruise, you can take a scenic 10-minute water taxi from downtown Nassau to Paradise Island for approximately $7 per person.

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Getting Around Between Paradise Island and Downtown Nassau

A practical “Getting Around” section. This is a common pain point for travelers, so
this information adds great “how-to” value to your trip.

While the Atlantis resort is a world of its own, many travelers want to head across the bridge to explore the historic sites and duty-free shops of Downtown Nassau. Here is the best way to make the trip in 2025/2026.

1. The Land Taxi (Fast & Convenient)

The most common way to get off the island is via a standard land taxi. You can find them lined up outside the entrances of The Royal, The Coral, and The Cove.

Cost: Approximately $15–$20 for two people. Each additional passenger is roughly $4.
The Bridge Toll: There is a $2.00 toll to cross the bridge from Nassau back to Paradise Island, which the passenger is responsible for paying (often added to the fare).
Pros: Door-to-door service, air-conditioned, and available 24/7.
Cons: Traffic on the bridge can be heavy during “rush hour” (when cruise ships depart or during local commute times).

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2. The Water Taxi (Scenic & Social)

For a more Bahamian experience, the Water Taxi departs from the ferry terminal near the Paradise Island bridge.

Cost: Approximately $6 per person each way.
Hours: Generally runs every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Pros: Offers a beautiful view of the mega-yachts in the marina and the Atlantis skyline. The captains often give a brief, entertaining history of the island during the 10-minute ride.
Cons: It is not a “luxury” experience; the boats can be crowded and noisy. You may also have to wait for the boat to fill up before it departs.

3. Walking (For the Explorers)

Yes, you can walk across the Paradise Island Bridge! It features a pedestrian walkway that offers the highest vantage point in Nassau.

Distance: It’s about a 1.5 to 2-mile walk from the heart of Atlantis to the foot of Bay Street.
Pros: Completely free and provides the best photo opportunities of the harbor.
Cons: The bridge is very steep, and the Bahamian sun can be intense. This is not recommended if you are carrying heavy shopping bags or traveling with small children.

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Transportation Comparison at a Glance

Method	Est. Cost (2 People)	Speed	Best For…
Land Taxi	~$20.00	10 Mins	Comfort & Direct drop-off
Water Taxi	~$12.00	15-20 Mins	Scenic views & Island vibes
Walking	Free	30-45 Mins	Photography & Exercise

Important Tips for Your Readers:

Cash is King: While Atlantis is a cashless resort, taxis and water taxis require cash (U.S. or Bahamian dollars). Most taxi drivers do not accept credit cards.
Agree on the Fare: In the Bahamas, taxis are not metered. Always confirm the price with the driver before you get into the vehicle to avoid surprises.
The Shuttle Bus: If you are just trying to get to different parts of the Atlantis resort (e.g., from The Reef to the Spa), use the complimentary shuttle that runs between the towers every few minutes.

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One-Day Itinerary: The Ultimate Culture & Shopping Loop

To wrap up your series on resort life, here is a perfectly timed “Day in the Life” itinerary. This plan balances the luxury of the Atlantis activities with the authentic culture of Downtown Nassau.

If you only have one day to explore beyond the pool deck, this “Loop” itinerary ensures you see the best of Paradise Island and the historic charm of Downtown Nassau.

9:00 AM – Early Bird at the Paradise Island Straw Market

Start your morning just across from Marina Village at the Paradise Island Straw Market.

Why go early: It’s quieter, and you get the “first pick” of handmade crafts before the midday heat.
What to look for: This is the perfect spot for authentic pine seed dolls, conch shell jewelry, and hand-woven straw hats.
Pro Tip: Since you’re still on Paradise Island, you can walk here easily from The Royal or The Coral.

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10:30 AM – Scenic Cruise via Water Taxi

Walk over to the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal (located under the bridge).

The Experience: Board the Water Taxi for a 10-minute narrated harbor cruise. You’ll get the best photos of the Atlantis skyline and the multi-million dollar yachts.
Cost: ~$7.00 per person (Cash only).
Drop-off: You will arrive at Woodes Rogers Wharf in the heart of Downtown Nassau.

11:30 AM – The Famous Nassau Straw Market & Bay Street

From the wharf, it’s a 2-minute walk to the world-famous Nassau Straw Market on Bay Street.

The Vibe: This is much larger and more energetic than the Paradise Island market. It’s a labyrinth of Bahamian culture where bartering is part of the fun.
Duty-Free Bonus: After the market, stroll down Bay Street to visit John Bull or Colombian Emeralds for duty-free luxury watches and fragrances.

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1:00 PM – Authentic Bahamian Lunch

For a true taste of the island, head to a nearby local favorite:

Option A (Casual): The New Duff for savory bao buns and their famous guava duff dessert.
Option B (Iconic): Athena Café for balcony seating overlooking the bustle of Bay Street.
Must Order: Conch fritters or a fresh conch salad—it’s the national dish of the Bahamas!

2:30 PM – Crystal Court Atlantis Luxury Stroll

Take a land taxi back to Atlantis (~$20) and have them drop you at The Royal entrance. Cool off in the air-conditioned Crystal Court. Even if you aren’t buying a Rolex, the window shopping among brands like Gucci and Cartier is world-class.

4:00 PM – Afternoon Relaxation at Atlantis Mandara Spa

After a morning of walking and bartering, head to the Spa.

The Move: Book a late afternoon “Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Precision Peel” or simply enjoy the thermal suites to recharge before dinner.

6:00 PM – Sunset at Marina Village

End your day back at Marina Village. Grab a scoop of tropical ice cream from Sun & Ice (try the “Sapodilla” flavor) and watch the yachts return to the harbor as the live music begins.

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Itinerary Summary Table

Time	Location	Primary Activity	Cost Level
Morning	P.I. Straw Market	Authentic Souvenirs	$
Midday	Water Taxi / Bay St	Sightseeing & Duty-Free	$$
Lunch	Downtown Nassau	Local Seafood	$$
Afternoon	Crystal Court Atlantis	Luxury Window Shopping	$$$$
Late Day	Mandara Spa Atlantis	Wellness & Relaxation	$$$

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Frequently Asked Questions: Getting to Atlantis

Can I visit the resort on a Royal Caribbean Atlantis excursion?

Yes, Atlantis Royal Caribbean shore excursions are among the most popular ways to see the resort. When you book a cruise to Atlantis through Royal Caribbean, the excursion typically includes round-trip transportation from the Nassau cruise pier and a wristband for access to the Aquaventure water park and marine exhibits.

What is the best Atlantis airline for flying from the US?

Several major carriers serve as a primary Atlantis airline, providing daily service to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS). JetBlue, Southwest, and American Airlines offer the most frequent non-stop flights from hubs like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, making flying to Atlantis a quick and easy process.

Is there a direct Atlantis cruise from Miami?

Absolutely. Almost every major Atlantis cruise Miami departure—including those from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and MSC—stops at the Nassau Cruise Port. From the port, it is just a short 10-minute taxi or water ferry ride to the resort gates on Paradise Island.

How much does it cost to get from the cruise port to Atlantis?

If you aren’t on an official ship excursion, you can take a shared taxi for approximately $5 per person or a scenic water ferry for $7 per person. Private taxis are also available for roughly $20.

Is it better to fly or cruise to Atlantis?

It depends on your goals! Flying to Atlantis is best for travelers who want to stay overnight at the resort and experience the nightlife and fine dining. Taking a cruise to Atlantis is ideal for those who want a “best of both worlds” experience—enjoying the resort’s water park by day while returning to the ship for all-inclusive meals and travel at night.

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