Nassau Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Nassau / Paradise Island, New Providence, Bahamas)



Photo of the Atlantis Resort, Casino Drive, Paradise IslandMuch of Paradise Island is consumed by its plush resorts, namely, the vast Atlantis Resort and the One&Only Ocean Club, farther east. These giants have their own beaches and side tourist attractions, and are within easy reach of Nassau, with Atlantis being particularly well endowed.

There is a large water park at the Atlantis Resort, along with an aquarium centre and shopping malls. The One&Only Ocean Club, meanwhile, has the much vaunted Versailles Gardens, while the numerous beaches around Nassau and Paradise Island serve as attractions in their own right, with tourists favouring both Cabbage Beach and Paradise Beach.


Further picture of the Atlantis Resort

Atlantis Resort

Address: Casino Drive, Paradise Island, Bahamas, BS
Tel: +1 242 363 3000
The Atlantis Resort is the main attraction and landmark on Paradise Island. Lying in the middle of Cabbage Beach, this uber-popular resort is all-encompassing with a hotel, casino, water park, nightclub, theatre, comedy club and loads of other attractions - see below. One of the water slides at the park even takes visitors right through a shark tank. In addition there are shopping malls, restaurants and bars. You will need a pricey pass to enter Atlantis if you are not staying here. Accommodation at the resort includes the Beach Tower, the Coral Towers, the Cove Atlantis, the Harbourside Resort and the Royal Towers, where the Bridge Suite connects two buildings and comfortably ranks amongst the world's most expensive hotel rooms.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: charge

Atlantis Casino

Address: Casino Drive, Paradise Island, Bahamas, BS
Tel: +1 242 285 2684
This mega resort is home to a fine casino, the biggest one in the Bahamas in fact. It has plenty of glitz and glamour and rows of slot machines, oodles of gaming tables (baccarat, blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, craps and roulette) and a variety of eateries and shows. Almost empty during the day, the Atlantis Paradise Island Casino quickly fills up by night. At the 'Cain at the Cove' venue, poolside gaming is available in a dedicated outdoor pavilion, suiting those looking for a different casino holiday experience. Various tournaments and gambling-related events are held in the casino each year.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 04:00
Admission: charge to enter Atlantis

Photo showing 'The Dig' attraction at the Atlantis Resort

The Dig, Atlantis

Address: Royal Towers, 1 Casino Drive, Paradise Island, Bahamas, BS
Tel: +1 242 363 3000
The Dig is part of the Atlantis Resort and is one of the top sights on Paradise Island, being located beneath the Royal Towers hotel complex and reputedly the biggest open-air marine attraction in existence - anywhere on the planet. It is a replication of the fabled 'Lost City of Atlantis' and is complete with tunnels and marine life. The aquariums, pools and lagoons are huge and are home to sharks, jellyfish and giant manta rays. The site also has waterfalls and is beautifully done, with debris and decaying structures designed to represent this mythical city.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Image of the Dolphin Cay attraction on Paradise Beach Drive

Dolphin Cay, Atlantis

Address: Paradise Beach Drive, Paradise Island, Bahamas, BS
Situated on the southern side of Paradise Island and alongside the Paradise Lake is the popular Dolphin Cay attraction. This dolphin habitat, also home to sea lions and manta rays, is one of the biggest and best in the world, with visitors being able to learn about the animals and even swim with them. There are various tours and activities available, either in the shallows or in the deep. Sessions generally last around two hours.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Picture of flowering bougainvillea at the Versailles Gardens, Ocean Club Drive, Paradise Island

Versailles Gardens

Address: One&Only Ocean Club, Ocean Club Drive, Paradise Island, Bahamas, BS
Tel: +1 242 302 2000
This stunning spot on Paradise Island comprises both the Versailles Gardens and the French Cloister site. As part of the One&Only Ocean Club, they are to be found within the centre of the island and make a good break from the beach, or when it gets too hot and you are looking for a pleasant shady spot to relax. The gardens are beautifully manicured and are around a 15-minute walk from the main stretch of Cabbage Beach.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

View of the Potter's Cay Market

Potter's Cay Market

Potter's Cay is a lively seafood market based under the Paradise Island Exit Bridge, next to the Bahamas Ferries dock and just a short walk from the Canadian Embassy, where it affords the perfect opportunity to taste some fresh fish and conch. Many locals come here just after the boats have arrived, so that they can purchase some fish from the wooden stalls, which is about as fresh as it could possibly be. You can also buy the beautiful conch shells as souvenirs. Boat trips go from this area and offer a variety of different cruise packages. Of note, this area is best avoided at night.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free



Marina Village picture, Paradise Island

Marina Village

Address: Marina Village, Paradise Island, Bahamas, BS
The market-style Marina Village is a glitzy shopping street next to Atlantis on Paradise Island, and comes with an array of pastel-coloured houses and more than 20 retail outlets. This popular attraction was actually built to reflect Bay Street in nearby Nassau. Many folks just window-shop as it is very expensive, with Nassau shops offering the same items for much less. The Marina Village features three main plazas, a selection of eateries - some with live Caribbean entertainment, and plenty of character. Think fashion, beachwear and handmade crafts, along with swanky cafés and restaurants.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Photograph taken at the Paradise Island Golf Course

Paradise Island Golf Course / Ocean Club

Address: Paradise Island Drive, Bahamas, BS
Tel: +1 242 677 4175
Although perhaps not as good as the nearby Cable Beach Golf Club on New Providence, the Paradise Island Golf Course is nonetheless a worthy course. It is beautifully manicured and follows the coast around the eastern part of the island, with fairways and greens looking over the sea. There are also golf lessons available, equipment hire and a swanky 19th hole. Those staying at the Sun International Hotel will be able to get preference for tee-times.
Open hours: daily - 07:30 to dusk
Admission: charge

Image of flamingos at the Ardastra Gardens and Zoo, Chippingham Road, Nassau

Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre

Address: Chippingham Road, Nassau, Bahamas, BS
Tel: +1 242 323 5806
One for all the family, the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre is called home by approximately 300 different creatures, including numerous free-fyling tropical birds, Madagascar lemurs, jaguars, terrapins, reptiles and caiman crocodiles. The zoo was founded in the 1930s and has become most famous for its friendly group of West Indian flamingos, who are led around the ground in a procession several times each day. Visitors will be able to feed the brightly coloured lorikeets and macaw parrots, and pet the animals at the farmyard corner. There is also a playground area for the younger visitors.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, children aged under four years are free

Atlantis / Paradise Island waterfront view of cruise boats and yachts

Cruises and Boat Trips

Tel: +1 242 363 1552 (America's Cup Sailing Adventure)
Tel: +1 242 323 2166 (Bahamas Ferries)
Tel: +1 242 363 4430 (Flying Cloud Catamaran Cruises)
Tel: +1 242 363 1466 (Powerboat Adventures)
Tel: +1 242 356 2548 (Seaworld Explorer)
New Providence offers a wealth of different boat trips to choose between, with the majority of cruises departing next to the Woodes Rogers Walk, or alternatively from the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal. Cruises offer a scenic and simple way to explore the coastline and some packages include reef snorkelling, barbecue lunches and time on a secluded sandy beach, stopping off at Harbour Island or Rose Island. Seating just under 50 passengers, the Seaworld Explorer offers something a little more out of the ordinary and markets itself as a semi-submarine, due to its underwater observation area, where windows provide stunning views of the Sea Gardens Marine Park.
Open hours: daily - hours vary according to operator
Admission: charge

Photo showing scuba divers in Nassau, diving with a large group of sharks

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

Tel: +1 242 393 6054 (Bahama Divers)
Tel: +1 242 362 4171 (Stuart Cove's Dive and Snorkel)
There are some excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities close to the shore, with shallow coral reefs and a number of colonised wrecks. For scuba diving, the best spots are generally clustered just off the south-westerly coast, between the Lyford Cay area and the Coral Harbour. If you are looking for a memorable experience, it is possible to dive with sharks and stingrays, and even use underwater scooters. Don't worry if you have no prior scuba experience though - a three-hour course will ground you in the basics, with the main diving companies offering free hotel collection.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge for equipment hire and tuition