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Paradise Island, Bahamas: Travel Guide to the Bahamas' Ultimate Resort Island

Paradise Island, connected to the capital Nassau by two bridges, is one of the most famous resort destinations in the Caribbean. Once known as Hog Island, it was renamed in 1962 and transformed into a playground of luxury hotels, white-sand beaches and world-class entertainment, centred on the iconic Atlantis resort. With its beaches, gardens and easy access to the history and culture of Nassau, Paradise Island offers both relaxation and adventure.

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Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Paradise Island

1. Atlantis Paradise Island and Aquaventure

Atlantis Paradise Island is one of the largest resorts in the Caribbean, inspired by the legend of the lost city of Atlantis. Its Aquaventure water park covers around 57 hectares, with water slides, a lazy river and pools. The most thrilling ride is the Leap of Faith, a near-vertical slide that plunges through a clear tunnel surrounded by a shark-filled lagoon. Atlantis also features The Dig, an aquarium set among the "ruins" of Atlantis, and one of the world's largest open-air marine habitats, home to thousands of marine animals, including sharks, rays and sea turtles, as well as a casino, restaurants and shops.

Booking tip: day passes for Aquaventure and the marine habitat can be booked on GetYourGuide or directly with the resort.

2. Cabbage Beach and Paradise Beach

Cabbage Beach, on the north shore of Paradise Island, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Nassau, a long stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise water, with water sports and beach vendors. On the western tip of the island, Paradise Beach is quieter and calmer, and the white Paradise Island Lighthouse, built in 1817, is the oldest lighthouse in the Bahamas, guarding the entrance to Nassau Harbour. Nearby, a new private beach club for cruise passengers has opened on the western end of the island.

Booking tip: arrive early to find a good spot on Cabbage Beach; water sports can be booked on the beach.

3. Versailles Gardens and the French Cloister

The Versailles Gardens, within the grounds of The Ocean Club, are elegant terraced gardens decorated with statues of figures such as Napoleon and Franklin D. Roosevelt. At the top stands the French Cloister, a 14th-century Augustinian monastery originally built in France, bought by American newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, shipped to the United States in pieces and later reassembled on Paradise Island in the 1960s.

Booking tip: the gardens are a popular setting for weddings and photographs.

4. Nassau: Queen's Staircase, Fort Fincastle and the Straw Market

Just across the bridge, Nassau offers fascinating history. The Queen's Staircase, carved out of limestone by enslaved people in the late 18th century, has 66 steps leading to Fort Fincastle, built in 1793, with views over the city. In downtown Nassau, Parliament Square, with its pink colonial buildings, and the bustling Straw Market, selling handmade crafts, are worth a visit. The Pirates of Nassau museum recalls the time when Nassau was a haven for pirates such as Blackbeard.

Booking tip: a Nassau city tour on GetYourGuide covers the main sights.

5. Arawak Cay, Blue Lagoon Island and Junkanoo

At Arawak Cay, known as the Fish Fry, colourful restaurants serve conch salad and fried fish. Boat trips visit Blue Lagoon Island and Rose Island for swimming and snorkelling. Nassau's famous Junkanoo festival, with costumes, drums and cowbells, takes place on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Booking tip: boat trips can be booked on GetYourGuide.

Practical Travel Tips for Paradise Island

Before You Go

  • Entry: many nationalities, including US, UK and EU citizens, can visit visa-free; a valid passport is required.
  • Hurricane season: runs from June to November.

Getting Around

  • By air: Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau is about 30 minutes away.
  • Water taxis: connect Paradise Island with downtown Nassau.
  • Taxis: widely available.
  • Money: the Bahamian dollar is pegged to the US dollar.

Local Culinary Specialties

  • Conch salad: fresh conch with citrus, onions and peppers, best at Arawak Cay.
  • Cracked conch: tenderised, battered and fried.
  • Guava duff: a traditional steamed dessert with guava and rum sauce.
  • Bahamian rum: tour the historic John Watling's Distillery in Nassau.
  • Kalik and Sands: the local beers.

Best Time to Visit

  • December–April: dry, sunny weather and the peak season.
  • May–June: warm, with fewer crowds and lower prices.
  • June–November: hurricane season.
  • Junkanoo: Boxing Day and New Year's Day parades in downtown Nassau.

Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to Paradise Island

Paradise Island combines beautiful beaches, luxury resorts and world-class entertainment, with Nassau's history and culture just across the bridge. Whether you're riding the Leap of Faith at Aquaventure, relaxing on Cabbage Beach or dancing at Junkanoo, Paradise Island lives up to its name.

Plan ahead: book your tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Paradise Island.