What Can We See At Atlantis?

[gemz]

We have been to Atlantis before while sailing on the Mariner of the Seas back in 2004. We were fortunate enough to have my best friend and her family staying at the resort the day our ship came into port and we met up with her and got access to the grounds as if we were guests.

 

We will be coming back to Nassau on our upcoming Oasis cruise but unfortunately, my best friend won't be at the Atlantis again. I'm not sure what areas of the property or how much of it we can show to some members of our travelling party who haven't been there before. All I can think of is the lobby and casino and shops. Is there anywhere else we can walk around? I know there's the Dig but is it just looking at aquariums? Is there a lot of walking involved? Not sure if my grandma can keep up with a lot of walking.

 

I am aware of the Comfort Inn wristbands but it wouldn't really be worthwhile for us since we don't want to use the facilities but just show my grandma around.

 

I'm trying to figure out if going to Atlantis will be a waste of time if we go and can't see much of anything.

[scubagirrl]

We have been to Atlantis before while sailing on the Mariner of the Seas back in 2004. We were fortunate enough to have my best friend and her family staying at the resort the day our ship came into port and we met up with her and got access to the grounds as if we were guests.

 

We will be coming back to Nassau on our upcoming Oasis cruise but unfortunately, my best friend won't be at the Atlantis again. I'm not sure what areas of the property or how much of it we can show to some members of our travelling party who haven't been there before. All I can think of is the lobby and casino and shops. Is there anywhere else we can walk around? I know there's the Dig but is it just looking at aquariums? Is there a lot of walking involved? Not sure if my grandma can keep up with a lot of walking.

 

I am aware of the Comfort Inn wristbands but it wouldn't really be worthwhile for us since we don't want to use the facilities but just show my grandma around.

 

I'm trying to figure out if going to Atlantis will be a waste of time if we go and can't see much of anything.

 

Without a day pass of some sort, the only things open to the public are those you mentioned. The lobbies, casino and shops (marina village outdoor shops as well, but they are NOT on the property, they are outside the coral towers entrance.

 

The Aquarium is $39 and requires alot of walking.

Guards are posted at all exits to the grounds preventing non-pass holders from entering the pools, gardens, lagoons and beach areas.

[disneykins]

We were there last year and we took a taxi to the RIU hotel. We just wanted a free beach. Walked up a dirt path beside the RIU and onto the beach. We just sat there, didn't rent chairs and went to a little beach shop to change and buy a soda. When we asked about rest rooms they said they were down the beach past a yellow (I think ) flag. When we went up the steps to the rest room we realized it was part of Atlantis and spent the next 2 hours just wandering around the grounds. No wrist bands, didn't buy any drinks, just admired the property. No security issues.

 

Was it just because we are early 50s and dont look like a threat? Or can anybody do this. We didn't see the big slides but we saw some smaller ones, we walked under a tunnel and saw sharks swimming overhead, we saw small sharks swimming in what looked like a shallow pond, BIG turtles. When it was time to leave we went back to RIU and got our stuff and returned to Atlantis and cut through their lobby to get a taxi.

 

I agree with others that it would be nice to just walk through and check it out, but I'm not going to pay $35 for the privilege unless I'm actually using the facilities (slides, etc).

Have things changed in the last year or were we just lucky? Or did we just see some public areas and the rest of it is more private? (What we saw was incredible).

 

Tony

[scubagirrl]

We were there last year and we took a taxi to the RIU hotel. We just wanted a free beach. Walked up a dirt path beside the RIU and onto the beach. We just sat there, didn't rent chairs and went to a little beach shop to change and buy a soda. When we asked about rest rooms they said they were down the beach past a yellow (I think ) flag. When we went up the steps to the rest room we realized it was part of Atlantis and spent the next 2 hours just wandering around the grounds. No wrist bands, didn't buy any drinks, just admired the property. No security issues.

 

Was it just because we are early 50s and dont look like a threat? Or can anybody do this. We didn't see the big slides but we saw some smaller ones, we walked under a tunnel and saw sharks swimming overhead, we saw small sharks swimming in what looked like a shallow pond, BIG turtles. When it was time to leave we went back to RIU and got our stuff and returned to Atlantis and cut through their lobby to get a taxi.

 

I agree with others that it would be nice to just walk through and check it out, but I'm not going to pay $35 for the privilege unless I'm actually using the facilities (slides, etc).

Have things changed in the last year or were we just lucky? Or did we just see some public areas and the rest of it is more private? (What we saw was incredible).

 

Tony

 

You got away with this because security was lax the day you were there. Ordinarily, they are everywhere, and they stop you as you enter from the beach, as well as every step along the way.

 

Some people get away with it.. but I wouldn't count on doing it.. and of course, it's trespassing..

 

If security was on the ball, you wouldn't be able to use the restrooms or changin areas and certainly wouldn't allow you to walk around the ground and tunnels..

[conn cruiser]

I didn't know about the new resort pass for $39. I wanted to walk around at the end of the day, they had ropes and guards just past the casino. You can't go past the casino now. So sad $39 for a stroll around the grounds??

[donmattox]

Was just there last week and was excited to see Atlantis, but you're right, just the shops and casino are free. It was $39 for a day pass. That doesn't include the waterparks or beaches. We decided not to do it and instead walked to Cabbage Beach, a free public beach. Watched people parasail and raft. There was a beach bar so we had a drink. As much as I wanted to see all of Atlantis, I wasn't ready to spend nearly $80 for the two of us. The water taxi ride over to Paradise Island was quite the experience. $6 round trip.

[Buffettfan 225]

Was just there last week and was excited to see Atlantis, but you're right, just the shops and casino are free. It was $39 for a day pass. That doesn't include the waterparks or beaches. We decided not to do it and instead walked to Cabbage Beach, a free public beach. Watched people parasail and raft. There was a beach bar so we had a drink. As much as I wanted to see all of Atlantis, I wasn't ready to spend nearly $80 for the two of us. The water taxi ride over to Paradise Island was quite the experience. $6 round trip.

We've cruised many islands but have not been to Nassau in 25 years. We were just thinking of local shopping and walk or taxi to Atlantis shops. Would you explain water taxi experience please. From a few other threads, seems overpacked,slow option.

Opinion on method to get to Atlantis-for free stuff (shop,casino)

Any knowledge on Nassau shopping? Safety?

[gemz]

Thanks for your responses. I was considering doing the dolphin excursion and my companions get complimentary passes to come in but I haven't found out what more we can see with that.

[scubagirrl]

Thanks for your responses. I was considering doing the dolphin excursion and my companions get complimentary passes to come in but I haven't found out what more we can see with that.

 

Dolphin Cay is not located within the main property.. it's off by itself, and the "dolphin cay beach" is for sunning only. You're not allowed to even step foot in the water. If you want to see or do anything else Atlantis, you have to purchase additional passes.

 

Casino and shoppes are open to the public.

[e050377]

If we do buy the passes to the aquarium, will that give us access to the grounds as well or do they have a different pass for that?

[scubagirrl]

If we do buy the passes to the aquarium, will that give us access to the grounds as well or do they have a different pass for that?

You'll have access to some of the grounds, not all of it.. and not the area near the waterpark or the sealife exhibits within it.

You won't be able to use the chaise loungers or enjoy the beach either.

 

You'll have a different colored bracelet... so retricted from some sections of the grounds.

[cravingthis]

Was just there last week and was excited to see Atlantis, but you're right, just the shops and casino are free. It was $39 for a day pass. That doesn't include the waterparks or beaches. We decided not to do it and instead walked to Cabbage Beach, a free public beach. Watched people parasail and raft. There was a beach bar so we had a drink. As much as I wanted to see all of Atlantis, I wasn't ready to spend nearly $80 for the two of us. The water taxi ride over to Paradise Island was quite the experience. $6 round trip.

 

Hi Donmatttox, how long do you think it'll take to look around the free areas and take some pictures. I know this depends on how long we stop, etc, but trying to get an idea of how long we'll be at Atlantis (again, I know it's only open in some areas for free).

 

Thanks!