Is there a way to see the aquariums at Atlantis without booking an excursion?

[jimbug]

We will be in Nassau in January, so I am doubtful about the weather/water being warm enough for a beach- or water-oriented activity. Because of that, we'd really like to see Atlantis...especially the aquariums.

 

I am not really familiar with how their admission policies work there--is there a way to visit/pay for the aquariums without paying for the $56 cruiseline excursion? It's not actually the cost that turns me off, as that seems fairly reasonable...it's just that we don't want 2.5 hours of "guided walking tour"...we'd rather see them on our own and then purchase lunch in a restaurant there.

 

Is this possible? What else might you suggest?

 

Thank you!

[jimbug]

Well, I read some other threads on here and discovered that Majestic Tours offers the pass that I want. It seems decently affordable through them to get the beach/aquarium pass with lunch, and call it a day.

[parrotfeathers]

Last week had a ship sponsored excursion to Blue Lagoon. The ferry always stops at Paradise Isle pick up point and picks up/drops off people. When it got to Paradise Island (after Blue Lagoon excursion)we got off and walked to Atlantis to see the digs and the aquariums. We were waiting at 4 p.m. for the ferry to return and were the only ones getting on to return to the port.

 

The casino sells the tickets and it was $40 pp. You can use the guided tour or go on your own--we went on our own. The digs entrance starts inside and ends outside. Then we went to all the other outside water exhibits. There were people checking bands at strategic points and I saw them turn some away. The walkway and "shops" on the way to the buildings were just about deserted. Never tried to find any of the water entertainment. Lots of people around to show you how to find something.