Just a few miles away from Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, lies the breathtakingly beautiful Paradise Island, which spans 685 acres. Known as Hog Island until recently, Paradise Island is celebrated for its soft white sand beaches, elegant resorts, luxurious hotels, and fine dining restaurants.
With clear, turquoise water and abundant nature, Paradise Island offers a wide variety of fun, adventure, and sightseeing opportunities. Those looking to visit this Caribbean island should go browse this detailed guide to Paradise Island. With complete information on entry and exit requirements and advice on getting around the island, it will help you make the most of your visit. Here are the top five attractions on Paradise Island that no visitor should miss.
1. Atlantis Paradise Island
Image via Flickr by Nugget04
Atlantis Paradise Island is a grand ocean-themed resort with a number of world-class attractions. In addition to marine habitats, lagoons, and water parks, it also features Caribbean nightlife and a Vegas-themed casino environment.
The Marine Habitat on Atlantis is the world’s largest marine park, with over 50,000 marine animals from 250 different species. The astounding collection of marine life here includes several varieties of sharks, rays, piranha, eels, and alligators.
Visitors can swim with dolphins in the 14-acre Dolphin Cay and snorkel with sharks in the Ruins Lagoon. The Mayan Temple Shark Lagoon offers good vantage points to see reef sharks while taking exhilarating rides on waterslides. The Dig at Atlantis provides a peek into an 11,000-year-old civilization.
2. Versailles Gardens
Image via Flickr by Shiny Things
Within walking distance from the Atlantis resort, Versailles Gardens and the adjoining French cloister offer a breath of fresh air to those looking to escape the busy resort premises of Paradise Island. The gardens feature a rectangular design with a multi-terraced grassy landscape. A stone path runs through the middle of the garden across its length.
With its peaceful environment and scenic surroundings, Versailles is a great place to take a stroll while enjoying a distant view of Nassau Harbor. In the evenings, tourists flock here to watch the sun set over the harbor. The cloister is a popular venue for special events, like weddings, engagements, and birthdays.
3. Cabbage Beach
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Cabbage Beach, the most popular and beautiful beach on Paradise Island, is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, waterskiing, and sunbathing. However, the beach is also known for its strong ocean currents, so exercise caution.
You can see hawkers selling seashells, hair braiding, and other goodies at the beach. Walk further down the beach, and you’ll spot the beautiful homes of celebrities like Michael Jordan. Cabbage Beach also offers beer lovers an opportunity to enjoy Kalik, the popular Bahamian beer.
4. Marina Village
Image via Flickr by greeneyzblu2
Marina Village near Atlantis resort is a great place for shopping and hanging out. Retail shops, restaurants, and spa services are scattered all across the village. Street parties and Junkanoo parades make the atmosphere lively and vibrant. Take a walk along the cobblestone streets, observing people from different parts of the world. Don’t forget to check out the spectacular yachts docked at adjoining Atlantis Marina.
5. Cable Beach
Image via Flickr by Mark Bonica
Located 8 miles away from Paradise Island, Cable Beach is a world-famous destination known for its exotic sand and crystal-clear water. There are a number of resorts, restaurants, and casinos around the beach. Calm waters make it an ideal place to snorkel, especially for beginners. With a mesmerizing sunset and plenty of space for sunbathing, Cable Beach is just the place to be.
If you’re looking to cover a few more places, then head on to Nassau, which is just 5 miles away from Paradise Island. Major sightseeing attractions in Nassau include the Nassau Straw Market; Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Centre; Fort Fincastle; Pirates of Nassau; Fort Charlotte; and the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas.
