Bahamas – Review of the Royal at Atlantis

On our gap year, my son had seen videos of people swimming with pigs in the Bahamas. We all had one choice of somewhere to visit, and this was his. I was a little dubious as it’s incredibly expensive; flights alone can cost crazy amounts. But believe it or not, flying to Orlando in Florida, spending a week there and then flying to the Bahamas and back via Miami was much cheaper, flight-wise, than had we flown return to the Bahamas. Hotel prices in the Bahamas are pretty high, though, so there was no compromising on that for us, as we knew the only hotel we wanted to stay at was the iconic Royal at Atlantis on Paradise Island, Nassau.

I have to say that swimming with pigs was incredibly disappointing, and I’d actually urge people not to do that. I’ll include a bit about that below.

From the moment we walked into the lobby of The Royal, we knew we were in for something special. We spent our days between the pools, the beach, the aquarium, and the waterpark, and we kept saying to each other how much we loved it. Everything was right on our doorstep, and we never ran out of things to do. It was 100% worth the money, and although we couldn’t justify the prices of the restaurants, there were cheaper options on-site. This was a bucket list splurge for us, but it didn’t stretch as far as the expensive food.

In this review, I will cover all the facilities, hotel options at Atlantis and more.

How to get to Atlantis, Bahamas

The Bahamas is made up of around 700 islands and 2,000 cays, but only a small number are developed for tourism. Most hotels, resorts and villas are concentrated on roughly 15–20 of the main islands and island groups, where infrastructure, beaches and transport links are well established. The key islands with tourist accommodation include New Providence (home to Nassau and Paradise Island), Grand Bahama, The Exumas, Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, Bimini, Cat Island, and Inagua. These islands offer the widest choice of places to stay, from large resorts to boutique hotels and family‑run villas, while the remaining islands tend to be quieter, more remote and far less developed.

You can fly direct from the UK (London Heathrow) to the Bahamas, specifically to Nassau on New Providence Island, with British Airways. Or do as we did and fly from Florida as part of a two-centre holiday. We flew from Orlando to Miami and then Miami to Nassau, which was cheaper than a return to Nassau from Heathrow. Atlantis is then just a 30-minute taxi ride from the airport. Avoid booking through the hotel as they charge a lot more than the regular airport taxis. It’s worth knowing that if you arrive in The Bahamas from the USA and you have an ESTA, the time you spend in The Bahamas counts towards the 90 days you have on your ESTA.

What are the hotel options at Atlantis, Bahamas?

The Coral

The Coral sits just across from The Royal and is one of the most family‑friendly spots on the resort, especially for younger kids and tweens. It’s closest to Marina Village, so it has easy access to the shops, ice cream and casual dining. The vibe here is a bit quieter and more relaxed than The Royal, and the rooms tend to be slightly more affordable. Most rooms are either King or Double Queen layouts, with options for water views or marina views.

The Cove

The Cove is Atlantis’ luxury tower, tucked between two private beaches and set slightly apart from the main resort. It feels more grown‑up, calmer and more exclusive, with a beautiful lobby and a quieter atmosphere overall. The rooms are all suites, offering more space, separate living areas and stunning ocean views. This is a popular option for couples or those wanting a more premium experience. It’s still walkable to Aquaventure, but it definitely feels like a step up in terms of comfort and style.

The Reef

The Reef is the residential‑style tower, perfect for families who want more space and the option to self‑cater. It’s located next to The Cove on a quieter stretch of beach, away from the busiest parts of the resort. Rooms range from studios to one‑ and two‑bedroom suites, all with kitchenettes or full kitchens, making it ideal for longer stays or families who don’t want to eat out for every meal. It’s a calmer base but still close enough to walk to the pools and waterpark.

Harborside Resort

Harborside sits across the marina from the main resort and has a completely different feel, more like a colourful Bahamian village. It’s made up of spacious villas with full kitchens, living rooms and laundry, which works brilliantly for larger groups or multi‑generational trips. You take a short shuttle or walk across the bridge to reach the main Atlantis facilities, so it’s not as instantly convenient as The Royal.

The Beach (currently closed for renovation)

The Beach has traditionally been the most budget‑friendly tower, located on the far side of the resort near a beautiful stretch of sand. It’s been the simplest and most laid‑back option, but it’s currently closed for renovation, with plans to reopen refreshed. Once it returns, it will likely appeal to families who want the Atlantis experience at a lower price point and don’t mind being a little further from the waterpark.

The Royal – Take a Closer look at where we stayed

The Royal is the iconic centrepiece of Atlantis, the pink towers everyone recognises, and the hotel that sits right at the heart of the entire resort. We loved how staying here meant we were only steps from Aquaventure, The Dig, the marine habitats, the beach, and a huge choice of restaurants. It’s the most central of all the hotels, which is exactly why we chose it; everything we wanted to do was just a few minutes away. We loved walking out of the lifts and almost right away seeing turtles, huge water fountains and other marine life. It is the most stunning hotel we’ve ever stayed at.

Atlantis Bahamas Hotels Overview

Hotel	Description	Price
The Royal	The iconic pink towers at the heart of Atlantis. Lively, central, closest to Aquaventure, The Dig and marine habitats. Great for families who want to be in the middle of everything.	£££
The Coral	The most family‑friendly tower with a slightly quieter feel. Recently renovated, close to Marina Village and great for younger kids.	££
The Cove	Stylish, modern and more luxurious with an adults‑friendly vibe. Private pool area (The Cove Pool), beautiful beach and spacious suites.	££££
The Reef	Condo‑style studios and suites with kitchenettes, ideal for longer stays or families wanting more space and self‑catering options. Beachfront and quieter.	££££
Harborside Resort	Colourful villa‑style accommodation across the marina. Full kitchens, living spaces and a more residential feel. Great for multi‑generational trips.	£££
The Beach (closed for renovations)	The most budget‑friendly option when open, simple rooms right by the beach. Often used for groups or travellers wanting Atlantis access at a lower price.	£

Our room at Atlantis, Bahamas

I booked the Double Queen Harbour View at The Royal, and it turned out to be exactly what we needed as a family. We loved having two proper queen beds; it made the room feel instantly more comfortable and gave everyone plenty of space to sleep without feeling cramped. We also liked how much room there was to move around, unpack, and settle in for the week.

The harbour view was a bonus: we spent so much time standing at the window. We could see the cruise ships arriving and leaving each day from our room, which actually helped us plan when to head to the waterpark. On days when more ships were docked, we knew it would be busier because cruise passengers could buy day passes to Aquaventure, so we’d time our visits for earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon when things felt quieter. It wasn’t quite the close-up harbour view we were expecting, but we liked it.

Rooms have air-conditioning as standard. We were there at the end of October, so it wasn’t really needed, but the temperatures outside were perfect for us, ranging from around 22-25 °C. The private bathroom had a bath with a shower above. We had free toiletries, a hairdryer, a flat‑screen TV with cable, a tea and coffee maker and a huge door that we could open, although there was no balcony as such.

Other room options at The Royal

While the Double Queen Harbour View suited us perfectly, the Royal has a few other room types that families often consider:

• Ocean View Rooms – similar layout but with those classic turquoise‑water views.
• Premium or Deluxe Rooms – slightly higher floors or upgraded views.
• Suites – more space, separate living areas, and better for larger families or those wanting extra comfort.
• King Rooms – good for couples, but we preferred the two queens for family space.

Key Facilities at Atlantis

Hotel‑Specific Pools

These pools are located near each hotel tower and tend to be calmer than the waterpark. When we first arrived, we walked around the whole site so that we could check out the pools. In the end, we chose to stay next to our hotel, at the waterpark. It was lovely walking around, though, and there are different aquariums dotted around, so it’s worth the walk.

The Royal Pools – Two large pools right outside The Royal, perfect for families who want to be close to the main tower. Easy access to Aquaventure.

The Coral Pool – A quieter, more relaxed pool near the Coral tower. Good for younger families or anyone wanting a calmer atmosphere.

The Cove Pool (Adults Only) – A luxury, adults‑only pool with cabanas, daybeds, and a beach‑club feel. Not for families, but worth mentioning for readers.

The Reef Pool – A peaceful pool for guests staying at The Reef, ideal for families who want a quieter base away from the main resort buzz.

Harborside Pool – A large, relaxed pool for guests staying at Harborside Resort across the marina. More of a neighbourhood vibe.

Beachfront Swimming

Not technically pools, but worth noting:

• Cove Beach – calm, beautiful, great for swimming
• Paradise Lagoon – shallow, protected water for kids
• Atlantis Beach – the main stretch of sand with waves and lifeguards

You’re never far from a large expanse of beautiful, soft sand at Atlantis. We spent quite a while at their inland beaches as they felt safer away from the big waves. Plus, there was a lifeguard who appeared to be on jellyfish watch. Whenever we went in the water, we could see lots of little fish swimming around us. It was so clear and felt really quite warm, especially in the shallows.

Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis

Aquaventure is the heart of Atlantis and the reason so many families choose to stay here, and once we experienced it ourselves, we completely understood why. It’s huge, beautifully themed, and packed with enough slides, pools and lazy rivers to keep every age entertained from morning to night. We loved that we could walk straight from The Royal into the waterpark within minutes, which meant we dipped in and out all day without ever feeling like we were trekking across the resort.

Rapids River

Our absolute favourite was the Rapids River. This is WILD and like nothing we’d been on before. There are some really fast sections, some sections where you can get really wet, plus calm sections – but it’s mostly crazy. A full circuit usually takes 20–30 minutes, depending on how strong the current is and how busy the river gets. Instead of drifting, you’re carried through waves, rapids, surges and fast‑moving channels, and every lap feels slightly different. Some sections are calm enough to chat, while others suddenly pick up speed and send you bouncing along the walls or shooting through narrow chutes. It’s all very safe, with lifeguards everywhere, but it definitely has a sense of adventure.

You can join or exit at a few points, which makes it easy to hop on after a slide or jump off when you’re ready for a break. We found it one of the best family activities because everyone could enjoy it together, it’s exciting without being too intense, and you can stay on as long as you like. As it was a bit too cold to swim, this was something we did a lot. Words can not justify how much fun the rapids are!

Slides and attractions

Aquaventure is split between two main slide towers, the Mayan Temple and the Power Tower, each offering something different.

• The Leap of Faith is the famous near‑vertical slide that shoots you through a clear tunnel surrounded by sharks.
• The Serpent Slide winds through dark tunnels before gliding through the shark lagoon at a slower pace. This was our favourite, and I lost count of how many times we went on it.
• The Abyss is a dramatic drop slide into a deep, dark cavern.
• The Surge and The Drop are fast, fun tube slides that send you straight into the rapids river. We went on these a few times, but we preferred the Serpent.

Splashers for younger kids

Splashers is the dedicated children’s water playground, and it’s brilliant if you’re travelling with little ones. It has mini slides, climbing structures, tipping buckets and shallow water, all safely contained so parents can relax while kids burn off energy.

Pools and places to relax

Even though Aquaventure is known for its slides, the pools are just as good.

• The Mayan Temple Pool and Power Tower Pool are lively and great for families.
• River Bend Pool is quieter and tucked away.
• Poseidon’s Pool has more of a party vibe with music and activities.

We loved that there were so many different atmospheres, busy, quiet, shaded, sunny, so we could always find a spot that suited how we were feeling that day.

Cabanas at Aquaventure

The cabanas at Atlantis are a great option if you want a bit more comfort and shade during a full day at the waterpark. They give you your own private space with comfy seating, a table, and plenty of room to keep bags, towels and snacks together. Most come with a fridge stocked with water and a safe for valuables, which makes the day feel much easier and more organised. They’re an added cost, but for families who want a guaranteed shaded spot and a calm base to return to between slides and swims, they can make the whole experience feel much more relaxed.

Practical tips from our experience

• Getting there early helps you grab loungers in the shade.
• The rivers are amazing, but can get busy; mornings and late afternoons were our favourite times.
• You can easily pop back to your room from The Royal, which made the whole day feel more relaxed.
• Towels are provided, and lifeguards are everywhere, which made us feel really comfortable as a family. We encountered many friendly lifeguards on the rapids. I’ve never seen so many!

Aquaventure ended up being the highlight of our trip, the place we kept returning to again and again because it was just so much fun for all of us.

Marine Life at Atlantis

The marine life at Atlantis was one of the things we kept going back to because it felt so different from anything we’ve experienced at a resort before. Everywhere we walked, we found another lagoon, another tank. We spent so much time exploring, and it was time well spent. The whole place is built around these huge open‑air habitats filled with sharks, rays, turtles and tropical fish, and we loved how easy it was to wander through them on the way to breakfast, the pools or the beach. It made the resort feel alive and gave us something new to spot every single day.

The Dig

The Dig is Atlantis’ signature aquarium experience, and it’s honestly one of the most impressive parts of the resort. It’s designed like an underground lost city, with tunnels, chambers and huge viewing windows that make you feel like you’re exploring something ancient and mysterious. We walked through it several times because every visit felt different. Sometimes, it was quiet and peaceful; other times, we’d catch feeding time or see the rays and sharks moving in ways we hadn’t noticed before.

We loved how immersive it felt, especially for families. Kids can get right up to the glass, follow the pathways, and learn about the different species through the displays. For us, it was a perfect break from the sun and the waterpark. It’s included for all guests, so we never felt rushed.

Optional Marine Experiences

Atlantis also offers paid experiences like dolphin encounters, snorkelling in the ruins, and stingray interactions. We didn’t feel pressured to book anything extra because the free exhibits were already so impressive, but it’s good for families to know these options exist if they want something more hands‑on.

The marine life and The Dig ended up being a huge part of why the resort felt so special to us; it wasn’t just a hotel with pools, it was a place where we kept discovering new things together.

Food and Dining at Atlantis

Atlantis groups its dining into fine dining, casual dining, and quick bites, and here’s a full breakdown of what’s available across the resort:

Fine dining

• Nobu — Japanese classics, sushi and signature dishes in a sleek setting.
• Fish by José Andrés — modern seafood with a Bahamian twist.
• Olives — Mediterranean dishes, pastas and seafood.
• Carmine’s — family‑style Italian with huge sharing portions.
• Seafire Steakhouse — classic steakhouse with big cuts and bold flavours.
• Café Martinique — French‑inspired fine dining overlooking the marina.
• Frezca — upscale coastal cuisine with ocean views.

Casual dining

• The Village Burger Shack — great for families, burgers, fries and shakes.
• Marina Pizzeria — easy slices and whole pizzas, ideal for quick dinners.
• Murray’s Deli — New York‑style sandwiches, breakfasts and comfort food.
• The Point Restaurant & Bar — relaxed meals with sunset views.
• Lagoon Bar & Grill — casual bites overlooking the marine habitats.
• Bimini Road — Caribbean dishes with a lively atmosphere.

Quick bites & snacks

• Sun & Ice — ice cream, sorbets and sweet treats.
• Starbucks — several locations across the resort.
• Breakwaters Grill — poolside burgers and salads.
• Riverbend Café — snacks and drinks near the river rides.
• Beach carts & kiosks — hot dogs, nachos, drinks and grab‑and‑go snacks.

The fine dining just wasn’t for us, especially with the exchange rate. We grabbed a breakfast bun in the cafe every morning in our hotel, had snacks by the waterpark at lunch time and then in the evening we went for pizza at the marina or Murray’s Deli for something more substantial. This was a lot more affordable for us.

Other facilities at Atlantis

Atlantis has so many extra facilities beyond the pools and waterpark that it almost feels like its own little town, and we loved dipping into different areas depending on the kind of day we were having. The shopping is centred around Marina Village, where we wandered past boutiques, souvenir shops, clothing stores and places to grab snacks or treats. Inside the resort, there are also plenty of shops for swimwear, sunscreen, toys and essentials, which made it easy when we needed something last‑minute. For downtime, the fitness centre is large and well-equipped, and the Mandara Spa offers everything from massages to facials if you want a proper break from the sun and slides.

For families, the supervised activities were a big reassurance. Atlantis Kids Adventures (AKA) runs creative, hands‑on sessions for younger children, while CRUSH gives teens their own space with gaming, music and movies. In the evenings, there’s always something happening, from live music around the resort to the Atlantis Theatre, which shows family‑friendly films, and the casino for adults. All of these little extras made the resort feel lively and full of variety, and they gave us plenty of ways to mix up our days when we wanted a change from the waterpark or the beach.

Swimming With Pigs from Nassau

As you may remember, at the start of this post, the main reason we came to the Bahamas was that my son wanted to swim with pigs. Nassau is not actually close to the island where the pigs live in the wild. They live at Big Major Cay, which isn’t easy to visit from Nassau. For the short time we were in the Bahamas, I couldn’t justify spending time and money on flying there by seaplane. I had a look online, and I was happy to see that you could book tours to swim with pigs from Nassau. I naively thought that maybe wild pigs had been introduced on other islands. I was wrong. I started writing about our experience, and I got so carried awaythat I had to move it to another post. You can find out about why I wouldn’t swim with pigs from Nassau by clicking the link here.

Atlantis ended up being one of those places that genuinely lived up to the hype for us. Staying at The Royal meant we were right in the middle of everything, and it made the whole trip feel easy, fun and full of variety. Between the waterpark, the beaches, the marine life, the restaurants and all the little extras around the resort, every day felt different without ever needing to plan too much. There’s always something to see, do or explore, no matter what age your kids are. For families who want a holiday packed with adventure but still full of those simple, relaxed moments together, Atlantis really does deliver.