Paradise Island in Nassau is more than just a resort destination — it’s a world of Bahamian beaches, luxury escapes, thrilling waterparks and new all-inclusive beach clubs waiting to be explored. From the legendary slides of Atlantis to the elevated cabanas of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, every traveler can find their perfect day here.
Whether you’re seeking poolside luxury, dolphin encounters or authentic island flavors, these Paradise Island excursions offer unforgettable ways to experience The Bahamas.
1. Royal Beach Club Paradise Island: A New Era of Island Escapes
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is one of the best Paradise Island excursions for travelers who want an easy, all-in-one Nassau beach day. Open since December 23, 2025, this 17-acre beach retreat blends Bahamian culture with modern comfort, offering two beaches, three temperature-controlled pools and distinct spaces such as Chill Beach, Paradise Beach and Party Cove.
Guests can relax on loungers, unwind in private cabanas, swim in the pools or visit The Floating Flamingo, the world’s largest swim-up bar. Day passes include beach club access, water taxis, unlimited dining, drink options, Wi-Fi, loungers, umbrellas, towels, lockers, showers and entertainment, making it a convenient option for visitors who want a care-free day near Nassau.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island offers two primary day-pass options:
- Day Pass With Unlimited Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Dining & Wi-Fi: Includes transportation, beach club admission, unlimited dining and non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi and beach-day amenities.
- Day Pass With Unlimited Open Bar, Dining & Wi-Fi: Includes the same beach club access and amenities, plus unlimited alcoholic beverages for eligible guests.
Travelers who want to combine the beach club with a marine-life experience can also look for select Ultimate Nassau Day excursions:
- Ultimate Nassau Day With Royal Beach Club Non-Alcoholic Day Pass: Includes Blue Lagoon Island, a dolphin encounter, snorkeling and access to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island with unlimited dining and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Ultimate Nassau Day With Royal Beach Club Open Bar Day Pass: Includes the same combination experience with alcoholic beverages for guests 21 and older.
Passes, combination excursions and cabana availability vary by sailing, so compare the current options in My Royal Cruise before reserving.
2. Atlantis Aquaventure & Marine Adventures
Atlantis Paradise Island remains a signature excursion for thrill-seekers and families. At Aquaventure Waterpark, guests can take on iconic slides such as the Leap of Faith, glide through shark tunnels or float along the mile-long Rapids River. Beyond the slides, visitors can explore marine habitats home to over 250 species, including stingrays, tropical fish and Caribbean reef sharks.
For animal lovers, Dolphin Cay offers interactive experiences where guests can swim, wade or paddleboard alongside dolphins and sea lions. Educational encounters focus on conservation, making it one of the most meaningful marine experiences in the Caribbean.
3. Paradise Island Beaches
Cabbage Beach is the primary choice for travelers seeking a more independent beach day on Paradise Island. Located along the island’s northern shore, it offers a broad stretch of white sand and turquoise water outside the larger resort and waterpark experiences.
Cabbage Beach is best for visitors comfortable arranging their own transportation and beach-day details. Water conditions can change, and access to loungers, umbrellas, food, restrooms or other amenities depends on the area and services available during the visit.
Travelers who prefer transportation, reserved amenities, dining and drinks bundled into one experience may find Royal Beach Club Paradise Island more convenient. Those who want waterslides, pools and marine habitats in addition to beach access may prefer Atlantis.
Experience Paradise Island Your Way
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Atlantis Aquaventure and Cabbage Beach each offer a different kind of Nassau escape. Choose Royal Beach Club for an all-inclusive beach and pool day, Atlantis for waterpark thrills and marine habitats or Cabbage Beach for a more independent visit to the shore.
The best Paradise Island excursion depends on your group’s interests, preferred pace and available port time. Compare transportation, admission, dining, activity levels and other inclusions before booking so you can spend more of the day enjoying the island.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paradise Island Excursions
What is Paradise Island in The Bahamas?
Paradise Island is an island located across the harbor from Nassau on New Providence. It is home to Atlantis Paradise Island, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Cabbage Beach and several hotels, restaurants and residential areas.
How far is Paradise Island from the Nassau cruise port?
Paradise Island is a short trip from the Nassau cruise port by organized transportation, taxi or water transfer, depending on the excursion. Travel time varies with traffic, departure location and the experience booked.
Can cruise passengers visit Royal Beach Club Paradise Island?
Yes. Cruise guests can visit Royal Beach Club Paradise Island by booking an eligible day pass, cabana or combination excursion offered for their sailing. Access is not included automatically with the cruise fare, and inclusions vary by pass.
Is Royal Beach Club Paradise Island the same as Atlantis?
No. Royal Beach Club Paradise Island and Atlantis are separate destinations located on Paradise Island. Royal Beach Club focuses on beaches, pools, dining and entertainment, while Atlantis includes Aquaventure Waterpark, marine habitats, resort pools and separately booked experiences.
Can you visit Atlantis during a Bahamas cruise?
Yes. A Bahamas cruise that calls at Nassau may offer excursions to Atlantis Paradise Island. Options can include Aquaventure admission, marine experiences or other resort access. Availability and inclusions depend on the sailing.
Is an Atlantis Bahamas Day Pass Worth It?
An Atlantis Bahamas day pass is worth considering for families, thrill-seekers and travelers who want to spend most of their Nassau port day enjoying a large waterpark and resort environment. Aquaventure combines waterslides, river rides, pools, beaches and marine habitats, making it a strong choice when resort activities are the main priority for the day.
The experience is particularly well suited to families with older children, active groups and first-time visitors excited about Atlantis’ signature attractions. Guests primarily seeking an inclusive beach and pool day with dining and drinks may prefer Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.
What Is Included With an Atlantis Aquaventure Day Pass?
An Atlantis Aquaventure day pass generally includes admission to the waterpark’s slides, river rides and pools, along with access to designated beaches and marine habitats. The exact inclusions depend on the pass or excursion selected.
Food, beverages, lockers, towels, transportation and Dolphin Cay experiences may be separate or included only with certain products. Review the listing offered for your sailing to understand what's covered before arriving at the resort.
Should You Book Atlantis Through Royal Caribbean or Directly?
Booking an Atlantis excursion through Royal Caribbean is a convenient choice for cruise guests who want the experience organized around their ship’s day in Nassau. Depending on the excursion, transportation and other arrangements may be included, making the day easier to coordinate.
Is Atlantis admission included with a Royal Caribbean cruise?
No. Atlantis admission is not included automatically with your cruise. Guests must book an Atlantis excursion or obtain the appropriate access separately. The specific pass determines which waterpark, beach, pool and marine areas can be used.
Which is better: Royal Beach Club Paradise Island or Atlantis?
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is better for guests seeking an all-in-one beach and pool day with dining and drinks included according to the pass selected. Atlantis is suitable for travelers prioritizing waterslides, river rides, marine habitats and a large resort environment. The better choice depends on your group’s interests and activity level.
How much time do you need on Paradise Island?
Plan to spend several hours on Paradise Island, especially when visiting Royal Beach Club or Atlantis Aquaventure. Transportation, admission procedures and walking between attractions use part of the day, so compare the excursion duration with your ship’s scheduled time in Nassau.
Can you walk from the Nassau cruise port to Paradise Island?
Walking from the cruise port to Paradise Island is not practical for most guests because the route crosses the harbor bridge and takes time away from the experience. Organized transportation, a taxi or the transfer included with an excursion is generally more convenient.
What should you bring on a Paradise Island excursion?
Bring swimwear, reef-conscious sunscreen, a cover-up, sunglasses and secure footwear. A waterproof phone case and dry clothing may also be helpful. Check whether your experience includes towels, lockers, food and beverages before leaving the ship.
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