BS
Paradise Island
A small resort island linked to Nassau by bridges, with Cabbage Beach, the Atlantis resort and a medieval cloister
A small resort island linked to Nassau by bridges, with Cabbage Beach, the Atlantis resort and a medieval cloister
A long, wide beach on the north shore with fine white sand. Water sports and beach bars are found near the resorts; the eastern end is quieter.
Waves and currents can be strong; swim near lifeguards.
Photo: Coolcaesar, CC BY 4.0
The resort’s pink Royal Towers are visible from all over Nassau. Non-guests can buy day passes for the Aquaventure water park and the aquarium; the casino and marina shops are open to all.
Day-pass numbers are limited; book ahead.
Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0
Terraced gardens with statues lead up to a 14th-century Augustinian cloister that was taken apart in France, shipped to the US and rebuilt here in the 1960s. It overlooks Nassau Harbour.
Photo: Rüdiger Stehn, CC BY-SA 2.0
Built in 1817 at the western tip of the island, it is the oldest lighthouse in the Bahamas and marks the entrance to Nassau Harbour. It is best seen from the water or from Nassau.
Photo: Rüdiger Stehn, CC BY-SA 2.0
Two high bridges link the island to Nassau. You can walk across in about 20 minutes, with views over the harbour, cruise ships and Potter’s Cay, where stalls sell conch salad.
Photo: Der-wuppertaler, CC BY-SA 3.0
Resort restaurants range from casual to celebrity-chef dining, but prices are high. For local food, cross the bridge to the stalls at Potter’s Cay or the Arawak Cay Fish Fry in Nassau.
Try conch salad, grilled grouper, and a Goombay Smash or Sky Juice cocktail.
Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) is about 30–40 minutes away by taxi. From downtown Nassau you can walk or take a taxi over the bridge, or use the water taxi from Prince George Wharf.
There is a small toll for cars crossing to Paradise Island. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada and most EU countries do not need a visa for a tourist stay; you need a valid passport and proof of onward travel. The departure tax is normally included in your air ticket. Check current rules before you travel.
The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is pegged one-to-one to the US dollar, and US dollars are accepted everywhere. The Bahamas is expensive: most food is imported and VAT is added to many bills, often together with a service charge. Paradise Island is the most expensive part of New Providence.
Resort fees and taxes are often added to room rates.
Beaches, gardens and the harbour.
Spend the morning on Cabbage Beach, then walk through the Versailles Gardens and the Cloister.
Walk across the bridge to Potter’s Cay for lunch, take a boat trip in the harbour past the lighthouse, or visit the Atlantis water park.
Cabbage Beach can have strong waves; swim where lifeguards are on duty.
Check whether resort fees are included in room prices.
The bridge walk to Nassau is easy and free.
June to November is hurricane season.
Quick answers for planning time in Paradise Island.
Yes. Day passes for the water park and aquarium are sold in limited numbers, and the casino and marina are open to everyone.
Yes, beaches in the Bahamas are public. Use public access paths, and swim with care because the currents can be strong.
Walk or drive across the bridges, take a taxi, or take the water taxi from Prince George Wharf.
A 14th-century Augustinian cloister from France, rebuilt in the Versailles Gardens in the 1960s.
December to April for dry weather; prices are lower from late April to mid-December, which includes hurricane season.
Offline maps are useful on the Out Islands, where signal can be patchy.
Free
English is the official language, so translation is rarely needed.
Free
Boat operators, guesthouses and taxi drivers often reply by WhatsApp.
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Planning a wider trip? Our Bahamas travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.