Bahamas: Tips for Atlantis with Kids

Here is the latest in our continuing series on visiting the Bahamas! Enjoy these travel tips for hitting the island with your children.

Taxi and Shuttle Drivers

We found that getting a taxi was cheaper than a shuttle to Atlantis. You may want to check into this for yourself, it will depend on where you are staying and how many are in your party. Either way, use that driver as a resource! They are more than happy to talk your ear off about the island, pointing out the hot spots and offering travel tips. On the way in, our driver offered to stop at the grocery store so we could pick up snacks for the kids. We definitely should have taken him up on it! See second tip below.

Grocery Store

After paying some seriously inflated prices for kid food and drinks the first day, we took a taxi to a grocery store and picked up a few essentials. We paid $1 for one liter bottles of water that were $10 poolside, and less than $10 for cereal (the kind that comes in its own disposable bowl) and a container of shelf-stable milk. We also grabbed a few snack foods for the children and some juice boxes for those in-between times.

Food Plan

If you plan to eat at the resort, the food plans really are a good idea. You’re on vacation, you don’t want to be stressing about prices! (And the prices are something else…) Food plans allow you to take care of the expense in advance. Word of caution, though -- the plans do not include drinks or gratuity.

Stay On Resort

Honestly, there’s not much to see in Nassau -– if you want to do a quick tour, do it on the way to or from the airport. A few hours to check out the sights will be plenty. Plus we found that we didn't really save much (if any) money by going off-site to eat. You're better off purchasing the food plan and enjoying all the resort has to offer, instead.

Sun Screen

Don't forget to apply and re-apply. And don't just concentrate on the kids -- mom and dad need protection in those intense rays, too!

Island Time

Be sure to check the hours on activities you want to check out. Things (like the water park) close earlier than you may think. It seemed a bit counter-intuitive to us to not really be able to avoid the heat of the day by going in the evening, but most outdoor activities were closed by 7.

Plan Down Time

The Atlantis resort has a LOT to offer for family members of all ages, and it is easy to get carried away and want to be everywhere, doing everything. Be sure to schedule down time into your day, especially if you are traveling with small children.

Adult Time

While you're at it, consider taking advantage of that awesome childcare and having some grownup time on the island! There's a casino, night club, and lots of other adults only spots to check out.

Pack Light

The resort provides life jackets for the little ones and towels at the pool - no need to tote them along!

Sun Screen

Did I mention to reapply that sun screen? Seriously, I meant it!

More on Taxi Drivers

Nassau is a small place with an extremely high unemployment rate, and people are definitely working to take care of each other. You can't really blame them, right? But be aware -- you are likely to pay a little more if you see the island with a driver rather than on your own. We were happy to do it that way, but it's nice to be aware in advance! (Example -- seeing Fort Charlotte is free, but our taxi driver walked us up to the gates and set us up with a tour, which cost us $5 an adult. He also brought us to specific restaurants and street vendors.)

What are your best tips for traveling to Atlantis with children? We'd love to hear. Please share them in the comments.

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