I'm confused about Paradise Island...

[kellyb2000]

O.K. - is the DIG part of the excursion "discover atlantis" I really don't even know what the dig is. Looking on the Atlantis website, it looks like a big aquarium which is what the excursion sounds like. And if this is the case, this might be one excursion worth the money because doesn't it cost $25 to go through the dig? (the excursion is $33) and the excursion includes the ferry ride over and back (isn't that like $6/person/each way?) My sister was there 6 years ago and said it was free to walk around some aquarium but I don't know how much has changed since then. Will someone give me more info?

TIA!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Hello!

Yes, The Dig is the huge aquarium(s) at the Atlantis, themed as the discovered remnants of the lost city Atlantis. And, it is included in the Discover Atlantis excursion... You are right, the armband for the Dig is $25.00. I think it is maybe $19.00 for younger children?

Everyone highly recommends doing this on your own... Easy to take a taxi right from the ship to the front entrance to Atlantis... (I think taxis are $4.00pp) The excursion involves taking the often overcrowded ferry, and apparantly at LOT of walking. The ferry docks just down from the Atlantis, which means you have to walk up to the Atlantis... and be herded along with the excursion group.

Of course, the Atlantis also offers all those pools, slides, beaches, etc... To have full access to the Atlantis, you must rent a room. Either at the Atlantis (starts at $210.00 + taxes, fees, and additional for older kids considered as additional adult) or at the Comfort Suites across the street. (internet users rate online is $175.50) I recently found a promo rate at the Comfort for $136.50.

 

[kellyb2000]

another question - the taxi ride: is it $4/person each way or just $4/person and your original cabbie will come back to get you and take you back to the ship? That would be $20 more for a family of 5 if they charge you again. Which would make it cheaper to do the excursion.

We looked into renting a room but decided that would be way too much just to go swimming with some slides. I'd rather pay Disney and do one of their waterparks.

Our whole thing is that we want to see Atlantis up close while we're there. And call me cheap, but we want to do it for as little as possible.

 

[MrsG]

It is $4 pp EACH way so it is kind of expensive. However, when you see how LONGGGGGG you have to walk from where the ferry drops you off with NO SHADE in the heat of the day, it is worth every extra penny!

 

[kellyb2000]

So how long are we talking?! And is it on pavement? Right now I'm thinking that the walk wouldn't be that bad (and you might be laughing at me thinking, "just wait") but I walk about a mile at least 3 nights a week and 3 1/2 blocks up hill to my car from work.

Does anybody know a estimated distance from the ferry? I know I'm asking a lot but we have got to get cracking!!! I can reserve shore excursions in 10 days!!!

 

[carallard]

Kelly, it's a very long way and also over a busy bridge, the water taxi is priced round trip though.

 

[ashking]

Let me get this straight. If you get a room at the Comfort Inn you are allowed to use the pools at Atlantis?

 

[Wishing on a star]

Yes, the Comfort and the Atlantis have an arrangement... A room at the Comfort gets you full access and priviledges, even including room charges, that the guests at Atlantis enjoy.

 

[ashking]

Thank you so much for that information.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Hey Ashking,

If you have been checking other threads on Atlantis, then you may have read about the promotional rate available at the Comfort.

To get this rate, call the Comfort 1-800 number directly, and ask for the LGOLD rate, $136.50.

If this is not available for your date, ask for any other special rates! These special rates are not shown or advertised....

 

[ashking]

You are wonderful! Thank you so much for that information. I really appreciate it. Ashley

 

[MarkRG]

Hi the walk from where the ferry drops you off is about a block, possibly two, all uphill. The taxis are SO worth it!

The other negative of the excursion is the fast pace the tour sets. The last time we went which was on our own, we had 3 tour groups pass us up. It is true after the tour you can go and walk around on your own, but the resort is huge! You're going to be so beat after the tour you won't want to.

I don't know if this'll help or add to the confusion, but here is my cut and paste from what will ba an unofficial FAQ soon enough:

This note is for people who want to just go visit Atlantis and tour the Dig, a huge grouping of aquariums. If you want to use the water amenities(ANY water recreation on property), you need to get a room at Atlantis or Comfort Suites at Atlantis.

To just visit is very easy to do on your own. All you have to do is walk to the end of the dock, where there are numerous cabs(minivans) with a current rate of $4 per person to shuttle you over. There are also private limos if you prefer with competitve rates.

Where they drop you off at Atlantis is where they will pick you up to return to the dock. At this point you have access to the casino, the shops, the main building of the resort.

To get access to the Dig and all the resort, simply go to the center of the Casino to a kiosk with a blue globe over it.

Wristbands for access to the rest are $25 for adults, $19 for kids 4-12, Under 4 free. This is not for access to the water amenities, as I said above you have to get a room for that.

They will give you maps of the Dig/resort and such at that point. You're now on your own to explore the resort at your own pace. The Dig is in sections spread over the resort and it is a great deal of walking. But definitely worth it. Enjoy!

I also posted the above mentioned map with info here:
(click here) nassau excursion or not?