Is Atlantis water park included with hotel stay?

Visiting Atlantis Water Park in the Bahamas Without Staying at the Resort

Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas is home to one of the largest and most exciting water parks in the world. Known as Aquaventure, this water park spans over 141 acres and features high-speed waterslides, a mile-long river ride, and pools filled with marine life.

While many guests enjoy exclusive access to Aquaventure as part of their Atlantis resort stay, it is possible for day visitors to experience the water park thrills as well. Here is what you need to know about visiting Aquaventure without staying at Atlantis.

Aquaventure Water Park Overview

Aquaventure contains over 20 million gallons of water and features slides that send riders through shark-filled lagoons, lazy rivers, and more. Highlights include:

• The Current: A mile-long river ride through rapids and tidal waves

• The Surge and The Drop: High-speed body slides

• The Abyss: A dramatic 50-foot near-vertical drop into darkness

• The Leap of Faith: A 60-foot nearly vertical drop that sends riders through a clear acrylic tunnel surrounded by sharks

• Splashers: A four-story interactive playground with slides, water cannons, and dump buckets

• Rapid River: A high-speed toboggan-style waterslide with waves and twists

In addition to the slides, Aquaventure has a long stretch of beach, 11 swimming areas, a family raft ride, and two hot tubs. Cabanas, dining, and shops are also available in the park.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Without Staying at Atlantis

Visiting Aquaventure for the day offers some advantages:

Pros

• Significant savings over the cost of an Atlantis room

• Avoid minimum night stays that come with Atlantis packages

• Opportunity to experience Aquaventure highlights in a single day

However, there are some downsides to keep in mind:

Cons

• No free access – must purchase day tickets

• Limited time to experience all attractions

• No access to other Atlantis amenities like casino, restaurants, beach

• Must find transportation to and from resort

• No Express passes to skip lines like Atlantis guests receive

Aquaventure Water Park Ticket Options

Day passes to Aquaventure offer access to the park during regular operating hours. Tickets can be purchased directly through Atlantis or various third-party sellers:

• Atlantis Day Pass: $179 ages 13+, $149 ages 4-12, free ages 3 and under

• Third Party Resellers: Variable pricing but often discounted to $100-$150 for adults

The Atlantis day pass is more expensive but provides certain bonuses like a free Dig photo, free inner tube rental, and one meal voucher. Reseller tickets offer savings but may have some restrictions.

When purchasing directly through Atlantis, you can add the following park extras:

• Guest cabana: Starting at $259

• Sea Lion Interaction: $79 ages 10+, $64 ages 4-9

• Animal Trainer Experience: $99 ages 10+, $79 ages 4-9

What‘s Included in an Aquaventure Day Pass?

The Aquaventure day pass grants access to:

• All waterslides, pools, rivers, and beaches

• The marine exhibits with shark and ray lagoons

• The beach at Cove Atlantis

• The Current lazy river

-11 swimming areas spread across the park

• Beach chairs and umbrellas

• Access to washrooms, changing areas, and lockers

• Free inner tubes

Some exclusions are the casino, hotel restaurants, and Dolphin Cay interactions that require add-on packages.

Tips for Visiting Aquaventure Water Park

To make the most of your single-day visit:

• Arrive early. The park opens at 9 AM, so get there right at opening to maximize your time.

• Apply waterproof sunscreen and reapply often. There is limited shade.

• Wear water shoes. Rough pavement and hot sand can burn feet.

• Pack snacks and refillable water bottles. Food inside is expensive. Hydration is key.

• Try thrill rides first. Lines get longer as the day goes on.

• Utilize locker rentals to secure your belongings while in the park.

• Check height requirements before waiting in long lines. Some slides have minimums.

• Ask staff for recommendations to experience the best rides and attractions for your group.

Getting to Aquaventure Without an Atlantis Stay

If not staying at Atlantis, you‘ll need to arrange transportation to the resort. Options include:

• Taxi: A 10-15 minute drive from Nassau or other Paradise Island hotels

• Rideshare: Apps like Uber are available on New Providence Island

• Shuttle: Some hotels and tour companies offer shuttles for a fee

• Public Bus: Cheap but involves multiple transfers

• Water taxi: Fun way to arrive but may limit your return options

Taxis and rideshares offer the quickest and easiest door-to-door transport. Confirm pricing in advance.

Parking at Aquaventure

Non-hotel guests can self-park at Atlantis in the Coral Towers Garage, located across from the Coral Towers lobby. Current rates are:

• 0 to 1 hour: $5

• 1 to 2 hours: $10

• 2 to 4 hours: $15

• All day: $20

Parking fees can be paid upon exit. Atlantis guests self-park for free.

Aquaventure Dress Code and Rules

Aquaventure enforces the following dress code and park rules:

• No outside food, beverages (including alcohol), coolers or picnic baskets

• No loose clothing, cut-off jeans or wetsuits

• Swimwear must be appropriate; no thongs

• No water guns, rafts, lifejackets or flotation devices

• No electronics like phones and cameras on rides

• Pregnant women, guests with heart conditions, back/neck issues, or recent surgeries may not ride

Following the rules helps maintain safety and a pleasant environment.

Ideal Ages and Heights for Aquaventure Rides

Some Aquaventure slides have height and age requirements:

• The Current: 42 inches minimum recommended

• Surge & Drop: 48 inches

• Challenger Slides: 48 inches

• The Falls: 60+ inches

• The Abyss: 64 inches

• The Drop: 64 inches

• The Leap of Faith: 64 inches

• The Serpent Slide: 64 inches

Have young children? The Splashers play area offers family fun for all ages and heights.

Luxury Cabana Rentals

Guests can rent luxury poolside cabanas for the day to relax in comfort. Cabanas start at $259 and include:

• Premium location beside a pool or beach

• Lounge chairs, tables, towels

• TV, ceiling fan, locker, and mini-fridge

• Fruit platter, bottle of wine (adults only)

• Dedicated attendant

• Exclusive access to Cabana bathrooms and showers

Upgrade options include amenities like massages, dining packages, special occasion add-ons and more.

Aquaventure Photography and Video Policy

Professional photography and videography are prohibited within Aquaventure. Guests can capture memories on rides using secure pockets or cases to house their devices. Park photographers are available for family photos.

Other Paradise Island Resorts With Water Park Access

Some other resorts on Paradise Island may offer packages with access or discounts to Aquaventure:

• Warwick Paradise Island – Some packages may include Aquaventure passes

• Paradise Island Beach Club – Usually offer around 15% discount on day passes

• Comfort Suites – Provides discounted day passes during high season

However, these deals are inconsistent so always check with the resort when booking. Only Atlantis guests get free and exclusive water park access.

How Atlantis Water Park Compares to Other Bahamas Parks

In terms of size and amenities, Aquaventure Atlantis dominates water parks in the Bahamas:

• 141 acres vs average of 5 to 15 acres

• 20 major waterslides vs average of 2 to 8 slides

• Freshwater and saltwater lagoons, shark habitats vs mostly basic pools

• Beach access, current river, and kids splash area vs limited offerings

The closest competitor is Aquaventure at The Cove Atlantis which offers many of the same attractions. Beyond Atlantis, most Bahamas water parks are much smaller in scope.

Recent Upgrades at Aquaventure

In 2020, Aquaventure invested $100 million into enhancements including:

• Renovated pool decks

• New dining spots like the High Tide Bar

• New experiences like sea lion, sloth, and flamingo interactions

• Technology upgrades like TapTu Play for interactive fun

• Beach improvements like new cabanas at the Cove

These upgrades aim to boost guest enjoyment and modernize park offerings.

Coming Soon to Aquaventure

Aquaventure plans to open a new 2-acre addition in 2024 called Atlantis Adventures. New highlights will include:

• A duelling water coaster with high speeds and near collisions

• A world‘s first dual drop capsule slide plummeting riders vertically

• A multisensory scavenger hunt experience utilizing augmented reality

• Expanded food, beverage, and retail locations

This new expansion shows the resort‘s commitment to pushing water park boundaries for the ultimate guest experience.

Ideal Trip Planning for Visiting Aquaventure

To fully experience all of Aquaventure‘s rides and attractions, 2 to 3 days is recommended. For those wishing to stay at Atlantis, popular packages are:

• 3 days/2 nights – Gives you a full day in the water park, a day to explore Atlantis amenities like the beach, casino and restaurants, plus the chance to visit Nassau or Paradise Island sights.

• 5 days/4 nights – With a full 3 days at Aquaventure, you can re-ride favorites, explore at a relaxing pace, and take breaks at your hotel. The extra nights also allow you to enjoy Atlantic resort amenities.

If only visiting Aquaventure for the day, the key is arriving very early to maximize your time.

Sample Aquaventure Itineraries

For Families:

• 9 AM – Arrive at opening and ride family raft ride

• 10 AM – Conquer some thrill slides like Leap of Faith before lines get long

• 12 PM – Break for kid-friendly lunch

• 1 PM – Spend afternoon in Splashers play area and pools

• 3 PM – Toddler nap time – parents relax on beach

• 5 PM – Visit marine exhibits before departure

For Couples:

• 9 AM – Lounge in beach cabana with breakfast

• 11 AM – Float along Current river

• 1 PM – Book a couples‘ cabana with spa services

• 3 PM – Ride high thrill slides and snap photos

• 5 PM – Sunset dinner at a restaurant like Seafire Steakhouse

For Groups:

• 9 AM – Split up to conquer different slides quickly

• 11 AM – Meet up for group raft rides

• 1 PM – Friendly competition at the Aqua Tropolis obstacle course

• 3 PM – Relax together in lounge chairs and chat

• 5 PM – Share laughs reminiscing about the day‘s adventures

Experience Aquaventure‘s Thrills Without the Hotel Price Tag

Aquaventure Atlantis offers spectacular waterslides, rivers, marine habitats, and more. While staying at the resort provides the greatest access and amenities, visiting the water park for the day offers a chance to enjoy these attractions at a lower cost.

Arriving first thing in the morning, using Express dining passes, and sticking to your must-do list will allow you to experience the best of Aquaventure within a single day. Just be sure to come prepared with the right gear, know the park policies, and consider upgrading to a cabana for added comfort. Enjoy this world-class Bahamas water park without breaking the bank by purchasing day passes instead of booking a full Atlantis stay.