Paradise IslandParadise Island at a Glance
About Paradise Island
Paradise Island is a small, developed island immediately adjacent to Nassau in New Providence, The Bahamas, known for its concentration of hotels, marinas and beach resorts including the Atlantis complex.
The island’s main draws are resort amenities and beaches. The northern shoreline is lined with hotel properties, restaurants and a marina village offering shopping and boat charters. The central resort complex includes a large hotel, marine exhibits, pools and a water-park style attraction alongside nightlife and a casino.
Recreational boating and beach use are major reasons people visit. The island has several public access points and beach stretches used for swimming and water sports, plus charter departures for nearby cays and snorkel sites.
Long known historically as Hog Island, the island was developed in the 20th century into a tourism and resort destination; large-scale resort construction in the late 20th century established its modern appearance and facilities.
Paradise Island sits immediately off the northeastern shore of New Providence, separated from downtown Nassau by a narrow channel and connected by bridges. The island faces the Atlantic side of the Bahamas archipelago and is reached from Nassau by road or local boat services.
- Access: Two vehicle bridges link the island directly to downtown Nassau, making access from the capital straightforward by car or taxi.
- Beaches and access: A mix of public beaches and private resort beaches means swimming spots vary by crowd and facilities; Cabbage Beach is the island’s best-known public stretch.
What to See#
- Marina Village / Resort core: Located on the island’s north shore, this resort complex includes a marina, shopping and dining at a pedestrian leisure area adjacent to hotel facilities and a casino.
- Cabbage Beach: A long stretch of white sand popular for sunbathing and swimming, lying on the island’s northeastern shoreline and accessible from multiple hotels and public access points.
- Atlantis resort: A large integrated resort with aquariums, pools, a waterpark and a casino that dominates the island’s tourism infrastructure.
Best Time to Visit Paradise Island
Paradise Island is at its best in the dry season (November-April) for sun and calmer weather; hurricane season (Jun-Nov) carries greater storm risk.
Weather & Climate near Paradise Island
Tropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 17°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1254 mm/year), wettest in June.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 17° - 26° | 22° | 42 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 17° - 27° | 22° | 47 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 18° - 28° | 23° | 49 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 20° - 29° | 24° | 55 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 22° - 31° | 26° | 120 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 24° - 31° | 28° | 190 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 24° - 33° | 28° | 130 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 24° - 33° | 29° | 175 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 24° - 32° | 28° | 170 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 22° - 31° | 26° | 167 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 20° - 29° | 25° | 69 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 18° - 27° | 23° | 40 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Paradise Island
Paradise Island is directly connected to downtown Nassau on New Providence by road bridges, so you reach it by driving across from Nassau (a short 5-15 minute drive from downtown depending on traffic). The island is accessed via the bridges off Bay Street/Paradise Island Drive from central Nassau.
From Lynden Pindling International Airport (Nassau) it is typically a 15-25 minute taxi drive to Paradise Island; local taxis and tour operators also run frequent transfers between Nassau and the island.
Tips for Visiting Paradise Island
- Avoid the peak midday window when cruise ships dock in Nassau; visit Paradise Island early morning or later afternoon for quieter public areas, better beach space, and clearer photos of the Atlantis complex.
- If you're not an Atlantis guest, check day-pass policies in advance - parts of the resort are restricted to guests and event holders, while the bridge from Nassau gives free access to public marina areas and some shops.
- Seek out the island's public north-shore beaches and local eateries rather than only sticking to the resort zone; many visitors miss accessible public waterfronts a short walk from the main resort developments.