A Guide to Paradise Island, Bahamas

If you have been with me awhile, you know that Paradise Island, Bahamas, is one of my all time favorite places to visit. It lives up to its name and is pure paradise to me. I’ve been traveling to the island since I was eleven years old. Things have changed quite a bit over time but it still feels like vacation home.

I have written three blog posts about the Island. One is devoted to The Cloisters. You can read about this 14th century stone and garden in this post. I have taken the same photo for years now – it’s just too beautiful not to take a few more. I also took some flower photos by the Ocean Club for possible planter inspiration.

I also wrote about our James Bond fan favorites, located on both Paradise Island and New Providence. You can check that out in this post.

And the third post contains places to eat on the island (and over the bridge in Nassau).

**DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you click and purchase, I may receive some compensation. Thank you!

A Guide to Paradise Island

That brings me to this post. Here are some things to know…

Our flights always land at the International Airport on New Providence Island. This airport has come a long way from the barely air conditioned, get-off-the-plane-on-the-tarmac place it was in 1991. It now has air conditioning and a nice customs area. When we got off our plane, we went directly to the customs line (do not stop to use the restroom – there is one in the customs area) and went almost straight to the front of the line. We had a prearranged taxi driver (thanks, Mom & Dad!) but you can also catch a cab outside the baggage claim. It is about a 30 minute ride over the bridge on a light traffic day. The views are beautiful!

Paradise Island Hotels

We stay with my parents at their time share on Cabbage Beach. Other options include but probably aren’t limited to: Atlantis, RIU, Comfort Suites, and The Four Seasons Ocean Club (the stuff dreams are made of but unfortunately our pocketbooks aren’t). Raj and I usually run in the mornings from our place to Atlantis, up the bridge, down the bridge, and back to the villa. Sometimes, we cut our jogs short and grab a cup of Dunkin Donuts for a stroll back.

Paradise Island Activities

Our Michigan kids are very happy to unthaw with lots of pool and beach time. As the kids get older and go their separate ways after school with different activities and friends, it is so nice to see them hanging out on vacation (which is not to say that there weren’t plenty of sibling squabbles but scenes like this are what we will remember).

Almost daily, we walked down to the cove and the beach by the golf course to go tide pooling and shell hunting. We ended up purchasing a snorkel set and were amazed by all of the fish we could see.

An activity that we signed up for in advance (meaning 2 days before) was a snorkel half day trip to Rose Island through Flying Cloud. We took a catamaran out to the island to snorkel. There was gorgeous coral to explore and pretty fish to see. Having been on several day trips turned booze cruises throughout the years, I really appreciated that the staff served non alcoholic beverages only on the way out. After snorkeling was finished and everyone was settled back on the boat, Bahamas Mamas, Kalik light, etc were options for adults and dry snacks were provided. All of this was included in the price. We were pleased with this half day excursion and glad we signed up. We did wish that we would have practiced snorkeling with our kids prior to the trip so they were more comfortable with the breathing process (i.e., not coming up for air even though they had the snorkel in their mouths).

Another activity that was new for the kids this year was renting a jet ski. This was a nice half hour activity and we were able to switch riders (R drove) halfway through. They even gave us a few extra minutes so I could take a spin.

Other activities that were available included parasailing, banana boat rides, and full day excursions to Rose Island and/or Blue Lagoon. We have also gone into Nassau to the straw market in the past. This year, the kids bought their souvenirs in the little village by Atlantis. Atlantis has activities such as swimming with the dolphins and some water park features. I believe you can purchase a day pass to visit if you aren’t staying there (and then maybe you also need to pay extra for some of the activities).

Paradise Island/Nassau Eating

As I mentioned earlier, you can find my blog post about Where to Eat here. Our family also got Anthony’s to go this year and ate at our villa overlooking the water. We got a variety of sandwiches and a pizza. We liked it all!

R and I went out for our our traditional drink at Dune at the Ocean Club. It is expensive, but if you are looking for a nice night out on Paradise Island, this is it! My parents always look forward to Cafe Matisse in Nassau, so if you’re looking for a nice night out in town, add this to your list. It’s on mine for next time!

What to Pack

You really don’t need much for this beach vacation! We went in April. Sunscreen year round is a must and I’ve found this sunscreen for sensitive skin to work the best! We brought a spray sunscreen too (different brand) but it didn’t protect us from the sun as well. The other kids’ rub in sunscreen got in our eyes and made them water. I felt good about this sunscreen for both adults and kids. Plus, a bottle that turns color in UV rays to remind you is a fun bonus.

Three swimuits and coverups with long sleeves are also a must. Flip flops. Hats and sunglasses too. Some options are listed below. I either have them or they are similar.

I brought one long dress (I should have sized down) and one short dress. A pair of shorts (again, I should have sized down) and a couple V-necks. This pair of sandals did the trick.

What to Read

I brought The Golden Hour to read for this vacation. It is a historical fiction book (mixed with some steamy romance- lol!) that partly takes place in Nassau and Hog Island (now Paradise Island). I was so intrigued with the British royals component, the murder mystery, and World War II that I have added approximately five follow up books to my list. It was fun to read this book in one of the actual locations in which it took place. I could picture it all so clearly. This may be my new trend…. to read a book that takes place in my vacation spot while on said vacation.

What to Watch

Movies that I have watched that take place in Nassau/Paradise Island:

James Bond’s Casino Royale has scenes from the Ocean Club. This is obviously an adults only move to view before or after your trip. Never Say Never Again, Thunderball, and The Spy Who Loved Me were also shot in the Bahamas.

My Father the Hero (via 1994) also takes place on Paradise Island. If I am remembering correctly, the island looks a little different now but some things are the same. Disclosure: I have not watched this movie since I was much younger.

Have a Great Week!