Harborside at Atlantis Resort Overview: Villa Types, Transportation, Dining & More
Vacationing at the Harborside Resort at Atlantis is a unique timeshare experience! In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about planning a vacation at this beautiful resort.
Nassau, Bahamas Overview
Harborside is located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, a small island just across the toll bridge from New Providence Island and Nassau. The Bahamian Islands are in the Eastern Time Zone (EST), making them very accessible to travelers coming from the East Coast.
The Bahamian Dollar (BSD)
The currency is the Bahamian dollar or BSD. The US dollar is accepted everywhere, although you may receive a change in Bahamian money after making a purchase. The Bahamian dollar is pegged to the US dollar, so its value is equal. Banks and ATMs are plentiful in the resort area, and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Harborside will provide change and smaller bills for $100.00 per day.
A Vistana Signature Network Resort
Harborside is a Vistana Signature Network timeshare resort, the only timeshare in the massive Atlantis resort that includes full access to (almost) all Atlantis has to offer. The only area that can be excluded from Harborside guests is the private beach and pool at the far end of Atlantis, known as “The Cove,” which is exclusively reserved for guests staying at the Cove Tower.
Villa Types
The five Villa sizes are one bedroom, two bedroom, two bedroom lock off, three bedroom, and three bedroom lock off, which are pretty spacious and comfortable.
Lock off units are two or three bedroom units that can be “locked off” into two separate villas. One side of the two bedroom lockoff is approximately 900 square feet, and the other is about 505 square feet, with a fully functional kitchenette. Each villa, when “locked off,” has its own private entrance.
Details about each villa type, complete with floor plans, are shown below.
One Bedroom Villa (aka “Deluxe” or “Smaller” one bedroom)
The one bedroom villa is the smaller side of a two bedroom lock-off villa.
One Bedroom Premium Villa
One bedroom premium villas are the larger side of a 2 bedroom lock-off villa.
Two Bedroom Villa
Two Bedroom Lockoff Villa
Three Bedroom Lockoff Villa
Each Villa is fully furnished. Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, and soap) are provided and replenished during the midweek cleaning, which is included with your rental week. The kitchens are equipped with everything needed to cook family meals or entertain guests.
Dishwasher powder and liquid dish soap are provided. One pot of complimentary coffee is provided, so bring or buy extra round #4 filters and coffee if you love your coffee in the morning! There are no condiments, such as salt or pepper. Harborside does not provide gas grills. Water is safe to drink but not great tasting (water bottles with a built-in filter are very handy to bring).
Transportation
This section will cover transportation to, from, and around the islands. Whether flying in or moving around the Bahamas, there are many options for getting to where you need to go.
Flights to the Bahamas
Flights into Nassau Airport (NAS) are provided by approximately twenty different airlines, including but not limited to:
- Air Canada
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- American Eagle
- Bahamas Air
- British Airways
- Delta Air Lines
- JetBlue Airways
- Pineapple Air
- Southern Air Charter
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- WestJet
Getting to the Resort from the Nassau Airport
Transportation from the Nassau Airport by taxi (usually passenger vans or SUVs) to the Harborside resort costs approximately $60-75 each way, excluding a tip. The trip takes about 20-40 minutes, depending on the traffic. Taxis are plentiful at the airport and are regulated by the Bahamian Government. Verify the price with the driver first, so there are no surprises. Pre-arranged taxi service is also available through the Concierge or online.
Taxis and limos will stop at grocery and liquor stores so you can stock up before arriving, but remember that check-in time is 4 PM, and Harborside does not have facilities to store perishables.
Shuttle Bus to Grocery Store
A shuttle bus takes guests from the Harborside parking lot in front of the lobby to a grocery store with a nice selection of fresh meats, dairy, and most common grocery items at reasonable prices on local, non-brand-name items. Upon return, the shuttle driver will stop at a liquor store if requested and then drive you to your Villa building (or the bell staff will help you with your bags). There is a small fee for the shuttle service – currently $10 round trip.
Rental Cars in the Bahamas
Rental cars are also available at the Nassau Airport through companies such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Dollar. If you plan to rent a car, ensure you have international insurance coverage! Check with your car insurance provider or credit card company, or choose the insurance option with the rental company.
Driving is on the left or opposite of the US! Parking at Harborside is free, but parking at the Atlantis Resort costs $20 per day for valet.
Water Taxis from Paradise Island
A water taxi from Paradise Island, just across the street from Harborside, goes to Nassau for restaurants and shopping for duty-free jewelry or at the renovated “Straw Market” for local crafts and souvenirs. Each way costs $4.00 per person plus an optional tip for the self-employed “tour guide” onboard, who can be informative and entertaining. The water taxi leaves when full, not according to a schedule!
Bus Transportation
Bus lines also leave Nassau frequently but do not have a set schedule either – the bus does not leave until it is complete and costs only $2.90 for regular fare. This is a great way to inexpensively go sightseeing on the island, but if you have a reservation or are attending “High Tea” at the Governor’s Mansion, you might want to take a taxi!
Harborside to Atlantis Shuttle
A free navy blue and white Harborside logo shuttle takes you to and from the different Tower areas of Atlantis every 5 minutes; there is never much of a wait. The gray Atlantis logo shuttles are also available to all guests and run frequently between the four entrance towers.
The walk from Harborside to Atlantis takes only about 5-10 minutes. One walking route takes you by the scenic marina, while the street route will take you through a shopping/restaurant area.
Harborside Amenities
Harborside Resort at Atlantis Resort Map – Red Timeshares’ services are not endorsed by or affiliated in any way with Marriott International, Inc., any of its related companies, or any of its properties or licensees.
Aside from Atlantis, the Harborside Resort has a lot to offer and has recently been updated.
Zero-Entry Free-Form Pool
The 2013 refurbishment included a large pool with a beach entry for the kids and a fun shower for them to cool off under. You can request extra towel cards when you check-in.
The building’s exteriors and interiors have been freshly painted. Adjacent to the renovated pool and villas, there is a shuffleboard court, table tennis, pool table, and fitness center.
Whirlpool Spa
Following a day filled with the excitement of Atlantis, poolside enjoyment, or island exploration, the whirlpool spa is a comforting sanctuary for relaxation.
Kiddie Pool
The Kiddie Pool is ideal for children, featuring a secure, shallow area perfect for swimmers of all ages to have fun. Toddler and child-sized life vests are provided at the pool, as are beach towels, which require a room key and room number.
Resort Activities
A Concierge desk is in the lobby where you can book excursions or pick up a daily schedule of events. The daily schedule is also available online at https://www.atlantisbahamas.com/events or on the Atlantis Mobile App, which is available on iOS and Android. There are different poolside games and events for all ages to participate in each day.
Internet and Business Services
Harborside provides free Internet service on your personal devices or using the two desktop computers in the lobby. Four more computer stations in the Coral Towers building in Atlantis also provide free internet but are subject to availability. Printers are also available. The Atlantis Resort has complete business services for a fee.
A fee for wireless Internet that works in your villa is $21.95 per day for up to 4 devices. Users of many leading U.S. wireless service providers report that cellular coverage works well throughout the Atlantis Resort. If your cell provider doesn’t offer international service, it is also possible to purchase a local eSIM, or physical SIM card, that offers unlimited data for less than $25. All internet usage and pricing are subject to change. As of the date of this article, the following prices are in place, to which A Value Added Tax (VAT) will be added.
- 24 hours: $21.95
- 48 hours: $43.90
- 120 hours: $109.75
- 72 hours: $65.85
- 96 hours: $87.80
- 144 hours: $131.70
- 168 hours: $153.65
Other Amenities
- Controlled-access gates
- Tropical courtyards
- Shuffleboard court
- Complimentary shuttle
- Outdoor table tennis
- Fitness center
- Sundries store
Atlantis Amenities
Atlantis is a huge 141-acre resort that can be anything you want it to be! You will need to get new wristbands each day from the Harborside pool attendant, and everyone who needs one must be present, as the towel attendant will put them on your wrist.
If you wait to get wristbands in Atlantis at the towel huts, you must have a room key. Once you experience the resort’s size, you must avoid returning to get a key!
Atlantis Casino
There is a very nice casino at the Casino Tower – easy to remember! Many activities are fee-based, but plenty of included activities do not cost extra.
Aquaventure
Your admission wristband includes the Water Park Atlantis, known for its 11 pools, 20 swimming areas, and jacuzzi tubs. There are 18 water slides for heart-stopping thrills, including two that will take you through a live shark tank! The sheer drop of the “Leap of Faith” Mayan pyramid slide is not for everyone! The mile-long lazy river called “The Current” is anything but lazy, with rapids, slides, and other surprises.
A milder, shorter (1/4 mile) lazy river is outside of the Beach Tower—perfect for younger children who will also love the Mayan-themed “Splasher” water playground. Inner tubes and life vests are provided for children’s use at all main water entry points. Some slides are age and/or height-limited.
The Dig
Also included free is “The Digs” in the Atlantis Marine Habitat – an aquarium of marine life exhibits portraying ancient Atlantis below the Casino area. This is a world-class marine life exhibit. “The Lagoon” is also part of the Marine Habitat and is free for guests to use for snorkeling and other water activities. Equipment is available for rent to use in “The “Lagoon.” Entrance to “Dolphin Cay” is also included. The dolphins can be observed from the shore and picnic areas. (Interactive Dolphin activities are fee-based.)
Beaches
Three crystal-clear, turquoise beaches and chairs are accessible to all guests, and food and bar services are available. The public beach offers fee-based water activities that are not sanctioned by Atlantis.
Sports Activities
At the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, guests have the opportunity to engage in a variety of sports activities. They’ve got volleyball and soccer if you’re into team sports. There’s a 5K course that takes you around the Atlantis waterscape for a scenic run or walk if you’re not up to running. It’s definitely worth checking out if you find yourself there.
Even a rock climbing wall with 12 climbing surfaces is available to participants over 6. Waivers must be signed, but guests aged 13 and above do not need a parent present.
Sea Turtle and Sting Ray Feedings
Kids of all ages will enjoy the Sea Turtle and Sting Ray feedings. Food is provided to feed these incredible creatures every day, and there is an opportunity to safely touch the sting rays while feeding them!
Other feedings can be observed in different areas of the Marine Habitat. Feeding times are on the printed activity schedule from the Concierge, Atlantis App, or website each day and begin promptly, so be sure to arrive on time, or the food will be gone. The turtle and sting ray feedings are a little walk from the shuttle drop-off, so you can make extra time to arrive at the Beach Tower on time. Carry a map and ask, ask, ask!
Parades
Check the “Junkanoo” schedule for a local celebration parade each night. A larger, longer parade happens on the weekends. It is a festive island experience with music and bright costumes. It occurs at the outdoor shopping area of Atlantis, which is a short walk from the Harborside lobby. It gets pretty crowded during the high season, so be early for a seat.
Atlantis Movie Theater
At the end of the long day, the Atlantis Movie Theater, an actual movie theater with a great sound system, shows 3 first-run movies each evening beginning at around 6 pm for free! The first movie is G-rated for kids and families, the second is PG-13, and the last film is usually R-rated. A concession stand is available for popcorn, candy, hot dogs, and other movie snacks and drinks. The print schedule from the concierge will include the daily movie schedule or check the app or website each day. The theater is at the Convention Center building.
Navigating Around Atlantis
Be sure to get a map of Atlantis to study and become familiar with – ask questions before tackling the massive resort for the first time!
It can be overwhelming on the first day, and familiarity with the basic layout could save lots of walking and confusion. Basic knowledge of the four Atlantis Tower shuttle stops and what is near each one will be very useful. The Atlantis employees are beneficial and willing to help you find your way as they are familiar with the “I am lost” look. On the second day, you will be a pro at navigating the different shuttles and areas!
Fee-Based Activities
The Harborside Concierge can assist you in booking other activities at the Resort and elsewhere. The Atlantis website showcases events and numerous activities.
Crush Teen Nightclub
For teenagers and Tweens, there is the Atlantis Club “Crush.” Tweens ages 9-13 can attend “Crush” from 4 to 8 p.m. daily. From 8:30 to midnight, Teens aged 13-17 take over the “Crush.” No Adults are allowed, but activities include the internet, games, music, dancing, snacks, and soft drinks all night with a strict code of conduct chaperoning. This is a very popular activity.
Kid’s Activities
Babysitting and day camp programs are available for toddlers and above. Interactive games seem to keep the 6-12 crowd hooked. The younger ones, like 3-5 years old, have this Imagination Station that’s perfect for them. Plus, they throw in movie time and snacks.
Dolphin Cay
Interactive Dolphin adventures and other interactive experiences with marine life in the aquatic habitat are available. Whenever you dive into a Marine Adventure or check out anything Dolphin Cay has to offer, you’re helping out the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, a non-profit about saving coral reefs and ocean critters.
Exuma Cay’s Powerboat Excursion
Exuma Cay’s Powerboat excursion is highly recommended. It lasts almost all day and includes snacks, lunch, and an open bar. You can snorkel, experience a live shark and sting ray show, feed iguanas, and ride a boat over beautiful, crystal-clear water. This is a memory-making excursion!
Too Many Activities to Name
Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas is a treasure trove of activities for every type of traveler—honestly, there are too many to name in this article! Whether you’re looking for anything from cooking classes to a visit to the Speedway, there’s never a shortage of activities to make your vacation both enjoyable and impactful. A full list of activities can be found on the Atlantis website.
Restaurants & Food
There is a wide variety of restaurants on the Atlantis grounds, ranging in price from pricey gourmet Japanese or French restaurants to poolside kiosks that serve very affordable sandwiches and salads.
The Point
While enjoying the resort, poolside food and bar service are also available during the day. A nice, moderately priced restaurant, “The Point,” by the Harborside pool, serves breakfast, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, and salads. It is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is located near the pool on the harbor with great views of Nassau, the bridge, yachts, and cruise ships. Outside and covered tables are available.
Also, if you’re heading to the pool or beach for the day, many families bring coolers full of food and drinks. Lockers and cabanas with refrigerators are available for rent.
Restaurants at Atlantis Resort
Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas offers a dining experience as diverse and exciting as its activities. Whether you’re in the mood for gourmet meals prepared by world-renowned chefs or casual dining spots where you can grab a quick bite, Atlantis has it all.
Seafood lovers will delight in fresh catches at oceanside restaurants, while those craving international flavors can explore Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines. There are plenty of kid-friendly options for families, and fine dining with breathtaking views awaits those seeking a romantic evening.
Each restaurant promises delicious meals and an ambiance that complements the resort’s luxurious setting.
A Word on Food Plans
Atlantis offers a food plan similar to an all-inclusive plan on two levels. It is pricey but includes many high-end restaurants, and it may be convenient for many vacationers. Grocery shopping is better for most families who want to take advantage of the great kitchens and limit restaurant meals. The poolside food is very reasonable—great for lunch if you don’t have a cooler to bring food in or don’t want to walk back to your Villa.
Dining in Nassau
Nassau has some good, moderately priced restaurants, but the landmark area is known as “Fish Fry” for local food and vendors. Taxis are always available to take you to and from Fish Fry, or you can take a bus from Nassau for a small fee.
Twin Brothers
A favorite local place is Twin Brothers. It also has a smaller and slightly less expensive location at the end of the bridge that leaves Paradise Island. It is a nice scenic walk over the toll bridge. Other small restaurants are lined up alongside Twin Brothers. You will see lots of locals in this area.
Other Popular Dining Locations
- A short taxi ride is “The Poop Deck,” which has excellent seafood but is pricey.
- For doughnut lovers, Dunkin’ Donuts has a location across the street from Harborside.
- Many chain restaurants (Outback, Johnny Rockets, and Chili’s) can also be found.
- We like Virgil’s Barbeque because of their family-style dining.
- Murray’s Deli is good and serves enough food for two people to share.
- The pizza place near the Marina is excellent for takeout pizza (a bit pricey but it is convenient for quick or late snacks).
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores are modern and well-stocked. Take the morning shuttle or taxi to stock up. A food service (with good reviews) is available throughout the resort, allowing you to arrive at a fully stocked refrigerator and pantry.
You won’t need to leave Atlantis for ice cream, candy, burgers, Italian, Chinese, seafood, or any type of food you desire—just be prepared to pay a premium when dining at the resort.
Entertainment & Events
Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas is a hotspot for entertainment, offering an ever-changing lineup of events and concerts that cater to all tastes.
Many well-known standup comedians can be seen at the Joker’s Wild Comedy Club. Live music and dancing happen every night at the Atlantis clubs. Local musicians play traditional and non-traditional instruments throughout the property.
Various concerts, golf tournaments, college basketball competitions, and high-profile concerts such as Christina Aguilera and Janet Jackson are some events offered throughout the year. Dates and event listings are on the Atlantis website.
Whether you’re into high-energy performances, soaking in local culture, or enjoying a laid-back evening with family, Atlantis keeps the vibe lively and the entertainment rolling.
Need More Information?
For a wealth of information, peruse the atlantisbahamas.com and Marriott websites, read advice on tripadvisor.com, and download the Atlantis App.
Atlantis has endless activities—too numerous to mention. We have highlighted some of our experiences and the highlights that bring people back year after year. Please contact us if you have any questions about planning your next vacation at this fabulous resort.
