Atlantis Aquarium ?

[sramille]

I just called and asked what it would cost to visit the aquarium. I was told that I can't do this unless I am a hotel guest.
Is this true?
We were thinking of visiting on our own rather than taking the excursion and it's really not economical for us to rent a room since there are only 2 adults and one toddler in our party.
Do we really have to take the excursion to see the aquarium?

 

[alexandrew]

No, you may visit "the Dig" without being a hotel guest....you need to purchase a wristband for $25.00 pp that will give you access...when we went last January, the place where you purchase the wristband was the kiosk in the casino with the blue globe above it.....However, I think I remember reading on a very recent thread that this location may have been moved, since they did not want so many kids in the casino....

 

[din]

Originally posted by alexandrew
..... a very recent thread that this location may have been moved, since they did not want so many kids in the casino....

I always wondered about that?? The kids can walk through but cannot watch the slot machines.

 

[bigsky]

Also, if you want access to the beach and slides, you can book a room at the Comfort Suites. This will give you access to EVERYTHING. Much cheaper than booking a room at the Atlantis as some people do that.

Laura

 

[Wishing on a star]

That's right!!! To little kids, those machines look like video games!!! They want to go up to them and start pulling knobs and pushing buttons!!!

We recently got back. When we went to the kiosk (after checking in at the Comfort), and were getting information... The lady there directed us to receive our writsbands outside at the Towel Hut... Of course DS was quick to head over to the nearest slot machine! and we were told that he was not allowed....

If I remember correctly, we went downstairs from the Kiosk in the Casino, Where the great Wall of Waters is at... and this is where the entrance to the Dig is located.

So, we actually went through the Dig (showing our info from the Comfort) before actually exiting outside and getting armbands....

Good question here on access to the Dig without being a guest!!!!

 

[chubbyjen]

DH and I went to THE DIG this past cruise (9/21). They don't charge the $25 fee after 5 or 5:30ish...so we just went in after that time.

 

[MarkRG]

Hi! You've mentioned my favorite place in Nassau! Here's a cut and paste of directions I wrote up a while ago. Enjoy!


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. None of the Disney excursions include this either, with the exception of one tour which gives limited access to one beach but none of the other water amenitites.

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!

 

[sramille]

Thanks for all of your input. I would hate to skip the excursion only to find out we coudln't do it on our own!