My husband and I are going to Atlantis, Paradise Island for the first time. Can someone tell me, the main attractions in Atlantis is like? For example, the Digs. Is there a charge? Any tips on local restaurants? Thanks.

If staying at Atlantis, there is no charge for any of the waterpark, even at the Cove.

Best restuarant tips: go off the property! Seriously, very overpriced. 1 dinner at Meas is worth it, but I would also check out Anthony's for breakfast and dinner-better food at 1/3 of the price. Also worth checking out Poop Deck. GreyCliff is probably the finest place to eat.

At the Harbour there is shopping and restaurants, there's a Johnny Rockets if you need a casual break from expensive dinning.

The water slides and pools are amazing.

A great day trip is on a fast boat to Northern Exumas-you feed sharks and stingrays, and have picnics on stunning beaches.

You can also swim with dolphins at a cay facing Atlantis-where they flimed Flipper and Splash.

A day trip by ferry to Harbour Island is terrific, you go on golf carts through the prettiest town you'll ever see, and Pink Sands Beach always ranks tops in the world in everybodies lists.

Thank you so much blamona for the info. I think we'll go ahead and book for a day trip at Harbour Island. It sounds wonderful from the way you described it. I did hear that eating at Atlantis is very expensive although we may try one restaurant and split a meal (we're not big eaters anyway). Thank you for the tip. Can't hardly wait to go; we're going next month on the 3rd.

fyi though, there are a lot of cruise ppl frequenting the resort. You may want to check which ships are in port when you are planning on being there.

By the way, can someone tell me if it's safe to take the taxi to and from the airport? Or even to get around town? Or is the hotel shuttle the best way?

And what about currency? Do I need to bring/exchange my US Dollar to Bahamian Dollar or is the US Dollar well accepted there?

Appreciate some response to this. Thanks.

Atlantis is huge and there is a shuttle to get you around the resort, or just walk.

You will LOVE Harbour Island, and will plan your next trip to go there once you see the place.

You can fly on Bahams Air, early am flight or take the fast ferry over in the am and take the boat back late in the day.

When you get to the island, hop in Reggie's cab and ask him for a tour of the island (and tell him Gail says HI!!!!) Reg knows everthing and everyone on island. By the way as you walk the island everyone passing will wave to you locals and tourists alike a local thing we all do.

There is a bit of shopping and I would ask you to stop by and buy something from Miss Sara's straw market. She is fast approaching 90 and her only income is from the straw market. Hers is the first stand off the dock or just ask for her.

Money, no you won't need to change to Bahamian dollars, you can use US money and you will get Bahamian and US money in change 1 to 1 exchange there.

Hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions on Harbour Island.

Thanks Gail, for your reply. I'll keep it in mind to make sure to look for Reggie and Miss Sara. I know I'll need a straw hat.

What about restaurants in town? Got any recommendation? We like almost everything and willing to try new stuff. And we're definitely going to try the locals, especially after hearing that it's very expensive to eat in Atlantis itself.

Take a taxi or local bus to Fish Fries for some authentic Bahamian food. It is where the locals go. You can get wonderful seafood and fish there but the best is the fresh conch salad...I dream about this dish. We're going in mid May...I can't wait! Enjoy!