Predator Lagoon at Atlantis

Looking for a place to see some of the ocean’s most impressive creatures? Head to the Atlantis Aquarium Predator Lagoon. With sharks, rays, and other species on display, it’s the perfect place to get up close and personal with marine life. 

The Atlantis Aquarium Predator Lagoon houses a menagerie of different aquatic species, including sharks, rays, and much more. Between the animals you can see there and the prime access to other parts of the Atlantis Aquarium offered, a visit to the predator aquarium Atlantis is a worthwhile addition to any Bahamas vacation. 

Atlantis Aquarium Predator Lagoon: Visit Aquarium Atlantis

Aquarium Atlantis: A History

Originally known as Hog Island, Paradise Island began its transformation into what it is today in the 1960s. Around that time, developers and real estate moguls began constructing the hotels that populate the island. Atlantis Paradise Island itself opened its doors to the world in 1988.

Like the nearby Aquaventure Waterpark, Atlantis has renovated and expanded the Atlantis Aquarium and marine exhibits throughout the resort’s history. Today, the aquariums contain a whopping eight million gallons of water spread across 14 lagoons housing 50,000 aquatic animals. The Atlantis Aquarium Predator Lagoon is one of the most popular of these exhibits. 

The Atlantis Aquarium is home to tens of thousands of animals.

Atlantis Aquarium Predator Lagoon: What to See

Out of the tens of thousands of species housed at the Aquarium Atlantis, the Predator Lagoon showcases some of the most interesting types of marine life. If you’re planning a visit to the Atlantis Aquarium, here are some of the animals you can look forward to seeing. 

Fish

While you can see colorful and beautiful fish all across the resort’s many aquariums, the Atlantis Aquarium Predator Lagoon is home to some truly unique species. 

Sawfish have long and narrow nose extensions lined on either side with teeth. The pores on these extensions work like a sixth sense – they help the fish detect the electrical fields of their prey, making it possible for them to then hone in on them. Sadly, these remarkable creatures have seen their populations decline in recent years, making their presence at Predator Lagoon extra special. 

Barracudas are another fascinating predatory fish – one that relies on swift speed and a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth to catch and kill their prey. These toothy creatures can swim up to 36 mph to catch their meals. 

Expect to see large fish, sharks, and other animals as you walk through the Aquarium Atlantis.

Sharks

No predatory marine exhibit would be complete without sharks. At the Atlantis Aquarium Predator Lagoon, you can see seven species on display. These include:

• Caribbean reef sharks
• Great hammerhead sharks
• Nurse sharks
• Blacknose sharks
• Bonnethead sharks
• Pacific blacktip sharks
• Zebra sharks

Seeing these species above you, as you walk through tunnels, and beneath you, as you walk over bridges, is mesmerizing. Signs about the different animals also help you appreciate the essential role sharks play in the ecosystem! 

Rays 

The Atlantis Aquarium Predator Lagoon is also a great place to see and learn more about different types of rays. 

Eagle rays are some of the many animals on display at the Atlantis Aquarium Predator Lagoon.

From cownose stingrays (which you can also feed if you sign up for the Stingray Experience) to giant mantas, the resort houses several magnificent species of rays. Besides just showing them off to guests, Atlantis also works hard to protect them through research and conservation. 

Getting Around 

Rope bridges give you a top-down perspective of the animals.

One of the unique aspects of the Atlantis Aquarium Predator Lagoon (and the other resort aquariums) is that you can view the different exhibits from different perspectives.

Bridges crisscrossing above the surface of the water allow you to peer down at the animals and their habitats. On the other hand, the tunnels that snake their way through the exhibits offer a completely different experience – one that allows you to feel immersed in the animals’ ecosystems. 

Tunnels provide an immersive experience of the Atlantis Aquarium.

To get the most out of the aquariums, try to view each exhibit from every angle possible. 

Getting in 

Atlantis houses several resorts, including:

• The Cove
• The Royal
• The Coral at Atlantis
• The Reef
• Harborside Resort

Staying at any of these locations will give you access to all of the resort’s amenities, including the Atlantis Aquarium Predator Lagoon. If you’re on a budget, consider staying at the Atlantis Coral Towers. The Coral at Atlantis is one of the more affordable accommodation options.

Guests staying at the Atlantis Coral Towers or other on site accommodations can visit the aquariums for free.

Alternatively, if you’re staying offsite or are just in Nassau for a day, you can purchase a day pass to enjoy the resort. 

Day Pass rates (as of 2023) are:

• Adults (13 and older): $250
• Children (ages 4 to 12): $125

Out Travel Guide Suggests…

While staff members work at the Atlantis Aquarium Predator Lagoon and other nearby exhibits from 9 am to 5 pm, you can still visit outside of that timeframe. Doing so might yield fewer people and a surreal, illuminated experience! 

Don’t Limit Yourself to the Aquariums 

The Atlantis Aquarium Predator Lagoon is one of the many amazing aquariums housed at Atlantis. With sharks, fish, and other marine life, it’s a great place to visit regardless of whether you actually stay at the Atlantis Resort.

After touring the Atlantis Aquarium, make sure to visit Aquaventure Waterpark and other Paradise Island attractions, like Cabbage Beach. 

Check out our interactive Nassau map and some of our other travel guides to learn more about the different Nassau attractions!