The "A Visit To Atlantis" Story

As we entered the Atlantis Resort we were surrounded with sculptures.

It was an ordinary day.  Bought our day passes yesterday at the RIU concierge desk for today's exciting journey to the Atlantis Resort.  If you are a guest at the Atlantis you have access to all their adventures such as The Dig, the watermark, the aquariums, and the beaches.  But we chose the RIU because of the price and therefore had to purchase our $125 day pass.  

After getting our wristbands, our first stop was this pool.
Check out the shark fins on the right.  Royal Towers are
in the background behind the trees.

We are within walking distance so Carol and I as well as our traveling companions Jerry and Just Sue set out about 9:00 AM in bathing suits, sun glasses, hats, towels, cover ups and plenty of sunscreen.  Walked the two blocks to the front door of the Coral Towers building and wound our way to the desk where we would obtain our wristband for a day of fun.  

Carol, Jerry and Just Sue enter the aquarium.

We entered into the predator lagoon where we walked through a long clear runner and saw a variety of sharks, rays, and large fish as they swam past and over us.  The divers whose endless job is to keep the glass clean for the visual sightings of the fish would wave or give us a thumbs up when they saw a camera held in front of a face.  

Diver cleaning the window give me a wave.

Eventually we entered the Great Hall of Waters which is the amazing Royal Towers lobby that features eight majestic murals that tell the story of Atlantis from its glory days to final fall.  Here Carol and I climbed up on the royal chair for a scrapbook photo.  A trip down the stairs of the lobby led us to the re-creation of the excavation of the lost city of  Atlantis.  Tomorrow's story will take you through "The Dig".  

Carol and I in the Royal Chair.

After leaving this adventure we were in need of some nourish- ment and luckily, more like the resort planned it this way, we found a Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Stand.  After two $8.50 Popsicles, we were ready for more.  We checked our belongings in at the locker bank and headed to "The Current" which is a mile-long river journey you take on a plastic inter tube .  Over the 4-foot rolling waves, river rapids and mysterious caves we ventured for the next hour so so.  

The Current was an enjoyable hour of rapids and laughter.

Then it was time for "The Power Tower" which is a 120-ft. tower that is home to the twin Challenger Slides, the leap of faith and The Serpent Slide.  Carol, Sue and I challenged each other on the Challenger slide then the two girls and Jerry were ready for another round on The Current.  After the inter tubes wound their way through the rapids again, the girls gave it one more try, but this time trying the Serpent Slide with the tubes.  

The "Leap of Faith"

The last part of our Aquaventure was Carol and Sue's trip down the Leap of Faith.   Since they both wanted me to document their drop down the chute and through the shark tank, I offered to take the photos.  By then I had used all my energy for the day and was glad for a relaxing documentation of the Leap of Faith.  Day ended with an hour or so water time at Cove Beach where we left the warm waters of the Caribbean caress our ancient bodies back into shape.  About the only thing we didn't experience during our stay at the Atlantis Resort was a trip to the Casino.  After spending my allowance on a Popsicle I was just fine with that.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  PS - remember you can click on an image to enlarge it.  Check out a few more photos of our day.

Neat shot of the Royal Towers 

Entrance to The Current.  The tubes continue on even without someone to ride in them.  A constant flow of water helps keep the ride moving.  

A wristband for every day on the island.

Sign located next to the predator lagoon. 

Young boy admiring the fish.

The aquariums at the Atlantis were amazing.  Cost was no object.

Fish of all species and sizes filled the aquariums.

Even the decorated arches and posts were geared toward the sea.

One of the eight murals that adorn the Great Hall of Hall of Waters in the lobby of the Royal Towers.

A favorite!  Looking through the water of the aquarium you can see the Royal Towers.

This is the Challenger Slide.  I am on the left side of the photo coming down from the Power Tower which is also the starting point for the Leap of Faith and the Serpent Slide.