When one thinks of Atlantis, sustainability probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Words and images associated with adventure, relaxation, and fun probably do, and rightly so. Pristine clear blue water, powdery white sand, and a lively vibe await. Yet, looking at the image above you can instantly observe, in one snapshot, the immense property size. You might begin to contemplate the exorbitant amounts of food waste, excessive use of power, and hundreds of thousands of plastic water bottles too… we will get to these points shortly. One could likely conclude, that this resort is most likely, not an environmentally friendly choice at all. However, never judge a book by its cover.
In 2005, Atlantis founded one of the most extensive nonprofit marine conservation projects globally, the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation. This foundation helps to support, protect, and grow sea species and their extraordinary habitats throughout The Bahamas and surrounding Caribbean seas. Atlantis supports the foundation through its marine mammal interaction programs.
Atlantis’ marine program was developed in response to the rescue effort of dolphins that would be necessary in preparation for Hurricane Katrina. When it was discovered the 17 dolphins residing at Marine Life Oceanarium in Gulfport, Mississippi would need to be evacuated, planning began. However, only a few could be rescued in time and those were immediately taken to various facilities throughout the US to protect them from the hurricane. The other 8 were washed out into the gulf and returned after the storm, looking for food and shelter. Knowing these dolphins would not be able to survive the wild, after being habituated at a facility for most or all of their lives, Atlantis stepped in. The dolphins were safely flown to the Bahamas and held in a habitat in the Nassau Harbor, while their permanent home, Dolphin Cay at Atlantis, was being built. Today Dolphin Cay is one of the largest and most sophisticated man-made dolphin habitats in the world and helps to fund the ABPF.
Becoming aware of this extraordinary program, Atlantis became of immediate interest. Before visiting Dolphin Cay, extensive research was conducted to learn more about the facility and confirm exceptional animal welfare was in place. While visiting in person it was further concluded, the dolphins were being cared for properly. The various programs offered at Dolphin Cay provide the dolphins with the necessary daily stimulation they need and serve as education and entertainment for guests. The animals are interacted with in a loving and nurturing way, for appropriate periods throughout the day, with plenty of rest in between. They are well-fed and regularly evaluated at the research and medical operation on-site, where their health and medical needs are managed. Although captivated by the animals, we were equally intrigued by the quality of care received by the animals and the incredible work this program supports.
A portion of every marine interaction at Dolphin Cay, helps fund The ABPF, for marine ecosystem research, education, and outreach. As a result, ABPF in partnership with The Bahamas National Trust and The Nature Conservancy, has increased the protected marine area on the west side of Andros from 185,000 acres to 1.4 million acres, where endangered marine life and nursery grounds now thrive. Within this protected ecosystem, coral reefs and endangered species are flourishing. The ABPF also helps rehabilitate injured animals, in their state-of-the-art facility on the property, where they quarantine these animals, and then treat them as they continue to recover, before releasing them back into their natural environment. Other eco aspects at the resort include coral reef and mangrove regeneration, where both species are being grown throughout the property for future transplantation outside the resort in needed areas. Mangrove forests typically grow along coastlines in many Caribbean locations and have an outrageous capacity to store carbon. Studies show they can store up to 4 times more carbon than most other tropical forests around the world. Often these mangroves are cleared to build new resort properties, beaches, marinas, and entertainment venues. Atlantis is helping to combat this by replenishing these ecosystems.
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Atlantis Paradise Island
+1 (954) 809-2100
One Casino Drive, Paradise Island, The Bahamas
reservations@atlantisparadise.com
Now back to those plastic water bottles! For every guest visiting Atlantis, a refillable aluminum water bottle is provided upon check-in to be used throughout their stay. Unlike plastic, aluminum can be recycled endlessly. Water refill stations are scattered throughout the property for easy grab-and-go hydration. Additionally, they have reef-safe sunscreens available for purchase at various shops on the property to further support ABPF.
Many other attributes make the property eco-friendly as well. In fact, it was found that the resort is quite humble in its advertising of these efforts. The word needs to get out, if not solely for their marine program alone, which is most certainly offsetting their carbon footprint in a big way. In addition, Atlantis further reduces its carbon footprint through its reusable programs. In addition to eliminating single-use plastic bottles, styrofoam containers, plastic utensils, and single-use plastic bags have been replaced. Also, balloons are not permitted on Atlantis’ property as part of their commitment to protect their marine habitats and wildlife. This keeps the animals safe and the ocean free of harmful debris. And their recycling program doesn’t stop with plastic. Their aluminum is recycled and the proceeds are reinvested in the community through the Cans 4 Kids nonprofit. Wood pallets are recycled and used for mulch, batteries are reconditioned into new batteries and their cooking oil is recycled into biodiesel. Energy-efficient equipment has been deployed throughout the property to ensure lights are turned off and air/heat controlled in vacant rooms. Lastly, Atlantis was the first in the Bahamas to install a Seabin, used to skim the water for macro and microplastics, debris, and microfibers from the Marina and they have reduced the use of chemicals in many operations, resulting in a healthier environment to support species diversity. Future sustainability efforts include a composting and food recycling initiative.
Rest assured you can feel good about your stay at Atlantis and if you want to reduce your footprint further… be sure to enjoy some time with those lovable dolphins!