One
of the larger exhibits, dubbed “The Predator Lagoon,” features a 100
foot long clear acrylic underwater tunnel passing through a tank of
sawfishes, sharks, stingrays, and barracudas. It’s very similar to the
one found at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The entrance is in
the middle of this giant sea star themed building that also houses a
restaurant.
Of
course, the marquee animal currently on display is the magnificent
Manta Ray. Atlantis is one of only four aquariums in the world to house
manta rays. Our tour guide said this ray is just a baby which was quite
surprising to hear because its wingspan was over ten feet across! The
pictures do not do it justice - this guy was huge! Mantas use the fins
on the side of their heads to help channel food into their mouths.
Unfortunately,
we did not get to see the dolphin and sea lion area, which is on the
opposite side of the resort. The dolphins are also kept in an open air
exhibit and for an exuberant fee you can swim and interact with them.
Our tour was only $30 a person and included transportation from the port
to the resort and back. I was under the impression the resort is broken
up into different areas requiring different tickets to get into but we
were pretty much free to walk around wherever we liked, including the
breathtaking beach with its amazing, crystal clear water.
Check out my video montage of the Atlantis resort and the manta ray below!
