We are working on organizing a number of activities for AESC members and families. Some of these are already set, and others will be finalized as we are able to get details from our Bahamian conference/activity planners. Therefore, be aware that some of the costs listed in this form are just estimates. Where prices are firm, we will indicate that.
Use this PDF form to sign-up for any of the activities listed below. You DO NOT need to register again for events if you included them on your original registration form. Events that were included on the original registration materials are noted.
Planned for the first morning at Atlantis during the Spouses' Book Club, we are organizing a special "Dig Tour" for kids with a stingray feeding. Reflecting the tunnels and thoroughfares of the lost continent of Atlantis, The Dig features habitats for 100 venomous Indo-Pacific Ocean Lionfish, 500 piranhas, iridescent jellyfish and six-foot Moray Eels. Participants will get a "behind the myth" look at how Atlantis maintains its extensive marine life population, including an up close and personal view of sharks and a visit to the fish hospital. Older kids will have a chance to get in the water to feed the stingrays.
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 noon Cost: $45 per participant (included on original registration form)
Wednesday Morning - Spouse Book Club
This year's book club selection is The Astronaut's Wives Club by Lily Koppel. We'll also have the concierge stop by to brief spouses about the various amenities at Atlantis.
Approximate time: 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. No cost - Separate registration not required
For those interested, we are planning an afternoon at the resort's Dolphin Cay. Your registration includes an informal lunch. You can choose from optional additional activities such as a shallow water encounter with the dolphins (great for kids under 10), a deep water swim with the dolphins (age 10 and older, ability to swim required), and a sea lion encounter.
Built on 14-acres and with 6.7 million gallons of crystal clear seawater, Dolphin Cay is one of the largest and most sophisticated marine habitats and animal rescue-rehabilitation facilities anywhere in the world. In the Shallow Water Interaction at Dolphin Cay, wade in waist-deep waters for an up-close experience with our playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. In the deep-water swim, dive into the only experience in the world where you can snorkel and glide alongside a dolphin with your very own hand-held water scooter or swim side by side with swim fins experiencing their underwater world. The sea lion encounter allows you to come face-to-face with one of the resorts playful sea lions for the incredible opportunity to touch, hug and even kiss one of the world's most captivating marine animals.
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cost (all prices include lunch): Lunch-only (no optional activities) - $25 Shallow water swim - $115 Deep water swim - $157 Sea lions - $128
Wednesday Late Afternoon - Casino Gaming Class
Get the inside scoop on how to play in the casino, including Craps, Blackjack, Roulette and others.
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. No cost (included on original registration form)
Thursday Afternoon - AESC Tennis Tournament
Our annual tennis tournament will take place at the Atlantis courts. Round robin play assures everybody plenty of court time.
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Cost: $25 per participant (included on original registration form)
For the adventurous Club members, and with the help of Steve Dingeldein, we are organizing a two-tank dive through a local dive shop, Stuart Cove. Your first dive is a beautiful wall which, on average, begins at 40 feet (some deeper). Each dive site along the wall is different in its own way. Your divemaster leads the dives to 80 feet for 30 minutes, although there is flexibility concerning depth. The second dive is either a shallow reef or wreck. There are a number beautiful reefs each with different coral formations and fish life, or you may explore a 100 foot freighter in 50 feet of water; the famous James Bond wreck in 40 feet of water, or you may dive on the Cessna used in the filming of JAWS. All participants must be certified. Registration includes transportation from Atlantis to the doc. Divers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.
Time: 1:00 p.m. - ??? Cost: $140 per participant - includes equipment (except wetsuits); $92 if using your own gear
Friday Afternoon - Reef Snorkeling
Coral reefs are the oldest and most complex ecosystems on earth. Join the group for a 2½ hour snorkel excursion aboard a catamaran. Use of mast, fins and snorkel are included. All participants must be able to swim. Children under 4 are not permitted on the boats. Registration includes transportation from Atlantis to the dock.
Time: 1:00 p.m. - ??? Cost: $70 (age 18 and up); $50 under age 18
Saturday Morning – AESC Golf Outing
The usual Study Club Golf Outing is set for Saturday morning… tee-off around 7:30 a.m. on the Tom Weiskopf-designed Ocean Club Golf Course. Fee includes cart (with GPS…so Bob Gold doesn't get lost!)
Time: 7:30 a.m. start-time Cost: $185 (included on original registration form)
Saturday Morning - Deep Sea Fishing (half-day)
The Bahamas is well known as one of the great sportfishing destinations of the world with calm water most of the year and very little travel time to get to the fishing grounds. Less than a quarter mile off Nassau and Paradise Island on the north and west sides you are in 1,000 feet of water and 4 miles off you are fishing in 6,000 feet of water. Migratory fish include Marlin, Wahoo, Shartk, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Barracuda, Kinfish and Sailfish. All captains are well experience and are well-versed on the many different deep sea fishing styles. Registration includes transportation to the boat, as well as tackle.
Time: Early morning departure; return by around noon (details to be determined) Cost: $100 per person
Saturday Morning - Tour of Historic Nassau
This historic city tour will take the guest to key locations in Nassau. The morning begins with a journey through the architectural wonders of downtown Nassau, to Fort Fincastle, down The Queen's Staircase and then onto the largest fort in Nassau, Fort Charlotte. The tour also includes sites such as the Straw Market, Parliament House, Sir Milo Butler and Queen Victoria statues, and the Governor General House. You'll be picked up at Atlantis and returned to the hotel.
