San Salvador Island
Christopher Columbus made this tiny, 63-square-mile area, originally called "Guanahani," the most historically important island of The Bahamas. He made first landfall here in 1492. San Salvador Island still remains largely cloaked in its past amongst scattered Loyalists' plantation ruins and Indian relics. The population is 465.
In 1492 Christopher Columbus made his first landfall on San Salvador Island during his historic voyage to the New World. Just 12 miles long and five miles wide, this unique island is the exposed peak of a submerged mountain that reaches 15,000 feet to the ocean floor. Columbus noted in his journal, "The beauty of these islands surpasses that of any other and as much as the day surpasses the night in splendor."
The island was taken over by British buccaneer George Watling and he renamed San Salvador Island after himself (Watling Island). It wasn't until 1925 when the island went back to its original name.
Today, San Salvador is filled with monuments, ruins and shipwreck sites that directly reflect its rich history. Most visitors enjoy relaxing on the quiet beaches, scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing. Also, guests are welcome to tour the old plantation ruins, explore historical Lucayan Indian sites and climb up the old kerosene-operated lighthouse.
