Christopher Columbus' landfall on his first voyage, farthest to the east of The Islands of The Bahamas, and looking out to the Atlantic Ocean lies San Salvador, just 12 miles long and 5 miles wide. Home to miles of pristine and secluded beaches, an emerald blue sea of sparkling clarity and challenging reef and wreck dive sites, San Salvador is the ultimate escape for crewed yacht charters, divers, fishermen, yachtsmen and those who yearn to relax in a serene atmosphere. The island is actually the exposed peak of a submerged mountain that plunges 15,000 feet to the ocean floor.

The island's several name changes are a reflection of its deep historical past. The Lucayan Indians initially named the island "Guanahani". Then, in 1492, Columbus made his first landfall in the New World on the island. He named it San Salvador or "Holy Savior", which he noted in his travel journal and described it as "the beauty of these islands surpasses that of any other and as much as the day surpasses the night in splendor". Today, four separate monuments mark the exact spots where he came ashore, although it is generally regarded that he landed at Long Bay where a large stone cross stands. However, British Pirate Captain George Watling took over the island, making it his headquarters of the buccaneer and named it Watling Island after himself. The island retained this name until 1925 when it was then renamed San Salvador.

San Salvador is dotted with monuments, ruins and wreck sites, all illuminating its history. Besides lounging on secluded beaches, basking in sunshine and diving, snorkelling and fishing in clear waters, guests to the island enjoy touring the old plantation ruins, climbing to the top of the old kerosene-operated lighthouse and exploring the archaeological site of the Lucayan Indians.

Rum Cay is just ten miles long and five miles wide. The only settlement, Port Nelson, is home to the few inhabitants of the island. While rimmed with stunning beaches, Rum Cay remains one of the less developed islands of the archipelago, with very little in the way of tourist activities.

For Columbus enthusiasts, it is possible to organize a fully crewed yacht charter starting in Georgetown, Grand Exuma, that can cover the main anchorages he used and follow his route from San Salvador, to Long Island, Crooked Island, down to Cuba and subsequently across the North side of Hispaniola from where he returned to Spain. Call us to discuss and book a historical charter that covers these fascinating islands.