San Salvador

San Salvador, also known as Watling Island, has 63 square miles of superb beaches located in the eastern Bahamas. Even though many of the islands in the Bahamas claim Columbus landed on their island first, we believe that this may be true here as he probably landed here in 1492 on his first voyage. This island was once referred to as "Guanahani" which is a named given by the Arawak Indians who inhabited this land before Columbus' adventures. These Arawaks would eventually be known as the "Lucayans." Columbus loved this island so much that he renamed it to San Salvador meaning "Holy Saviour." Columbus is quoted as stating, "The beauty of these islands surpasses that of any other an d as much as the day surpasses the night in splendour." The island is now inhabited by a small population of just over 1000 (2000 census); they live primarily in small communities on the perimeter of the island. "Cockburn Town" is the largest town on the island and it is the seat of the local government and home to a public teacher's college. A tropical marine research facility is located on the north end of the island, now known as "The Gerace Research Center." The islands' main industry is tourism. With the many beautiful, sandy, pristine, and secluded beaches; unbelievable reef formations; spectacular oceanic views; and beautiful fade away blue colors of the water prepare yourself for visions that will be hard to come by elsewhere. San Salvador scuba diving and snorkeling can be done here at the various cays (High Cay, Middle Cay, Low Cay) where natural and man-made (wrecks) reefs are very abundant. Sailing, fishing, sunbathing, walking, exploring and just relaxing are available on this small island, which offers beauty, tranquility and solitude to all who come.