[ad_1] A paradise in the Bahamas, San Salvador is the easternmost island of the archipelago, floating calmly in the Atlantic Ocean. Also known as Columbus Isle, San Salvador is regarded as the first landing spot of Christoper Columbus in the Americas in 1492. Originally named Guanahaní by the native population, Columbus called it San Salvador
[ad_1]
A paradise in the Bahamas, San Salvador is the easternmost island of the archipelago, floating calmly in the Atlantic Ocean. Also known as Columbus Isle, San Salvador is regarded as the first landing spot of Christoper Columbus in the Americas in 1492. Originally named Guanahaní by the native population, Columbus called it San Salvador for Holy Savior. While it may be the island Columbus first encountered, it is one of the least-discovered vacation destinations and one of the islands all travelers should visit in the Bahamas.
Encircled by coral reefs and sitting high on an ocean wall, San Salvador is an oasis of tranquility amidst the rougher waters of the Atlantic. The island’s protected and privileged location signifies some of the best scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming in the Bahamas. Crystal-clear waters, colorful corals, soft white sand, and swaying palm trees are just a few characteristics of this idyllic island.
Only 63 square miles, San Salvador has just over 1,000 residents and is the least-populated island in the Bahamas. This remoteness guarantees visitors dreamy and peaceful trips. The tiny island is occupied by dune ridges and several lakes that the native communities once used for transportation. With more water than land, San Salvador is ideal for thrilling or relaxing watersports. The capital Cockburn (pronounced Ko-burn) is a vacationer’s diving board into the rest of the island’s many activities.
The ultimate guide reveals to beachgoers and adventurists the top things to do, where to eat, and where to stay in San Salvador.
The idyllic surroundings of San Salvador promise visitors a lot of things to do. Getting into the pristine waters is the best activity on the island, including scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming.
Energetic travelers have a plethora of watersports available to them in San Salvador, while the island also offers quiet beaches, hikes, and historical monuments.
Immersion is the best way to experience the pristine Bahamian waters and coral reef formations. San Salvador offers extraordinary diving experiences.
The Bahamas tout the world’s third-biggest coral reef. Divers in San Salvador often have 150 feet of visibility to experience marine life and kaleidoscopic corals. Imagine swimming with mantas, hammer sharks, reef sharks, and eagle rays among colorful reefs.
Most of San Salvador’s prime diving spots are on the lee side (western coast), protected from rough waves by the reef. The best diving areas are around High Cay, Low Cay, and Middle Cay, where adventurists can explore corals and interact with sea life. Divers also have the chance to marvel at shipwrecks from the past. Famous wrecks around San Salvador include the Brig Enterprise Wreck from 1832 and the Frasgate Wreck from 1902.
Tourists can trust Riding Rock for their San Salvador scuba diving excursions. The company offers the best diving experiences in the Bahamas, with cave, wall, and shark diving adventures. Besides providing everything divers will need, the property is also a resort with competitive packages.
Diving Departures:
Mornings, 9 AM
| Afternoons, 2:30 PM
Departs From:
Riding Rock Resort Marina
All-inclusive Resort And Diving Package:
from
$865 per person | Consult property for individual dive prices
San Salvador sits on an ocean platform, meaning less experienced divers only have to descend forty feet to experience the best of the reef and marine life.
Almost surrounded by coral reefs, San Salvador is the perfect snorkeling destination.
East Beach is a fantastic spot for beginner and advanced snorkelers. The three-mile stretch of beach is protected from the choppiness of the Atlantic Ocean by reefs, offering calm and inviting waters. Vacationers should submerge themselves into the beautiful shades of blue for hours of recreational fun. A day of snorkeling means floating in the warm water, spotting colorful fish, or admiring the corals.
Visitors can rent snorkeling equipment from many resorts and local companies in San Salvador. Another excellent option is a day excursion with Columbus Isle Excursions. The tour company takes guests on a boat further into the ocean and cays for a thrilling day of snorkeling, followed by a delectable lobster meal.
Office Hours:
Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
| Excursion times vary
Cost of Experience:
Inquire about prices
Snorkelers may conclude that San Salvador has the best snorkeling in the Bahamas.
A white cross on a sandy beach in San Salvador commemorates Christopher Columbus’ first landfall in the Americas.
Erected in 1956, vacationers can admire the monument and reflect on the 33-day voyage Columbus’ crew braved across the Atlantic, introducing the rest of the world to the Americas.
The monument lies on the picturesque white-sand Long Bay Beach near the highway, so tourists should also plan to sunbathe or swim in turquoise waters.
A unique tourist attraction in San Salvador, travelers can climb the steps to the top of the Dixon Lighthouse.
The last of its kind in the Bahamas, the kerosene-lit lighthouse is still hand-operated and boasts 400,000 candles. Soaring 160 feet above sea level, sight seekers should go up the stark white beacon to catch stunning views stretching nineteen miles into the distance.
Constructed in 1887, Dixon Lighthouse is a historical highlight in San Salvador and an excellent opportunity for photographers or couples looking for romantic sunset panoramas over the island and the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean. Later, adventurists can take a trail behind the lighthouse that leads to tidal caves.
Prepare for a leg workout because the climb to the top of Dixon Lighthouse is steep.
A trip to San Salvador isn’t complete without a beach day.
Bonefish Bay Beach is a popular spot among tourists and locals. This beach offers the classic Bahamian experience everyone dreams of, with soft white sand, the shade under drooping palm trees, and balmy clear waters.
An excellent destination for families or couples, beachgoers should bring towels, umbrellas, and sunscreen to enjoy the day lounging in the sand or floating in the ocean.
Travelers should regularly apply sunscreen. San Salvador’s exposure to the southern sun and the ocean’s constant glare can make for a brutal sunburn.
Now mostly ruins, a historical monument in San Salvador is Watling’s Castle.
History buffs will enjoy the chance to reminisce on the island’s storied and controversial past. Watling’s Castle comprises the sprawling area of a former plantation near Sandy Point Estates. Visitors can see the remains of buildings like the main house, a cookhouse, and slave quarters.
San Salvador is a haven for watersports enthusiasts. Those who can’t get enough of the ocean will love this tiny Bahamian island.
An adventurous option is a jet ski rental or tour. Riders can feel the wind in their hair and soar over the crystal blue waters. Vacationers can rent jet skis from many resorts and local companies or tour the reefs and cays for shark sightings with Club Med.
Jet Ski Tour:
3 – 3.5 hours
Cost:
from
$130
A unique watersports activity is kitesurfing with Bahamas Kite Surfing. This company takes its clients and the sport seriously, ensuring everyone a thrilling experience. From expert kite surfers to those who have only dreamed about it, no one can suppress a smile flying over the coast. Bahamas Kite Surfing offers the best locations, rental equipment, and lessons.
Hours Of Operation:
Daily, 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Private lessons:
from
$100 per hour
Note:
For everyone 12 & up
| Private lessons are two hours minimum
Finally, vacationers seeking a quieter adventure can rent kayaks with Guanahani Beach Club and row through the ocean or one of the many lakes in San Salvador.
An excellent hiking route in San Salvador leads walkers to the Garden Cave.
The route is in northeastern San Salvador and allows hikers to explore the dunes and lakes of the island. Traveling past Crescent Pond and Reckley Hill Pond, hikers can find the unique Garden Cave along the way: a cave formed by limestone and the mixing of saltwater and freshwater.
The partially-collapsed cave is an alluring stop for travelers who prefer to get out of the water and explore the tiny island.
Trail Rating
: Easy
Note:
Not wheelchair accessible
San Salvador offers vacationers a lot of options for where to eat. From off-the-grid beach shacks to fine-dining hotel restaurants, the island serves up fresh seafood and Bahamian cuisine in many settings.
The best Bahamian dishes include the famed regional ingredient, conchmeat. Conch fritters, salad, or chowder are only a few options. Other Bahamian favorites consist of Bahamian fish stew, baked crab, or rock lobster.
Paradis
Hours:
Daily, 8 AM – 7 PM
| Closed Sundays
Cost:
$$
Address:
Cockburn Town, Bahamas
Customers Love:
Bahamian cuisine | Coffees | Grits & Tuna
New Columbus Tavern
Hours:
Vary seasonally
Cost:
$
Address:
Victoria Hill Settlement, Bahamas
Customers Love:
Familiar atmosphere | Fresh caught seafood | Homemade cakes
Seafront Restaurant at Riding Rock Inn
Dinner Hours:
Daily, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Cost:
$$$
Address:
Queen’s Hwy, Cockburn Town, Bahamas
Customers Love:
Ocean views | Bahamian cuisine | Veranda
While travelers can have dinner at the Riding Rock Inn, they can also stay at the all-inclusive resort. Their attractive packages include lodging, meals, drinks, and diving trips.
Wendy’s Snack Bar and Liquor
Hours:
Daily, 11 AM – 11 PM | Wednesdays, 8 AM – 11 PM
Cost:
$
Address:
Queen’s Hwy, Cockburn Town, Bahamas
Customers Love:
Bahamian beer | Friendly staff | Colorful beach shack vibes
San Salvador doesn’t offer as many places to stay as other islands in the Bahamas, but this doesn’t mean beachgoers sacrifice quality.
The tiny island has several oceanfront resorts, hotels with private beaches, and spacious vacation rentals for the family. Many of these properties offer all-inclusive packages, excursions, and diving experiences.
Prices From:
$225 per night
Why You Should Book:
Private beach
| Spa & Wellness Center | Snorkeling | Free airport shuttle
Prices From:
$850 per person
Why You Should Book:
All-inclusive | Watersports activities included | Beach access | Restaurant & Bar
Prices From:
Consult the property
Why You Should Book:
Kitchen
| Beach access | 5 Bedrooms & 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps 6
San Salvador has a tropical yet moderate climate, with annual temperatures ranging in the 70s. The Bahama island’s privileged eastern position plants it close to the Antilles Current, which moderates temperatures. The island does receive a fair amount of rain.
Best Time To Visit San Salvador:
December – April
Temperatures:
75° – 78°
San Salvador is best from winter into spring. The island is a balmy winter escape for northerners, and Bahama winters are slightly warmer than their summers. These months offer the lowest chance of precipitation, perfect for vacationers hoping to lie on the beach or get out into the water. Tourism is higher from December into April, so vacationers should expect increased prices and some crowds.
Temperatures remain warm from summer into fall in San Salvador, albeit a bit cooler. These months are much rainier, especially from September to November during hurricane season. Tourists trying to save money during the off-season should prepare for traveling to the Bahamas during hurricane season.
Private or group tours are the best way to get around San Salvador. These companies ensure guests are picked up and dropped off at the best spots. Unless vacationers plan to explore the island independently, excursion groups always get guests where they need to go.
Queen’s Highway is the main roadway encircling the island, but because it’s not in the best conditions, it’s better left to locals accustomed to the road. San Salvador does offer visitors a few car rental companies.
Americans only need their national driver’s license during the first three months in the Bahamas. Later, they must present an International Driver’s Permit.
Another excellent way to experience the island is to go around on foot, bike, or scooter. Tourists can stroll the beaches and surroundings or stop by one of San Salvador’s many local rental shops.
San Salvador is connected by private charter to several other islands in the Bahamas. In addition, many cruise ships make stops at the tiny island.
San Salvador has an international airport with direct flights to Ft Lauderdale with Spirit Airlines. The airport is also connected to other islands with Bahamasair or international flights to New York, London, and Paris. Most itineraries will make a layover stop in Nassau.
When planning a trip to the island, vacationers should expect that San Salvador runs on island time. There may be a lack of specifics on prices or hours, and business response times may be slower.
Tourists could encounter unexpected closures or hour changes, and everything is weather-dependent. It’s important to remember that San Salvador is a unique and remarkable vacation destination. The best advice is to go with the flow.
San Salvador could be one of the safest islands in the Bahamas. A reliable travel destination, the island runs from tourism and has only around 1,000 residents. Some islands in the Bahamas can be dangerous, but San Salvador has virtually no crime and does not even have a functional jail.
San Salvador may be one of the most beautiful islands in the Bahamas. The tiny island is surrounded by coral reefs and turquoise waters, lined with soft white sand beaches. Vacationers can pack one day with many activities on the island.
The perfect day in San Salvador begins with an excursion. Travelers can choose from some of the Bahamas’ best tours exploring the ocean, like scuba diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing, or kayaking.
After an intense morning of watersports, tourists should kick back and relax on one of San Salvador’s beaches for the afternoon. Beachgoers can write their name in the sand and swim at the famed Bonefish Bay Beach or admire the white cross commemorating Christopher Columbus’ First Landfall at Long Bay Beach.
Finally, vacationers should catch the sunset and stunning panorama of the island surrounded by the ocean atop the Dixon Lighthouse. The perfect day in San Salvador wouldn’t be complete without having delectable fresh seafood at a beachside shack or resort restaurant.
Before venturing to the beautiful islands south of Florida, many travelers wonder if they need a passport on a cruise to the Bahamas. While the answer is generally yes, many other questions are valid before a trip to the Bahamas.
For example, vacationers wondering how to get to the beautiful island of San Salvador should know the island has an international airport. The airport is serviced by Spirit Airlines and Bahamasair, with direct flights from Ft. Lauderdale. Most itineraries will make a layover in Nassau. The airport also has flights to New York, Paris, and London.
Private charters can also help guests arrive in San Salvador from within the Bahamas, and many cruise ships stop at the island.
Vacationers have many options for unusual but exciting things to do in the Bahamas. The island of San Salvador is no exception. Protected by the reef, the surrounding waters are transparent and calm.
The best excursions travelers can take include scuba diving or snorkeling tours. Adventurists also have kayaking, jet skiing, and kitesurfing excursions at their fingertips.
History buffs may be eager to embark on an itinerary to sail the world like Christopher Columbus. Although there is some debate, it is believed the first island Columbus set foot on in the Americas was San Salvador, one of the easternmost islands of the Bahamas.
Originally named Guanahaní by its native population, Columbus called it San Salvador: Holy Savior.
[ad_2]
Source link
){kind=link}
Comments
Comments are disabled for this post.