A Small IslandWith Big History

One of the smallest inhabited islands in The Bahamas, San Salvador is unique in the archipelago. Its sparkling inland lakes, various historic monuments, miles of secluded beaches and roughly 50 dive sites keep visitors well entertained.

Island Resorts & Retreats Where to Stay

Hotels

small yellow buildings along the shore of a beach

History, culture, and adventure come to life on San Salvador, where island-style lodging ranges from all-inclusive luxury villas to fully furnished beachfront cottages.

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Island insider

large white cross on the beach next to palm trees in the top image and sailboat in the ocean in the bottom image

The Highlights A Historic Landing

Perhaps the most photographed place on the island, a stone cross on San Salvador’s Long Bay marks the spot of Christopher Columbus’ first landfall. Offshore, an underwater monument designates where La Pinta dropped anchor.

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top image shows rocks on the water and the bottom image shows a sailboat in the ocean

The Highlights Standing On A Mountaintop

San Salvador’s unique landscape of inland saltwater lakes and rolling hills is unlike any other in The Bahamas. The island is actually the exposed peak of a 15,000 ft mountain that rises from the ocean floor.

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The Highlights Great Lake National Park

San Salvador’s Great Lake stretches through most of the island and connects the major settlements. The park protects the lake and surrounding mangrove ecosystem, both critical to the preservation of the endangered San Salvador Rock Iguana and several bird species.

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bmot san salvador mainsite island insider petals images watlings blue hole

The Highlights Watling’s Blue Hole

This inland blue hole is found on southwestern San Salvador. While most inland blue holes are a combination of salt and freshwater, Watling’s Blue Hole is entirely saltwater. Evidently, there must be an underground connection to the ocean.

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person scuba diving and seeing turtles underwater in the top image and sailboat in the ocean in the bottom image

The Highlights Gerace Research Centre

The University of The Bahamas’ Gerace Research Centre has been the site of research and study for the fields of Archaeology, Biology, Geology, and Marine Science for 40+ years.

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Things to do

Things to Do Find A Sandy Stretch

The beaches on San Salvador are secluded by definition, with powdery white sand and azure waters. Among them, Grotto Beach at Sandy Point, Bonefish Bay Beach, and Snow Beach are traveller favourites.

bmot san salvador mainsite things to do pristine bay

Things to Do Drop Anchor In A Pristine Bay

A boat is your key to untold beauty when you spend time exploring San Salvador’s Dim Bay, Long Bay, and Snow Bay. Though the island is surrounded by protective reefs, there are plenty of beaches, lagoons and bays where you can (and should) drop anchor.

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Things to Do Discover 50+ Dive Sites

San Salvador is renowned for great and varied diving. You’ll find what you’re looking for on the island’s lee side, including reefs, ruins, shipwrecks, and walls. Devil’s Claw and Vicky’s Reef are home to stingrays and sharks; Runway 10 features a spectacular wall and the occasional hammerhead.

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a close up of a person on a boat holding a fish by the tail

Things to Do Set A New Record

Record-breaking catches of blue marlin, wahooo, dolphin, kingfish, and tuna have been made in San Salvador’s deep blue waters. If stalking the flats is more your speed, it’s been said that bonefish here grow larger than average.

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Fresh Island Flavours Drinks & Dining

Restaurants

wooden bowl with lemons and limes and another bowl with fresh lobster and a lime slice

Resorts in San Salvador offer international cuisine along with local favourites. The annual Discovery Day Festival & Homecoming showcases Bahamian cuisine.

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