San Salvador is one of the easternmost islands of The Bahamas and is the exposed peak of a submerged mountain that reaches 15,000 ft to the ocean floor. The island is 12 miles long and 5 miles wide. Christopher Columbus is said to have made his first landfall on San Salvador during his historic voyage to the New World, October 12th, 1492. However, it is generally held that he landed at Long Bay, where a large stone cross now stands. Called Guanahani by the native Lucayan Indians, Columbus renamed the island San Salvador or “Holy Saviour”, noticing in his journal: “The beauty of these islands surpasses that of any other and as much as the day surpasses the night in splendour.” The island was taken over by the British bucanner, George Watling, and he renamed San Salvador after himself, calling it Watling Island. It was not until 1925 that the island’s name was restored. The island has miles of pristine beaches, and an emerald-blue sea of such clarity that divers have visibility of up to 150 ft. Challenging reefs and wreck diving can be enjoyed at High Cay, Low Cay and Middle Cay. Considering all, San Salvador is still the ultimate escape.