Things to Do in Cockburn Town, San Salvador
Reviewed by Captain Ronald RolleCockburn Town serves as the quiet capital of San Salvador, an island steeped in history as the likely first landfall of Christopher Columbus in the New World. This small settlement offers an authentic Bahamian experience far removed from the tourist crowds, where a giant almond tree marks the town center and locals gather for the annual Columbus Day parade each October 12th.
For divers, San Salvador delivers some of the clearest waters in the Caribbean with visibility often exceeding 100 feet. The island's dramatic wall dives begin just offshore, dropping into deep blue canyons where scalloped hammerhead sharks patrol. Above water, the New World Museum preserves artifacts from the indigenous Lucayan people and Columbus's historic voyage, while pristine beaches like Bonefish Bay invite leisurely exploration.
Riding Rock Resort Dive Center
DivingFamily-owned since the 1960s, Guanahani Divers operates from this PADI and SSI-affiliated center at Riding Rock Resort. The center offers access to over 40 dive sites featuring wall dives, caves, and coral gardens with visibility often exceeding 100 feet. Scalloped hammerheads, reef sharks, and sea turtles are regular sightings.
Tip: Book the Wednesday-night barbecue at Riding Rock Inn for reggae music and local flavor after your dive.
New World Museum
HistoryFounded in 1958 by Ruth Durlacher Wolper in Palmetto Grove, this museum houses paintings depicting Columbus's 1492 landfall alongside authentic Lucayan pottery and artifacts from the original Arawak settlement. The collection provides fascinating context for the island's pivotal role in world history.
Tip: Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Columbus monuments.
La Crevasse Dive Site
DivingOne of San Salvador's signature dives, La Crevasse features a series of dramatic crevices and tunnels running through the wall from a sandy plateau to the wall's edge at 100 feet. The site rewards experienced divers with stunning swim-throughs and abundant marine life.
Grouper Gulley
DivingThis reef dive is renowned for its remarkably tame fish, small creatures, and impressive coral formations. The friendly groupers here have become accustomed to divers, making it an excellent site for underwater photography and close encounters.
Tip: Bring an underwater camera for the curious groupers.
Dixon Hill Lighthouse
LandmarkOne of the last hand-operated kerosene lighthouses in the Bahamas, Dixon Hill Lighthouse has guided mariners since the late 1800s. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views across San Salvador's coastline and the surrounding Atlantic waters.
Bonefish Bay Beach
BeachThis sheltered bay offers calm, crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The shallow reefs just offshore teem with colorful reef fish, making it perfect for beginners to explore without scuba gear.
Sandy Point Cave
DivingLocated near Grotto Beach, this impressive dive site centers on a huge coral head approximately 80 feet across rising to 70 feet depth. The cave system provides dramatic swim-throughs and excellent opportunities to spot reef sharks and rays.
Pleistocene Cockburn Town Fossil Reef
DivingThis unique underwater site preserves ancient reef formations dating back to the Pleistocene epoch. Divers can explore fossilized coral structures while surrounded by living reef, creating an extraordinary window into geological history.
Best time to visit
December through May offers the driest weather and calmest seas for diving. The annual Columbus Day celebration on October 12th brings the island to life with parades and festivities. Water temperatures remain comfortable year-round, typically between 75-84 degrees Fahrenheit.
Getting there
San Salvador is accessible via scheduled flights from Nassau on Bahamasair or charter flights to Cockburn Town Airport. The island is also reachable by private yacht, with Riding Rock Marina offering docking facilities. From Nassau, flight time is approximately 50 minutes.
Read the full Cockburn Town, San Salvador guide
Frequently asked questions
- Is San Salvador good for beginner divers?
- Yes, San Salvador offers excellent conditions for beginners with calm waters, high visibility, and several shallow reef sites. Riding Rock Resort provides PADI certification courses and guided dives suitable for all skill levels.
- What is the population of Cockburn Town?
- San Salvador Island has a total population of around 1,000 residents, with Cockburn Town being the main settlement. The small community ensures an uncrowded, authentic Bahamian experience.
- Can you see sharks when diving San Salvador?
- Yes, scalloped hammerhead sharks are regularly spotted at sites like Runway 10, particularly during winter months. Reef sharks and nurse sharks are common throughout the year at various dive sites.
- Is there nightlife in Cockburn Town?
- Nightlife is relaxed and centered around Riding Rock Inn. The Wednesday barbecue features reggae music, and the Driftwood Bar is popular on Friday nights. Expect a laid-back, community atmosphere rather than clubs.
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