Cockburn Town Anchorage

Approach and Anchoring

Cockburn Town lies on San Salvador's western coast, pronounced "Coburn" by locals. The anchorage is located offshore of the settlement and near Riding Rock Resort. Approach requires careful attention to the surrounding reef systems that encircle the island.

The anchorage is not protected from swells and surge, as is true of all San Salvador anchorages. The only fully protected option on the island is taking a slip at Riding Rock Marina. Consult Explorer Charts SAN-1, SAN-2, and SAN-3 for detailed navigation guidance, and contact the marina for current conditions before arrival.

Protection and Conditions

The Cockburn Town anchorage experiences swell and surge in most conditions, making it less comfortable than protected harbors in other island groups. Cruisers accustomed to the sheltered waters of the Abacos or Exumas should adjust expectations accordingly.

Riding Rock Marina provides the only fully protected berths on San Salvador, with slips accommodating boats up to 160 feet. Draft at the marina entrance is 8 feet at low tide and 12 feet at high tide. For overnight stays or when conditions deteriorate, marina dockage offers peace of mind.

Ashore at Cockburn Town

Cockburn Town is a compact settlement of perhaps three blocks square, featuring a mix of old stone houses, weathered clapboard homes, and modern structures. The town was named after George Cockburn, reportedly the first royal governor to visit this remote island in 1823.

Basic services are available in town, though provisioning is limited compared to larger islands. Plan to arrive well-supplied for extended stays. The Riding Rock Resort offers dining, accommodations, and dive operations that have made San Salvador famous among serious divers.

Diving and Recreation

San Salvador is surrounded by over 50 dive sites featuring dramatic wall dives, pristine reefs, and exceptional visibility often exceeding 150 feet. Riding Rock Resort operates the island's primary dive center, offering guided trips to sites along the western coast and beyond.

Snorkeling is equally rewarding, with shallow reefs accessible from beaches around the island. The underwater topography drops off dramatically close to shore, creating the spectacular wall diving that attracts divers from around the world. Non-divers will find excellent beaches, historic ruins, and the peaceful atmosphere of an island with barely 1,000 permanent residents.

Getting there

San Salvador lies approximately 360 miles southeast of Miami, typically reached by cruisers transiting from the Exumas, Cat Island, or Rum Cay. The island is surrounded by reef requiring careful navigation. Contact Riding Rock Marina on VHF for current conditions and approach guidance. San Salvador Airport receives scheduled flights from Nassau for crew changes.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a protected anchorage on San Salvador?

No anchorage on San Salvador is free from swell and surge. Riding Rock Marina provides the only fully protected option, with slips available for boats up to 160 feet. Marina dockage is recommended for overnight stays or when conditions deteriorate.

What makes San Salvador diving special?

San Salvador features dramatic wall dives that drop off close to shore, with visibility often exceeding 150 feet. Over 50 dive sites surround the island, offering pristine coral formations, diverse marine life, and underwater topography ranging from shallow reefs to deep walls.

How did San Salvador get its historical significance?

San Salvador is widely believed to be the site of Christopher Columbus's first New World landfall on October 12, 1492. A white cross at Long Bay marks the traditional landing site, and the Columbus Monument commemorates this historic event.