Plan a CruiseCockburn Town, the charming capital of San Salvador in the Bahamas, welcomes cruise passengers who are tendered ashore. Named after George Cockburn, the Royal Governor who visited in 1823, this quaint harbor village offers a glimpse into authentic Bahamian island life. The town center itself is notably compact, spanning just three blocks square, and features an interesting blend of historic old stone houses, traditional clapboard homes, and more modern structures.
Getting Around from the Port
As Cockburn Town is a very small village, measuring only three blocks square, the main sights within the town are easily accessible on foot from the tender landing. For exploring the wider San Salvador island, taxis are readily available; it's always advisable to establish the fare with your driver before beginning your journey. An active and scenic way to see the island is by bicycle, with rentals available from the Riding Rock Inn for $10 per day. The entire island can be circled by bike in approximately five to six hours.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, Cockburn Town and San Salvador offer opportunities for exploration and relaxation:
- Explore Cockburn Town: Wander through the historic village. Be sure to find the town's landmark giant almond tree, which serves as a central gathering point for local events, including the annual Columbus Day parade held every October 12th.
- Snorkeling and Diving: San Salvador is well-known for its abundant shallow-water reefs, allowing snorkelers to observe hundreds of fish species without the need for scuba equipment. The island is also celebrated for its quick drop in the continental shelf, creating numerous impressive dive sites for certified divers.
- Relax on Sandy Beaches: Thanks to its many beautiful sandy beaches, tourism is a thriving industry here. Taxis or rented bicycles can take you to various pristine spots around the island for swimming and sunbathing.
- Island Cycling Adventure: Rent a bicycle for $10 from the Riding Rock Inn and embark on a scenic ride to circumnavigate the entire island, a journey that typically takes five to six hours.
Dining & Shopping
While specific restaurants near the tender landing are not detailed, you can expect to find small local eateries within Cockburn Town offering Bahamian cuisine. For shopping, it's important to note that Bahamian stores, including those in Cockburn Town, are generally closed on Sundays, making it a very quiet day for commerce. On other days, shopping is often best in the morning when there are fewer crowds and the temperature is milder. While Androsian batik fabrics are a famous Bahamian souvenir, they are primarily produced on Andros Island and are more widely available in larger hubs like Nassau, Freeport, Abaco, or Eleuthera, rather than being a specific local specialty for Cockburn Town itself.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Bahamian Dollar (B$), which is fixed at par with the US Dollar (US$). Both Bahamian and US Dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the country. English is universally spoken in Cockburn Town and across the Bahamas.