San Salvador Island

 island, volcano

Also known as Santiago or James island, San Salvador lies to the northwest of Santa Cruz. The landscape is fairly baron but perfect for goats who were imported in the 1800s. In most parts the lands are volcanic in appearance with a series of pinnacles and cliffs that dominate the early evening skylines and are home to many marine birds who nest conveniently beneath the cliff faces.

The main landing area is in James Bay, west of the island as is Espumilla Beach where you may amble through the trail to a lake with flamingoes, stilts and pintail ducks. There is also a feeding area for flamingoes and nests so do investigate fully.

Finally, on the northwest side of the island you will find an ex-pirate hang out during the 17th to 18th centuries called Buccaneer Cove while to the eastern side adjacent to Bartolomé island is Sullivan Bay with a trail which leads you through a series of lava fields formed at the end of the 19th century, the landscape is literally from another planet and most alien in nature.