Rum Cay was originally known as Santa Maria de la Conception. It gained its current name because of the rum carried by sailors from the West Indies, during the 1800′s rum-running years. It is one of the smaller islands in the Bahamas chain, just ten miles long by five miles across. The population numbers roughly 100, and the only settlement, Port Nelson, is located on the southern coast. The sand on the island is fine and white, which makes it a great place to relax, walk and enjoy the area.

Before a 1926 hurricane, salt, sisal and pineapple were the main industries. Post-hurricane, tourism has been the main way to make money.

San Salvador has long been believed to be the first spot where Christopher Columbus landed in 1492, although researchers dispute the exact location. There are actually four monuments in San Salvador that each claim to be where he first landed. Long Bay is usually accepted to be the most likely first landing. The island was once known as Guanahani, by the Lucayans, who were the first inhabitants known to the island.

There are margins, or plantation boundaries, all over the Rum Cay area, and these date from the early 19^th century. There are deserted settlements at Gin Hill, Black Rock and Port Boyd, now fully overgrown with indigenous brush.

Rum Cay was once a pirate haven, and drop-offs and deep reefs surround the area. You may enjoy diving at Summer Point Reef and Pinder’s Point. Yachts usually dock at Port Nelson before they sail on to Mayaguana and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Photo: Flickr.com