Samana Cay, Bahamas

Samana Cay is the largest uninhabited island of the Bahamas. It is located 35 km (22 mi) to the northeast of Acklins Island. The 45 sq km (17 sq mi) island measures 16 km (10 mi) long and 3 km (2mi) wide.

In 1986, the National Geographic Society proclaimed that Samana Cay was the first island that Christopher Columbus made landfall in the New World. This was based on a five-year study that the society conducted.

Although Samana Cay is today uninhabited, evidence of past human presence has been noted, as in the discovery of figurines and other artifacts. The name Samana is itself of native Lucayan origin meaning "small middle forest". There was a settlement here as late as the first half of the 20th century, and remains of that settlement is still visible on the south side of the island.

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