He renamed the island to San Carlos. Anatahan is the closest inhabited island north of Saipan located about 78 miles to the north. The volcanic crater has twin peaks. Inside the huge crater of Anatahan, bubbling mud pits give evidence of an active volcano. Nevertheless there is lush vegetation here and huge fern trees are everywhere.
Deep gorges covered by high grass furrow the steep slopes.
The coastline is precipitous. Landing beaches are on the northwestern shores, and a small sandy beach is on the southwestern shore. Homesteading programs are to be implemented soon. Two Japanese era concrete water tanks have been renovated by the government and provide the water needed by the current inhabitants. In 1668, the Spanish Catholic Missionary, Padro Santivores, sailed in a Chamorro canoe and visited the northern islands.