What cape did Columbus name 'Gracias a Dios' on his fourth voyage?

On his fourth voyage, Columbus named Cape Gracias a Dios, meaning “Thanks be to God,” after rounding it and finding that the harsh weather noticeably improved. The cape lies on the Caribbean coast of Central America, near the present-day Nicaragua–Honduras region.

The expedition left Spain in 1502 with the goal of finding a westward maritime passage to Asia. Columbus’s fleet reached the coast of Central America after sailing through difficult conditions, including strong headwinds, heavy rain, and rough seas. The cape marked a significant turning point in that coastal journey.

The fourth voyage was Columbus’s last, lasting from 1502 to 1504. It took him along the coasts of present-day Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Although he found no passage to the Indian Ocean, the expedition produced important European charts of the region and brought the fleet into contact with Indigenous societies, including Maya-linked traders.

Cape Gracias a Dios should not be confused with Cape Horn or the Cape of Good Hope, both famous capes far outside the Caribbean.