San Salvador was a city in the north of Portuguese Brazil, later called Bahia and now known as Salvadore. In 1624 it was attacked by a Dutch fleet commanded by Piet Hein and captured after a few days. Viewed from the south, Dutch and Spanish ships are in action in the entrance to the bay in the foreground. Piet Hein's ship is in the right foreground in port-quarter view, but nearly stern on. As well as engaging the Spanish ships, the Dutch ships on the left are bombarding the fort in the left foreground, which is replying. In the background near the city, Spanish ships are at anchor. They are also firing, together with a centrally placed fort. The ground rises steeply from the shore and the city is perched high up, with a skyline of church spires and roof-tops. The right side of the bay is guarded by the fort of San Antonio, below which the Dutch have made a landing in Sand Bay. The fort in the left background is called the San Philipe. Four brightly coloured parakeets soar above the bay, dominating the sky and identifying the tropical location. In the background more hills can be seen to the left and the right, together with another bay beyond. The work is careful in its depiction of rigging, sailors on the decks, and other details.

The painting is probably based on an etching by Claes Jansz Visscher, which he published in 1624 and which incorporates an account below it and a key. Although the background in the painting is very close to the print, the foreground and arrangement of the ships have been changed to create a dramatic effect.