I'm just now seeing this. I like both versions for different reasons. I think I share JT's assessment of what's so enticing about the first map. As for what might be missing from the second map, while most people have commented about how distracting the shallow water glow is (and perhaps they are right to do so), I actually think that having some kind of glow (perhaps continental shelf) extend further out would add something. If you look at the first map, there is more of a striking difference between hues of blue in the shallow and the deep water that I think helps to really make the Island "pop". Otherwise I think the second map looks pretty good (though I agree with JT that the mountain in the center does look a bit cut off, but it's not a big issue).

Cheers,
-Arsheesh