This may be where the New World began. For some years, it has been believed that Christopher Columbus left his first footprints in the Western Hemisphere here, although some scholars strongly dispute this. The easternmost island in the Bahamian archipelago, San Salvador lies 322km (200 miles) southeast of Nassau. Much of its 163 sq. km (64 sq. miles) in total area is occupied by water. There are 28 landlocked lakes on the island, the largest of which is 19km (12 miles) long and serves as the principal route of transportation for most of the island's population of 1,200. A badly maintained 64km (40-mile) road circles the perimeter of San Salvador.
The tiny island keeps a lonely vigil in the Atlantic. The Dixon Hill Lighthouse at South West Point, about 50m (164 ft.) tall, can be seen from 145km (90 miles) away. The light is a hand-operated beacon fueled by kerosene. Built in the 1850s, it is the last lighthouse of its type in The Bahamas. The highest point on the island is Mount Kerr, at 41m (134 ft.).
Except for the odd historian or two, very few people ever used to visit San Salvador. Then Club Med-Columbus Isle opened, and the joint's been jumping ever since -- at least, at the Club Med property. Away from here, San Salvador is as sleepy as it ever was, although it's been known for years as one of the best dive sites in The Bahamas. The snorkeling, fishing, and lovely beaches are equally good.
