When people mention Nicaragua, the words “tropical beach paradise” don’t usually jump to mind – unless, that is, you've been to Nicaragua’s Corn Islands. Located 50 miles off the east coast of Nicaragua, Big Corn and Little Corn Island are Nicaragua’s own piece of the Caribbean, complete with swaying palms, pineapple and banana trees, white sand and sparkling green-blue water.
Little Corn is the smaller and less developed island. There are no cars or motorcycles on Little Corn, and some accommodation will not have hot water or electricity. You will not find a resort experience on Little Corn Island. What you will find is unadulterated natural beauty, all the seafood you can eat, and some pretty good diving. Corn Island locals and expats speak English, though Spanish is useful as well.
Where to Stay on Little Corn Island
For television and solid walls, stick to the hotels within view of the dock, such as Hotel Los Delfines or Lobster Inn (+505 847-1736).
If you’re a more nature-loving type, ask someone to point you through the palm groves to the breezy north coast. Derek’s Place boasts lovely wood-and-cane casitas on stilts, a couple of sand-floor huts, strategically placed hammocks and a shell-lined outdoor bucket shower. Ensueños offers unique and rustic casitas built from driftwood and other natural materials, a newly built dormitory and outdoor toilet. Further along, Casa Sunrise offers three small cabins for rent.
For the eco-minded, Casa Iguana on Little Corn’s Southwest shores is self-sustainable, run on solar power and happy to share information on eco-tourism. On the other side of the island there’s Elsa’s Place (+505 690-0215) and Sunrise Paradise (+505 820-2923) with beach huts starting at $10 per night.
Accommodations costs on Little Corn Island start at $5 per night for a dorm bed and go up to around $60 per night. A basic room or casita will cost around $10 - $20 US per night.
Where to Eat on Little Corn Island
Authentic Italian dinners served family style are available nightly at Farm Peace and Love. Reservations are a must - make them in person or at the dive shop. Many of the guesthouses have attached restaurants. Or wander along the dock side of the island and step into one of the comedors. Meals on Little Corn can cost from $3 per person for arroz con pollo to $12 US for seafood and wine.
For freshly-baked coco bread and cinnamon rolls, walk north on the concrete path from the dock until you come upon a shocking pink house with white scrollwork; Bread is hot from the oven at 3:00 pm daily. Small – very small – shops will sell snacks, drinks, and Flor de Caña rum for a beach picnic.
What to Do on Little Corn Island
You can get PADI certified at Dive Little Corn. Almost anyone will rent you snorkeling equipment for around $5 per day. Derek’s and Casa Iguana have book exchanges. Climb the lighthouse for a bird’s eye view of the entirety of Little Corn Island. Nightlife is nonexistent, unless you want to share a bottle of Flor de Caña with some new friends. Basically, you go to Little Corn Island to relax.
One tip – carry a flashlight with you, especially if you’ll be walking back to your room after dark. It’s perfectly safe, but there are no lights and it is almost impossible to find the path in the dark.
How to Get to Little Corn Island
The easiest way to get to the Corn Islands is to fly. Flights on Atlantic Airlines and La Costeña leave daily from Managua to Big Corn Island. From there, take a very short taxi ride to the dock where you can take a public lancha to Little Corn. (The water can be choppy – be prepared.)
The other way to get to Little Corn is via bus from Managua to Juigalpa to Rama, followed by a lancha to Bluefields, and another lancha to Big Corn. This can be done in one very long day or it can be broken up however you wish. All towns mentioned have accommodation, but not all of it is that great. The most comfortable place to stop is Juigalpa. Be careful as lanchas from Bluefields to Big Corn do not leave daily and the schedule changes frequently.
Little Corn Island is a simple, rustic paradise and well worth a visit if you're looking for a cheap Caribbean vacation without having to hunt for discounts and bargain packages. Click here for a fantastically detailed trove of information on visiting Big and Little Corn Islands.
Megan Lyles - Megan Lyles is a native New Yorker who has traveled extensively in the United States, Eastern and Western Europe, South and Southest Asia ...
