Lost in the Caribbean Sea: Little Corn Island

After one forgettable night in Managua I headed to the airport for some Caribbean adventures. While preparing my Nicaragua trip I read many blog posts about the country and 90% of them showed perfect photos of Little Corn Island, in the Caribbean Sea. That’s how I decided to include this tiny lost island on my Nicaragua “to do” list.

The journey to Corn Island is an adventure by itself. From Managua I took a little plane to Big Corn Island, which crosses the Nicaraguan jungle. We were flying so low that from my window seat I could have a glimpse of their daily life.

Little Corn Island

Little Corn Island

After landing to Big Corn Island it was time to sail to Little Corn Island, my final destination. This was done by speed boat. I had been warned about this boat journey: too much movement on the front seats, more water on the back. In the end, the weather was so windy that I had both. Actually I got the same experience than with the Shotover Jet in Queenstown but for one third of the price, lol. I arrived to Little Corn Island at dusk, completely wet and not in the mood to explore the island for a nice accommodation in that condition. I just picked a room for that night in a hostel close to the pier.

Little Corn Island

The following day, after a good breakfast and without the big backpack on my back, I could explore Little Corn Island easier and get a better picture of what the island had to offer. In the end I set my base camp in Cool Spot. Cool Spot is an ensemble of colorful bungalows with shared kitchen and a bar-restaurant by the sea, on the wild side of the island.

LIFE IN CORN ISLAND

I am not used to this kind of quiet life so it took me a couple of days to slow down and really enjoy it. I woke up with the sun and after a good breakfast prepared in the shared kitchen I just sat in the terrace to enjoy the sea breeze and my book. After lunch it was time for a bath followed by some minutes of sunbath. In the afternoon there was always something missing for the coming meals. This was my perfect excuse to walk to downtown and see a little bit of local life. I always liked to split my shopping into different shops (pulperias), like this I could talk to different people and see different places.

Little Corn Island

Little Corn Island

Little Corn Island

Little Corn Island

The Island main activities are diving, snorkeling and fishing. I did a snorkeling tour where I could spot Sergeant Major, Foureye butterflyfish, Spotin butterflyfish, Bluet ang, Yellowtail snapper, Bar jack and even a nurse shark! It was a great afternoon.

Dinner was always out, it was the time to enjoy the island’s specialties: lobster and kingfisher in different sauces. I preferred the second.

Little Corn Island

The latest days in the island were too windy and speed boat services were replaced by a single boat service departing . . when it was possible to sail! This stressed me a lot, I did not want to miss my flight back to Managua! For this reason I decided to leave Little Corn one day earlier. I spent the last day exploring Big Corn Island and its local life. End of my Caribbean trip.

Little Corn Island

MY TIPS :

  • Best period to go: from February to April (dry season). However I went in December and the weather was OK. During the day but there was always a shower in the afternoon;
  • Pack light: you will fly on a tiny aircraft and the luggage’s weight is strictly controlled;
  • Food in Corn Islands is more expensive, with less variety than mainland. If you are traveling on a budget, look for a hostel /bungalows with shared kitchen and consider bringing a couple of packages of pasta and tuna cans in your backpack.
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Quirky explorer with a preference for lesser-known sights, I am continuously looking for new ideas and tips to help you plan your dream World Tour!