5 Reasons to Visit Corn Islands, Nicaragua

Corn Islands is an off-the-radar destination, located off the coast of Nicaragua. There are definitely many reasons to visit Corn Islands, but the top reason is that the islands are absolutely stunning. The two islands, Big Corn and Little Corn boast a little-known paradise with turquoise waters and pristine beaches. The calmness of the islands is unlike the other resort-filled islands in the Caribbean. Here, you will have a genuine island experience without the interruption of oversaturated tourism. The experience is said to be similar to how the big Caribbean islands were 50 years ago before the boom of the tourist industry there.

The picturesque island is just a quick flight (usually about $100 USD) from Managua via a local airline, La Costena. The airport on Big Corn Island is essentially a shack with a small landing strip, only allowing smaller propeller planes to land. The 10 square kilometre island is the larger of the two, with Little Corn coming in at a whopping 2.9 square kilometres. Just an 8-mile boat ride from Big Corn is the oasis of Little Corn Island. This island has no resorts and NO MOTOR VEHICLES! It truly is a tropical escape.

The islands certainly should be on your list to visit. Keep on reading for the top reasons to visit Corn Islands, Nicaragua!

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1. Experience Turquoise Waters and Pristine Beaches Undisturbed

It’s no secret that the beaches and the water in the Caribbean are what dreams are made of! However, it’s not too often that you hear about that Caribbean beauty in Nicaragua. The Corn Islands boast beautiful turquoise waters and white sand beaches around both islands. With how few tourists there are around the islands, it feels like you have a private island all to yourself. I recommend renting or bringing your own snorkel gear and enjoy swimming around the beaches whilst admiring the tropical fish!

2. Avoid Oversaturated Tourism and Really Experience the Caribbean

Don’t get me wrong, a resort in the Caribbean makes for an incredible, relaxing vacation. But, there’s something about the Caribbean beauty that is better experienced with fewer people around. There are no resorts or big hotels on Corn Islands, rather many bed and breakfasts and hostels around the islands. Because there are few tourists, the islands are also very clean of trash. There are so few people that I ran into two other tourists on my 3-night stay on the islands! This was definitely my top reason to visit Corn Islands and made the islands a highlight of my Nicaragua trip.

3. Scuba Dive with Tropical Fish and Beautiful Reefs

Between Little Corn and Big Corn, there are numerous diving spots where divers can explore beautiful reefs and swim with interesting tropical fish. As there aren’t many tourists around the islands, the dives are quiet and you can enjoy the route with little disturbance.

The dive community on the islands is really friendly and you’ll catch divers hanging around the dive shop every day! After a dive, grab a drink with fellow divers and instructors – they have interesting stories to share! Whether you want to try a discover dive, are a beginner, or have done many dives, Corn Island diving is a must-add to your list.

If you are on Big Corn Island, I recommend the Dos Tiburones dive shop.

4. Enjoy Scenic Hikes Around the Entire Island

Both Big and Little Corn Islands are very walkable islands. Little Corn even more so because there are no cars or motorcycles! Within a couple of hours, you are able to hike around the entirety of Little Corn Island. Big Corn Island has paved roads and smooth trails, allowing you to hike around the Island at about the same time despite the larger size. Better yet, as there aren’t many people on the island, you’re bound to have a relaxing walk to yourself!

5. Indulge in Fresh Caribbean Food

My favourite part about travelling is definitely trying different foods around the world. On Corn Islands, there are plenty of small, locally-owned restaurants that serve incredible local food. The fish is very fresh, the plantains are fantastic, and the beans and rice are cooked perfectly! If you eat fish, be sure to try out the Island’s specialty – conch! I actually didn’t know you could eat the fish inside of the giant conch shells prior to visiting the island. It is definitely worth a try!

Read More: 30 Amazing Things to Do in Nicaragua to Add to Your Bucket List

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Have you visited the Corn Islands before? What are your top reasons to visit Corn Islands? Let me know in the comments!

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