Who knew you could find the prettiest Caribbean turquoise beaches and sandy shores in Nicaragua?
A trip to Nicaragua is all about the most amazing vacations and adventures. Come zip line through thick forests, head to the top of a volcano to sled down the side, explore brightly colored Colonial streets, and more, all on a budget. You're getting the same adventures with an off-the-beaten-path feel, for a fraction of the price.
Our newest Nicaraguan obsession? The Corn Islands — a collection of amazingly pretty islands that you can have all to yourself, complete with crazy low prices when it comes to places to stay and things to do. Red alert, paradise has officially been found!
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Caribbean blue water and swaying palm trees might not come to mind when you think of Nicaragua, but if you head to the Corn Islands, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Since this spot is such an off-the-radar vacation to most of the world, we've pulled together all the things you need to plan your trip. Things like how to get here cheaply, places to stay and eat, what to do, and the pros of both main islands (you're welcome!).
- Where Are These Unreal Islands?
- All About Little Corn
All About Big Corn - A Few Tips For Your Trip
Getting To The Islands
Where Are These Unreal Islands?
The Corn Islands are about 50 miles from the eastern coast of Nicaragua, in the Caribbean Sea. There are technically two Corn Islands; one known as Big Corn and the other as Little Corn, though neither is very big at all — just tiny little specs found suspended in the turquoise ocean. We'll get into the details of both of these islands later, but plan to visit both during your stay. They are quite different.
You will want to come here for a quiet, hidden getaway; neither of these islands is commercialized or built up. Little Corn just recently got electricity, so you can expect days and nights crammed full of relaxation! Either island will mean lots of snorkeling, wandering between palm trees, yoga lessons, and hanging out in the perpetually 80° weather. Yes, please.
All About Little Corn
As a bit of an introduction, Little Corn is a lot smaller and even more low-key than Big Corn. You won’t find any big resorts, and there aren’t any paved roads, so it’s a lot quieter and more remote. It's very small — you can walk around the whole island in 1-2 hours. The little pathways here are narrow (made for bikes) and help create that amazing, remote getaway feeling.
It's about a 40-minute boat ride from Big Corn, so you can easily visit both islands even if you're staying for a couple of days. Tip: the boat ride here can be a little rocky, so it's a great idea to bring nausea medication, especially if you're prone to seasickness. Patches like this are pretty popular. Just remember to take them before you get on the boat because they take time to take effect.
It's kind of split between where you should spend your time. Some tourists tend to stay on Little Corn for most of their vacation to have a more remote escape. This island is home to more restaurants, a handful of expats who have discovered this place, and a few more things to do on vacation than Big Corn, but we also love all the things about Big Corn (more on that island later).
Things To Do On Little Corn
The Beyond Beautiful Beaches
The beaches here are amazing. Some volunteers said visiting was like living in a real-life postcard, or computer screensaver. Picture sugar soft sand and beyond beautiful water, depending on which beach you're visiting.
We have listed out some favorites below (recommended by our volunteers) just know that this island is quieter than the already-quiet Big Corn. If you venture off the path to find your own stretch of sand, you’ll most likely need to pack up your own food, towels and other beach items; it’s not likely you’ll visit a beach that has beach chairs to rent out or public bathrooms to use. When we say "rugged beaches" we're talking about ones that aren't trimmed back or combed: you'll likely find seaweed drying in the sand, no facilities around, and hardly any crowds at all on some of the beaches on the island.
It's highly recommended you spend a day walking around the whole island, with a backpack of beach supplies. That way, you're all set for a beach day when you stumble on some of the hidden coves around the island.
However, these beaches are the ones our volunteers recommend spending a day or two!
Visiting Yemaya's Resort Beach
The prettiest beach on Little Corn is in front of the luxury resort, Yemaya. You can spend hundreds of dollars to stay there ... or you can just enjoy the beach in front of the hotel. They clear the sand of seaweed and other debris so you get a postcard-worthy picture.
Otto Beach
Find this pretty beach right next to Yemaya's Resort Beach. You'll find another swing to take pictures with, along with some gorgeous golden sand. At this beach, you can sometimes find a man next to the fish bar in a little shack that sells delicious coconuts and snorkeling tours.
Goat Beach
You have lots of beaches on this island, but a favorite is Goat Beach. It's rarely crowded and pretty private, with decent swimming. Score. Finding it is a bit tricky though — you'll want to head to the Fry Fish Bar, then go left (if you're looking at the ocean). When you think you're at the end of the beach, keep walking ... there is a wooden staircase and a remote beach waiting for you! On your way, snap a few pictures at "the swing" (you won't be able to resist).
Go Snorkeling
There are plenty of snorkel options that are more than affordable. Some people joke that you don't find snorkeling on Little Corn; it finds you. Most snorkel options are 2-4 hours long for about $25-$40 (so that's crazy affordable). You can easily see why snorkeling is so popular once you dip down below the waves. Little Corn Island boasts its own "barrier reef," with colorful fish and abundant coral reefs beneath the turquoise water.
Pretty much every established beach will have some vendors nearby who either rent out snorkel gear or can arrange a tour with you (especially along the east side of the island). If you don't want to hunt around, head to the beaches in front of the Yemaya resort and the nearby Fry Fish bar: both have good off-beach snorkeling (and a handful of businesses who can rent gear out for you).
ILP volunteers who have visited have snorkeled with Tuba, who is a well-known boat driver in the area. He does a tour for 1500 c (just ask around to find him). Others have gone with Sunset Cafe. They will take you out to 2-3 different spots where volunteers have seen starfish, schools of fish, and even little sharks. Also, like we mentioned, you can book snorkeling at the little stall on Otto Beach.
Do Some Yoga
Need to relax a bit more? Quite a few people come to Little Corn Island for a yoga retreat, staying at some of the premier destinations on the island (like Yemaya Reefs or the Light House), but even if you're not staying at one of these high-end resorts, you can still unwind with ocean-view yoga.
Past volunteers suggest asking around to see if local hostels or studios have walk-in classes for a drop-in fee. Some of these resorts offer yoga exclusively for guests, but that's not the case at every resort.
Day Trip To The Pearl Cays - Don't Miss This!
If you’d like to visit another fabulous Nicaraguan island, you can easily book a tour to take you over to the Pearl Cays from Little Corn Island. The Pearl Cays are a series of 18 islands (12 actually, after a handful have been covered with rising tides) that are absolutely picture-perfect — they're mostly uninhabited, though you'll find a ritzy all-inclusive hotel on one, and another place to stay on the other. Other than those exceptions, you're gearing up for a trip to remote islands, all to yourself.
Some ILP groups said this was the total highlight of their vacation, "The Pearl Cays are INCREDIBLE" ... it's a can't miss experience! You'll head out here for the day and feel like you have your very own private island. It's so dreamy.
We have all the details on a visit to the Pearl Cays here!
+ Some Info
One ILP group mentions a few tips to help you out if you go their route (ie, coming from the Corn Islands) — they went with Adam and Elvis (Little Corn is so small you can just ask around for these two specifically, everyone kinda knows everyone here). You can take a day trip out here, or do an overnight trip with a BBQ on the beach, just depending on what you want your visit to look like. You will take a smaller boat to the Keys and leave early in the morning (plan to pay the night before so gas and food can be purchased then). The boat ride does get bumpy, so be prepared with motion sickness medicine if you're prone to sea sickness. It's about a 90-minute boat ride to arrive.
There were other groups who went with another company and had these details to share: Plan on paying anywhere from $50 to $70 (depending on the size the group going — but some said to be prepared for more like $75 - $100) for the whole day, transportation, snorkel gear, and meals included.
Star Gazing
The electricity on the island isn't 24/7, so you can imagine how brilliant the stargazing is here, so far removed from the lights of the mainland. Tune in to the soundtrack of the waves crashing on nearby shores and spend time gazing up at the Milky Way.
Go Deep Sea Fishing
Anyone here a fan of seafood? There are tours available that will take you out on a fishing excursion to catch your own dinner! Imagine bouncing through the waves to pull in the catch of the day, then having it prepped and grilled for you for a beachside dining experience. Unreal.
Places To Eat On Little Corn
Tranquilo Cafe
Worth a visit for the vibe and food. Found right on the beach, this cafe is serving up some favorites from home, like burgers and barbecue, and, of course, fresh seafood. Come for fish tacos, plates of French fries, and loaded nachos, all served with a coastal breeze. They also have smoothies, brownies, cakes, cookies, and ice cream for when you want something sweet. One ILP group mentioned that they also loved how convenient it was because they could charge their devices here, and the cafe even refilled their water bottles for free.
Find it: It's on the "front side" of the two dive shops on Pelican Bay. Here's their website.
Miss Bridget's
This place is a fan favorite among locals and tourists alike. Garlic shrimp, garlic lobster, and a dish called the Frito (fried chicken piled high on a plate of fried plantains and cabbage) — this is a number one pick for lunch. The cutie Miss Bridget, who owns the place, also makes her own coconut oil, which shows up in most of the dishes on the menu.
Find it: Near the dock on Pelican Beach, here's their info on Trip Advisor.
Where To Stay On Little Corn
The places to stay here are super dreamy and so affordable (especially for being beachfront on an island). Here are just a few places to check out:
Palmeras Beachfront Hotel
We've had ILP groups stay here in the past, loving the perk that there's breakfast available. One group said they booked 2 rooms for 10 people, so by the time they split the cost, it ended up being really affordable per person. They also mentioned that the staff was helpful, providing ideas for how to spend time on the island and information about different excursions and activities. Book your room here.
Three Brothers
This hostel has a killer location, within a 10-minute walk to the Palanga water taxi pier, a beach or two, and a handful of the restaurants you'll want to visit. Three Brothers also boasts a chill hangout spot complete with hammocks, a shared kitchen where you can cook some meals, and very affordable rooms, starting at $25 a night (shared with 2 people). Book your room here.
This Jungle AirBnB
This place runs on solar power, tucked away in the jungle (near the beach), creating that remote getaway that adventurous travelers are looking for. There are hammocks strung upstairs, plants in the living room (growing through the floor), and no glass on the windows. Talk about a low-key vibe! The place can sleep 10 guests between 2 rooms. Book here.
Sea View Hotel
Found right on the beach, you can plan on splashing in the ocean and hanging out on chairs on this hotel's porch. Rooms are very affordable (pretty basic but equipped with all the necessities) and start at around $25 a night for a double room. Book here.
All About Big Corn
This is where the locals hang out — it's more built up, and less of a tourist scene, but still well worth your time! Some ILP volunteers liked the feel of Big Corn more than that of Little Corn, but honestly, it's really split when it comes to recommendations of where you should spend your time. One thing that is nice about Big Corn is that it's a bigger island, so you have more room to spread out and taxis to take if you don't feel like walking. Taxis are 20 cordobas per person for most rides, no matter where you are going, which is handy. Good to know: They pick up multiple people along the way until the car is full.
Just know that "big" and "built up" still translate to a pretty remote and secluded getaway!
Things To Do At Big Corn
Renti Bikes
You can ride across the whole island in 1-2 hours by bike, which sounds like a pretty good way to start exploring! Some past visitors mention that you can head to the Paraiso Beach Hotel to ask around about bike rentals. There are reports of people hanging around the island who have connections with rentals — they're typically $2-4 an hour, with a possible discount if you rent all day (6 hours or more).
Beaches
Hike Mount Pleasant
Pleasant Hill is the name of the highest point of the island, and is worth the climb if you want the view. It's not the highest thing you'll summit if you plan to trek some volcanoes in Nicaragua, but it's a nice change of pace from the beaches. One thing that makes this hike even more interesting is the alien-like pyramid, part of an artistic movement called the Soul of the World. Because of that, it's also referred to sometimes as the "alien hike".
There's no single well-marked trailhead, so it's a bit of a tricky hike. It's more like an abundance of dirt trails circling the hill. Google Maps aren't reliable and it's very jungly and remote-feeling once you get up into the hill. Be careful because it's easy to get lost or even end up on private land. Some tourists hire a guide, but you could also just be aware of your path and where you're heading. A lot of travelers spend around 1-2 hours hiking here, so a good rule of thumb is to go before 3 PM so that you have plenty of time before the sunsets. Better yet—go in the morning to avoid some of the heat. It's often humid, muddy, and full of dense vegetation, so bring good shoes.
If you're not staying near Mount Pleasant, you can ask a taxi to take you to "the hill hike" or Mount Pleasant. Then just walk inland and explore from there. Once you get high enough, you can get some really pretty views of the coastline!
Snorkling
If you didn't catch a snorkel tour on Little Corn, this is another great spot for it. The island has coral reefs, clear Caribbean water, turtles, rays, and reef fish. It's known for surprisingly good shore snorkeling, so if you have your own gear and know where to go, you could even skip booking a tour guide.
If you do book a tour, though, know that prices are similar to those on Little Corn Island, so you can still expect very affordable prices. We always love booking tour guides because it's one way to support the locals, and they typically know the best places to take you. One ILP group mentioned that their tour guide even took them to see a shipwreck!
That being said, some tourists have mentioned that they preferred snorkeling on Little Corn. Since it's more remote, many of the reefs are in better condition, and the water is clearer.
Places To Eat On Big Corn
Spekito's Place
The Pizzeria Italia
A total favorite, this Italian place serves up the yummiest pizza. Prices are a bit higher (around $12) but the pizzas are large enough to share which is nice. It comes highly recommended from ILP volunteers who have gone here again and again ... some even say it's the best food on the island!
Seaside Grill
Where To Stay On Big Corn
We have a few places we think you'll be high-key obsessed with... because having a fun hostel or hotel is a big part of the vacation, right? As always, check before booking whether hostels, Airbnbs, or hotels are open!
The Wave (Mimundo) Hostel
This place is right on the beach. No, but really, it couldn't be closer! Look out the windows and see the dreamy, aqua waves and palm trees. Head up to the second-floor balcony for a killer sunset view and cook up some breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the communal kitchen. Book here.
Just so you know, this place is called The Wave, but was formerly known as Mimundo, just in case you see both names floating around while booking.
Paraiso Beach Club Hotel
If you want a more luxurious experience, this is the way to go. You can book a stay in one of these very island-y cabanas, take advantage of the free breakfast, and enjoy the nearby stretch of beach (with umbrellas and chairs). They even have a morning workout class ($2 for guests, $8 for a drop-in). They also rent bikes and snorkel gear. Sounds pretty nice to me!
Rooms are about $ 70+ a night, but you can split the cost with another person. Book here.
A Few Tips For Your Trip
This Is A Pretty Remote Getaway
The Corn Islands are definitely off the beaten track, and you'll see all the perks of this on your trip. You'll run into stretches of deserted beaches, low prices for food and activities, and an experience not many people get to have.
That low-key vibe extends to all accommodation options (it's pretty bare-bones, with your necessities, but not many have luxuries like air conditioning).
How Long Do I Stay?
Plan on 4-5 days (you'll want ample time to explore both of the islands). I'd suggest sticking to one island as your base (like Little Corn), then visiting Big Corn for a day or two to check out the vibe there, on your way back (you'll need to catch the flight back home on Big Corn). You can fit everything in if you have about three full days, but this place is all about relaxation... so best to stretch it to four or even five days if you can.
Bring Cash + A Quick Heads Up On Electricity
There isn’t an ATM on Little Corn Island, so bring enough cash for your trip (or make a trip to Big Corn — there's one ATM there). It used to be that most vendors only accepted cash, especially on Little Corn, but more and more we hear travelers relaying that a lot of places are starting to accept cards. It's best to bring plenty of cash in case you need it, but you can likely also pay by card. Similar to other places around Nicaragua, USD is often accepted, but you'll receive your change in cordobas. They don't like bills higher than $20 USD.
The electricity doesn't run all the time on Little Corn, so plan on packing a flashlight for evenings and a battery-powered fan to help you keep cool if the power's off when you're sleeping.
Which Island To Choose?
Most travelers stay on Little Corn. Though Big Corn is larger (and more established), Little Corn is the spot for backpackers looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience (though hanging out on Big Corn is also worth your time). Both islands offer beaches, snorkeling, walks through palm trees, lots of hammocks, and casual spots to grab some fresh seafood.
How Do I Get There?
The best way to get to the Corn Islands is by plane. We are huge fans of flying directly from Managua to Big Corn Island. Some adventurous travelers make it to Bluefields first, then board a cargo ship that takes 7 hours, where pretty much everyone gets seasick. It's adventurous: ie, not convenient or comfortable at all. Like we said, that direct flight from Managua to Big Corn is perfect. It's a 90-minute flight (ish), and the view is absolutely stunning!
Head to Managua and hop on a small plane that'll take you to the tiny airstrip right on Big Corn Island. There are two departures per day, and La Costena is the airline to book with.
Just so you know, these planes are tiny, about 12 seats, and they'll weigh you + your luggage to make sure the planes won't be overweight. Your checked bag can weigh no more than 30 lbs, and your carry-on bag can weigh no more than 20 lbs. After you check in at the counter, you'll get your boarding pass, which is a laminated cardstock ticket (all the same except numbered in the corner). Next go to the window on the other side of the room to pay for a small taxi (it's about $3 USD on the way there, and $2 USD on the way back. You can pay in US cash or cordobas). Then you go through security to get into the waiting area. There are bathrooms and a small bar for buying drinks, snacks, muffins, sandwiches, etc.
Once you land on Big Corn, you're good to go, or head to Little Corn.
Getting From Big Corn To Little Corn
Remember, you'll land directly on Big Corn if you take that direct flight. To get to Little Corn, take a taxi to Municipal Wharf in Brig Bay (the taxi cost is 30 cordobas per person).
There you’ll find water taxis (pangas) to take you over. The ticket price is typically around $10 USD each way. Tickets are first-come, first-served and you buy them at a small booth on the dock, so you'll want to arrive about 1-2 hours early to help secure your seat (especially if you're shooting for the later departure).
The ride takes about 30-60 mins, depending on the weather. It's a bumpy ride, so it's best to bring some anti-nausea medication if you get seasick. A lot of travelers mention this being a rough part of the trip, but it's worth it to make it to Little Corn. Hint: Sit towards the back of the boat for the smoothest ride, or around the middle if you don't want to get wet. The front is really bouncy.
Double check that this is still accurate, but at the time we wrote this post, there were just two panga departures daily, so make sure you don't miss the boat!
- Big Corn to Little Corn: departs at 10:00 AM & 4:30 PM
Little Corn to Big Corn: departs 6:30 AM & 1:30 PM
The ferries hardly ever leave on time, especially during low season, but you'll want to get there early anyway. The weather can also be a factor. If the waters are especially rough, boats may be delayed or even canceled.
This site might be helpful for more information.
Ready for more in Nicaragua?
If you love the beaches on Nicaragua's Corn Islands, you will adore all the other adventures you can have (for cheap!). Nicaragua is still on the down-low, travel wise, so you can go zip lining in the jungle or sledding down a volcano for just a few dollars. We're sending volunteers to help out in this humanitarian program (and others); you can get more info by clicking that button:
