Corn Islands, or Islas del Maíz in Spanish are two small islands in Caribbean and belong to Nicaragua. Tourism already started here, but there are no big resorts, so this place is really close to your image of perfect tropic heaven.
There are two ways how to get to those bucolic settings. First is take a boat from Caribbean port Bluefields. That would take ages, timetables are scarce and unreliable, and sea could be really rough. Much better option is to take a flight from Nica capital Managua, operated by local airlines La Costeña. It has stopover in Bluefields, but you don’t have to get out. After roughly hour and half, you get out on Big Corn Island.
As name suggest, bigger of two, bit cheaper, less touristic, with cars, and with main income in lobster fishing. Little bit more local reggae feel here, as that is really place where reggae and
country music could coexist and don’t feel odd at all. Interesting thing is that main language there is not Spanish, but actually English. Inhabitants are Creoles, descendants of British pirates and african slaves they brought to work on their plantations.
Little island is more secluded and now very much more touristy. Therefore, some people prefer Big Corn, but I think you need really see both. To get to Little Corn, your only reall option is to take small panga boat to cross 12 km of open sea. Those are fiberglass boats for 30-40 people, with two powerfull Yamaha 200hp engines strapped to back. This could be really, really rough ride, when sea is not calm. But you will fancy a little adventure to get there, won’t you 🙂 ? There are no cars, no real roads there, which adds to atmosfere. There is really only one settlement, called The Village. There most people will sleep, eat and party. There are some more secluded rustic cabañas on other sides of island too. There is obviously great snorkeling, diving and most importantly party and great food.
Daily caught lobster, shrimp, fish, together with abundance of coconuts and local fruits and vegetables would team up in some best meals you ever had. We particularly wormed to Desideri restaurant, which can serve you the whole day, from breakfast till dinner. Go there and see and taste yourself, before this place would be necessarily spoiled by too much tourism…
