Seventy kilometres off the southern coast of Nicaragua, in the Caribbean Sea, we find the Corn Island archipelago, one of the most beautiful places in the country. The main attraction of this group of islands formed by Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island is the varied marine fauna that inhabits its incredible white sand beaches and coral reefs, as well as a unique ecosystem composed of mangroves and marshes formed thanks to the flatness of the island. If you’re planning a trip to Nicaragua, Corn Island is not to be missed.
In this post we have listed the main places of interest on the island and many other activities worth doing, such as snorkelling or kayaking. We also give you some tips on where to stay and, of course, where to eat. The gastronomy of the islands is characterized by the presence of fish and seafood cooked in a thousand ways, the most famous dish being the Rondón. If you want to know more, read on, and we’ll tell you all things to do in Corn Island, Nicaragua.
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What to do on Corn Island, Nicaragua?
1. Tour Corn Island on foot or by bike
The main island of Corn Island is really small (despite being the big one), so it’s easy to walk from one side to the other. Otherwise, another option is to cycle around it. You can rent them at different points on the island for the whole day. The price is agreed for all establishments and is €10. We recommend you get a map and follow the circular route around the island so you don’t get lost and end up stuck in marshy terrain.
2. Diving at Corn Island, the most impressive activity
The islands attract thousands of divers and tourists every year in search of an incredible experience among colourful fish and reefs. The varied marine life that inhabits the archipelago’s shores amid colourful coral reefs and turquoise blue waters is truly impressive.
There are several dive companies on the island where you can rent snorkelling equipment and guided dive trips for all levels. They also organise diving courses. It’s a unique opportunity to get to hidden places you never thought you’d see.
3. Hike to Mount Pleasant Hill
In the centre of the island is a hill (the only one on the islands) 113 metres high called Mount Pleasant Hill. It’s an easy walk that takes barely an hour, but it’s worth it for the spectacular views of the island and the sea as it disappears into the horizon. When evening falls is the ideal time to climb the peak, so you can watch the sunset from a privileged spot. But don’t hurry too much and get down before it gets dark.
4. Little Corn Island
The archipelago is made up of two islands, and while the main island, with the same name as the archipelago, is where most of the activities take place, the smaller one, known as Little Corn Island, is also a beautiful place. Many even say it’s the prettier of the two.
Since it’s so small, it’s not as built-up as the other, but rather a paradise of unspoilt beaches where you can sunbathe and enjoy the tranquillity. It’s also an ideal place for snorkelling. The only drawback is that it can only be reached by a boat that leaves twice a day from the big island.
5. The best beaches in the archipelago
Corn Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Long beaches of white sand and turquoise blue water surrounded by vegetation. The most curious thing is the difference between them, depending on their orientation. The beaches on the east coast are protected by coral reefs, so there aren’t many waves, but there is plenty of marine life. These are Long Beach and Silver Sand Beach, ideal for snorkelling.
On the west side the beaches are also quiet and scenic. However, you won’t see as much life as in the east. They are, however, the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see around Corn Island, Nicaragua?
1. Bluefields, a picturesque Caribbean town
Bluefields is another of the most touristy places to see in Nicaragua. From Corn Island it takes 6 hours to get there by ferry, so it is recommended to spend the night there to make the most of the time. The town has a lot to offer such as beautiful beaches, beautiful parks and other interesting buildings such as churches and cathedrals. There you will also find the museum of culture and history of the region and art galleries.
This place is gaining more and more recognition as a tourist destination, so it is very well equipped in terms of services. It’s also a pleasure to stroll around this little Caribbean town.
2. El Bluff, the perfect island for water sports
El Bluff is a small island that belongs to the municipality of Bluefields where you can do all kinds of water sports. It is a tourist place with several hotels and restaurants. It can be reached in 15 minutes by boat from Bluefields and the ticket price is less than 2€.
What to see in 1 day on Corn Island?
The time needed to see Corn Island depends on the activities you want to do. As we have already seen, there are only beaches in the archipelago where you can do various water sports such as snorkelling and kayaking. Due to the large distances between the islands and the mainland, it is recommended to spend at least three days, in order to see both islands.
In these three days, you’ll be able to:
- Visit Little Corn Island
- Climb Mount Pleasant Hill
- Tour the island on foot or by bike
- Rest on the beach
- Scuba dive or snorkel
Where and what to eat on Corn Island, Nicaragua?
As you can imagine, Corn Island’s cuisine is all about fish and seafood. You’ll be amazed at the variety of dressings and ways they use to cook the fresh produce. The most famous dish is Rondon, a fish soup with cassava, plantain and coconut milk. Here’s a list of some of our favourite restaurants on the islands.
- Tranquilo Café is a lively beach bar offering both traditional dishes and international alternatives. In addition, the menu includes vegan and vegetarian options. At night, it transforms into a cocktail bar. Meals are priced at no more than €10.
- Rosa’s: This cosy establishment is known for its wonderful breakfasts for as little as €3. They also offer lunch and dinner for around €6-9.
- Fry Fish Bar: A romantic restaurant where you can sample the island’s best fresh fish dishes. The price is very moderate, and the reviews are exceptional.
Where to stay on Corn Island, Nicaragua?
Corn Island, Nicaragua, has become a very touristy area with a growing number of accommodation options. This means you’ll have no trouble finding accommodation. But don’t worry, contrary to what you might think, the place isn’t overcrowded, and the buildings don’t spoil the scenery. Here are a few suggestions for places to stay:
- Paraiso Beach Hotel: Located on the beachfront, this bungalow complex is perfect for relaxing and enjoying your holiday. It has a private beach, a breakfast buffet (included in the price) and also organises activities and has a massage service. The price per night ranges from €70 to €150.
- Paraiso Beach Hotel: A more modest option than the previous one, but just as well located. This simple, cosy hotel has basic amenities and is a good way to save on your trip. The price per night is around €50.
- Christina’s Guest House: is the ideal place for backpackers. The price for a private room is no more than €13 and the guesthouse also has a shared kitchen.
How to get to Corn Island, Nicaragua?
Getting to Corn Island is easy, although there are no direct flights from other countries. First you’ll have to fly to Managua, and once there, you’ll have two options:
- Flight: From the capital, there are direct flights for around €200 (return). It is the fastest option.
- Bus and ferry: This option is more complex, but it’s cheaper and gives you the opportunity to see other parts of the country. From Managua, you take a bus to Bluefields, which takes 7 hours and costs about €9. Once there, you’ll have to take a ferry, which departs twice a week for €7 and takes 6 hours.
To get around the archipelago, there are two boats a day that go from one island to another and take 40 minutes. The cost is about €5.
What should I consider before travelling to Corn Island, Nicaragua?
- No visa is required to enter Nicaragua, but a passport valid for at least 6 months is required.
- The city is safe, but you are advised to exercise caution and keep an eye on your belongings.
- No vaccinations are required to enter the country if you are travelling from Spain.
- The official language in Nicaragua is Spanish.
- The country’s currency is the córdoba.
- It is best to change money before you start your trip, as there are shops and restaurants that do not accept credit cards.
- The climate is warm all year round, but between June and December is the rainy season.
- Avoid eating at street stalls and drinking tap water.
- Be prepared for medical emergencies – travel with insurance.
How to prepare what to see on your trip to Corn Island?
Sign up or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions.
- Add the stops that interest you most, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can get inspiration from the routes we present in the post).
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the modifications you need, and you’ll be all set for your trip.
- Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travellers what to see in Corn Island, Nicaragua.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Corn Island, Nicaragua
The best time to travel to Corn Island is between January and May, as the rest of the year is the rainy season. The weather is warm and consistent all year round.
Although the water is safe to drink in urban areas, it is best to avoid drinking water directly from the tap throughout the country as our stomachs may react to a different minerality.
Corn Island’s cuisine revolves around fish and seafood, with the most famous dish being Rondon, a soup made from fish, cassava and coconut milk.
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