Little Corn island is totally different than the mainland of Nicaragua. The island has a Caribbean vibe and instead of Spanish they speak mostly English here. There are no cars on the island, which is understandably because it is only 3 by 1.5 kilometers wide. You can walk across the entire island on small paths underneath the shade of mango and palm trees, some parts are dense jungle with the animals that come with it. Little Corn island is known for the underwater world; snorkeling and diving are immensely popular here. The island is perfect to wind down; relax and take a step back in your traveling trip and enjoy the white beaches and turquoise waters around this tiny perfect island with charismatic locals.
How to travel to Little Corn Island?
There are two main ways to travel to Little Corn Island. The fastest and easiest way is by plane from Managua to Big Corn Island. The local airline La Costeña offers return flights from $190, depending on the season and time of booking. The flight takes only 1 to 1.5 hours depending on which plane they use. On my way to Big Corn Island I flew in a small cessna plane, which was a real attraction by itself, loved it. There are two planes per day; one in the morning at 7:00 AM and one in the afternoon at 2:00 PM. Ok, this is indeed pricy if you say only 4 nights on the island, but for me, it was totally worth it!
Take into account that your luggage can’t exceed the 16 kg, otherwise you need to pay extra. I even needed to stand on a scale to weight me and my hand luggage!
If you do not want to spend that amount of money, you can also take the boat from Bluefields to Big Corn Island. First take the bus from Managua to Bluefields, that will take you already 8 to 9 hours and then another 6 to 7 hours with the ferry which only departs twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday at 9:00 AM). This cheaper choice ~35$ requires a lot more planning and time and even an overnight in Bluefields. If you have the time fine by me, but I chose the fast track.
From Big Corn airport you take a 1$ taxi to the port and take the boat (20$) to Little Corn island. The boat waits with departure on the arriving flight. If they depart at least, in my instance the normal panga boat did not leave due to the weather conditions. There was a lot of wind and the waves were too high so we had to charter a bigger fishing boat for 300$. We shared among the tourists and ended up paying 40$ per person one way, but glad we could go, otherwise we were stuck on Big Island for two days and additional accommodation cost would occur.
Be aware that the boat does not go as planned due to the weather, hotel bookings could get lost!
Bring a rain poncho on the boat, the water could make you very wet!
If you get seasick easily, take some travel pills in advance!
The way back to Managua is the same as your way in, the boat from Little Corn Island is matching the times of the flights; one flight in the morning at 8:20 AM and one in the afternoon at 3:20 PM I paid 10$ for this trip. The boat leaves 1.5 hour before the departure time of the flight but check with the locals at the dock beforehand.
Check the weather for the crossing, if you don’t want to miss your flight, book the last night on Big Corn island.
Five things to do on Little Corn Island?
Little Corn Island is a small bounty paradise, so no need to do a lot here on the island. Chilling on the stunning beaches is the main activity or reading a book in the hammock, but here some other activities of which you can think of:
1. Walk around the Island
I love to walk and especially in a beautiful and tropical environment! There are no cars on the island, so walking is the main transportation on Little Corn Island. There are clear paths with amazing views along the route and amazing beaches to explore. Get a bottle of water, bring your camera and some cash for lunch, and start exploring the island. There are signs with accommodations and beach names on it so you don’t get lost easily. Walk up to the Lighthouse, the highest point on the island, where you have a spectacular view.
Download Nicaragua on the maps.me app, so you can check the paths of Little Corn Island offline on your phone
2. Chill at the Beach
Little Corn Island has many beaches but the two most beautiful ones are Otto Beach at the north side and Cocal Beach on the east side of the island. Cocal beach could get windy during the windy season January and February, good for kitesurfing though. So don’t miss Otto Beach! Most beaches are rough and feel remote, with a lot of natural trash like rocks, shells, coconuts, seaweed, and palm leaves but also plastic. Otto Beach at the Yemaya Reef is cleaned and well maintained, which looks stunning. Perfect to chill under a palm tree and cool off in the turquoise waters and of course shoot your next profile picture!
3. Snorkeling and Diving
The waters around Little Corn Island are known for the underwater wildlife. The first two days no boats were going due to the choppy waters, so when the water calmed down, I immediately booked a snorkeling tour. The Sunshine Hotel runs snorkel tours (25$) as well. I must admit, I snorkeled a lot in my life, but on this snorkeling tour I spotted a lot of wildlife next to the beautiful coral. I saw a reef shark, hammerhead shark, turtle, stingray, lobster, barracuda, and a lot of tropical fish. Another tourist I met on the boat said the diving is amazing too; he recommends Oliver’s Diving. Due to my ear problems I don’t dive anymore, but I saw everything I wanted to see on my snorkeling tour! Highly recommend you to get in the water and enjoy the underwater world of Little Corn Island!
4. Watersports
If you don’t want to go into the water you can always stay on top of it; rent a Stand-Up Paddle board or kayak! I saw some SUPs at Las Palmeras on the west side of the island, but also on the east side at Little Corn Beach and Bungalows you can rent paddleboards and sea kayaks. At this place on the eastern coast of the island you can kitesurf as well, when the wind is good (November to August). The water is warm and the scenery is stunning with the white sand and countless palm trees on shore. So you can get active on Little Corn Island!
5. Sunset Boat and Fishing Tour
Our challenging boat journey from Big to Little Corn Island, bonded a random bunch of tourists so much, that we spent a lot of time together on the island. Doing a sunset boat tour was the idea of, the almost local Mark, who owns a house on the island. We brought our own drinks on the chartered boat (80$) organized by Three Brothers Hostel. The boat sailed around the whole island and ended just in time for sunset at the northwest side of the island. The skipper threw out the fishing lines during the trip and we were so lucky to catch a big barracuda. I was the one sitting next to the line and my duty was to get the fish in. It was a big battle but I got us a fresh dinner! We brought the fish to “Shack Café,” who prepared it for us, including salad and fried bananas, for 8$ per person.
Where to Stay on Little Corn Island?
After I booked my flight to Little Corn Island two months before my departure, I started to investigate and plan my trip to this tropical destination. I had read some blogs like mine, bought the Loney Planet for more information and inspiration. But still I found it difficult to find a nice accommodation and struggled on the location of the hotel. I am traveling alone and although they say Little Corn island is safe, I thought it is not a clever idea to walk in the dark after my dinner or late drink. The paths are not lighted and it is still jungle out there. So if you want you accommodation close but still quiet enough from the main restaurants and nightlife you must book your room on this west side of the island. During the day you can walk and visit the rest of the island. I was incredibly happy with my choice to stay at the Sunshine Hotel. The hotel is basic and colorful, my bed was excellent, room was clean with air conditioning; for 50$ cash per night.
Be Aware: the electricity stops from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the island has only one big diesel generator which is only allowed to run for certain hours.
Be Aware: In most of the hotels the showers are cold. I didn’t mind because it is so refreshing after a long sweety day at the beach.
If you don’t mind walking in the evening after couple of drinks to your accommodation and look for a cheaper choice (~25$ per night); the huts of Grace Place, Carlitos and Elsa’s place are definitely an option. With the sea breeze at Corcal Beach you don’t need an aircon in the simple hut right on the beach.
If you are looking for a high-end accommodation you should check the Yemaya Reefs. This is a boutique style hotel, with high service at the amazing Otto beach. Downside is that it is “far” from the center and where the boat leaves. All depending on what you prefer, but I was happy with my choice beforehand and after visiting the island I will book the same Sunshine Hotel again!
Bring a flashlight or charged phone or headlight if you need to go back to your hotel on the other side of the island in the dark.
Where to eat and drink on Little Corn Island?
The main restaurants and bars with activities are on the western side of the island: Tranquilo Café and Desideri. These two are the hot spots of the island with every night a special evening like: Pub Quiz on Tuesday, Wednesday Garifuna dans evening at Tranquilo and Thursday Pizza Night (lobster pizza 16$) with live music at Desideri. Tranquilo is more a bar where you can eat as well and Desideri is more a restaurant where you can drink, both have Happy Hours where you can order a NicaPunch!
On this tropical island you need to eat fish. The local dish “Rondon,” or Run Down, all what the chef has left, is a typical Caribbean dish that you need to try on this island. The stew like dish consists of spicy rich coconut milk soup with lobster, red snapper, and vegetables like yuca, potato and banana. You need to order the Rondon in advance, because it takes 1 to 2 hours of preparation. I was told that Gloria’s has the best Rondon in town, so I went there (15$). Heard positive reviews of the Rondon at El Bosque. That place looked really cute at the edge of the forest on the way to Corcal Beach.
Another beautiful place for lunch is Turned Turtle Bar, fantastic location with view over the turquoise waters, the restaurant is part of the accommodation Little Corn Beach Bungalow. For breakfast, The Shack Café is recommended and if you like to try the local coconut bread or banana bread, go to Gloria’s Bakery!
More tips when you travel to Little Corn Island
Next to my tips mentioned above here some new and sum up:
Bring out sufficient cash to the island to pay your hotel, diving or snorkel trips, meals, and transport. There are no ATMs on the island and if they accept your Credit Card, they charge you percentages extra.
In the morning from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the island has no electricity, some restaurants have their own generator, but take that into account when you go out to get breakfast.
The prices are higher than on the mainland of Nicaragua, which make sense, everything needs to be shipped in from the mainland. But still it is not that expensive.
Take your flashlight, it could get dark in the evening, when walking back to your accommodation.
Bring insect repellent spay, although there is a lot of wind, mosquitoes are everywhere.
Bring a raincoat on the boat if the sea is bumpy you could get very wet!
Bring your trash! Don’t leave it on the beach, keep the beach and oceans clean!
If you get seasick easily, bring pills for the boat rides.
