Escape To Little Corn in Nicaragua: A Tiny Roadless Caribbean Island

Relax on this idyllic Caribbean hideaway.

International Living Postcards--your daily escape

Friday, June 15, 2007
Little Corn Island, Nicaragua
 
The people of Little Corn could boast of their turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and hidden coves of crystal clear, bathtub warm waters, but they don't. They live quietly and modestly among the coconut palms, mango trees, and orange trees. The supply ship coming in on Sunday mornings is the big "event" of the week.

Just 800 acres in area, the island has no modern resort development or motor vehicles, and can support only 250 visitors at any time. There's excellent fishing, world-class diving, mouthwatering seafood…and plenty to explore from lawless jungle to uninhabited pristine beaches of the northwest coastline.

The west coastline is an idyllic location for scuba diving with backpacker's cabanas for $10 to $15 a night. Wherever you stay, be prepared for intermittent water and electricity.

To unwind, lie on the quiet beaches, or sit on the porch at the Lobster Inn and watch the fishing boats come in. It costs $20 a night to stay here, but if you plan to stay for a week, ask Conelia (tel. (505)847-1736) for a special rate.

The Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua is scarcely populated. To get to Little Corn Island, fly from Managua to Big Corn Island ($165 Roundtrip) and get a speedboat ($7) to the "Little Island." It's no secret that Big Corn has a reputation for violence and crime related to drug trafficking, so I would advise you to stay at Sweet Dreams Hotel next to the dock for $25 a night where it's safe.

Shirley Hollick
For International Living