Escape The Crowds At These Two Lesser-Known Caribbean Islands
If you've ever fantasized about being washed up on a Caribbean island for a week or two, the Corn Islands off the coast of mainland Nicaragua look like a dreamy postcard come to life. These amazing Central American destinations are off-the-beaten-path and tick all the boxes if you're looking for crystalline waters, white-sandy beaches, warm locals, freshly baked coconut bread, and plenty of seafood dinners from fish and lobster caught that morning. You'll have the distinct feeling of being in a place like Tulum or Thailand decades ago before the developers arrived and paved paradise.
Getting to the islands is difficult, which is part of how they maintain their laid-back charm. Sometime between December and May (the dry season), you'll start the adventure in the capital city of Managua, Nicaragua. You'll take an hour-long prop plane ride ($194) to Big Corn, about 43 miles off the coast. If you continue to Little Corn, you'll catch an open-air boat or a "lancha" for another 30 minutes ($6) to cover the 8-mile stretch between the two islands, often on choppy water. But once you dip into the warm surf and sip a cocktail out of a coconut, you'll soon realize the trek was worth it. No wonder there's a "leave return open-ended" feature on the La Costena Airlines website. You might never want to leave.
Things to do on Big Corn island
The larger island is around 4 square miles, and your first taste of the laid-back lifestyle in the Corns. Of the two, Big Corn is less touristy but has more amenities you're used to, like full-time electricity, Wifi, and taxis. While most travelers head straight for Little Corn, it would be a shame not to explore this gem first. Not only are the grocery stores and restaurant prices one-third cheaper, but the snorkeling spots are easier to access, and two stunning beaches are all but deserted: Picnic Beach and Long Beach. You can easily have the golden sands and teal surf all to yourself.
Diving is also popular in this area. With 20 offshore dive sites, you can glimpse sea turtles, stingrays, dolphins, nurse sharks, and hammerhead sharks against a backdrop of colorful corals. If you're just starting your scuba diving journey, the Corn Island Dive Center has a PADI-certified course for $320, a steal considering most range from $300 to $700.
If you're interested in sunbathing, grab a day pass from the Arenas Beach Hotel ($10), which grants access to loungers, towels, and non-motorized beach toys like stand-up paddle boards. For happy hour, grab cocktails from an Instagrammable bar inside a boat, aptly named the Boat Bar. You can also try a floating spot called the Bit Coin Island Bar. Simply stand on the beach, wave to the bar, and someone will pick you up in a boat.
Things to do on Little Corn island
Little Corn Island, a 1.5-square-mile dot in the Caribbean, is a refuge for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life. There are no motorized vehicles like cars or golf carts, so you'll breathe in pollution-free air. However, you'll have limited phone signal and spotty Wi-Fi. The electricity shuts off during the day, giving you plenty of time to explore the outdoors and reconnect with nature. Plus, where else in the world can you spend $10 on a fresh lobster dinner for two?
As you explore the area on foot or a bike, head to Otto Beach, known as the most popular and picturesque on the island. It's perfect for catching a few rays, reading a novel, swimming, or grabbing a cocktail from a nearby tiki bar. You could also book a two-hour snorkeling tour for $20 from Grace's Cool Spot. If you happen to be in town on a Sunday, join the locals at the baseball diamond and catch a game between the Big Corn and Little Corn teams.
At the popular four-star Yemaya Reefs hotel, there are plenty of activities for the ideal vacation in the Caribbean, like cooking classes ($45), cocktail classes ($45), spa treatments ($60 to $120), or a sunset cruise ($50). After the sun goes down, meander to Tranquilo Cafe and enjoy some nightlife. It has bonfire nights, trivia nights, drumming sessions, and a live weekend DJ. With vibes like this, those emails can wait.