Imagine a place with secluded, palm-lined white sand beaches and crystalline turquoise waters. Now throw in some friendly locals, a couple shipwrecks, a lush tropical backdrop and a cool island breeze. Sounds like paradise, right? Welcome to the Corn Islands, one of the Caribbean’s most underrated destinations.
If you haven’t heard of the Corn Islands, you’re not alone. For the better part of the last century, they’ve more or less kept to themselves. However, the islands have a surprisingly colorful past. They were originally a British protectorate, and during this time, they were a popular pirate haunt (hence the shipwrecks). In 1894, they were claimed by Nicaraguan government, who leased them to the U.S. government for 99 years. In 1970, the 99 year lease was ended under President Anstasio Somoza Debayle, and they once again came completely under Nicaraguan leadership.
Today, the Corn Islands are only nominally part of Nicaragua and are home to an English-speaking population descended from English settlers and slaves brought over from Africa. However, tourism is quickly becoming just as important to the local economy as coconut production and commercial fishing, and it’s hard to say how long the Islands will retain their Anglo-Caribbean Identity. Nicaraguan mainlanders and indigenous groups have been migrating to the islands, particularly Big Corn Island, in increasing numbers to take advantage of the growing tourism industry.
But despite this increase in tourism, The Corn Islands still feel very much removed from the modern world. If you’re the kind of traveler who requires gourmet dinners and five star all-inclusive resorts, the Corn Islands aren’t for you. If, however, you can content yourself with a rustic beachside cabana (A/C’s an unlikely commodity) and a $1.50 street vendor meal, you won’t be disappointed. The Corn Islands are composed of two Islands: Big Corn Island and Small Corn Island. Both are wonderfully elusive and isolated, but those looking for a truly Robinson Crusoe-like escape should head to Small Corn Island — there aren’t even any roads here, so you have no choice but to feel like you’re getting away from it all. Both islands have some spectacular offshore barrier reefs, and the diving and snorkeling are quickly gaining popularity. However, aside from snorkeling, diving, swimming and exploring the islands by foot, there really isn’t much else to do but relax on the beach with a cold beer in hand, which is perfectly OK in my book.
Located about 45 miles off of Nicaragua’s Atlantic Coast, the Corn Islands are composed of two Islands: Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island. It’s not particularly easy to reach the islands: You will have to fly from Managua to Bluefield Airport to Big Corn Island Airport. Those wanting to stay in Little Corn Island will then need to take a ferry. However, adventurous travelers will find that the Corn Islands are well worth the hassle.
For additional information on other exotic Latin American destinations, check out articles on Ecuador, Brazil, and Mexico.
