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.

Ever wondered what a piece of paradise was worth? Amazingly, it might be less than you’d think. Island and oceanfront real estate in the Caribbean is definitely one of the most attractive investments out there and depending on the Caribbean country you focus on you might be able to buy your own island for less than what an apartment in 5th Avenue Manhattan might cost you. It’s all about bargain hunting in heaven.

Land in the Caribbean is up for the taking

Knocking on Heaven’s Door

According to GlobalPropertyGuide.com the per square meter price in the most expensive city of each of these Caribbean Countries is as follows:

This is definitely good news considering these prices are in high profile cities. What does this mean for a Caribbean property Bargain Hunter? That per square meter prices in other cities should be much cheaper, of course. And if we take into account other Caribbean property prices in countries not mentioned in the above list – for example, property in Central and South America’s Caribbean regions, such as Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, etc. – you might find some even more interesting gems out there.

Robinson Crusoe island in the southern Caribbean

Imagine what it would be like to own a small cottage in Robinson Crusoe island in the Grenadines in the southern Caribbean. The whole island would be your playground. You could rent it out to vacationers during peak season and use it for yourself off season. An investment I would be proud to call my own.