Travel Tuesday for 4.19.16: Little Corn Island, Nicargua
Traveled: April 2016 with Amber
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I can’t quite remember the first time I read about the Corn Islands in Nicaragua. I have a habit of constantly reading Lonely Planet guidebooks, always scheming my next adventure. I’m fairly certain I was planing some adventure in the region a number of years ago when I came across the description of these magical islands, basically a forgotten paradise sitting off the coast of Central America.
This year I was looking for a dive destination. Something not too far afield. I was originally hoping to line something up that would allow me to see whale sharks, but alas the timing wasn’t right. Then I remembered reading about Little Corn as a excellent diving spot. No whale sharks, but the diving was still supposed to be great. The more I read, the more it sounded like exactly my kind of place. Completely off the normal tourist track, no big resorts, and super affordable accommodations and diving. Sold.
We spent about 4 days on Little Corn, and I easily could have stayed for weeks. This place was magic. I’ve been to a lot of beaches and fantastic destinations in my life, but this tiny island was just perfection. There are no cars or roads, no electricity from 6am-1pm, and it goes without saying, the pace of life is relaxed. We had huge stretches of beach all to ourselves, without a soul in sight for whole afternoons. The water is pure turquoise and the coconut palms sway in the breeze. This is paradise.
Lobster traps, piled up everywhere we looked.
Yes, that IS a nurse shark hanging out right next to the shore in the above photo. I couldn’t believe we spotted it and on the same day I saw my first reef sharks on a dive earlier that morning!
Travel Details:
We stayed at Las Palmeras Boutique Hotel. It’s one of the newer hotels on the island and we had a great stay. It was very clean and located in the local village on the more populated side of the island. It’s also painted bright pink with beautiful hammocks on its own little private beach deck. Palmeras a good mid-range option if you don’t want to go for the bargain beach shacks right on the water on the east side of the island.
Diving: I dove with Dolphin Dive and had a positive experience. The equipment was good, the dive masters were super friendly and knowledgable and most importantly the diving was great! Lots of larger life, I saw my first sharks, big rays, grouper, huge lobster, and great barracuda along with loads of smaller fish as well.
How do I get there?
This is the adventure. The reason no one is here is because it’s a bit of an trek to arrive. We flew into Managua, took another small flight to Big Corn Island, and then you take a smaller wooden speedboat across to Little Corn.
Is Little Corn Island a good spot for a destination wedding or destination elopement?
I spoke to a few folks on the island regarding weddings. From what they said, it’s not very common here yet, but they had seen one or two smaller events. That said, if you’re up for a something different and totally unique, I think it would be an AMAZING spot to get married, especially for an intimate elopement. I don’t think there are the facilities for a larger catered gathering, but for a handful intrepid guests and a couple? Absolutely! Just keep in mind you have to carry everything you need with you on the boat, so the lighter you pack the better.
I would love to photograph your destination elopement on Little Corn Island!
I’ll be there in a heartbeat, just tell me when!
For more information on destination wedding pricing, head over to my travel rates page or send me an email via my contact page.