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My Day on Little Corn Island

Little Corn Island is far smaller than Big Corn Island and has some kind of deserted island feel. It was my long time wish to visit this idyllic Caribbean island, where you can spend your days exploring the island by walking the footpaths through the coconut palm tree woods to find small beaches around the island, relaxing in a hammock and enjoying the delicious Caribbean cuisine at a seaside table.

I normally woke up early and started the day with a swim in the sea, just steps from my cabaña. When I returned I opened the door out to the terrace and sat down for a while to enjoy the view. The sun was still coming up and the sea was almost as smooth as a mirror. I often took a morning walk by the sea but sometimes just stayed at the terrace until having a breakfast in one of the island's restaurants. Or preferably, I bought freshly made coconut bread which was sold every morning by local people on the beach, and had a big cup of coffee at Carlito's place.

I was spending the days chilling in a hammock at the terrace of my cabaña reading a book, had refreshing swim from time to time, and quenched my thirst with a cold Toña beer or fresh coconut water. Sometimes sweet Julia kept me company. One morning I took a snorkeling excursion but normally I just put on mask and snorkel and slowly swam to the coral reef, some 200 metres out in the sea. I rarely went to the village during the day but we did have a dinner in the village a few times, always trying to come early enough to take advantage of the magnificent sunset.

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Address: Little Corn Island

The Village

Little Corn Island is a paradise for those wishing to enjoy tranquility of the virgin beaches. And that's just what I was looking for. But walk to the Village should you wish to check out 'civilization'. The island is small, everything is in a walking distance. Staying on the east side it took 15 minutes to get across the island to the village. I only visited the village occasionally, in most cases for dinner, and also when I needed to buy water, fruits or snacks.

Normally you will be arriving with a panga boat from Big Corn Island and will be let off at the pier on the south-west side of the island. You'll find a paved sidewalk that runs the length of the village. This is called the 'front side' by islanders and is the centre of most social activity. Locals live, drink, dine and dance in the Village, which is set on a serene harbour sheltered from the north winds. Most restaurants, several hotels and grocery stores, bakery, cyber café with internet and telephone service, and the two dive shops are set in the Village. This is also from where to watch the spectacular sunset.

Address: Little Corn Island

Directions: west side of the island

A Walk by the Sea to Long Bay

My original plan after landing on Big Corn Island was to go directly to Little Corn Island. But due to strong winds and rough sea there was no panga boat so I was stuck on Big Corn Island for one day. I decided to take advantage and explore the island by foot. Starting from Brig Bay where my hotel was located, I took the cobbled street that goes through the town and then further south from the airfield. After a 20-30-minute walk I came to South West Bay, named also Picnic Centre. With white sand and turquoise water, it’s the most popular swimming beach. The water is calm and it’s hot as there is no breeze. There is a smattering of restaurants and hotels, and the picnic centre which has thatch cabanas to sit under. Picnic Centre is also a good place to watch the sunset.

Then I followed the path that leads across the island to the windward side, and walked by the sea to the north until I got to Long Bay. Just as pretty, but a bit rougher and with fever services, it’s a long beach with golden sand and coconut trees, excellent for walking. Sometimes there are larger waves and sometimes there are hardly any waves, and there is great snorkeling. If you are looking for a place to swim in absolute tranquility, this is the place for you. There is an island style bar located on Long Bay where they gladly watch your belongings while you swim. I spent two hours relaxing on the beach and had two beers before I returned to town. On the way back I was accompanied by a local guy who was eager to show me around.

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Address: Big Corn Island

Directions: southeastern side of the island

Brig Bay

Only a five-minute taxi ride from the airport is Brig Bay which is the main town of Big Corn Island, the 'downtown' area. Typical Caribbean town with a mixed culture (English-speaking Creole population, mainland Nicaraguans and Miskito people from the Caribbean Mosquito coast) and island flavour is actually a group of houses lining the main road. Here you'll find a few hotels, restaurants and shops. There is Internet café and since recently also ATM. Though it often runs out of money so you should plan ahead and bring enough cash with you. The municipal docks are also in Brig Bay with panga boat service to Little Corn Island.

The town is not particularly attractive but you'll find a few nice examples of typical Caribbean architecture. While the swimming in Brig Bay is ok, the best beaches are on Long Bay and Southwest Bay.

Address: Big Corn Island

Directions: west side of the island