Overview
Located about 50 miles east of the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua lies the island of Little Corn. Only about 1.1 sq. miles in size but still bursting with character and charisma. It is home to around 800 of the friendliest people, speaking Creole English and Spanish.
The Corn Islands, along with the eastern half of present-day Nicaragua, were a British protectorate from 1655 until 1860, a period when the region was called the Mosquito Coast. At one time, the islands were frequented by Caribbean pirates. The Nicaraguan government annexed the region in 1894.
Fishing, in particular lobster has been the mainstay of the island, but in recent years tourism is playing a larger part in the island economy, with their many surrounding coral reefs making them a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling.
There are many charming features of the island including no motorised vehicles allowed, which means carts must transport goods and materials around from the weekly supply boats. Power is only available from the hours of 1:00pm-6:00am and there is are no cash machines on the island. A couple of places on the island will do cash advances and others will take card payments.
Day Activities
Although small, Little Corn Island is an island bursting with things to do. You are able to find lively social scenes as well as lose yourself in the dense jungle and secluded coves. You don’t need to spend a lot of money here to enjoy yourself. Walking around the island can
“Make Yoga” right here on Little Corn Island at Funk and find your groove both on and off the mat during these 75 minutes yoga classes.
Practice in paradise in their open air studio space overlooking the sea, which is fully equipped with mats, blocks, straps, and blankets for students.
Prices are very reasonable often $10 and below for walk-ins with discount for multi-class packages.
A favourite of Azul Conservation, especially the yoga classes designed for scuba diving that have helped many of our students develop better breathing techniques and therefore increased their conservation value underwater.
Dolphin Dive offers some of the best recreational diving in the Caribbean from their locally-owned dive shop. The small center is staffed by experienced PADI instructors offering certifications from Open Water through to Divemaster. Fun dives for certified divers are provided three times a day along with night dives. These are taken by living legend and local divemaster Garry. You won’t have experienced a fun dive like it!
Dolphin Dive prides themselves on offering tuition in small groups and ensuring that your dive experiences are both safe and enjoyable.
Snorkelling
As well as great diving, the island boasts lots of great snorkelling locations, either straight from the shore or via boat tours. Operators around the island offer snorkel trips for $20pp and also rent gear.
Fishing Tours
There are a number fishing operators around the island offering trips. We don’t want to negatively effect anyones livelihood on the island, but we do ask that tourists ensure that they educate themselves on correct fishing practices and do not take tours that fish directly on the reefs or target endangered species. Please see the attached Good Seafood Guide.
Please note that spear fishing is banned on the island and all equipment will be confiscated on arrival.
Kayaks and SUP boards
A number of places including Los Delfines Hotel and Desideri have kayaks and SUP boards available to rental.
Little Corn’s kiting season runs from the middle of November to the middle of August with the best wind usually coming in December-March and June & July. Average wind speed is 18-20knots, with maximum around 33Knots. Water temperature is usually 27 degrees and outside temperature 28-30 degrees. We have flat water as well as some waves breaking near the reef for those who want to test themselves.
Rider level is from beginner all the way to pro. It’s the perfect spot for learning, with onshore currents and cross onshore wind, without too many people to get in your way.
The School opened in 2012 and has professional instructors and assistants. Each year they get new equipment from Core Kites and Zian Kite. They teach all levels, have equipment for both rental and for sale and can fix your kites and boards.
Food and Drink
This bar and restaurant is open for Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner offering delicious and varied alternatives to traditional Central American “rice & beans” fare as well as fresh brewed Nicaraguan Coffees (hot & cold brew varieties), as well as espresso, fruit juices, smoothies, cocktails and the largest beer selection in the Corn Islands. The perfect place for sunset watching.
After dark Tranquilo offers a great laid back social atmosphere with twice-weekly bonfire parties, as well as live music, game nights, “Pub Quiz” trivia contests and local drumming. It’s a terrific place to meet up with other fun-seeking travellers. Come early to Happy Hour (5-7 pm), and check out the 2-for-1 and reduced price price specials
The Zen Den
Open first thing at 5:30am this is a great breakfast and lunch spot to pick up a healthy snack, wrap, smoothie or freshly baked quiche. Located below Funk’s yoga studio, this place has a perfectly relaxed atmosphere.
Serving home cooked Italian specialties as well as other delicious dishes, Desideri is one of the islands bests restaurants. The kitchen also caters very well to dietary requirements, offering a range of both vegan and vegetarian options. They are open early from 7am for breakfast, then serving lunch and dinner options. Be sure to watch out for live events in the evening at Desideri. They can range from the weird and the wonderful, to relaxed sunset live music sets, charity bingo and MCNs favourite night of the week… karaoke (LPK!)
Rosa’s
The ever popular Rosa’s Restaurant is situated in the woods, halfway along the main path between the west side and the east side. Particularly popular is their $3 breakfast, complete with fruit bowl and coffee with a choice of pancakes, omelettes and the legendary french toast. At the time of writing also open for lunch and dinner on some days, but generally closed on Sundays. Meals $6-$9
El Bosque
Right next door to Rosa’s, El Bosque offers a similar set up with great prices.
Mangos and Color View Pizza
Enjoy more than just pizza at this great little place overlooking the cliff on the west side of the island. Also serves breakfasts and fish and meat dishes in addition to their huge pizzas which are great for sharing. Will also deliver if you’re feeling really lazy! $4-$10
Habana Libre
Run by a Cuban and his local wife, this long established island favourite serves great Cuban inspired food. Fresh seafood is particularly good here with a number of tasty sauce options, and typical Cuban dishes are available on request in advance. You can also enjoy real Cuban rum with your meal. Open for lunch and dinner most days. Meals $8-$14
The Shack
On the main path close to other restaurants and stores, The Shack offers reasonably priced snacks as well as full meals. The very helpful Rodcliffe will gladly cook meals to your own specification, which may appeal to vegetarians and those not wanting a huge meal. You can also arrange fishing trips here with Captain Willy, and Rodcliffe will cook your catch for you afterwards. Also offers the typical island dish Rundon, which should be ordered in advance. Open every day from 6.30am, perfect for those who want to eat before their morning dive or fishing trip, open until 10pm. Breakfasts $4-$6, meals $5-$10
The Lighthouse
A great restaurant with select items each evening, the lighthouse has it all: the view, the drinks, the atmosphere and the tasty treats, making it a top choice to spend your evening.
This island style disco gets going after the bars close. Located in the heart of the barrio it is a great place to practice your Caribbean dancing and party till the early hours
Cool Spot
Serve local cuisine, and can be a great place to get a nice beer on the beach.
Full Moon Comedor
Nicaraguan food with an great view of the beach.
Shopping
There are a number of small pulperia’s and supermarkets on the island as well as a number of vegetable stands for those looking to cook their own food on the island. There is also a small farm in the south that sells different types of greens. The supermarkets also sell other bare essential items.
If you are shopping for souveniers, the Zen Den, Tranquilo and Desideri, all have nice boutique gift shops selling locally made crafts, food and beauty products as well as other merchandise. Be sure also to check out the jewellery made by artisans that set up shop along the boardwalk. A local artisan called Sharleth Gutiérrez also produces her own macrame jewellery and hairwraps. Enquire at Desideri is you would like to view here beautiful work!
Marine Conservation in Nicaragua 