The Corn Islands (Big Corn and Little Corn Island) off the eastern coast of Nicaragua are probably two of the least known dive destination in the Caribbean. Devote of large chain resorts and typical tourist attractions the islands maintain their sleepy character and attract visitors keen on finding a dreamy escape with exceptionally reasonable prices. The islands are typically accessed through Big Corn Island’s airport serviced by daily flights from the capital city of Managua.  Little Corn Island is then reached by water taxis running twice daily between the islands and coordinated with arrival and departure time of flights to/from Managua. With a combined area of 13 sqKm and less than 7000 residents, the islands have two major ways of supporting their economy; year round tourism and the seasonal Lobster catch.

Little Corn Island is home to several small dive shops, all concentrated in a small stretch along the windy West side of the island. Here you’ll find the Island’s center of activities; restaurants, stores, boat landing and even the resident physician. The calmer waters to the North and East host many of the Island’s dive sites and accommodations. Accommodations on the Island range from the basic to the eclectic, do your homework and pay attention to accessibility and walking distance/time as some of the more interesting eco friendly options on the north side of the island are not easy to reach at night.

As a dive destination the Corn Islands are ideal for both novice and advanced divers with gentle currents and depths ranging from 10-25 meters. All sites are reached with a 5 min ride in a small boat. Over all it’s an experience very similar to diving in Belize; after all the Corn islands are part of the same barrier reef system stretching south. Water temperatures are very comfortable and a 3mm Shorty is sufficient for most of the year. Visibility is good year-round however daily rain runoff and the windy west side can throw in some surprises. Underwater photographers can expect moderate to good wide angle and limited Macro opportunities.  The underwater topography consists of sandy slopes and overhangs visited by the seasonal Caribbean Lobsters, Dolphins, eagle rays, moray eels and covered with assortment of sponges, brain corals and soft corals. Unfortunately the Pacific Lion Fish epidemic has reached Corn Islands as well and they can be observed easily. For those spending a few days diving on the island there is a good chance of spotting the Devil Fish.

Here is a link to my latest image gallery – Underwater images from Corn Island Nicaragua