Welcome to the Corn Islands, Nicaragua’s best-kept secret and a snorkeller/divers dream come true. With a mix of laid-back Caribbean vibes, colorful coral reefs, and off-the-beaten-path charm, the Corn Islands—Big Corn and Little Corn—are the kind of place that feels like your own private island adventure. Here’s your complete guide to going snorkeling or diving in this unspoilt underwater paradise.
Getting There: The Start of Your Adventure
Getting to the Corn Islands is a little expensive and a tad tricky. If you’re starting in Managua, hop on a short, scenic flight that whisks you over the turquoise waters straight to Big Corn Island. From there, catch a 30-minute panga (traditional small boat) to Little Corn Island. Sure, it’s a bit of a journey, but hey, it’s all part of the adventure that we go backpacking for.
Top Snorkeling Spots You Can’t Miss
- Little Corn Island: Cocal Beach and Otto Beach
- Little Corn is the cool younger sibling of the two islands, with no cars, no stress, and seriously epic snorkeling just steps from your beach bungalow. At Cocal Beach, you can wade straight into warm, shallow water brimming with bright corals, tropical fish, and sometimes even a surprise stingray.
- Otto Beach is perfect if you’re up for a little stroll—think soft sand, chill vibes, and an underwater wonderland of starfish, sea turtles, and nurse sharks. Plus, the crystal-clear water makes it feel like swimming in a giant aquarium.
- Blowing Rock
- This spot is for adventurers—it’s about a 30-minute boat ride from Little Corn, but it’s easily the best snorkeling spot in the area. Blowing Rock is an underwater volcano covered in colorful corals, with barracudas, turtles, and schools of fish cruising by.
- Big Corn Island: Long Bay and Sally Peachie Beach
- Long Bay on Big Corn is perfect for a lazy day in the water. Snorkel straight from the beach and find yourself surrounded by soft corals, sea fans, and schools of vibrant fish.
- For a more low-key vibe, head to Sally Peachie Beach, where the waters are calm, the sand is soft, and the coral gardens are full of surprises—think stingrays and maybe even a sneaky eel.
- The White Holes
- At the White Holes, you’ll swim through beautiful sand rings buzzing with fish, eels, and even a small population of notoriously playful dolphins, if you’re lucky.
What You’ll See: Marine Life Highlights
The Corn Islands are teeming with marine life. Think parrotfish, angelfish, and schools of bright tropical fish you’ve only seen on postcards. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles gliding gracefully by, nurse sharks napping in the sand, and vibrant coral reefs alive with color. It’s like snorkeling inside a real-life nature documentary.
Best Places to Stay for Diving/Snorkelling in the Corn Islands
- Little Corn Beach and Bungalow: Super chill vibes, eco-friendly, and just steps away from some of the island’s best snorkeling spots. Hammocks included.
- Yemaya Reefs: A little slice of luxury on Little Corn with private villas, beach access, and epic sunrise views.
- Casa Canada (Big Corn): Cool bungalows with stunning ocean views and a sweet pool to lounge in when you’re not snorkeling.
Snorkeling Tours and Where to Rent Gear
- Dolphin Dive (Little Corn): They’ve got the gear and take you to Blowing Rock for the best underwater tour of your life.
- Dive Little Corn: Knowledgeable guides, epic spots, and the friendliest vibes. They know the reefs better than anyone.
- Dos Tiburones Dive Shop (Big Corn): Rentals, guided tours, and the best local advice on where to dive in.
Best Time to Go: When to Dive In
To catch the islands at their most stunning, aim for the dry season from February to May or the short dry spell from August to October. The waters are clear, the sun’s out, and it’s prime time for snorkeling and diving. I would completely avoid June and July, when the rainy season brings bigger swells that can mess with your snorkeling vibes.
