Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
is outrageously good, which explains why so many ignore the larger island and indulge in
car-free tranquility. But there is a catch. During high season there can be more foreigners
than locals.
History
Christopher Columbus breezed through the Corn Islands in 1502, but it wasn't until 1660,
when a French pirate by the name of Jean-David Nau arrived, that relations with the indi-
genous Kukras were cultivated. In the 1700s British pirates patrolled these waters, and
African slaves were bought in to grow corn for export (hence the name). Both groups
mingled with the Kukras. Although the British were asked to leave the islands in 1786, as
part of their treaty with the Spanish, they returned in 1841 after Nicaragua's independence
from Spain, which signified the end of slavery. The
Crab Soup Festival
celebrates freedom
every August 27 with music, dance and, of course, crab soup.
Diving & Snorkeling
Both islands have excellent diving and snorkeling, with over 40 species of coral and mi-
grating hammerhead sharks. Most dive sites are within 10 minutes of the shore and fairly
shallow (9m to 18m), with 30m visibility on the best days. Dive sites can be inaccessible
during high winds. Dive shops monitor long-term forecasts; call ahead to check on condi-
tions. Popular dive sites:
Blowing Rock
(10m to 30m) This pinnacle lies 26km from Little Corn and is arguably the best of the
Corn Island dive sites. It attracts large pelagics year-round.
The Caves
(9m) A swim-through flooded with light on Little Corn's east coast. Geographical set-piece
diving at its finest.
Nautilus House Reef
(9m to 19m) Just off the northwest shore of Great Corn is a patch of reef teem-
ing with colorful fish and large fan corals.
Tarpon Channel
(9m to 22m) When the water cools off, hammerheads cruise this channel regularly.
White Holes
(9m) A favorite site on the northern side of Little Corn, thanks to the resident nurse
sharks, eagle rays and barracuda.
Yellowtail
(9m to 15m) Dolphins are sometimes seen here, at the southern corner of Little Corn.
