Corn Islands

Big Corn and Little Corn Islands are located about 40 miles off the Caribbean coast. The area was a British protectorate until 1894, and most of the locals speak Creole English rather than Spanish. Residents fondly recall the islands’ history as a hangout of pirates (today, drug smugglers continue the lawless tradition). Surrounded by coral reefs, the islands offer excellent diving, snorkeling and fishing. At Blowing Rock and other popular dive sites, expect to see several species of sharks, eagle rays and a rainbow of tropical fish. Visitors arrive at the small airstrip on Big Corn, or by boat from Bluefields. There are plenty of nice ...

Big Corn and Little Corn Islands are located about 40 miles off the Caribbean coast. The area was a British protectorate until 1894, and most of the locals speak Creole English rather than Spanish. Residents fondly recall the islands’ history as a hangout of pirates (today, drug smugglers continue the lawless tradition). Surrounded by coral reefs, the islands offer excellent diving, snorkeling and fishing. At Blowing Rock and other popular dive sites, expect to see several species of sharks, eagle rays and a rainbow of tropical fish. Visitors arrive at the small airstrip on Big Corn, or by boat from Bluefields. There are plenty of nice hotels and B&Bs, but no large resorts — the vibe is much quieter and more relaxed than at more developed dive destinations such as Roatan and Ambergris. In fact, diving, snorkeling, fishing and lying about on the picture-perfect sandy beaches are about all the activities you’ll find here. On Big Corn, South West Bay and Long Beach are the most popular sunbathing spots. A moderate hike up Mount Pleasant or Quinn Hill offers panoramic views. Little Corn, reached only by a lengthy boat ride, is even more isolated and sleepy, but has even more diving opportunities — Shark Hole and Tarpon Channel are aptly named. Be sure to sample a bowl of “run down” (or rondón), the local fish stew with coconut milk and vegetables.

About the Expert

Charlie Morris is the author of the Open Road guidebooks Best of Honduras, Best of Costa Rica, Best of Belize, and Switzerland Guide.