corn islands

we spent last week sunning ourselves on nicaragua's lovely and remote corn islands. it is an incredible place. the corn islands consist of big and little corn islands, 4 and 1 square miles respectively, located 50 miles east of bluefields in the caribbean sea. each island is surrounded by turquoise water and coral reef, and is populated by a mix of islanders (creole people, laid back, speaking a difficult-to-understand island english) and mainland nicaraguans (referred to by the islanders as spainards).

look for the islas del maiz on the map below.


our activities on the island were few, and included eating, sleeping, reading, swimming, relaxing, and strolling. you'll notice those are the dominant themes of the pictures.

we first visited big corn island. our cabana at la princesa is exactly the sort of home one would want on a tropical paradise island: teak wood, big porch, shuttered windows 20 feet from the ocean.

the view from the porch, complete with dog.

the action in the front yard.

strolling.

eating ceviche.

a good place to enjoy a toña.

little corn island was a similar experience, but smaller, quieter and cleaner. we stayed at casa iguana, which is an incredible self-sustainable eco-lodge. everyone who ever goes to these islands should stay at casa iguana. it is a wonderful experience. our casita was pink, and sat at the edge of a bluff overlooking the ocean.

our little house, casita number 50.

the back deck.

the view from the main lodge, where gourmet family-style dinner is served nightly at 7pm.

strolling around the front side of little corn island, waiting for the sunset.

beach.

lobster lunch.

snorkel preparation.

our last night on the islands was spent back on big corn in a cozy little hut at club paraiso.

this is a tropical destination that is everything big resorts aren't. you have to wear a lot of DEET, watch where you step, and try not to pet the dogs (too much), but the rewards are immeasurable.