Corn Islands: Getting there & around

There are three to four daily flights between Managua and Big Corn Island run by La Costeña (tel: 575 5131) and Atlantic Airlines (tel: 575 5055) in small planes (1hr). Most of those flights stop in Bluefields.

Two lanchas (small boats) run between Bluefields and Corn Island (9hr), leaving around 6 o'clock on Wednesday morning and Saturday, returning early the following day. The rough boat crossing leaves many travelers wishing they'd packed seasickness pills or shelled out on the plane. The trip can take significantly longer if the sea is rough. You should book the ticket the day before.

Still uncomfortable, although more stable, the old Greek islands ferry known as Ferry 1 (tel: 277 0970 for info), leaves Bluefields for Big Corn Island early on Friday evenings, arriving Saturday morning. It returns very early on Sunday, arriving in Bluefields that night.

A panga (light boat) makes the bumpy journey (30min) between Big Corn to Little Corn twice a day. Boat service is conveniently coordinated with the daily flights. The crossing can be rough; for less pain, sit in the rear.

Both islands are small enough that you can get around on foot.