For years now, I’ve traveled the world in search of my perfect island escape, and finally found it 70 km off the coast of Nicaragua – Little Corn Island. The remote little gem was a tropical oasis – swirls of sparkling turquoise, soft white sand, perfectly placed palms and bright swaying hammocks. I’d been stalking this island for months on Instagram, and it was even dreamier than I’d imagined.
I won’t lie, Little Corn brought out the beach bum in me. Luckily, I was staying at the Yemaya Island Hideaway & Spa, which occupied the prettiest stretch of beach along the island’s northern tip. Days were spent at the Yemaya tanning, swimming, drinking, snorkeling, hammocking and soaking in the hippie island vibes with coconut in-hand.
There were no cars on Little Corn. I walked everywhere, which was a refreshing change coming from bustling mainland Nicaragua. The Yemaya was located on the island’s north coast, connected to town by a tropical path that cut straight through the island. My favorite spot for dinner after an evening stroll was The Turned Turtle, located right on the beach.
My loveliest discovery on Little Corn was a palm tree swing facing sweeping views of the Caribbean. Easily reachable from the Yemaya, it was a 10-minute stroll up the coast to another stretch of beach. When I arrived at the swaying piece of driftwood, I started to geek out. It was the prettiest swing I’d ever seen! And anywhere else in the world, there would have been a line of tourists waiting to take selfies. But on remote Little Corn, I had it all to myself!
It was refreshing to know that gems like Little Corn still exist. These days it’s rare to find anywhere that is off-the-beaten-path, but somehow this island has flown under the radar. Little Corn Island is for sure one of my favorite islands in Central America!
Have you been to Little Corn Island or somewhere else in Nicaragua? Please share your experience in the comments below! Read Next > A Solo Female Travel Guide For Guatemala
By We Are Travel Girls Contributor Shelbi Kiyomi of BucketlistBums.com
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Meg says
August 18, 2017 at 5:55 pmLittle Corn is a paradise but tourists need to remember there are good and bad people everywhere in the world. I lived there for sometime and was probably the happiest I’ve been in years, if not my whole life. Yemaya is the super expensive (and thankfully the only) 5 star resort on the island. To really live the island life, rent a a little hut right on the beach for $15/a night, eat at local places like Rosa’s and enjoy a lobster dinner for $8, complete with dessert, dance the night away at the happy hut or Reggae bar. Don’t miss karaoke night at Desideri either!! Grab keep sakes from the little island gift shop and get your Straight Outta Little Corn shirt(only place in the world to get one) #purpletuesdaydesigns. Don’t forget, no electricity everyday from 5am-around 1-2pm, although it’s really not needed. Limited wifi but again not really needed, as you should come to paradise to disconnect and enjoy the beauty in front of you instead of missing it all by being on your phone stuck back in the life your trying to escape for a minute. Also please please…1) be nice and respectful to the locals, as this is their home. You are a visitor! 2) plastic is a problem for the island so please reuse and refill your water(for free) at Tranquilo or Desideri. Either donate to the recycling program and take your plastic with you when you leave the island. Thank you and I hope you enjoy as much as I did. Can’t wait to get back!!
We Are Travel Girls says
August 18, 2017 at 9:28 pmThanks for reading and sharing your experience Meg! That’s so cool you lived on Little Corn Island! Thanks for sharing your tips and suggestions for how people can visit responsibly!!! XO, Vanessa
Zhanna says
August 21, 2017 at 6:08 amIt looks like a perfect place for a vacation or just enjoying some sun, ocean, sand and good food. Since you mentioned that you have been on a mission to find one of a kind island escape, and this island stands out among others you have visited, I will definitely give it a chance and visit it one day. :)
We Are Travel Girls says
August 22, 2017 at 8:55 amThanks for reading and commenting Zhanna, glad you are inspired to visit Little Corn Island after reading this post! Becky x
Rebecca @Becci Abroad says
August 26, 2017 at 12:33 pmI’m completely sold! Especially if it is true what the author says (why shouldn’t it ?) that it is more perfect in real life than on photos! Little Corn Island is definitely on my bucket list after reading this! Thanks for sharing!
We Are Travel Girls says
August 28, 2017 at 10:36 amThanks for reading Rebecca. Totally agree that Little Corn Island looks gorgeous and is also on my list now! Becky x
Jessica Hill says
December 12, 2017 at 2:43 pmLooks absolutely beautiful! I think I’ll head there next time I’m in Nica! :)
Tiffany Reynolds says
March 2, 2018 at 5:57 pmEver since I saw a picture of Yemaya Spa & Hotels in a travel magazine I’ve wanted to go. Over six years later of dreaming about it I made it a reality. Never could I have imagined what a paradise this little island is. I’ve enjoyed searching for shells, seaglass, trolls along the beach, to walking into town for lunch or just to soak up the culture. I can’t even put into words how breathtaking the ocean views are. Check out the Lighthouse, where you’ll find amazing food & inexpensive adult beverages, plus more amazing views. As soon as the sun begins to set, the moon is already showing off. Oh & did I mention that I came by myself? Stop dreaming & live life!
arley says
March 23, 2018 at 6:21 pmHi! My name is Arley. I intend to go Corn Island between end of July or August. I d like to know which month did you take these beautiful pictures. Is the weather nice and sunny these months? I read many things about this, some stories tell that is a month to the trip, other one tell that a rainy season and isnt recommended to enjoy the beaches.
Tks so much ;)
Regards from Brazil