Little Corn island is situated approximately 70km off mainland Nicaragua and is accessed from BigCornIsland, which can be reached either by plane or boat.

AIR

Flights run twice daily from both Managua and Bluefields, operated by La Costena, a subsidiary of TACA airlines. La Costena can be contacted on 505-2263 2142 or through their website www.lacostena.com.ni

In July 2010 they have also launched an online booking system.

Flights depart Managua at 6.20am and 2pm, taking approximately 50 minutes to reach Bluefields where they stop for 10 minutes to pick up/drop off passengers before continuing onto Big Corn which takes an additional 20 minutes. It is advised that you make reservations before your journey as seats can be limited, especially in busy periods. A return journey from Managua costs $164 and you will need to reserve a seat for your return trip either on arrival at the airport in Big Corn, or by calling the airport there on 505-2575-5131

Please note though that checked in baggage is limited to 30lbs per person with an excess charge of $1.20 per pound over this. You are however allowed two carry on bags so it worth giving some though to packing before boarding.

Once you arrive at the airport you can get a taxi to the wharf for the panga to Little Corn for $1 per person.

BOAT

Boats to Corn Island leave from Bluefields which can be reached either by plane from Managua as above, or you can get a bus from Managua to Rama, and then take a boat downriver from Rama to Bluefields.

Express buses leave from the Costa Atlantica Terminal in the Mercado Ivan Montenegro each evening at 9pm, arriving in Rama at approximately 3am. The cost of this service is $8 or $16 including the boat fare to Bluefields.

Chicken buses leave from the Mercado Mayoreo at 6am, 8am, 10am, 2pm, 6pm and 9pm and cost $7, but make many stops on the journey.

Once in Rama the boats to Bluefields operate when full, starting when it gets light, and cost $9.

There is one scheduled boat leaving from Bluefields to Big Corn island on Wednesday at 9am taking approximately 5 hours ($12), returning from Big Corn island to Bluefields on Thursday morning at 9am.

On occasions there may be other supply boats running from the mainland to Big Corn but there are no schedules available for these so it's just a case of being in the right place at the right time. Or if its the wrong time then waiting until the Wednesday departure or the next supply ship!

Please note though that boat times may vary so it is worth getting there in advance to check sailing times and to reserve a space.

BOATS TO LITTLE CORN

There are 3 different boat companies operating between Little Corn and Big Corn, they rotate days they operate so you won't know which one you'll end up coming on! Prices are the same for each at $6 or 145 cordobas and they all leave Big Corn to come here at the same times, 10am and 4.30pm.

When leaving Little Corn though they run at slightly different times as the 'yacht' takes 45 minutes to make the journey as opposed to the panga which takes 30 minutes. Both will get you to the airport on time for your morning or afternoon flight respectively though (despite whatever time the airline tells you you have to check in!!!). Pangas leave at 6.30am and 1.30pm, the yacht at 6.15am and 1.15pm, so our advice is to be at the dock at 6am or 1pm as you'll need to buy your ticket at the office there anyway.

PANGA

YACHT

STAYING ON THE MAINLAND?

We recommend the following places to stay if you need to overnight in Managua...

Budget - Managua Backpackers Inn - Clean, comfortable and friendly hostel within walking distance of Metrocentro mall and supermarkets.

http://www.managuahostel.com/

Boutique - Casa Naranja - Manager Federico will make you feel comfortable in this beautiful family run hotel close to restaurants, bars and business.

http://www.hotelcasanaranja.com/

Mid range - Hotel Bello Horizonte - clean comfortable hotel close to Rotonda Bello Horizonte with bars and restaurants.

Telephone (505) 22490435

E-mail : hotelbh02@yahoo.com

Close to airport - Best Western - directly over the road from the airport, for those early starts.

Granada

Hotel Casa Cubana - a beautiful boutique hotel in the colonial city of Granada

http://casacubanagranada.com/

Miss Margrit's - spacious and beautifully decorated guest house with only 3 rooms, a short walk from Granada's Parque Central. Manager Chris will make you feel at home and is able to help with travel arrangements etc.

http://www.missmargrits.com/