Corn Islands, Nicaragua

Seventy kilometers (43 miles) off the East Coast of Nicaragua sits the Corn Islands. We flew in a single-engine, commuter plane for approximately an hour and a half from Managua to Great Corn Island then a quick taxi ride for $1 to the port followed by a 30-minute water taxi to Little Corn Island. Each phase of the transit yields its own enjoyment. Tourism is the second leading industry after lobsters! Approaching Yemaya Hideaway and Spa nestled on the beach amidst coconut palms, there was no doubt that I was going to have a lovely stay.

The staff is warm and welcoming. With less than 20 cabanas, the resort is peaceful and offers a lot of privacy. It’s a delightful mixture of natural beauty and civilized refinement such as excellent cuisine, wifi and frozen pina coladas (with fresh pineapple and shaved coconut right from the trees). The cuisine all over Corn Islands is a pescatarian’s dream with vegetarian options then lots of fresh fish and lobster. Complimentary activities and items at Yemaya include a yoga class in the open pavilion every morning, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, snorkel equipment, soap and conditioner made on-site, hammocks and lounge chairs. It’s an adult-only resort but I noticed a small place up the beach with naked, sun-tanned children playing in the sand.

We’re still two months away from the summer solstice but the sun rises here about 5:15 AM. Nicaragua doesn’t observe Daylight Savings Time. The morning birds wake me at dawn and I definitely want to get up to see the colorful sky to set the day for a glorious, new day. Each day seems more magical than the day before.

Snorkeling was warm and enjoyable. No wet suits needed! We saw two nurse sharks, a ray, a barracuda, a big turtle, and some colorful small fish—no big schools. The calm water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving but, sorry to say, no surf. The air is 80-84 degrees F days and 70-74 degrees F at night year-round with a steady wind of about 5-10 mph most days. There were virtually no bugs or insects aside from an occasion gnat or lizard so we kept the doors open most of the time and the screened windows were never closed. I was lulled to sleep by the sound of waves on the beach just beyond our balcony.

The local population of about 1,400 speaks Meskito (Mesquito) Coast Creole and Spanish. A thirty minute walk on a dirt path through the jungle takes you to the only town. There we found the typical colorful residences, chickens, children in school uniforms, small cafes and poverty. There are no streets and no cars on the island.

Since almost everything has to be imported, there are small gardens in most yards. Our resort has a large hothouse and a big garden for herbs, fruits, vegetables and butterflies. This is Banana Boulevard near the intersection of Lemon Grass Lane.

Every time I look up my eyes are met with the kind of beauty that you see on travel posters. Four nights went by so quickly. I could seriously consider renting a bungalow on the island and staying a month or two. I’d be helping the local economy plus I really need to learn Spanish. I’m thinking that I have a few friends/family members who might come visit. Ah, so hard to commit to any one place when the next adventure is already planned and paid for. The world is so full of wonderful people and places.

Time is the ultimate limited resource.