Trip Highlights
Enjoy an authentic Caribbean experience as we visit Nicaragua's spectacular Corn Islands—still relatively untouched by tourism.
About This Trip
For the seasoned eco-traveler, this itinerary will remind you of how the Caribbean was 30 years ago, before the cruise ships and sanitized tourism. The focus of our adventure will be to explore the beautiful and rich marine ecosystems of the Corn Islands, where we'll spend 4 nights and parts of 5 days.
The Corn Islands are a throwback to the Caribbean of yesteryear, and boast some of the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean. We'll stay at a lovely boutique hotel on Little Corn Island, which is famous for its easy-to-access and good snorkeling reefs that can be reached by boat or straight off the beach. We'll make the most of our days here with boat-based snorkel excursions, options for nature walks, yoga, and more.
Our last 2 days will be spent in the charming city of Granada, renowned for its colorful and well-preserved colonial architecture. We'll not only explore the city, but also its beautiful surroundings that include an active volcano and a biodiverse cloud forest set amid a dormant volcano. Don't miss this unique eco-adventure!
Don't Miss: A Complete Guide to Little Corn Island, Nicaragua
This was our 4th trip with Oceanic Society. We enjoyed our trip to Nicaragua. Ernesto was an excellent guide and took very good care of us. Just getting to Little Corn Island was part of the adventure. The accommodations were great. It only took minutes to get to the reef everyday from the hotel…
Conservation Impact
Established in 1969, Oceanic Society stands as the oldest nonprofit organization in America committed to ocean conservation. We are trailblazers in the realm of "eco travel," crafting expeditions that not only align with our charitable mission but also actively support marine research and conservation efforts globally. Moreover, with every booking made, we take pride in sponsoring the removal of 200 lbs. of plastic waste from the ocean. Dive deeper into our innovative travel approach here.
Dates & Prices
May 3-11, 2026
Book This TripWhat's Included
All accommodations, activities, and meals as described; ground transportation to each destination, airport transfers; and a dedicated Oceanic Society naturalist.
What's Not Included
International airfare, alcoholic beverages, meals not listed in itinerary, airport taxes, any activities not described, and gratuities. Limited single supplement available at $995. Click here for our full expedition terms and conditions.
Itinerary
Sample Itinerary
Your guide will meet you upon arrival to the international airport in Managua (MGA). Take a short transfer to the nearby Hotel Camino Real for welcome dinner, introductions and general orientation.
Meals Included: Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Camino Real.
Getting to Little Corn Island can be an adventure itself, however the moment you step on the island you realize that the journey was all worthwhile.
Our flight from Managua to Big Corn Island departs early in the morning and we are scheduled to arrive in Big Corn Island at approximately 07:30 AM. We then have an exciting and splashing water taxi to Little Corn Island. We will relax and enjoy our new setting for the next four nights. We’ll be staying in the nicest accommodation in the island, Yemaya Reefs. Located on the north shore of the island, Yemaya consists of 16 oceanfront casitas (little houses) steps away from the beach with intuitive design, A/C, and all amenities you may need to make our stay more pleasant while we explore this side of the ocean.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Yemaya Reefs
Little Corn is the exact opposite of most Caribbean island vacations, as it remains uncrowded and calm with local style houses and small apartment buildings. We’ll spend four full days on the island, taking short boat rides to explore the best snorkeling sites around. We are surrounded by a beautiful Caribbean reef system that hosts diverse marine wildlife, and we may see sea turtles, reef and nurse sharks, rays, schooling fish, dolphins, octopuses, sea horses, squid, and the list goes on and on.
Sunrise yoga or nature walks will be an option for early risers. Other possible activities include a local fishing experience and the opportunity for artisanal fishing.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Yemaya Reefs
This morning we depart towards Managua and then to the colonial city of Granada, where we will spend two more nights. On our way to Granada, we will detour to visit the Pueblos Blancos (white towns). Here we will get a taste of Nicaraguan culture on the mainland, and will be visiting local artisans to understand and learn how pre-Columbian art is still alive in Masaya. These colorful towns are full of flowers, plants, and local souvenirs.
To make your day even better, we’ll be visiting the active Masaya Volcano, called “the mouth of hell” by the Spaniards due to its vast crater and continuous explosion. The impressive and imposing volcano also offers incredible views of the surroundings and of its two other craters. While our visit will be short, we will get a flavor of Granada’s colonial past and some cultural history of Nicaragua.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Plaza Colon or equivalent
We’ll start with early tour in the Isletas de Granada, an amazing ecosystem that will allow us to see many birds and possibly monkeys. Next we’ll explore the Mombacho volcano, which is one of the two cloud forests on the Pacific side of Nicaragua. Extinct long ago, this volcano is completely covered with vegetation, forming a unique ecosystem that is home to around 52 species of mammals, 238 species of birds, at least 12 amphibians, 36 reptiles, about 100 types of butterflies, and 765 species of flora.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Plaza Colon or equivalent
On this day, we will have an interesting introduction to the history of chocolate, its process, and, of course, some tasting! Later in the afternoon we will take a boat tour, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the beauty of the islets around the lake. A good chance to finish with a magic sunset!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Plaza Colon or equivalent
Accommodations
Throughout our program we have selected quality hotels that offer a combination of convenience, access to nature / activities, comfort, and value. In Managua, we'll stay at the highly-rated Hotel Camino Real, located just 5 minutes from the international airport. In Little Corn Island we'll stay in the nicest accommodation in the island: Yemaya Reefs, located in the north shore of the island, with 16 ocean front casitas (little houses) steps away from the beach with intuitive design, A/C and more amenities. And in Granada, we'll stay in the charming Plaza Colon or equivalent.
Travelers stay in oceanside casitas at Yemaya Reefs, the nicest accommodations on Little Corn Island. © Yemaya Reefs
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
