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Why visit Little Corn Island?Are you in search of a remote island paradise in the middle of the Caribbean Sea? Look no further than Little Corn Island! This beautiful island is an authentic natural wonder, boasting beaches, colorful reefs, and crystal blue waters, among other things. There are no streets, cars, or motorbikes on the island, with only a few bikes and most people walking around. Time moves differently here, and you can forget the stressful rhythm of the big city. During the day, you could explore the lovely beach, like Otto Beach, go diving or snorkeling on our stunning reefs (book your dive now, trust us, it's worth it!), take a walk surrounded by nature, climb the Lighthouse and enjoy a complete view of the island, or have a massage or do Yoga with the sounds of the waves and birds singing around you. You will never get bored here, with plenty of events and live music happening at night. Check the weekly event plan of Tranquilo Cafe, but if you don't want to be in a crowded area, you can visit small local restaurants or have the chance to be the only person on the beach! But, ATTENTION most people who visit Little Corn Island fall in love with this place, and leaving will be difficult.
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How to reach Little Corn Island?By Plane, Bus, or car, then Ferry ride to Big Corn. Flights from Managua to Big Corn Island are operated by La Costeña Airline, right next to the Managua Airport (Augusto C. Sandino International Airport). When you exit the Managua Airport doors, turn left and walk to the end of the airport, and you will see the La Costeña terminal. (5-minute walk). You can book your La Costeña flights online at www.lacostena.com.ni or via a phone call at +505 2298 5360. You can ask for an English-speaking assistant. The second option is to take a bus (the bus you can take at the Terminal Mayoreo Costa Atlantica in Managua departs several times a day, and takes around 7 hours to arrive in Bluefields.) or you can drive your car from Managua to Bluefields, you can leave your car at the parking in the airport in Bluefield (a town on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua), then take a ferry from Bluefields to Big Corn Island. which leaves every Wednesday and Saturday at 9:00 AM and returns from Big Corn to Bluefields on Thursday and Sunday at 9:00 Am. Also, there are flights on La Costeña Airlines from Bluefields to Big Corn Island. Boat to Little Corn Once you land at Big Corn Island airport there will be taxis waiting to take you to the wharf, from there you can catch the public panga which leaves Big Corn Island at 10:00 Am and 4.30 pm, and for the return journey, leaves Little Corn Island at 6.30 am, and 2:00 pm. The cost is U$D 10 per person each way. When you arrive at Little Corn Island there are no motorized vehicles. we can arrange a private charter boat trip directly from Big Corn Airport to Las Palmeras Hotel if you don´t want to take the public boat. PLEASE NOTE: The boat crossing can be canceled due to bad weather. The ride can be bumpy with the chance of getting wet depending on the sea conditions, so please be prepared. If you suffer from seasickness we suggest taking anti-motion sickness pills before the journey.
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Where is Las Palmeras Dive Center?Once you arrive at the dock, it's quite easy to get to Las Palmeras. Simply ask the boat driver if their final destination is here, two weeks for months we drive the Panga-ferry so the last stop may be directly at Las Palmeras. If you have to walk, as soon as you step into the island, turn left and continue walking for 500 meters. There will be some signs that will guide you, but it's difficult to miss. During your walk, you will go through the center of the village, passing by the school and churches, and get a true view of the islanders' life.
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When is the best period to visit Little Corn Island?The weather in Little Corn is generally great throughout the year. The rainy season starts in October and lasts until January, while the dry season goes from February to September. Although the weather can be unpredictable, January and February are usually windy but sunny with occasional strong rain. From March to August, the weather is more stable and sunny. In recent times, September has had really good conditions, and the island is not crowded, allowing for a relaxing and quiet experience. However, October is the month when the chance of a hurricane is slightly higher (the last one occurred in October 2023). November can be quite windy, as can December, but around Christmas time, the island is full of people and the fun is guaranteed.
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Is Little Corn Safe? Also for female solo travelers?In our opinion, Little Corn Island is relatively safe. We live here as a community, and most of the locals that you will meet are friendly and welcoming. Of course, as in any place, small cases of violence and robbery happen, so we ask everybody to use common sense and be respectful of local traditions and habits. There is also a small community of international people living on the island. If you come here and want to feel like you're a part of our lives, that's possible. If you're a solo traveler, especially a female, we suggest staying in the west part of the island where the roads are better lit and usually more crowded. Help the female solo travellers community to know better about the place on blogs or apps with your personal experience. There's no reason to be afraid to come here alone because you'll find friends as soon as you arrive on the island!
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Which languages are spoken in Little Corn? And in Las Palmeras?On Little Corn Island, as well as on Big Corn Island, the official language is Creole, which is a mixture of English, Spanish, and African languages. Although the official language of Nicaragua is Spanish, most of the locals on the island speak a good level of both English and Spanish. At Las Palmeras, we can communicate and teach in English, Spanish, and Italian, and we also have a basic knowledge of French. Our dive center is a family-owned business, with a staff that is both local and international. We all feel like one big family here and always try to ensure that everyone feels welcome and a part of our community.
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Where to eat in Little Corn?Little Corn is a small island, but there are plenty of options for both local and international cuisine. The Las Palmeras Hotel has a bar and restaurant that serves high-quality local food with some international influences. The kitchen is open until 3 PM, and the bar is open until 8 PM, so we recommend trying our breakfast and lunch options. The closest local restaurant to us is Gloria's Bakery, which is perfect for trying the special coconut bread and banana bread made fresh every morning. There are many options for dinner time, from the bustling Tranquilo Cafe with an American-local fusion menu and weekly events to Desideri Cafe, an Italian and fish restaurant. Moving to the south, El Bosquet or Melissa offers the original taste of local food for an affordable price! An many more options all around. When you visit Little Corn, you can't miss the chance to try Rondon, the delicious coconut and fish soup typical of the island. However, make sure to book your Rondon in advance, as it takes a bit of time to "run down" and find all the ingredients and prepare it. Here at Las Palmeras, we ask that you order a minimum of 2 hours in advance.
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Where to stay in Little Corn?Please check the availability of Las Palmeras Hotel, which offers nine rooms located in front of the sea in the heart of the local area on the island. It is only 10 minutes away from all the bars and nightlife. It's close enough to reach but far enough to provide a chance to relax and enjoy a quiet place. We have a bar and restaurant, a hammock relaxation area, easy access to the sea, and the diving center is close and available for you. Additionally, if you stay and dive with us, you will get a 5% discount on the dives. If we're fully booked or you're looking for something different, have a look at Three Brothers Hostel. It's the perfect place for backpackers and is just three minutes from our dive center. Alternatively, check out Sunshine Hotel and Christina Guest House. If you want to be in the central area, super close to the main bars but in a private and comfortable room, then check on Airbnb at Cocal Hideaway. There are plenty of options to stay in Little Corn Island, so book your accommodation as soon as possible and come to dive with us.
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Is there electricity available on Little Corn Island?Little Corn is a remote island, so if you're looking for a luxurious stay, this may not be the place for you. However, if you're seeking an opportunity to connect with nature and explore the stunning Caribbean sea, this place is perfect for you. The island's electricity is only available from 1 pm to 6 am, but the rest of the day is not difficult to manage without it. Here at Las Palmeras, we offer 24-hour WiFi so that digital nomads and online workers can find a relaxing place to work whenever they need to.
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Do you organize snorkeling trips?Yes! The Hotel Las Palmeras offers a snorkeling tour for a minimum of two people, twice a day at 11 am and 2 pm. Each tour lasts a maximum of two hours, and the cost is $25 per person. The guided snorkeling tour with the boat allows you to explore the beautiful reefs around the island, and an expert guide will introduce you to the various fish and animals that live on our coast. To make a reservation or check availability, please contact Las Palmeras Hotel via email at laspalmeraslittlecorn@gmail.com or via phone/WhatsApp at +505 86506210.
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What is a Discover Scuba Diving?The Discover Scuba Diving program is an ideal way to try diving for those who are interested in exploring the underwater world, but do not have a certification. It is also perfect for individuals who want to take their first breath underwater. We schedule DSD sessions every day, even for single persons. To ensure a better and safer experience, we keep the group size small. The program is a half-day session that comprises a brief theory introduction and explanation by our instructor, followed by a dive in an easy and shallow spot. Here, we take the time to make you comfortable, practice a few basic but important exercises, and discover the beauty of the underwater world. We follow all PADI standards to guarantee your safety and ensure the best possible experience.
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How is organized the PADI open water course? How long it takes?The PADI Open Water course is the initial certification that allows you to become an independent diver. The license you receive at the end of the course permits you to dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters, and it is valid everywhere and forever. The course duration is 3 to 4 days, and we can plan it every day, even for just one student. The class size is limited to a maximum of 4 people, ensuring the best experience for everyone. The course includes theory lessons, one session of confined water where we will practice all the skills and exercises, 4 dives, and a final theory exam. Our strength lies in our patience and flexibility. Anyone can become a good diver when they have enough time and the right environment to practice. Little Corn Island is perfect for beginners!
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What is the PADI advanced open water diver course?The PADI Advanced Diver course is the second course you can take to enhance your underwater skills. To start this course, you must have the Open Water certification. The course takes 2-3 days and includes 5 adventure dives along with a brief theory session (there is no exam for this course). PADI has mandated that Navigation Adventure and Deep Adventure are two of the five mandatory dives. For the remaining three dives, we recommend Peak Performance Buoyancy (as a good diver must have perfect control over their buoyancy), Fish Identification Adventure (to learn more about the sea creatures), and Night Dive, which is an amazing experience. This certification allows you to improve your underwater ability and knowledge, and dive up to 30 meters deep anywhere.
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When is suggested to do a Refresh course? How it works?A Refresh course is an excellent opportunity for certified divers who have not been able to go diving recently, as well as for those who may have had a bad experience and want to restart diving at a slower pace. The course involves a brief theory session where we will focus on your personal areas of weakness and safety rules, as well as the chance to set up your equipment and go through the pre-dive safety check. We will also take a dive in easy and ideal conditions, starting with the most important exercise, buoyancy, and giving you plenty of time to regain your confidence. We strongly recommend the Refresh program after one year of inactivity.
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What is PADI?PADI stands for Professional Association of Diving Instructors. It is the most widely recognized dive training organization across the world, with over 29 million certifications issued so far. As a PADI dive center, we ensure that all our PADI instructors and Divemasters follow the standards and recommendations set by our dive training organization. Check our Dive Center on PADI Travel.
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Can you go to different dive sites during the dives or the course?Depending on the weather conditions, we always try to guarantee a variety of dive spots. We have over 20 dive sites around the island, and it is our interest to show you as much as possible. We usually decide on the dive spots the day before, or sometimes in the morning, to ensure that we can fulfill all of your wishes.
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Is the equipment for the fun dive included?All the basic equipment required for diving or courses is included in the price. This includes tanks, weights, BCD, regulators, fins, masks, and snorkels. If you're planning a night dive, a torch will also be provided. However, we can only offer a rental computer to students who are taking the course with us.
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What can I see during the dives in Little Corn?Little Corn Island is a hidden gem in the Caribbean Sea. Here, you can explore the beautiful coral reefs and see a variety of fish, including the Moonlight Parrotfish, stingrays, and spotted eagle rays. Other incredible creatures like Reef sharks, Nurse sharks, Loggerhead turtles, and Green turtles can also be spotted around the island. On the east side, there is a special site called Tarpon Channel, where you may have a high chance of seeing the Great Hammerhead Sharks. If you love macro photography, there are plenty of opportunities to capture lobsters, eels, shrimps, crabs, flamingo tongues, and lettuce slugs. If you're lucky, you may even get to see dolphins underwater. There is plenty to see and fall in love with on this beautiful island. Come and take a look with us!
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Why do a night dive in Little Corn?If you love night diving, Little Corn Island will not disappoint you. Here, you have the chance to witness the beautiful show of bioluminescence. Beautiful strings of pearls and shining plankton will surround you, making you feel as if you are in the middle of the most beautiful sky full of stars. The best moment to see bioluminescence underwater is when the sky is cloudy or the week after the full moon. Night diving is also an opportunity to see different kinds of animals like octopus, toadfish, lobster, and shrimps, which will all be around. Sharks and turtles are usually awake at night, making it an even more exciting experience. We have amazing dive sites for night dives that are easy and shallow, making it perfect for experiencing your first night dive. Don't miss the chance to book your night dive with us.
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Is it possible to have photos and videos after the dive?Our top priority is safety, so not all dives allow us to take videos and pictures, especially during training dives. However, we do have a basic GoPro that we take with us on the dives, and we're always more than happy to share our images with the divers. We don't charge anything for this because we do not have professional equipment, and it doesn't seem fair for us to do so (although all the staff would not be sad if you compensated this favor with a small tip). We understand how beautiful it is to have a memory of some moments of the dive, which is why we always try to share with you as much as we can!
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Is it necessary to book in advance?Booking in advance is not mandatory but highly recommended. We care about planning the dives as best as we can for all the divers. Therefore, if you make your booking with sufficient time in advance, we can guarantee the best possible experience for everyone. Additionally, if you plan to visit Little Corn during the busy season, booking in advance will guarantee you a spot on the boat with us. We have a 24-hour cancellation policy in place mostly to allow us to replace your spot with other divers who want to join us. Please note that booking in advance helps us to provide the best service and experience to everyone. (Check on the pricelist section how the cancellation policy works)
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Can I pay with a credit card?Yes. We accept payment in cash, local currency, and dollars as well as credit cards. Please note that credit card payments have a commission of 6% to 10% on the island. We apply a 6% commission on every payment made by card.
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There is an ATM on the island?No, there is no ATM available on Little Corn Island. However, there is one available in Big Corn Island on the way to the ferry dock from the airport. So, if you need to withdraw cash, you can do it there. Alternatively, there is a bar called Tranquilo Café on Little Corn Island, which offers cashback with a commission of 10%.
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Do I have a discount if I dive and stay at Las Palmeras Hotel?If you stay at Las Palmeras Hotel, you will receive a 5% discount on dives or courses with us. Additionally, you'll be conveniently situated just a short distance from the dive center.
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