Big Corn (www.bigcornisland.com) has a 12km (7 1/2-mile) ring road that circles the island, frequented by the occasional car, taxi, and golf cart. This is where you'll find the island's main port, Brig Bay, and the only airport. Generally, the best beaches in Big Corn are to the southwest, as it is more sheltered than the eastern side, though the reverse happens in November. The north end has the best spots for snorkeling.

Fast Facts

ATMs & Banks -- Banpro, on the road to Hotel Puertas del Sol in Brig Bay (tel. 505/2575-5107), is the only bank on the island. Though the islands' only ATM was installed here in 2008, it's best to bring plenty of cash to the island in case you can't get to the bank. Make sure you are carrying immaculate American dollars, as the locals can be fussy about what they accept. With a Visa credit card, you can take out money at Banpro at the airport. Money transfers can be arranged at the Western Union outlet (tel. 505/2575-5074) beside the Caribbean Depot, close to the dock.

Emergencies -- For emergencies, dial tel. 101. For other police-related matters, call tel. 505/2575-5201.

Hospital -- Corn Island Hospital (tel. 505/2575-5236) is behind Nautilus and is open every day, all day. For an English-speaking doctor, call Dr. David Somarriba (tel. 505/2575-5184) or, for a dentist, call tel. 505/2575-5236.

Internet -- Most of the better hotels on the island should have Internet service. Cyber Café, near Nautilus (no phone), charges C40 per hour. The Western Union outlet also provides Internet and fax services.

Pharmacy -- Pharmacy Monica (tel. 505/2575-5251) is in front of the government house in the center of the island. It is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm and Sunday from 8am to noon. Pharmacy Guadelupe (tel. 505/2575-5217) is farther east, close to the baseball stadium, and is open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 9pm.

Getting There

By Plane

Corn Island Airport (RNI; no phone) is served by two small airlines that make connections to Bluefields and Managua. La Costeña (tel. 505/2575-5131) and Atlantic Airlines (tel. 505/2270-5355) both depart from Managua at 6:30am and 2pm daily and leave the island at 8am and 3pm. The journey takes 1 1/2 hours; arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and always reconfirm your return flight on arrival. Expect to fly in small, antiquated, propeller-powered planes.

The airport is 2km (1 1/4 miles) from Brig Bay. There are always several taxi drivers waiting at the tiny airport when each plane arrives. The fare is C40 per person no matter where you go, though you may be charged a little extra for luggage.

By Boat

Three boats depart from Bluefields on different days. A 5-hour express called Río Escondido departs at 9am every Wednesday, returning at 9am on a Tuesday. The cost is C210. A ferry called St. Nikolas (tel. 505/2695-3344) leaves on Friday at 9am and takes 7 hours. It returns on Sunday at midday. The cost one-way is C100. The Captain D (tel. 505/2850-2767) leaves Rama on Wednesday at noon and goes to El Bluff; from there it departs at 5pm for a 10pm arrival to the Corn Islands. The main return boat departs the Corn Islands at midnight on Saturday for Bluefields. The cost one-way from Rama is C350 and from El Bluff is C250. All boats dock at Brig Bay, Big Corn Island's main port.

Getting Around

A taxi costs C16 per person to travel anywhere on the island and C21 after 10pm or if you have a lot of luggage. There is a small minibus that circles the island at a cost of C5. Perhaps the most fun way to get around is to hire one of the many golf carts that cost C200 per hour. Contact Arenas Beach Hotel (tel. 505/2456-2220) to do so.

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