Hello,

Ive got some time and plan to travel central america, probably leaving nyc around the middle of june and im not too sure where im going to go, the only thing that I have planned to do so far is to check out the corn islands. i have a few questions about them.

1. I have read in posts dated a few years back about the vibe and how it can be a bit sketchy in places due to the cocoaine trade boats stoping to there to refuel. Is this still the case and if so are there places that I should avoid?

2. Where do I get the boat to the islands from the main land?

3. Is there camping or hostels that allow you to set up a tent?

Thanks, Anthony

If you haven't already, I'd suggest asking your questions on Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree forum.

There isn't much information here on Nicaragua, and very little about the Corn Islands. They're high on my list of places I want to visit.

Oh gosh, I just read this. Jean or iamtonynyc did you end up going.
My daughter and her boyfriend have just headed to little Corn Island for a week. they are pretty smart but I am worried now about their safety.

Things have cleaned up a bit, I think - they should be fine.

No, I haven't made it to Nicaragua yet. I'm waiting to retire, will spend the winter's in Belize and explore Central America from there.

Hopefully, next year...

Thanks hopefulist. They have been in Central America since Jan 5 and havent reported any problems to me (MOM) so I think they have been cautious. I will get her to post a trip report when she returns.

Just a quick update from a previously worried Mom. Just got this email from my daughter
which I though I would share
Hola
We just got back to the mainland from the lovely Little Corn Island. We spent a week on the island which..if you can picture this...is 3km long, has no streets just walking paths (no cars), beautiful beaches and plentiful coconuts to enjoy! We absolutely loved it there. The locals are very friendly (toursits bring in the money hehe). They speak a weird caribbean spanglish which was easier for me to understand surprisingly. We stayed in cabanas on the beach where we could knock down our own coconuts and drink the water from them. There were so many crabs creeping around...one day we found one in our room! Four days we spent taking our PADI Open Water Scuba course. It was well worth the money and the sutdying. We got to go on 5 open water dives. We saw a nurse shark, rays, a big turtle, lobster, sea stars, barracuda, a bunch of smaller colorful fish and beautiful coral. and the instructors were awesome. We had some of the best food on the trip there. i want to tell you more but you will have to wait! we are heading to costa rica tomorrow and fly out on thursday...darren will be flying back home and ill be heading down to BA (see you at the airport mom and dad, i have your number if i have any problems...excited to see you).
All my love,
dont worry mom!
xoxo
Annie


So on that note I may be booking smyself a trip to that little piece of paradise next year.