To celebrate my 50th birthday we want to go to a remote and beautiful Caribean island with no cruise ships, jet skis or throngs of thongs on the beach (we live where that is and want to get away from it). We want to dive on pristine reefs, hike, fish, lay on the beach, maybe ride a horse or paddle a kayak and be as remote and by ourselves as is possible. With a lot of research I came up with Little Corn Island. Does anyone have first hand experience with this island or does anyone have an other ideas for another place to go? I've dove the Bay Islands, so want to go someplace other than that.

Thanks!

Kent

i absolutely love little corn island. it is small, mellow, the water is nice, there are definitely not throngs of tourists, jet skis, etc. however i must say that the reefs are definitely not pristine. most of the coral i saw when i dove there was pretty dead ... if diving isn't your number one focus i highly recommend it. actually if i were you i'd go to los roques in venezuela. you can get everything you're looking for but with much better diving.

A friend of mine was just there-what he said is identical to the other response.
The wind blew very hard when he was visiting which really put a crimp in his planes but that's El Caribe for you.

Lots of what you want in Fiji-a half dozen places I could name.

What about Providencia or San Andres (I think that's what they're called). They're off the coast of Nicaragua but are technically a part of Colombia. It's completely safe and forgotten by the throngs of tourists...

Had a MOST unfortunate experience on Little Corn and that's w/ a lifetime of 3rd world travel under my belt. If you go, stay on the sandy side of the island at the locally owned USD35 per night w/ ac dolphin hotel (I think that's its name-- it was new when I was there). DON'T stay w/ that American couple who run the "eco-friendly" place. All lies (icky Amer ex-pats taking advantage of local economy; not really eco friendly at all). And bring CASH!!!! Very isolated. As for diving, I second that the reefs aren't in great shape. They're perfectly lovely off the coast of Belize however (second largest and most diverse barrier reef outside of Australia's). And the little islands, especially Caye Caulker have all the Carib CA charm you could wish for. REALLY fabulous! A trip to the zoo and the ruins on the mainland is well worth your while, too. Another great almost Caribbean trip is to Trinidad. The beach at Maracas Bay is one of the lovliest I've ever seen, on par w/ Flamingo Beach on Puerto Rico's island of Culebra. And the local breakfast meat filled pastries are to-die-for as are the shark sandwiches served fresh from the water and off the grill on the beaches. Not sure about the diving and you should probably rent a car there. We stayed at a nice little place called Monique's. Best of luck and have a smashing time wherever you end up!

Forgot to say, my parents visited Nevis and just LOVED it. Not sure how touristy it might get, but it's certainly beautiful with all the other elements you mentioned. A small Cayman is always great for diving and seclusion as well. Maybe Cayman Braq (sp?) or Little Cayman? Bob and Sue may still run their lovely little dive shop at the beach on Little Cayman. Gorgeous beaches, perfect reefs, amazing weather and low key compared to the big island.

Thanks for the tips. From all that I've learned, it looks like we're going to visit the Caribbean islands that are part of Colombia. They sound fantastic. FYI - On a different forum I found someone who had been mugged on Little Corn.

Have you considered the San Blas Islands aka Kuna Yala in Panama? I believe the archipelago has 360 little islands with less than 60 populated. It's basically a sovereign territory of the Kuna Indians who are friendly and enterprising.

I took my son there for Xmas and not only is it a cultural adventure, but the best snorkeling I've ever seen. You can take a local free diver along to catch your dinner. I have shots of lunch being delivered in a hand paddled cayuco. We transferred it to cages we lowered into the water to keep alive until we cooked it. Crabs, lobster, red snapper, squid, etc.

Seriously, the reefs are shallow and pristine! At times, I would gather up the white shirt I snorkel in so I wouldn't potentially harm the reef with drag. You wouldn't miss diving at all given how shallow the reefs are.

It's an amazing experience I would wholeheartedly recommend. I stayed with a family though there are a couple of 'hotels' that will be rustic. Some of the islands do have generators, but the vast majority of the time, we're talking no electricity, no running water and sleeping hammocks. All after a lengthy cayuco ride across open ocean after you fly into an airstrip that is smaller than some back yards I've seen. 26 pound limit on luggage if flying into Porvenir.

Really incredible experience. Kunas make molas, an art form collectible all over the world and have been smart enough to keep the rights to their own territory which keeps commercialization out. No one can buy land. It's passed along through the women.

Thanks for the great tip. Sounds wonderful.

KC,

If you want to visit Key West as it was 40 years ago, visit Corn Island. If you want Miami beach ... San Andreas.

I can say that because I moved from Key West to Big Corn! I left hell and moved to paradise! I love it here.

The Little island does much self promotion but has become a haven for thieves who prey on tourists. Business owners on Little Corn just can't get the situation under control. The Little island is beautiful in its primitiveness. Big Corn is safer and has everything Little Corn has to offer. Plus, I like being able to get into a taxi ($1) or visit the police station, medical clinic, baseball stadium, telephone company, etc. Or... explore the other side of the island where I do not have to see a car, police man...


Feel free to write if you or anyone has any questions on The Corn Islands.

Marlies,

Thanks for the great tip. How long ago did you leave Key West?

If we decided on Corn Island, I will definately follow up for more info.

Kent

did you happen to go to the cayos cochinos small area directly before the bay islands?
That's incredible
I could tell you more and have photos if you desire

No I didn't, but would be interested in any info you have. Thanks.

For the record, Crime situation seems to be under control on the Little Island since the addition of a police force out there.

New dive operator: Dolphin Dive at Hotel Los Delfines

Dolphin Dive
Hotel Los Delfines
Corn Island general info

we spent a week out on Little Corn, at Derricks, and it was fantastic. We loved it.