Corn Islands

Introducing Corn Islands

Once a haven for British buccaneers (and still a frequent stopover for Colombia-based pirates), Big and Little Corn Islands are now low-key vacation spots in an isolated corner of the Caribbean. The two Islas del Maíz retain in many ways the magic associated with the Caribbean - clear turquoise water, white sandy beaches fringed with coconut palms, excellent fishing, phenomenal coral reefs to explore and an unhurried, peaceful pace, as yet uncluttered with Cancún-style resorts. Little Corn in particular lives up to this elusive image.

Christopher Colón breezed through in 1502, but it wasn't until 1660, when a French pirate by the name of Jean David Nau arrived, that continuous contact was made with the local Kukras-Mayangna Indians. In the 1700s British pirates and African slaves arrived, and both groups mingled with the Kukras. Although the British were asked to leave the islands in 1786, as part of a treaty with the Spanish, they returned in 1841 after independence from Spain; an event still celebrated after August 27 with crab soup and dancing.

Last updated: Oct 20, 2009