The best diving in Central America, from Belize to Panama

The Corn Islands — Big Corn and Little Corn — are sister islands about 40 miles off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua and a great option for ocean-lovers looking for something off the beaten path.

Big Corn Island is lined in several places by mangrove swamps, and some of the reefs closest to the shore have suffered from degradation. But the great draw underwater is Blowing Rock, a rock formation that rises up to the surface of the water and houses lots of marine life; it’s the hallmark dive of the Dos Tiburones Dive Shop on the north shore of the island.

There are no roads or cars on Little Corn Island, and it’s just one square mile, but it boasts 20 different dive spots teeming with lobster, nurse sharks and vibrant coral. For the adrenaline seekers, there’s the Tunnels, which are a series of underwater swim-throughs beneath the reef where sharks like to hang out. Historically, the island was a hub for lobster fishermen, but in recent years the shallow reefs have become an increasingly popular choice for snorkelers and dive beginners. Plus, it’s one of the cheapest scuba spots in Central America: at Dolphin Dive Little Corn, a single dive costs just $35.