South Caribbean Coast

Nicaragua
Corn Island showing boating, tropical scenes and general coastal views
Visit nature reserves, tribal villages, tropical islands and pirate towns nestled between the Caribbean Sea and areas of verdant jungle.

Enjoy thrilling outdoor pursuits amid breathtaking scenery when touring the region of Atlántico Sur (South Atlantic Coast). Travel rarely explored routes to villages inhabited by Creole, Rama and Garifuna people. Relax at idyllic island retreats, dine on delicious seafood and spot exotic wildlife. Atlántico Sur is an autonomous region in Eastern Nicaragua. It forms part of the Mosquito Coast, a one-time colonial settlement with preserved tribal heritage.

Start your tour in Bluefields. Established in the 1600s by a Dutch pirate, today it is a melting pot of African, European, mestizo and indigenous customs. Relax in Parque Reyes and learn about local history at the CIDCA Historical Cultural Museum. Ride a traditional panga boat to El Bluff Beach with its unusual stone mounds. Join in the flamboyant street processions during the Maypole Festival every spring.

Discover peace and tranquility at the Corn Islands, a group of two islands called Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island. Find postcard-perfect beaches, pristine coral reefs and thick mangrove forests. Dive, snorkel and swim in the enticing water. Come in August for the Crab Soup Festival, when the islands commemorate the end of slavery with parades and sporting events.

Find additional beautiful beaches at Pearl Lagoon, a predominantly Creole town set on the southern shores of a vast lagoon. Feast on plates of mouthwatering fish, lobster and shrimp caught by the town’s fishermen. Escape the crowds at nearby Awas. Spot dolphins and hawksbill turtles at the Pearl Cays archipelago.

Look for howler monkeys, toucans, jaguars and pumas while walking through the cloud forests of Kahka Creek Wildlife Refuge. Hike to tribal villages in Wawashang Hill Natural Reserve. The reserve’s colorful wildlife ranges from butterflies to deer and monkeys.

Bluefields is the major transportation hub for Atlántico Sur. Fly here from Managua. Direct flights also connect Managua with the Corn Islands. Explore farther along the Miskito Coast by visiting the Miskito Cays in Atlántico Norte. Alternatively, travel south and hike in the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve.

Popular cities in South Caribbean Coast

Corn Island showing boating, tropical scenes and general coastal views
Corn Islands
Known for Islands, Fishing and Tours
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000}span.s1 {font-kerning: none}Located off Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast, these two tropical islands offer white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees and warm waters.
Bluefields
Bluefields
Known for Sandy beaches, Small town and Basketball
Come to quaint Bluefields and enjoy its basketball, island views, and churches.
On the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, Pearl Lagoon is yet to be discovered by the majority of tourists. With the strong Creole culture, fantastic seafood, Saturday afternoon baseball games and laid back vibes this is a great place to while away some days.

However, Pearl Lagoon's real draw are the Pearl Keys. A handful of deserted islands a few hours away by boat, this is the place to live out all your Shipwrecked/Robinson Crusoe fantasies. We spent the day snorkelling, eating coconuts and relaxing on this tiny island - our group of 6 were the only visitors to the keys that day (and about 75% of the tourists staying in Pearl Lagoon). Both amazing destinations and worth the effort to get to!
Laguna de Perlas
Venture to sights like Reserva Natural Kahka Creek and Moravian Church as you discover Laguna de Perlas.
Kukra Hill
Kukra Hill
Head to sights like El Bluff Beach as you discover the local area in Kukra Hill.
El Rama
El Rama
Check out the local area in El Rama as you venture to sights like Catholic Church.