The water meets sand in electric turquoise perfection. Long Beach stretches across Big Corn Island’s eastern shore, where powdery white sand remains virtually untouched during Caribbean peak season. December through March brings the driest weather and clearest water. Most travelers never discover Nicaragua even has Caribbean islands.
This beach defies expectations. While Tulum crowds surge and Costa Rica’s coasts fill with resorts, Long Beach stays empty. The contrast feels surreal in today’s over-touristed world.
Nicaragua’s forgotten Caribbean edge
Big Corn Island sits 43 miles off Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast. The island measures just 4 square miles with 6,200 residents. La Costeña airlines operates daily flights from Managua’s international airport. Flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes.
Most Americans don’t know Nicaragua has Caribbean territory. The country’s Pacific coast gets attention. Meanwhile, Big Corn Island maintains authentic Caribbean culture without resort development. Water visibility reaches 80-100 feet near coral reefs.
December through March delivers perfect conditions. Air temperatures hover around 82°F. Trade winds keep humidity comfortable. Rainfall drops to 2-3 inches monthly. Water temperature stays at 79°F. Compare this to Tulum’s crowds and the difference becomes clear.
Long Beach revelation
Visual reality
Long Beach extends 1.2 miles along the island’s windward side. The sand feels like flour between your fingers. Palm trees provide natural shade every 50 yards. No hotels, no beach clubs, no development mar the coastline.
Morning light illuminates the water in shades from sapphire to mint green. The beach curves gently, creating intimate coves. Fishing boats anchor offshore in traditional Caribbean style. Local fishing village sits 200 yards inland.
The empty beach paradox
Peak season brings maybe 10 visitors daily to this stretch. Most travelers stay near Brig Bay on the island’s opposite shore. Long Beach requires a 15-minute taxi ride from the airport. Local transportation costs 20 Cordobas ($0.50) per ride.
The settlement of Long Beach houses 150 residents. Unlike Panama’s Bastimentos, this community remains deeply authentic. Creole English echoes across the sand. Coconut palms sway overhead.
Experience your perfect beach day
Beach activities
Swimming feels like entering bath water during December-March. The sandy bottom slopes gently for 100 yards. Snorkeling from shore reveals parrotfish and angelfish. Coral formations start 200 yards offshore.
Walking the full beach length takes 25 minutes. Beachcombing yields perfect shells and sea glass. Shade spots offer relief every few hundred yards. The absence of crowds creates meditation-like peace.
Local connection
Long Beach Settlement welcomes visitors warmly. A small shop sells cold drinks and snacks. Fresh lobster costs $8 per pound from local fishermen. Coconut water comes straight from trees for $1.
Communication flows in Creole English and Spanish. Unlike resort destinations, cultural exchange feels genuine. Children play cricket on packed sand. Life moves at island tempo.
The quiet truth about access
La Costeña flights depart Managua at 7am and 2pm daily. Additional flights run Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9:30am. Round-trip tickets range $95-$470 depending on season and booking time. Planes hold 12 passengers with 30-pound checked baggage limits.
Budget travelers choose the overland route. Buses run Managua to Bluefields for $11. Ferries depart Bluefields every Wednesday and Saturday at 9am. Ferry cost: $8. Total journey time: 16-17 hours. Compare costs to Grenada and Big Corn Island delivers exceptional value.
On-island accommodation near Long Beach includes Casa Canada ($45/night) and Paraiso Beach Hotel ($65/night). Both properties offer beach access and local meal options.
Your questions about Long Beach answered
When’s the best time for Long Beach?
December through March offers ideal conditions. Rainfall averages 2.5 inches monthly versus 15 inches in October. Trade winds maintain comfortable temperatures. Water clarity peaks during these months. February and March see the fewest visitors.
Why isn’t this beach more famous?
Nicaragua’s tourism focuses on Pacific destinations like San Juan del Sur. Political perceptions from the 1980s persist despite current stability. Big Corn Island lacks resort marketing budgets. The island’s remoteness preserves authenticity but limits visibility. Only 15,000 tourists visit annually.
How does it compare to other Caribbean beaches?
Long Beach offers Maldives-quality water without resort prices. Accommodation costs 60% less than Roatán. Crowd levels stay 90% below Tulum’s packed shores. Cultural authenticity surpasses most commercialized Caribbean destinations. Natural beauty rivals Grace Bay but with complete solitude.
Afternoon light transforms the water into liquid emerald. Palm fronds rustle overhead while gentle waves lap pristine sand. This corner of the Caribbean still exists untouched, waiting for those willing to venture beyond the obvious.