A guide to cycling Big Corn Island in Nicaragua, a fun and easy way to explore this beautiful Caribbean island.
Big Corn island is a great place to explore by bicycle with bikes available to rent from a number of mom-and-pop venues for around US$10 per day or less.
The majority of our clients base themselves at Arenas Beach Hotel and, if you speak to Reception, they can make recommendations as to the most reliable operators on the island.
Through the hotel, we rented bikes from an outfit near the airport and, at the agreed time, were collected from the hotel and driven to the owner’s house to try out a selection of bikes.
Please note that the quality of bikes on offer is somewhat limited – cycling on Big Corn Island is for those who want to potter about on two wheels, not set island records.
Beginning at the airport (the bike collection point was on the western side of the runway), it makes sense to then head towards Big Corn’s dock on the west coast and, from there, cycle round the island in a clockwise direction.
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Throughout the island, main roads are in good condition, traffic is very light and nobody is in a great hurry – why would you be?
For the first part of the route, around the north-west and particularly the north of the island, you’ll enjoy great views of the sea with plenty of opportunities to stop and have a swim.
If you’d like a more secluded beach from which to break your cycle ride around Big Corn, wait till you get to the east coast. This part of the island also enjoys a wonderful breeze.
Fancy a drink or bite to eat? There are numerous places to stop but our pick would be Casa Canada or Spekito’s Place, a short distance from each other on the east coast, just before you reach empty, sweeping Long Bay.
As you approach the southern end of Long Bay – perhaps after another swim in the sea which you may well have entirely to yourself – the road begins to climb for the first time as you ascend Quinn Hill.
If you’re a keen / strong cyclist, this climb may not normally be a challenge for you. However, with the aforementioned quality of bikes on Big Corn Island, this often proves more of a challenge than people expect. There’s no shame in walking your bike up the hill!
Having reached the top of the hill, you’ll be able to take in views of both the island and surrounding Caribbean before, very shortly, the road begins its inevitable descent back down to the island’s west coast.
Please note that this descent is sharper than the previous ascent (one of the reasons for cycling around Big Corn in a clockwise direction) and, just as your bike’s gears might let you down on the way up, it’s entirely possible that the brakes won’t entirely be on your side on the way down. If you’re unsure, get off and walk or, if you do wish to cycle down, go slowly.
You are now almost back to the Arenas Beach Hotel and not that far from the airport. It might be called Big Corn but, even from the airport (after returning your bikes), it is still just an easy stroll back to the hotel, perhaps with a quick / extended detour to Por Ahi beach bar on Paraiso Beach.
