Out-of-the way idyll

WATER SPORTS

On the Caribbean side of this Central American country, it’s all about the water. Here are some primo spots for sun, sea and sand.

GREAT CORN ISLAND

Best water sports: Dive at Blowing Rock, a coral formation that peaks above the waves from 100 feet below. Nautilus supplies equipment and tours: $35 for one dive to $250 for 10, including gear; snorkeling and boat tour, 011-505-575-5077 or https://www.divebigcorn.com/dive.html .

At Anastasia’s, walk 60 feet offshore to a snorkeling reef: $3 per hour; fly-fishing for $60 per half-day; guided sport fishing, $100 per day. 011-505-575-5001 or https://www.cornislandparadise.com .

Best beaches: Arenas, Picnic, Long Bay

LITTLE CORN ISLAND

Best water sports: Dive and snorkel at White Holes. Casa Iguana’s dive shop offers day and night dives, classes and room/dive packages: $15 for a 90-minute snorkel; two dives, $70. I had a thrilling snorkeling experience. Info: https://www.divelittlecorn.com .

Dolphin Dive prices: $35 for one-tank dive; snorkel, $15. 011-505-690-0225.

Best beaches: anywhere along the eastern side of the island, particularly at Farm Peace & Love.

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TAKING IT EASY

Getting around is simple: two feet or four wheels (as in a golf cart). It’s sightseeing at its simplest but most striking.

BY FOOT

On Little Corn, I took a spectacular one-hour walk from Casa Iguana’s beach at the southeastern end of the island — a sign on the property points you there — along the shoreline, to the northern end of the island.

There is no marked path until a sign points the way to Derek’s. I strolled along the sand, drinking in the whitesand vistas to my right and jungle foliage to my left. I climbed over wave-drenched rocks and past windmills. The hike was easy, other than negotiating the sand.

BY CART

The best way to see Great Corn Island is by golf cart. For $31, I tooled around the island for three hours, past grazing horses on an ocean cliff, Anastasia’s snorkeling reef and most of the island’s hotels and best beaches.

Info: 011-505-575-5077 or https://www.divebigcorn.com .

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WHERE TO STAY

Luxury accommodations? Not here. But there are places to stay where you can be perfectly comfortable.

GREAT CORN

Casa Canada, on the beachfront, southeastern side of the island; (514) 448-8339 or 011-505-644-0925; https://www.casa-canada.com . All 20 rooms face the sea. Doubles are $85 per night.

Arenas Beach Hotel, beachfront on the southwestern side of the island: (505) 456-2220; https://www.arenasbeachhotel.com . Rooms are stark, but clean and comfortable. Rates begin at $75 per night.

LITTLE CORN

Casa Iguana, above right, a 10-minute walk from the pier. Reservations: e-mail (no phone) casaiguana@mindspring .com, https://www.casaiguana.net The 12 cabins are no-frills and quiet. Private bath, some electricity, outdoor shower with cold water. Economy cabin begins at $25 per night, double occupancy.

Derek’s Place, a 35-minute walk through the jungle to the northeastern end of the island. Four rough-hewn cabins, each charming and unique. Easy walk to beach. Cabins can accommodate up to four guests at $10 per person per night. No reservations.

Los Delfines, in the middle of town; 011-505-831-5029. Most mainstream hotel, with air conditioning, hot water. From $45 to $60.

— Diane Wedner