At Corn Island Dive Center we specialize in diving the beautiful reefs around Corn Island (also referred to as, Great Corn Island or Big Corn Island). We have a variety of dive sites ranging from calm, shallow sites with gently sloping reef, just like being in an aquarium and perfect for any beginner, to deeper pinnacles with thrilling views, and even caves and caverns to explore for the more experienced divers. Please contact us to arrange special trips to the surrounding islands.

Here are just a few of the sites to give you an idea of what you can expect to see while diving on Corn Island. We are currently exploring new dive sites around Corn Island and will be posting more sites very soon!

Please note that many dive sites are weather dependent, and that scheduled dive sites may change at short notice due to weather conditions.

Blowing Rock

One of Nicaragua’s best dive sites, Blowing rock is a favorite among our divers! Located approximately 7 miles (11 km) from Corn Island, this giant pinnacle of volcanic boulders attracts vast amounts of marine life. The base of the pinnacle rests around  80 feet (24 meters) and towers upwards, breaking the surface to form a small rocky island. As there is so much to see at Blowing rock, we do a 2 tank trip so you will be sure to enjoy everything this wonderful site has to offer.

This site is best reached from Corn Island, as it is around a 20 minute boat ride to the site, and nearly an hour boat ride from Little Corn Island. We are lucky at Corn Island Dive Center, because a shorter boat ride means we are generally the first boat to arrive in the morning so you will be the first divers in the water, and a shorter round trip means you’ll have more time afterwards to relax and enjoy the island!

Here you can see many nurse sharks and large southern sting rays resting or swimming along the bottom. As you spiral upwards you can spot reef sharks and eagle rays passing by. There is an abundance of fish swarming around the pinnacle, with schools of snapper and African pompano to look out for. Great Barracuda are seen hovering around the shallow rocks, and large angel fish and parrot fish make for a colorful view.  Hiding under ledges, you can see many spotted drum, and in the cracks and crevices you can find giant eels, lobster, and crabs.

Spanish Galleon Wreck

This unnamed 19th century Spanish Galleon rests in 15 feet (5 meters) of water off Waula Point, and makes for a fascinating dive! Having never been properly surveyed or salvaged, this wreck remains relatively untouched. Some points of interest are its 14 cannons and its anchor which are clearly visible. Although you can easily snorkel this site due to its shallow depth, unless you can hold your breath for 50 minutes you will be missing out on exploring the wreck in full detail. However, for those non-divers, we do offer the opportunity for you join in the fun and to snorkel the wreck from our boats.

Various Caribbean reef fish can be spotted hanging around the wreck. Make sure to look under ledges and in cracks to find lobster and other crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp.

  • Please note any person wishing to participate in a PADI course or experience is required to fill out an RSTC Medical Statement prior to any in-water activities. If you answer “YES” to any of the medical questions, then you will require written permission from a Doctor, using the attached form, to participate in any PADI course or experience.

  • PADI Standards states that each student have a personal set of current PADI materials for study and use during the course and for reference afterward, to include, at a minimum, the course manual (book, digital or app version) unless unavailable in a language understood by the student diver.

  • All certified divers will be required to show proof of certification prior to diving. Some agencies (such as PADI) can be verified online.

  • It is highly recommended to have travel insurance, or specific dive accident insurance such as Divers Alert Network (D.A.N.) that can be purchased online here prior to your trip. According to D.A.N.’s recommendations regarding flying after diving, please allow for at least 18 hours before flying in an airplane after scuba diving.