The easiest way to reach the Corn Islands is by air. La Costeña, Nicaragua's domestic airline, runs daily flights from Managua to Big Corn Island (airport code RNI). The flight takes around 80 minutes, sometimes with a brief stop in Bluefields, and costs roughly USD $95–105 one-way. There are usually two departures daily in each direction, with extra flights on certain days of the week. Book ahead — these flights fill up.
If you are already in Bluefields and want to save money, passenger ferries run to Big Corn on Wednesdays and Saturdays, departing at 9am and taking five to six hours. The crossing costs around USD $8 each way. It is slow and the Caribbean swell can be rough, but many travellers find the experience worthwhile.
From Big Corn to Little Corn, you take a panga — a small open boat — from the wharf on the island's western side. The crossing takes 30–40 minutes and costs USD $10 each way. The standard departure times are 10am and 4:30pm from Big Corn, and 6:30am and 1:30pm from Little Corn, though these shift with the season and demand. The crossing can be choppy, especially in the afternoon. If you are prone to seasickness, sit toward the front and take medication in advance.