Nicaragua Highlights

13 days London to London

Day 1. Depart UK and arrive Managua

Drive one hour to Granada, located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and in the shadow of the Mombacho volcano. This is Nicaragua's most attractive city with its colonial buildings and squares and is a base from which to explore the lake, volcanoes, the famous craft market at Masaya, the Zapatera archipelago and Isla de Ompete. Whilst in Granada you will stay at the Plaza Colon, an elegantly restored colonial house with external courtyards and balconies overlooking Central Park and the Cathedral.

Day 2. Tour Granada and the Masaya Volcano National Park [B]

Enjoy a tour of this fascinating city with its beautiful colonial buildings. Take a boat ride through some of the 365 small islands on Lake Nicaragua and then head to the Masaya National Park, with its fi ve craters and a volcanic lake. After a spectacular view of an active crater there is time to see local craftsmen at work in Masaya's market.

Day 3. Relax and explore [B]

Explore this beautiful city or alternatively ask about the diving at Apoyo Lagoon.

Day 4. Nicaragua Caribbean Islands [B]

After a one and a half hour flight in a light aircraft from Managua you reach the beautiful Corn Islands. These are two tropical islands surrounded by coral reefs and fringed with white powder-sand beaches and coconut palms. Culturally, you could be forgiven for thinking you're in a different country altogether, with many of the local Islanders speaking English, descendant from the original British prospectors and freed slaves. A haven for pirates and buccaneers in the 17th century, untold numbers of shipwrecks and treasures still lay scattered along the turquoise waters of The Corn Islands.

On arrival at Great Corn Island you will be met and transferred to the pier where you join the local ferry to Little Corn Island.

Hotel Los Delfines is the jewel of the crown of Little Corn Island. Located ocean front on the eastern coast of the island in a small bay, guests enjoy the pristine and calm waters of the Caribbean. The colourful two story bungalows and the beautiful garden are Caribbean in style. Each of the 18 bungalows has air-conditioning and cable TV. The restaurant is a meeting place for locals and tourists alike where they come to enjoy the Caribbean and International cuisine.

Days 5 & 6. Discover the dive sites of Little Corn Island [B]

With two dives per day included maybe only three nights is not quite long enough. Why not extend your stay on this truly relaxing island.

Day 7. Little Corn to Great Corn Island by local boat [B]

Relax before taking the 2pm local panga back to Great Corn Island, where at the Arenas Beach Hotel you will be met by your dive guide who will discuss the next days diving. The beauty of Big Corn is that it has still remained relatively unvisited. We suggest you go sooner rather than later!

Days 8 to 10. The underwater world of Great Corn Island [B]

Two dives per day are included.

Day 11. Managua [B]

The local airstrip is only a 10 minute taxi ride away, where you will catch an afternoon fl ight to Managua and an overnight stay in the capital.

Days 12 & 13. Catch an overnight flight back to the UK