Description
The Islotes de Cosigüina are rocky islands formed in 1835 as a result of the most violent eruption in recent Nicaraguan history. The Cosigüina Volcano erupted and part of its crater was blown into sea. A group of small, rocky islands, measuring maybe a couple hundred meters in length, are a trace of this explosion.
These so-called Islotes de Cosigüina are located not far away from the main land in the Gulf of Fonseca, a bay bordering Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. The islands lie on Nicaraguan territory and nowadays provide shelter to hundreds if not thousands of birds. The birds most obviously present are pelicans and frigatebirds. Other birds residing on the islands include cormorants, seagulls, and darters.
When visiting the islotes on a boat, you can closely observe the birds and be amazed by those magnificent animals as they fly around and above you. You can navigate in a boat around the islands and see hundreds and hundreds of birds who live on the relatively small islands. The birds are the only animals present on the islands and they sure do populate every piece of decent rock they can find. On every rim or edge you will see birds lined up, some of them watching you as you pass by while others just continue their daily routine.
Enjoying this spectacle is only possible from a boat. From the only wharf at the Gulf of Fonseca it takes around one hour to get to the islands. It can be a slightly bumpy ride, but your efforts will be rewarded by this extraordinary colony of birds.
Getting There
Private transportation: It is necessary to get to Potosí first, a town located on the North shore of the Cosiguina Peninsula. From there, you can ask a fisherman to take you there. You can get to Potosí by a road coming from El Viejo, which also passes by El Congo and then goes into the peninsula.
It is also possible to take public transportation from the city of El Viejo to Potosi. However, they do not have a frequent schedule. The best thing to do is to ask this information at hotels or tourist offices in the area.
Online Reservations
We have 1 related tour(s) available that can be booked online.
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From US$9.00
Visit to Islotes de Cosigüina
By: Cosigüina Tour
Comments
Martin Lira wrote on Dec 5, 2017:
One of the most pristine, awe inspiring spots in Nicaragua! Thanks to its isolation is also one the least visited parts of the country together with cape Gracias a Dios in the far north Atlantic coast. However, it is indispensable to clarify that the name of this archipelago is "Farallones de Cosiguina", not "Islotes de Cosiguina". A "farallon" or "outcrop" is a sharp, vertical rock that juts out of the sea and lacks a coastline. However, many new generation Nicaraguans in the tourism industry either lack proper training in geographical terminology or simply are confused about the meaning of this word in Spanish. Now, the problem is that the same young generation confuses the term farallon (outcrop) with acantilado (cliff). That is why these sea outcrops are rightly called "Farallones de Cosiguina" while the sharp cliffs along the Cosiguina coast are called "Acantilados de Cosiguina", not farallones as I have been noticing in the past 38 years since the country's cultural level declined due 11 years of Contra war and communism. Thanks for sharing!
LYNDRA wrote on May 23, 2012:
looks beautiful!!!