The Coral Reef House! Note: please study the "Costa
Rica Connection" page before calling.
This unique rustic house is on Costa Rica's southeast Caribbean
coast. Literally at the end of the road, the home is built on a 30-foot
pedestal of coral rock only 50 yards from the beach. Outside Magazine
(October 1999) has recognized the Manzanillo area as having “one of the most
beautiful deserted beaches in the world.” The Coral Reef House is
located inside the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. The
refuge abounds with wildlife - monkeys, sloths, tucans, parrots,
iguanas, anteaters, jaguarondis and dolphins off shore. To reach the house there
is a (usually) small creek to cross and then it is 200 meters by trail.
You may drive in to unload luggage and supplies, and then leave the car inside a
private gated yard
near the creek. If the creek happens to be too high to cross, we
can arrange to get your luggage across.
The house has been remodeled to add a king suite on the main
floor (photo at right). The house itself is simple and rustic, perched directly
above the beach and has 2 stories, now with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and
a manager/caretaker family living on the property. The huge, perched deck
is wonderful and is undoubtedly where much of your time will be spent
relaxing to the sounds of the ocean and getting to know the monkeys and
other wildlife in the tops of the trees, at eye level with the deck. Unlike many foreigners’ homes in the area, the Coral
Reef House is a simple beach house of local style and built with native
materials. While it still has the comforts you would need, it fits into
the surroundings of the refuge and ocean environment in a unique and
refreshing way.
When you need a little exercise, follow the steps down to the always
83-86 degree reef-protected ocean and snorkel with the amazingly vivid fish
populations. There's even a small tide pool for kids. Take a walk to
town and rent a kayak for touring the ocean or river estuaries or have
the manager/caretaker set up a jungle tour, a dolphin watching trip, or other favorite adventure. Bikes can usually be rented
and are a great way to roll around the area.
The marine part of the reserve is one of a kind. Its waters are home to three
species of wild dolphins, sea turtles, coral reef, and manatee.
Sport fishing for tarpon, wahoo, mackerel, and kingfish make this
area a sport fishing paradise. Also, scuba diving and snorkeling in the
marine reserve can be arranged through the local dive shop. Kayaking is
both easy and popular inside the reef and in the Gandoca lagoon. Trained
guides in wildlife and bird watching, sport fishing and dolphin/marine
tours are available for bookings in Manzanillo. Just ask our
caretaker/manager for help in setting up tours.
Manzanillo is an outdoor person’s paradise, and the Coral Reef House
will have you thinking twice about leaving!
Note: If the Coral Reef House is booked for the time of your visit,
take a look at the booking dates for the Dolphin Lodge. The Dolphin
Lodge, next door, also sleeps 6-10. For TRAVEL INFORMATION and answers
to frequently asked questions, visit the FAQ
page. This will help orient you to the two coasts of the country
and answer basic questions.
If your flight lands after noon, we highly recommend staying at the
Costa Verde B&B near the capital so
you can start out early in the morning for Manzanillo. The Costa
Verde is also a great place from which to make day trips, they can even
take you in a private shuttle van and visit the waterfall gardens, Poas
Volcano, rainforest or other areas on your way to Manzanillo.
Experience monkeys and the canopy at eye level from the spacious deck.
Look in the other direction for a relaxing view of the ocean!
Want to go world-class fly fishing for tarpon? Check out www.tarponville.com.
The house is 50 meters from the waters edge.
Laundry service is available for an extra charge. An in-house cook can be arranged with
the manager/caretaker once you arrive. Cost depends on number of
meals per day and number of people. Daily housekeeping is also available
for an extra charge.
Note: All beds will be made up at the start of your stay, and
towels provided. You will be given a fresh set of sheets and towels that
you can change as needed. If you elect for extra housekeeping, the
midweek change will be done for you.
25% Reservation Deposit holds reservation. Balance due 30 days prior to
arrival (Christmas reservations have 50% deposit and balance due 60 days
prior). $75 cancellation fee if more than 60 days prior to arrival. Within
60 days of arrival date refund is dependent on our ability to re-rent your
reserved dates.
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