Dolphin Lodge from Coral Reef House

Manzanillo Bay (Dolphin Lodge in middle) Tide Pools in front of Lodge

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Description

The Dolphin Lodge is a newer, rustic house right next to the Coral Reef House just outside of Manzanillo. Both homes are inside the Gandoco Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, so the secluded factor is unbeatable yet it is only a short walk or bike ride to town.

 

The best feature of the house is its location inside the refuge and beyond the end of the road, which is very unique.  To reach the lodge 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 you and your luggage across.

The simple, rustic beach-house style Dolphin Lodge is constructed of native woods which glow. On the main floor, there is a red tiled open-air eating area, a full kitchen, along with one of the king-size bedrooms and bath. Upstairs are 2 large bedrooms, each with private bathrooms, accessed by a common deck overlooking the ocean. One has a king-size bed and can be set up with either the king bed and a single bed, or with 3 single beds. The main floor has one very large bedroom with a king bed and a single bed, and there is also a smaller bedroom with a double bed. Mosquito nets are provided with each bed. All the windows are fully screened and have privacy shutters as well. The woodwork is refreshingly simple and finished completely with local craftsmanship.

When you need a little exercise, it's just 50 meters to the always 83-86 degree reef-protected ocean.  Snorkel with the amazingly vivid fish populations or search the shallow tide pools shells, starfish and other marine life . There's even a small tide pool for the kids to swim in. Take a walk to town and rent a kayak for touring the ocean or river estuaries, or have the caretaker set up a jungle tour or another of his favorite adventures. The manager/caretaker lives in an apartment attached to the Dolphin Lodge.  

The marine part of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is one of a kind. It's waters are home to three species of wild dolphins, sea turtles, coral reef, and  manatee. Sport fishing for tarpon and other species make this area a sport fishing paradise. Also, scuba diving and snorkeling in the marine part of the 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, and dolphin-watching tours are available for bookings in Manzanillo.

Manzanillo is an outdoors person’s paradise, and the Dolphin Lodge is the perfect place for larger groups of the adventurous type to enjoy the splendors of Costa Rica!

Note: If the Dolphin Lodge is booked for the time of your visit, take a look at the booking dates for the Coral Reef House.  The Coral Reef House next door also sleeps up to 9.  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.

Airport: San Jose
Distance: 4-5 hours

Activities and Attractions

Located within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

 

Beach from Dolphin Lodge front yard

Master Bedroom with Coral wall

On-Site Amenities

Natural tidal pools for wading, snorkeling, and swimming are located directly in front of the house! See photo at top of page.

Laundry service, cooking, and daily housekeeping are available for an extra charge.

In-house cooking can be arranged with our manager/caretaker once you arrive.  Cost depends on number of meals per day and number of people.

 

Rental Rates

Policies

25% Reservation Deposit hold 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.

Dolphin Lodge Upper Deck

Upstairs Bedroom #1

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