Dolphin Lodge from Coral Reef House

Tide Pools in front of Lodge

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Description

The Dolphin Lodge is a newer, rustic home right next to the Coral Reef House just outside of Manzanillo. We offer sport fishing and scientific dolphin studies so we needed more accommodations for our guests. Both homes are inside the Gandoco Manzanillo Wildlife and Marine 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 (you may drive in to unload only except for rare times when the creek is too high) which is very unique. Of all the houses for rent in the area, only the Coral Reef House and neighboring Dolphin Lodge share this quality.

The simple, rustic beach-house style Dolphin Lodge is constructed of native woods which glow and a red tile floor on the main floor, which has the open air eating area, full kitchen inside along with two of the bedrooms and a bathroom. Upstairs are 2 large bedrooms each with private bathrooms, accessed by a common deck overlooking the ocean. Each upstairs bedroom has either a king bed and a single bed, as well as plenty of other space for sleeping. All the windows are fully screened and have privacy shutters as well. The woodwork is refreshingly simple and finished completely with local craftsmanship.

Downstairs is a full kitchen, two bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and a half bath, and an outdoor showeri.  Each bedroom has a full size bed and a single bed (single beds can be moved from upstairs to accommodate various sleeping configurations). 

When you need a little exercise, follow the steps down to the always 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 caretakers, who run the local guide's organization, set up a jungle tour or another of their favorite adventures. The caretakers, who live next door behind the Coral Reef House with their 2 children, will cook your meals for you using fresh local ingredients for an extra charge.

The marine reserve is one of a kind. It's waters are home to three species of wild dolphins, whales, sea turtles, coral reef, and manatee. Sport fishing for tarpon, wahoo, mackerel, kingfish and snook 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.

Manzanillo is an outdoors person’s paradise, and the Dolphin Lodge is the perfect place for larger groups of any 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 8-10. 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.

 

Airport: San Jose
Distance: 4 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 swimming pool directly in front of the house! See photo.

Laundry service is available for an extra charge.

In house cook can be arranged with Dolfi once you arrive.  Cost depends on number of meals per day and number of people he is cooking for.

 

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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