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.

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.
Nightly Rates
The Dolphin Lodge is available for partial week stays, see
main page for nightly rates.
Also, if the lodge is booked, please click on the link at the bottom of
the page to see our other house next door, the Coral Reef House.
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.