Retreat

Dolphin Quest is 700 acres of mountainous rainforest on a mile-long beach. Teaming jungles with waterfalls and mountain streams meet lawns and blossoming gardens. This haven in the southwestern corner of Costa Rica is accessible only by boat. The warm aqua waters, always between 80 and 85°F, are home to a rich variety of marine life including dolphins who share this place with us.

Visit us for the very best in adventure vacations and retreats, marine explorations, jungle and ocean journeys, spirit quests, and rainforest healing. For the adventure traveler, Dolphin Quest is an opportunity to live closely with nature. So leave behind some modern conveniences and come receive the gifts that the rainforest provides.

The beach lies a hundred meters from your cabin. You can snorkel, scuba dive, boat, kayak, or walk along the beach. Whether you are new at something or have done it for years, we are available to assist you in enjoying your adventure to the fullest extent. Adventures can last for an afternoon or for several days according to participant's interests. We can arrange kayak tours, diving trips, or fishing adventures.

On land, join us on horseback for a gallop along the beach or follow hours of hiking trails deep into the jungle. In the evenings you can relax in your hammock, engulfed in the sounds and scents of the jungle. Enjoy tropical fruit from the hundreds of trees which surround your cabin and fresh-caught fish from our ocean front yard.

In our outdoor kitchen we serve two delicious home-cooked meals a day with many organic and locally-grown foods. We also offer professional massage.

Life here is personal, adventuresome, and shaped by each person and group who comes. We offer a vigorous adventure for the hands-on traveler or a long overdue vacation of tranquil relaxation.

Festivals   Retreats

Workshops

The setting at Dolphin Quest includes accommodations and meeting areas for groups to conduct workshops, retreats, festivals and conferences. The facilities are able to be tailored to meet your specific needs and desires. We welcome groups of up to 25 participants.

Options for large groups on intensive retreats include jungle or ocean trips. We offer a wide range of support for leaders during their workshops and encourage them to come for their own rejuvenation. Special group rates are available with advance coordination.

Climate

The Golfo Dulce region is considered a tropical wet forest. Although humidity is relatively high, living on the ocean allows for a regular breeze. The weather is fairly predictable and is generally mild. Travel plans and activities are presumed weather permitting. The air temperature rarely drops below 70°F or above 90°F. The ocean temperature is between 75°F - 85°F. The driest months are February and March. Rainy season peak wet months are September, October and November.

Don't be afraid to visit during the rainy season. Listen to what this traveler had to say about his trip in early September.

Rainforest

The tall evergreen rainforest at Dolphin Quest is considered to be of the tropical "wet" variety as it is in a region of heavy rainfall with temperatures that average 82°F. The forest ranges from second growth lowland jungle to mountain old-growth forest scattered with small waterfalls and rocky streams. Mosses, lichens, bromeliads, heliconia and orchids thrive in this tropical wet forest. Some trees can reach 165' tall. Many rare species can be found here including the endangered purple heart tree. Spectacular native species abound including fanciful butterflies, toucans, howler monkeys and snakes, to name but a few.

Dolphin Quest is committed to preserving old-growth forest. We encourage our visitors to understand and respect the complex beauty of the forest. Options for exploring the rainforest are many, including horseback riding, hiking or guided tours.

Eco-Tourism

Costa Rica is the world's number one eco-tourism destination, and it's no wonder. With hundreds of species of birds, thousands of species of plants and tens of thousands of species of insects in some of the world's best protected environments, Costa Rica is almost a world unto itself.

Ideally, eco-tourism serves to inform visitors about natural ecosystems while limiting the amount of damage to them and protecting the environment whenever possible. Eco-tourism can be like tourism anywhere, and depends upon your conscientious actions to limit damage to the environment.

Not all claims to be ecological or environmentally friendly can be accepted at face value. Ask questions about any product or service before you commit. Are local people being employed? Are they being displaced from traditional ways? Are resources being utilized in a sustainable manner?

Never buy products made from an endangered plant or animal. Leave the environment exactly as you found it. When visiting a park or preserve use the "pack-it-in/pack-it-out" philosophy. Keep nothing from the sea unless you plan to eat it. Never accept an "eco-tourism" label without closer examination.

The Jungle Can Be Dangerous

When you come to Dolphin Quest you are nature bound. We believe nature heals. But remember: the jungle is as beautiful as it is dangerous. Life forms are abundant. Alongside all the exotic flowers, fruits, birds, butterflies, dolphins, sunshine and rainbows are biting insects, poisonous snakes, and pervasive dampness.

We suggest any persons coming to Dolphin Quest should feel strong and healthy in body, mind, and spirit. Insects, infection and bacteria thrive here in humidity and will challenge even balanced, healthy bodies. So bring first aid of your preference to fight surface and systemic infection, especially if you plan to stay more than three weeks.

The remote location and jungle setting make communication of specific needs and desires a must. The nearest hospital is in Golfito, a 30 minute boat ride away in good weather.

After the initial orientation, a Dolphin Quest visitor should feel comfortable hiking the main trails, and have a general idea of the terrain. Anyone intending to explore the jungle or gulf should make their travel plans known, including intend time of return.