La Paloma Lodge ... Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read this before you confirm your reservation.

We hope this will help answer any questions you may have concerning your upcoming adventure.

Diving
We provide all diving equipment with the exception of wet suits. There is a $10 per day charge for wet suit rental. We offer slip on fins. If you bring your own booties we have strap fins as well. Our equipment is Sherwood. Water temperature is approximately 83-84 degrees, so you may want to bring your own dive "skin." For more information, see the Diving page.

Fishing
We offer fishing from a 28 ft. sport fishing boat with an American captain. The boat has outriggers, a bridge, and a head. Depending on the time of year, and whether you fish in or off shore, you may catch dorado, pargo, tuna, wahoo, rooster and sailfish. Full day fishing is $550, and half a day is $350.

Flights
We use charter flights or Sansa airline. Flights normally leave between 9:00am and 9:30am from San José. Your tickets will be at the Sansa counter, and for the charter you need only to give your name and tell them you are going to La Paloma. All domestic flights have a 25lb weight limit. Please try to stay within this limit or you may be asked to leave some luggage behind. Most hotels have a place to guard your extra luggage.

Hotel
We would like to know where you are staying the night before you depart for La Paloma in case there are any changes. Please leave a phone number.

Meals
We serve fish, shrimp, and chicken . Vegetarian meals are available upon request. We serve lots of fresh fruit at all meals and homemade bread. Because Drake Bay is a remote area meals are included with lodging. There are no restaurants.

Phone
If your loved ones want to contact you we will be glad to pass messages to the lodge by radio through our office in San Jose. We have a cell phone but it is not dependable.

Rooms
Our rooms are large and include a private bath, and balcony which has an ocean view. They usually hold 2 people but can hold up to 4 in a squeeze. Our ranchos are private cabins also with balconies and ocean views. They hold up to 6 people and are very spacious. Some have lofts and others separate floors.

Things to Bring
We recommend light weight clothing, hiking boots or good walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. You may want to include a beach towel if you plan on spending a lot of time at the beach. A flashlight is essential. There are very few biting bugs. If you are a person who is bothered by insects you should bring repellant.

Travel Arrangements
If you are traveling without an itinerary try to arrange your next stop before arriving to La Paloma. Since we are isolated and basically use radio communication it is difficult to book your travel plans from the lodge.

Vaccinations
You do not need any vaccinations or anti-malaria drugs to visit the Drake Bay area.