Panama Tours

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This is our primary hotel choice in this location, though availability is not guaranteed. If a given hotel is not available for your tour date, we will reserve you a room at a hotel of similar appeal and quality in the same area.

Dolphin Lodge

The De La Ossa Family established Dolphin Lodge the 25th of January 1992. Dolphin Island Lodge is located on Uaguitupo Island, a private island directly across from the Kuna Island Community of Achutupo, approximately 50 minutes from Panama City by plane. Upon arrival, clients will be met at Achutupu Terminal, then transferred to the lodge by a motorized dugout canoe.

After settling in, breakfast will be served at the Bohio Restaurant. During the morning you can relax in one of the hammocks tied between the palm trees and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful spot. Lunch and dinner will feature delicious seafood of the area.

The lodge has 9 cabins built with a touch of Kuna style. All equipped with comfortable queen sized beds, inside fresh water showers and toilets. Power is generated from 6:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m. Please note, the lodge offers cold water only, however you will probably find you are grateful for this due to the heat!

Today, the lodge is managed by Mariela De La Ossa, one of the daughters of Jeronimo and Mariela. Mariela established the Uaguitupu Foundation, a non - profit foundantion, represented by her brothers and sister, people from the community and some good friends, interested in the development of the Kuna communities. The Uaguitupu Foundation was created to improve the Kuna lifestyle in the social, cultural and economic aspects, to promote their intellectual capacity.

WITH YOUR VISIT TO DOLPHIN LODGE YOU ARE DONATING TO THE UAGUITUPU FOUNDATION.

SUGGESTIONS
In respect for the local Chieftains of Achutupo and Kuna Yala in general, guests are asked to follow a few guidelines during their visit as follows:

Bathing Attire:
Guest are cautioned that the Kunas, whora are very modest people, do not appreciate nude bathing or even the wearing of bikini type bathing suits. Women are requested to wear one piece suits, or if a bikini is all they have, to please cover up with a towel when out of the water.

Alcoholic Beverages:
Cold soft drinks and beer are for sale from the lodge at reasonable prices. Guests can also bring their own bottle of wine which can be cooled in the lodge refrigerator. Other than this, the Management strongly discourages bringing hard liquor to the lodge. The Kuna people are restricted from drinking alcohol in the island settlements except on ceremonial occasions. Drinking at other times is subject to severe sanctions.

Photography:
Camera bugs can take all the pictures (including video and film) they want in the lodge and of Uaguitupu Insland, including pictures of the lodge staff in their Kuna garb. However, during visits to the islands of Achutupu and Ailigandi, permission should be obtained prior to taking a photo of an individual Kuna man of woman or a group close - up. A tip of $0.25 to $0.50 per photo for the person photographed is recommended unless you have purchased a handicraft from him or her.