Kayaking at Arenal Lake from San Jose with hot springs

Paddle Arenal Lake and soak in volcano-fed hot springs in one day

Full-day kayaking activity departing from San Jose with hotel pickup, combining paddling on Costa Rica's largest lake with a stop at natural hot springs and lunch overlooking Arenal Volcano. The guide speaks English or Spanish, and all kayaking equipment is provided. Suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayaking and hot springs at Arenal Volcano

• Pick up from hotel in San Jose area
• Travel to La Fortuna area
• Enjoy typical lunch with volcano view
• Stop to see Arenal Volcano
• Kayak on Arenal Lake
• Relax at hot springs

The experience

La Fortuna sits in one of Costa Rica's most active volcanic zones, and this day strings together three reasons to go there: the lake, the volcano and the geothermal water. You start with a hotel pickup in San Jose, Alajuela or Heredia, then drive to the Arenal area. After a typical lunch with views of the volcano, you move to Arenal Lake, the country's largest, where you paddle among the flora and fauna, with the volcano as your backdrop. The kayaking comes in the middle of the day, so you're not rushing into it cold.

Once you're on the water, you have the equipment: the operator provides everything you need to paddle. The lake itself is the draw: big enough that you're not circling a pond, but the wildlife and the volcano across the water are what make the paddling worth the effort. After you leave the lake, the day ends at the hot springs that flow from deep inside Arenal Volcano. These are the relaxation piece, a way to ease into evening after hours of activity. Bottled water is with you throughout.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in San Jose, Alajuela or Heredia.
• all kayaking equipment.
• lunch with volcano views.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• access to the natural hot springs.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Vacations Costa Rica

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so choose the language that lets you follow the commentary comfortably. The day suits all fitness levels, and the paddling is the centerpiece, not a warm-up to something harder, so you're not signing up for endurance.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the full day take from pickup to drop-off?

The day runs 8 to 12 hours total, depending on traffic and how long you spend at each stop. Pickup happens at your hotel in the San Jose area, and the return follows the same route.

What is Arenal Lake like for kayaking if I've never paddled before?

Arenal Lake is suitable for all fitness levels, and the operator provides all the gear. The lake is the largest in Costa Rica, so there's room to paddle without feeling cramped, and the volcano view across the water is the main event rather than technical paddling.

What's included in the lunch, and where do you eat?

Lunch is a typical Costa Rican meal served in the La Fortuna area with views of Arenal Volcano. It's included in the day, and it comes before the kayaking, so you have fuel for the paddle.

Are the hot springs at the end part of the same activity, or a separate stop?

The hot springs are the final part of the day: a natural geothermal pool fed by water from inside Arenal Volcano. They're included in the full-day package and come after the lake paddling as a way to wind down.