Kayaking Lake Arenal: Arenal Volcano views
Paddle past anhingas and kingfishers with Arenal Volcano across the water
Kayak Lake Arenal in Costa Rica for three hours with a professional guide, hotel pickup and snacks included. You paddle past wildlife (anhingas, flycatchers, kingfishers), while howler monkeys call from the forest and Arenal Volcano rises across the water. The guide speaks English or Spanish and children from age 4 are welcome.
Step-by-step itinerary
Kayak on Lake Arenal and view wildlife
- Kayak on Lake Arenal
- View Arenal Volcano
- Spot anhingas, flycatchers, kingfishers
- Listen to howler monkeys
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- professional guide in English or Spanish.
- bottled water and snacks during the paddle.
Times
- Every day 08:00 14:30
Before you book
Operated by Blue Pass by Aventuras Arenal
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
Three hours on the water means you cover enough of Lake Arenal to see the volcano from different angles and catch the birds that hunt along the shoreline. The guide handles the route and timing. You focus on paddling and watching. Anhingas dive for fish, flycatchers dart between branches, and kingfishers perch on rocks waiting for movement below. Howler monkeys call from the canopy. A sound that carries across the water and stops most paddlers mid-stroke the first time they hear it.
Hotel pickup and drop-off mean no arranging transport to the lake. Bring swimwear or something similar. Water shoes are recommended because the launch area and shoreline can be rocky. The guide provides bottled water and snacks during the paddle. The activity runs in all weather, so dress for rain if the forecast calls for it. Children as young as four can paddle, though they'll need to be comfortable in a kayak for the full three hours.
Is this one for you?Small groups paddle together with a guide who knows where the wildlife congregates, so you're not searching the shoreline alone. This works for families with children from age 4 and for anyone who wants the volcano views without navigating the lake yourself.
Compare the 4 alternatives
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.
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.
What birds will I actually see while kayaking Lake Arenal?
Anhingas, flycatchers and kingfishers are the regulars. They hunt along the shoreline and in the shallows where the kayak goes. Howler monkeys call from the forest canopy, though they stay in the trees rather than coming down to the water.
Do I need kayaking experience to paddle Lake Arenal?
No. The guide leads the paddle and the lake itself is calm enough for beginners. Children from age 4 can join as long as they're comfortable sitting in a kayak for three hours.
How does the three-hour timing work? Is that paddling time or the whole activity?
Three hours covers the full activity from hotel pickup through the paddle and return. Most of that time is on the water. The guide sets the pace so you can watch for wildlife without rushing.
What happens if the weather turns bad during the paddle?
The activity operates in all weather conditions. Dress appropriately for rain and bring a waterproof bag if you have one. The guide will decide if conditions make paddling unsafe, but typical rain doesn't stop the trip.
Kayaking Lake Arenal: Arenal Volcano views
3h · EN · ES
from US$ 80.23 per person
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.