Lake Arenal: Private paddle board tour with guide & snacks

Summary

Paddle boarding Lake Arenal’s quiet corners with a local

You’ll start your private paddle board tour on Lake Arenal with a friendly local guide who keeps things relaxed and safe. Drift through quiet jungle spots, snack on fresh fruit right on your board, and maybe spot otters or turtles along the way. Photos and video are included so you can relive those moments long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

We met José right at the edge of Lake Arenal — he was already barefoot, grinning, paddle in hand. I’d never tried stand up paddle boarding before (SUP, as he kept calling it), so I was half excited, half convinced I’d fall in. The lake was still that morning, except for a couple of birds skimming the surface. José showed us how to hold the paddle and where to stand on the board — “just relax your knees,” he said, which sounded easy until I actually tried it. He laughed when I wobbled but didn’t let me fall.

The best part was how quiet it got as we drifted away from the main shore. You could hear insects buzzing in the trees and every so often something splashing — José pointed out an otter once, though honestly I only caught its tail. We paddled into these little coves where the jungle almost touched the water. At one point he handed us slices of pineapple from his waterproof bag (still cold somehow) and told stories about working as a firefighter near the volcano. He seemed to know every bird by name — not just in Spanish but sometimes in English too.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm out there. There’s something about floating on that big lake with just your board and the sound of wind in the leaves. José took photos (I’m usually awkward about that but here it felt fine), and later sent us a video that made me look way more balanced than I felt. If you’re thinking about a day trip to Lake Arenal for paddle boarding, this is probably what you want — no crowds, just you and whoever you bring along, plus someone who actually cares if you’re having fun or not. The sun came out strong by noon but we were already heading back by then, arms tired in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lake Arenal Paddle Board Adventure

• Paddle board lesson and guided tour
• Observe wildlife and explore jungle spots
• Enjoy photos, video, and refreshments
• Optional ATV mountain tour with lake views

Top questions

Is this Lake Arenal paddle board tour private?

Yes, it’s a private experience for you or your group only—no other guests join.

Are snacks included during the tour?

Yes, fresh fruit snacks are provided during your time on the water.

Is all paddle board equipment provided?

All SUP gear and safety equipment are included in the booking.

Can beginners join this experience?

Yes, beginners are welcome—your guide gives a basic lesson before starting.

Are photos or videos included?

Yes, professional photos and an edited video are included as part of your tour.

Is this suitable for people with limited mobility?

The operator offers SUP tours for people with disabilities; contact them before booking to discuss details.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at Lake Arenal; public transportation options are nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes all paddle board equipment and safety gear, guidance from an experienced local instructor, fresh fruit snacks while on the water, plus professional photos and an edited video sent afterward—so you can just show up ready to try something new without worrying about logistics.