<h2><strong>Grab a Kayak, Paddleboard or Go for a Swim on Lake Arenal</strong></h2><p>Lake Arenal is a popular place for families, couples, and groups. There’s a ton to do, see, and enjoy in the area, especially in the lake itself. You’ll want to spend at least a few days there to make the most of all Arenal has to offer.</p><p>From the moment you arrive in the area, you’ll see people enjoying the lake. You spot people on kayaks and boats in the expansive view, swimming, paddleboarding, and more. The lake is all about watersports galore!&nbsp;</p><p>As you explore the shores of Lake Arenal, you’ll undoubtedly come across an array of wildlife. So always be on the lookout, whether on land or in the water. Listen for howler monkeys and keep an eye out for great blue herons.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What to Expect from Watersports on Lake Arenal</strong></h2><h3><strong>Kayaking on Lake Arenal</strong></h3><p>Kayaking is number one in terms of popular watersports on Lake Arenal. So, enjoy some peaceful fun in the sun; look no further. This tour is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a pleasant time kayaking on the calm waters of Lake Arenal, with breathtaking views all around.&nbsp;</p><p>Don’t worry if you’ve never kayaked before because your guide will teach you the basic techniques, and you’ll be exploring the lake’s shores in no time. Beginner and advanced kayakers rave about the experience of kayaking right in front of the Arenal Volcano. The country’s most iconic volcano makes a stunning backdrop for photos.&nbsp;</p><p>Kayak tours last about two hours. There’s a maximum weight limit of 200 lbs. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen, repellent, and a towel. Binoculars are also recommended.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Birding</strong></h3><p>You might spot resident and migratory birds like flycatchers, kingfishers, and anhingas. Your guide will point out aquatic birds and teach you about the region’s culture. You’ll likely hear stories about wildlife like jaguars and tapirs in the surrounding rainforest. You can ask why the Arenal Volcano was considered extinct or why it’s become the country’s most visited natural attraction. Take some time to relax in the sunshine, paddle at your own pace, or tandem with a friend. You can choose a single or double-person kayak.</p><h3><strong>Paddleboarding</strong></h3><p>Stand-up paddleboarding has become quite popular in Costa Rica, and one of the spots it’s practiced the most is in Lake Arenal. If you’re not familiar with the sport, it is much like it sounds. You stand up on a large, wide, buoyant surfboard and move forward with a long paddle. It’s sometimes called paddle surfing.&nbsp;</p><p>Your guide will share safety tips and a stand-up paddleboarding lesson before letting you have a go at it. It’s an ideal activity for anyone looking for something different and not afraid to try new skills. In addition, your guide can teach you some fun tricks to try out. You may have trouble staying up and end up going for a swim, but that’s no big deal. It’s refreshing.&nbsp;</p><p>The stand-up paddleboarding tour lasts about two hours.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Pedal Boarding</strong></h3><p>Another option is called pedal boarding, affectionately referred to as walking on water. The board is sturdy and firm. The sport is different from paddle boarding in that you use your legs instead of paddles to move around. There are handlebars to hold onto and an intuitive steering system to glide across the calm water.&nbsp;</p><p>The guide will teach you how to use the board and its two different speeds. Next, you will practice for a while near the shore before the real adventure begins. Once you’re out on the lake, you can see the volcano from a new perspective as you walk on water.&nbsp;</p><p>Your guide can share information with you about the historical and natural significance of the area as you are atop a pedalboard. Take in the culture, the views, and the speed. Enjoy every second.&nbsp;</p><p>Whether you choose to go kayaking, pedal boarding, or stand-up paddleboarding, great memories and photos will stay with you forever.</p><h3><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></h3><p>Expect to spend a lot of time admiring the Arenal Volcano from different vantage points as it catches your eye while you practice the watersport of your choice. It’s hard to look away. Will you end up falling into the water and taking a swim? It’s all part of the adventure. Take a refreshing dip in the lake, and then get back to your sporting activities. When you want to take a breather, sit back and try your eye at wildlife spotting in this biodiverse wonderland.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>FAQ About Watersports on Lake Arenal</strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Who would love Lake Arenal?</strong> I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t love Lake Arenal. What’s not to love? The water is perfect. The weather is too. Plus, there’s a ton to do. Maybe watersports on the lake aren’t for everyone, but the beauty of the lake sure is. Some might prefer taking in the views from the shore or a restaurant’s terrace. (The restaurants in Arenal are excellent!) Others might be all about going for a relaxing boat ride. And the adrenaline junkies among us will go for watersports. The Arenal Lake area has something for everyone.</li><li><strong>What are some must-do watersports in Arenal?</strong> Although there are many options, kayaking, pedal boarding, and stand-up paddleboarding are the top choices. However, Costa Rica Vacations experts recommend trying all of them if you have the time.</li><li><strong>Why should I have an adventure at Lake Arenal?</strong> It’s convenient and full of activity options. There’s no way you’ll get bored in Arenal. Combine the water and rainforest adventures for the ultimate Arenal experience.</li></ul>

Watersports on Lake Arenal

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

Arenal Volcano

Culture

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Nature & Wildlife

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<p>Our 35th anniversary and bucket list completed and met all of our expectations. Jake and his team help set up the perfect trip with a seamless transition from location to location. Highly recommend these guys!</p>

John Childers - Jake

<p>I reached out to Costa Rican Vacations because they have an amazing reputation online and exceptional reviews. It was the best trip we've ever had! Anastasia was amazing and coordinated everything perfectly. I'd definitely book another trip &amp; she'll be my first call!</p>

Amanda Farris Shook - Anastasia

<p>Perfectly executed 10 days of fun! Emilie helped us coordinate the trip and the execution was flawless. The activities were perfect for our family. Our experience in Costa Rica was made amazing because of Costa Rican Vacations and Emilie!</p>

Eloise Moodie - Emilie Witham

<p>I would like to thank Costa Rican Vacations and Felipe Martinez, my consultant. For advising, assisting and planning my dream vacation to Costa Rica. He was patient, experienced, pleasant, warm, friendly, professional and always responded to my messages.</p>

Savi Persad - Felipe Martinez

<p>We had such an incredible honeymoon! Thanks for customizing our package to cater to our requests and for always being so available whenever we had questions. We truly came back with memories to last a lifetime.</p>

Moira & Dan - Marjeri Smith

<p>My family and I spent 7 glorious days in Costa Rica. Rachel Peck put together a perfect itinerary. She was absolutely amazing! Very attentive to details and arranged unforgettable experiences for us. Many wonderful memories were made!</p>

Marleen Chiaravalloti - Rachel Peck

<p>Anastasia made our honeymoon so special in so many ways! I can’t appreciate enough how stress-free she has made this process and fun along the way. She was always available even during our trip when I was feeling unwell the first few days and had multiple recommendations which had me feeling better in no time.&nbsp;</p>

Cheyenne P - Anastasia

<p>Wow!!! All I can say is that this trip was amazing. It was an incredible experience from beginning to end. The scenery in this country is beautiful and breathtaking. So much to learn about the continental divide and diversity of the plant and tree life in this beautiful lush rainforest. The volcano in Arenal was amazing. The scenery changed every minute literally. Emma Lasiuk was the reason we decided to take this vacation. I told her what I was looking for and she gave me and my wife everything I wanted and more.</p>

Indiana Jones returns to Paradise

<p>I worked with Caitlin Summer to plan and book our Costa Rican vacation. She asked what we liked, wanted to see &amp; do and then sent us a proposal. We made a few changes and then booked our trip. Caitlin did a fantastic job meeting our expectations-booking a great hotel with a beautiful view in La Fortuna and an awesome bungalow in Puerto Viejo that made us feel like we were in the jungle.</p>

Sharon Sagastume - Caitlin Summer

<p>We visited Arenal and Guanacaste with my family. Emma Lasiuk created the best itinerary based on what we were interested in. Everything she recommended was exactly what we wanted and went so smoothly. All transfers from airport to different hotels were on time and very professional. The travel experience team answered our questions right away during our stay. I highly recommend Costa Rican Vacations.</p>

May A - Emma Lasiuk

Jungle Journey: Arenal Volcano and La Paz Cloud Forest

Jungle Journey

Cloud Forest

Arenal Volcano and Monteverde

Arenal Volcano and Waterfall Valley in Bajos del Toro

Volcanoes and Waterfalls

Costa Rica Heartlands: Arenal Volcano and San Ramón Cloud Forest

Costa Rica Heartlands

Arenal Volcano and Conchal Beach

Beach

Classic Green Getaway: Arenal Volcano and Punta Islita

Classic Green Getaway

Rags to Riches Fishing: Best of Arenal Volcano and Papagayo

Rags to Riches Fishing

Arenal Volcano and Playas del Coco

Arenal Volcano and Coco Beach

Costa Rica Family Classic: Arenal Volcano & Las Catalinas

Costa Rica Family Classic

Classic Rainforest and Beach Combo: Arenal Volcano and Playa Panamá

Classic Rainforest and Beach Combo 

Arenal Volcano and Nosara

Hot Springs & Cool Waves: Arenal Volcano and Santa Teresa

Hot Springs & Cool Waves

Adventure and Beachside Fun: Arenal Volcano & Tamarindo

Adventure and Beachside Fun

Dawn in the Rainforest: Arenal Volcano and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Dawn in the Rainforest

Volcano & Deep Sea Fishing: Arenal Volcano & Los Sueños

Volcano & Deep Sea Fishing

Marina

Bucket List Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano and Puerto Jiménez

Bucket List Costa Rica

Fly Fishing in Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano and Quepos

Fly Fishing Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano and Jaco Beach

Arenal Volcano and Jaco

Surfing and Volcano Adventure: Arenal Volcano and Playa Dominical 

Surfing and Volcano Adventure

Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio

National Park

Essential Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano and Uvita

Essential Costa Rica

Soothing Escape: Arenal Volcano and Isla Chiquita

Soothing Escape

Island

Slow Down! Turtles and Sloths of Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano and Tortuguero

Slow Down! Turtles and Sloths of Costa Rica

Adventure in the Caribbean: Arenal Volcano and Puerto Viejo

Adventure in the Caribbean

Costa Rica Eco Adventure: Arenal Volcano and Pacuare River

Costa Rica Eco Adventure

Inland Costa Rica: Highlights | Arenal Volcano and San Isidro

Inland Costa Rica: Highlights

Monkeys and Waterfalls: Arenal Volcano and Rio Celeste

Monkeys and Waterfalls

Fishing on Lake Arenal: Visit Arenal Volcano and San José

Fishing on Lake Arenal

Arenal Volcano and  "Middle of Nowhere" Upala

Arenal Volcano and "Middle of Nowhere"

Adrenaline Rush: Arenal Volcano and Savegre Valley

Adrenaline Rush

Costa Rica Hot Springs: Arenal Volcano and Rio Perdido

Costa Rica Hot Springs

Birdwatching for Beginners: Arenal Volcano and San Gerardo de Dota

Birdwatching for Beginners

Arenal Volcano and Flamingo Beach

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Drake Bay

Volcano, Beach & Fishing Escape: Arenal, Monteverde and Los Sueños

Volcano, Beach & Fishing Escape

Jungle and Beach Expedition: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio

Jungle and Beach Expedition

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Uvita

Best of Costa Rica Fishing: Visit Arenal Volcano, Jaco, and Quepos

Best of Costa Rica Fishing

The Mother of All Trips: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde & Puerto Jiménez

The Mother of All Trips

Two Weeks in Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Dominical

Two Weeks in Costa Rica

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