Kayaking in Costa Rica

River, Lake and Sea Kayaking

Free Travel Guide

Experience the Thrill of Kayaking in Costa Rica!

From surfing to paddle boarding to snorkeling to waterfall rappelling, there is no shortage of water sports in Costa Rica! One of the most popular water sports in Costa Rica is kayaking. Costa Rica offers some incredible kayaking destinations and kayaking tours. You can kayak underneath a volcano on Lake Arenal, take a sea kayaking tour in Guanacaste and get your adrenaline pumping kayaking down the Pacuare River. Maybe a nature-focused kayak tour is your priority? Kayak along the mangrove trees in Tortuguero while you watch out for crocodiles, turtles and some incredible flora and fauna.

Whether you want to kayak on the sea along the Pacific coast, down the Tamarindo estuary or over the rapids of the Pacuare river, you’re guaranteed to find the best kayaking tours for you and your family in Costa Rica. Keep reading to learn about some of the best kayaking spots in Costa Rica!


Curu Sea Kayaking in the Nicoya Peninsula

If a kayaking adventure is your focus, head to the Nicoya Peninsula for the Curu Sea Kayaking Tour. You’ll camp on a white sand beach after a day navigating the coastline in your kayak. Watch out for beautiful marine life swimming around you! Sea turtles and tropical fish will keep you company on one of the best sea kayaking tours in Costa Rica. The tour is 4 days and 3 nights and is meant for experienced kayakers looking to lose themselves in the jungle!

 

 

Lake Arenal

The calm waters of Lake Arenal are a perfect place for beginning kayakers to learn the ropes. Even advanced kayakers will enjoy themselves on Lake Arenal. This massive, man-make lake sits below the Arenal Volcano and is surrounded by the Arenal Volcano National Park. That means the views are incredible! You can access the lake through La Fortuna. Don’t miss hiking through the Arenal Volcano National Park before your tour!

 

 

 

Manuel Antonio (Damas Island Estuary)

If you want to kayak through the calm waters of a mangrove forest, look no further than the Damas Island Estuary in Manuel Antonio! It’s a peaceful trip that allows you plenty of time to keep your eye out for monkeys and maybe even pumas! You’ll also see hundreds of tropical birds flying around so don’t forget your camera (and your hat).

 

 

 

Tamarindo

People don’t just visit Tamarindo for the beach and all inclusive resorts! You can also take an incredible kayaking tour through the mangrove estuary. It’s a great way to spend a few hours in the afternoon and see some amazing wildlife. Lurking in the mangrove waters you’ll spot flying fish, crocodiles, and even sharks! Keep one eye on the tree to spot monkeys and tropical birds! The Estuary begins in Playa Grande and you can walk there from most Tamarindo hotels.

 

 

Tortuguero National Park

Kayaking through Tortuguero National Park will make you think you’re in the Amazon. The maze of canals, mangroves and coves will keep you entertained for hours. Go with a nature guide who can point out wildlife, show you the best spots that a boat couldn’t reach and help you navigate the complex mangrove estuary.  

 

 

 


 

Cano Negro Wildlife Tour

On this nature and wildlife boat tour, you’ll take a peaceful ride in a covered motorboat along Rio Frio to appreciate the beautiful flora and fauna of one of the most biologically diverse areas in Costa Rica and the world! The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge encompasses an area of about 10,000 hectares near the border with Nicaragua. The wildlife in this area is truly spectacular, especially the birds! It’s one of the few places in Costa Rica where you can – with a bit of luck – catch a glimpse of the exotic Jabiru Stork, the tallest flying bird found in Central and South America. You will get the opportunity to likely see wood storks, cormorants, and other varieties of birds, which makes this a must-do tour for avid birdwatchers! Plus, everyone loves to spot the sloths, howler monkeys, and caimans (like mini-crocodiles) that inhabit this lush area. This is sure to be an unforgettable trip with memories and great photos to share with everyone!

Whats Included: Transportation, guide, drinks, snacks and lunch

Recommended Ages: All ages

Tour Duration (approximately): 9 hours

What to bring: Sunscreen, insect repellant, comfortable clothing, binoculars, camera, passport

Tamarindo Mangrove & Estuary Tour on Kayaks with Jacamar

Float through the mangroves exploring everything this special ecosystem has to offer. Paddling on your kayak not using motors allows you to get close to wildlife without disturbing it. This Tamarindo Mangrove & Estuary Tour is perfect for all nature lovers!  

Whats Included: Transportation, guide and drinks

Recommended Ages: 8+

Tour Duration (approximately): 3 hours

What to bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellant, strap sandals, light clothes, hat

Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling with Tucanes Tours

You seek to experience Manuel Antonio from above and below the surface? Then this tour will be your perfect choice! You will navigate your kayak past islands where you can observe uncountable marine birds and their nesting grounds. From Pelicans to flying fish, you will also be able to spot parrotfish, starfish, angelfish and if you are lucky a sea turtle too! After this exciting adventure regain strength with a delicious meal! Previous experience is not required as sea kayaking is much easier than river kayaking.

Whats Included: Transportation, guide, drinks, lunch OR dinner

Recommended Ages: 8+ (minimum age to share a kayak with an adult)

Tour Duration (approximately): 4 hours

What to bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, towel, camera

Punta Uva Sea Kayaking and Rain Forest Hike with Exploradores Outdoors

This tour begins with a drive to the southern end of the most remote location in the area. You will be paddling on the open sea paralleling a coast full of cliffs and caves and hiking in the rainforest. You will have a safety briefing in the beginning of your journey and a nice break at the beach to relax and swim. Have a snack before hiking back to Punta Uva town. The guides will educate you about the eco system and the variety of wildlife.

Whats Included: Transportation, guide, entrance fees, fruits, snacks and water

Recommended Ages: 6+

Tour Duration (approximately): 4 ½ hours

What to bring: Sunscreen, swim suit, long sleeve shirt to cover your back, camera (ideally water proof), change of clothes, towel, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellant, binoculars, raincoat and some money

Kayak Snorkeling in Tamarindo with Arenas Adventures

On your way to Capitán Island, smoothly row through the blue waters of Tamarindo as you are leaving the white sand beaches behind. You will be able to observe underwater coral reefs and a great variety of exotic fish. Let all your sorrows behind and go with the flow! Your departure will be according to the tides.

Whats Included: Transportation, guide, equipment and water

Recommended Ages: 10+

Tour Duration (approximately): 2  ½ hours

What to bring: Light clothing, swimsuit

Rain Forest River Float and Safari Peñas Blancas Arenal

This relaxing Float and Safari tour introduces you to the stunning Rio Peñas Blancas where you’re bound to spot a variety of wildlife. There are tropical birds such as Oropenolas, Tucans and Kingfishers. Also spot monkeys, frogs, caimans, and much more! This beautiful river is only 30 minutes from La Fortuna making it a perfect addition to other tours. You will travel on an informative boat ride near the Arenal Volcano to the entrance of the river. There you will board an inflatable raft along the banks of the river. Your naturalist guide will point out the Costa Rican wildlife along the way!

What’s Included: Transportation, guide, snacks and beverages

Recommended Ages: 4+

Tour Duration (approximately): 4 hours

What to bring: Sunscreen, insect repellant, comfortable clothes, camera, binoculars, towel, rain jacket.

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