Planning to go on a Costa Rica kayaking adventure? Make sure to check out our list of the best kayaking tours in Costa Rica.
The country of Costa Rica has a certain beauty that can only be accessed and appreciated by boat.
The mangroves, lakes, and other waterways that are all around the region are home to specific wildlife creatures that thrive in such environments.
An incomparable sense of solitude comes with quietly gliding through the waters, searching for animals and plants to gaze upon.
Compared to hiking, kayaking seems more relaxing and calm-inducing. The dense green forest acts as a soothing background fit for an activity such as this.
What’s best about Costa Rica kayaking tours is that it is open for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
We also published a Costa Rica Travel Guide and detailed information about Costa Rica transportation to help you plan your vacation.
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1. Lake Arenal Costa Rica Kayaking Tour
Make this Lake Arenal Kayaking Tour your ultimate choice for a Costa Rica kayaking adventure.
For six hours, get to discover the beauty of Lake Arenal, the second largest lake in all of Central America.
Your tour operator will arrange your Lake Arenal kayak rental – all you have to do is show up and be ready to get mesmerized by wildlife sightings and the fresh breeze.
Howler monkeys are regular showstoppers in the area, filling the jungle air with their calls.
Bring your binoculars on your Lake Arenal kayaking for a fun bird-watching activity with your guide.
Some of the birds you will get to see during your tour include kingfishers, hummingbirds, and toucans.
Lake Arenal is a thriving environment that houses about 2000 species of flora and more than 420 species of fauna.
The Arenal Volcano quietly exists nearby, with its commanding majesty displayed for everyone to see.
Once you feel exhausted from all the active paddling, relax on your kayak and stop to enjoy the peaceful scenery surrounding you.
Included:
- Transportation to and from your hotel
- Fun and professional guides
- Tropical fruit break and delicious typical meal

2. Quepos: Mangrove Kayaking Tour
Fancy going on a mangrove kayak tour in Costa Rica?
One of the best locations for this activity is situated in Quepos, part of the province of Puntarenas.
Your Quepos Mangrove Kayaking Tour starts with your expert local guides picking you up from your hotel and briefing you about the activity.
Be ready to exert quite a lot of physical strength during this Damas Island estuary kayak tour because you will be navigating through some series of canals to see the migratory birds that reside in the area during the season.
Some of the birds you will see during your Isla Damas kayak tour include kingfishers and herons.
Ensure not to forget your binoculars to get a good look at the wildlife your guide is helping you spot.
The Damas Estuary Costa Rica is a perfect location for the whole family to get up close and personal with the animals that live on mangroves.
While there is no prior kayaking experience necessary to join this tour, children must at least be eight years of age and able to paddle independently.
Included:
- Transportation
- Bilingual guides
- Beverages and lunch or dinner