Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
This paddling experience provides a full body workout as you travel the uneven coasts of the lake, bays, and peninsulas
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Snacks
Bilingual Guide
Select a pickup point
Enjoy panoramic views while gliding along the tranquil waters of the marvelous Lake Arenal. This paddling experience provides a full body workout as you travel the uneven coasts of the lake, bays, and peninsulas, enjoying the lush vegetation filled with aquatic birds like kingfishers, ospreys, cormorants, anhingas, and even toucans. You can also hear howler monkeys and other animals at a distance. If you have never kayaked before, no worries! Our instructors will turn you into a professional in no time. During the tour, a guide will provide you with interesting information about the Arenal Volcano and its eruptions from 1968 on and the history of the dam that we Will navigate through. Don’t forget your swimsuit, because the water temperature is perfect for swimming!
Pickup included
Private Transportation
Pickup included
23 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
crash1611,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
What a great way to spend our last day in Costa Rica. Super fun and a very informative. What a great one-on-one experience and the pineapple was amazing :-) I would highly recommend this rain or shine because it was just a great all-around tour and refreshing to be outside.



M4708PAdanielb,
Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The kayak tour was beautiful. The volcano was close by and we had a wonderful guide, Pablo. Pablo was incredibly knowledgeable, deeply cared for nature, and always had a smile. He also took great pictures for us and helped us identify wildlife. Had an absolutely fantastic time thanks to him!

Heidengoseek,
Feb 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Diones and Miguel really made this tour fun! We stand up paddleboard at home and love to do it in other locations when we travel. We were paired with a family of 3 who kayaked, while we paddled. They took us around the lake, told us interesting history of the area and pointed out wildlife when we saw it. It was a beautiful day to be on the lake. Definitely recommend going on the morning tour as the lake got busier as we were leaving.



howsrdt,
Jan 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Jose was a wonderful guide. He answered all of our questions honestly. He kept a paddling pace we all could handle. After, a cold beverage was welcome! Two thumbs up.
Claire R,
Jan 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
Very relaxing, calm lake. My husband and I really enjoyed this as a great way to see the lake and surrounding trees from a different perspective. We learned a lot about Costa Rica from our tour guide. Our son, aged 10, enjoyed it but not as much as the more thrilling activities - it is very relaxing!
Y5211EZbrianh,
Jan 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Diego was our guide today, we went on a half day of stand up paddle boarding. We crossed the lake and then stayed along the shoreline out of the wind and at the edge of the forest. We saw lots of birds and monkeys and even a sloth. He took great pictures and positioned us for great views of the volcano. Great day!
132kaileyc,
Oct 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
My husband and I did the kayak tour around Arenal lake and it was beautiful and a great experience. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and was a certified nature guide who gave us so much information about Costa Rica, the area, the history, animals and environment. I enjoyed it so much and am so grateful for the experience. Would highly recommend this to anyone! Thank you Jose and Jose for an amazing day. ¡Mil gracias!! ☺️
756lindsaye,
Apr 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Nelson was an amazing tour guide. We went on a kayak ride around Arenal lake. He shared with us many interesting facts from Costa Rican history. He was so accommodating - when he hard I hadn’t seen a sloth yet, he stopped at a local park on our way back to the resort to show me some. He also gave us a great restaurant recommendation for ceviche into the town of la fortuna. He was truly a gem of a tour guide.
Justin B,
Feb 27, 2024
- Review from Viator
We had a great time kayaking Lake Arenal with Jacamar Naturalist Tours. Our private excursion featured timely pickup from hotel, a quick drive to the kayak platform, and a fun adventure on the lake. Kayaking Lake Arenal was a wonderful way to see the volcano in a new way, with stunning views and pristine water. Our guide Nelson was fantastic, and he went out of his way to ensure our family felt safe. Our 10 year old daughter had a blast riding in a double kayak with him. Highly recommend this experience. We started at 8am and were back at our hotel by 11:15, so it's a great half day activity to weave into your visit to La Fortuna.
222marshalld,
Dec 30, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a private kayaking tour of the Arenal Lake (2 people) guided by Jayson. The views were spectacular and we were practically the only people of the entire lake. Jayson gave us just the right amount of information about the volcano and lake allowing us time to enjoy the quiet tranquility of lake.
Operated by Jacamar Naturalist Tours