Tours and Tickets to Experience Lake Arenal
What are people saying about Lake Arenal
Elena_R, Dec 2025
Lovely experience
Wonderful kayak tour on Lake Arenal! It was a lovely experience !
Can you please send us the photos ? Thanks
Stanislav_S, Feb 2026
Amazing bike ride
ITS A MUST if you are fit and ready for breathtaking tour around the volcano. Not easy, not for the beginners but definitely worth it if you are strong.
Miranda_E, Feb 2026
Jose was our favorite...
Jose was our favorite guide in all of Costa Rica. He was funny and gentle with instruction, and generous with snacks! It was my husband’s birthday (which we didn’t tell Jose in advance) and he got out a candle, some homemade pastry, and sang. :) He knew every bird we saw. Such a unique experience. We even got to see a bit of the volcano during an otherwise rainy trip. And a rainbow too.
Monika_P, Feb 2026
good service - all...
good service - all worked well . pick up on time. easy access to rain coat a plus in case it rains. would book again
Heidi_C, Feb 2026
Stress free transfer
The transfer was easy and well organized. Loved the boat trip and arrived with zero issues to Monteverde from La Fortuna.
Danielle_S, Dec 2025
The guide was...
The guide was knowledgeable and informative. The boat was a little uneventful and it was raining heavily but we made the best of it. We would have liked to hike a bit more but it was perfect for our kids (ages 5 and 7). The park is pristine rain forest. The tour company was professional and the van was comfortable. Highly recommended!
WEIHUA_Z, Dec 2025
The driver pick up us on...
The driver pick up us on time. The boat is spacious and stable. The 2nd driver helped us to bring our luggage on and off the van. He was very nice.
Frank_C, Dec 2025
Pura vida
This experience is the definition of Pura Vida! Truly magical to paddle board in this area. Jose is a professional. We faced challenging conditions with stronger winds and currents but still had lots of fun in the end.
Jason_H, Oct 2025
Glad I booked transport,...
Glad I booked transport, the road was pretty rough in spots. Glad to have a professional driver. The boat was a nice change of pace from the bus.
Craig_W, Mar 2026
Lake Arenal Fishing - Fantastic
Our fishing trip was fantastic from start to finish. We were picked up at 5:15 in the morning at our hotel. We were brought to the Lake Arenal docks (approx 20 minutes away) right near Sky Adventure Ziplining park. We met Brian on the dock and we started our fishing adventure at 5:45. The lake is beautiful, we seemed to have all of Lake Arenal and the view of the volcano all to ourselves. We caught a few Rainbow Bass and continue fishing until 11. A fantastic lunch was provided. Brian is a fantastic guide as he has grown up on Lake Arenal and it shows in his knowledge.
Sue_C, Mar 2026
Beautiful sunset tour highlighted by amazing guide
This was a great tour. Our guide was exceptional but I sadly can’t remember his name! I texted the tour company trying to find out but didn’t hear back. Our guide was so knowledgeable and told us an about the geology, history and animals. He had so many interesting things he shared about Costa Rica as well as the creation of the lake to provide water and power. It was beautiful out on Lake Arenal with great views of the volcano and mountains as well as amazing wildlife (a macaw and huge iguanas. The drinks and snacks were delicious. And the sunset was spectacular. We have been to Costa Rica many times but this will be a special memory.
Neil_H, Feb 2026
Great Transfer
The transfer by bus, boat & bus again was very well coordinated. The pick up was on time. Great door to door service.
Lake Arenal
5.0
(1,070)
Know before you go
Ways to explore
How to get there
When to visit

Score a bird’s-eye view of the lake from the SkyTram gondola or the decks at the Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa.
Pack sunscreen, insect repellent, water shoes, and a change of clothes if you plan to swim or kayak.
Amenities around the lake are limited, so bring all the food and water you need unless your tour includes a lunch stop.
Costa Rican roads are often unpaved and confusing for visiting drivers, but most tours include transport from La Fortuna hotels.
Transfer tours can get you from Monteverde to La Fortuna with a scenic pontoon boat ride across the lake.
People Also Ask
Do you need to go on a tour to visit Lake Arenal?
No, you don’t need to go on a tour to visit Lake Arenal and the surrounding national park, the Arenal Volcano National Park. It’s possible to visit independently, and many people do. Guided tours are best for wildlife spotting or visiting places where it would be easy to get lost independently, such as hiking in the national park.
How can you cross Lake Arenal?
Some private boat transfers make crossing Lake Arenal possible rather than going around by road. Taking a combination of shuttle buses and ferries is a popular way of traveling between La Fortuna, on the northern side of the lake, and Monteverde, on the southern side, as it cuts about two hours of road travel off the journey.
Is it safe to swim in Lake Arenal?
No, swimming in Lake Arenal is not advisable. While the water is clear and calm and watersports like kayaking and windsurfing are popular, there are crocodiles in the lake. While crocodiles aren’t known to have attacked anyone in Lake Arenal, humans have been attacked and even killed elsewhere in Costa Rica, so it’s wise to be cautious.
Is Lake Arenal worth visiting?
Yes, Lake Arenal is definitely worth visiting. Costa Rica’s largest lake is surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains. The Arenal Volcano National Park lies to its east, and most tourists to the area focus on activities within the park, but Lake Arenal provides excellent views of its namesake mountain.
How long do you need around Lake Arenal?
The ideal amount of time to spend in the Arenal area is three days. Visitors usually spend time in the Arenal Volcano National Park near Lake Arenal, west of the park. In three days, you can hike on the volcano, visit hot springs and waterfalls, kayak on Lake Arenal, and admire the volcano views from the lake.
Are there crocodiles in Lake Arenal?
Yes, there are crocodiles in Lake Arenal, as there are in many places throughout Costa Rica. Lake Arenal was created in the 1970s as a source of hydroelectricity for Costa Rica, so the crocodiles may have either been accidentally (or even deliberately) released here or arrived through irrigation canals.
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