Lake Arenal Tours and Tickets

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

35 results

Best Seller

This Guided Experience shows you the stunning view of the Arenal Volcano, all the most calm and peaceful bays of the lake. This tour is perfect for nature, water sports and birdwatching lovers, also is a perfect tour for families. Will enjoy of the most beautiful wildlife around the Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Jet Ski tour is the most innovative experience on the lake, you will be connected with the purest rainforest.

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Arenal Jet Ski Guided Experience

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(10)

from $129

Per group

Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers

Enjoy a safe and family-friendly horseback riding tour through the beautiful landscapes of Arenal. Ride calm, well-cared-for horses along rainforest trails, open fields, and across the Arenal River. Small groups allow for a relaxed pace and personal attention, making this tour perfect for both beginners and experienced riders, including children. Along the way, enjoy nature, possible wildlife sightings, and views of Arenal Volcano on clear days. The tour includes a fun photo shoot to capture memories and share on social media, a visit to a small farm with cute animals like pigs and sheep, and a relaxing riverside stop with fresh tropical fruits. Finish your experience with a printed photo to remember your adventure..

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Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(32)

from $78

Lake Arenal is the largest hydroelectric dam in Costa Rica, it contains a great variety of flora and fauna that surrounds it, and in addition to having the best view of the Arenal Volcano with a large number of stories beneath its waters since there are ancient towns under its waters...And with a 100% local guide who will answer all your questions. With luck we will be able to see monkeys, herons, fishing birds, otters, parrots and other species that can be seen. After paddling for a while we will share a little about the history of the eruption of the Arenal Volcano and how the lake filled. We will have a small snack and on the way back we will swim a little on an island near the pier.

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Kayking Arenal | La Fortuna

2 hours

5.0

(1)

from $52

If you’re wanting to see some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful sights, but trying to avoid major crowds, this Lake Arenal Sunset Cruise is a great choice. You’ll cruise out on Lake Arenal with views of the Arenal Volcano and local flora, fauna, and wildlife. Plus, you can relax as you ride while sipping on Costa Rican moonshine and sampling tasty snacks, with convenient hotel pickup included.

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Moonshine Sunset Cruise on Lake Arenal

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(47)

from $74

Birdwatching by the Lake Arenal

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(7)

from $85

Lake Arenal by Boat & Peninsula Trail (National Park)

Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano are among the most scenic places in Costa Rica. With this small-group tour, see them both from the water and easy hiking trails. Explore the lake’s bays and peninsulas surrounded by mountains, volcanoes, and islands, and hike a mostly flat, 2-mile (3.2 kilometers) trail to sighting towers with panoramic views of the lake and volcano. Hotel pickup is included for convenience.

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Lake Arenal by Boat & Peninsula Trail (National Park)

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(20)

from $119

Witness the Spectacular Arenal Volcano on a Guided Hiking Tour

Join us on an exciting guided hike to admire the majestic Arenal Volcano. This tour takes you through the lush tropical forest of Arenal National Park until reaching the base of the volcano, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the volcano and its surroundings. Your expert guide will provide interesting information about the history of the volcano and its impact on the region. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to observe local flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner, this tour is suitable for all skill levels. Book now and experience one of Costa Rica's most impressive natural wonders on this guided tour to Arenal Volcano!

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Witness the Spectacular Arenal Volcano on a Guided Hiking Tour

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(27)

from $73

Lake Arenal Private Paddle Board Experience

Paddle board is the most ecological and nature loving way to connect with our two lakes, we offer private exclusive experience with a professional instructor and guide Jose chops (life guard learnings, sup surfer for over 15 years, ex fire fighter trained in national parks ) . With us you will reach unique jungle spots with no crowds, I will take you alone no group needed or with your friend or family, the photos and profesional edited video is a gift included in your tour. Cote Sup Safari offers personalized private unique adventure... we are your most special sup option and we are very happy to receive you.

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Lake Arenal Private Paddle Board Experience

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(81)

from $70

Kayaking on the Lake Arenal *Personalized experience*

Women-Led, Personalized Experience on Lake Arenal Join us for a unique, women-led experience on the stunning Lake Arenal, located in the northern highlands of Costa Rica. As the country’s largest lake—spanning 85 square kilometers with depths ranging from 30 to 60 meters depending on the season—Lake Arenal offers breathtaking scenery and tranquil waters perfect for your adventure. We believe in creating personalized experiences, and we welcome your four-legged companions too! As fellow pet lovers, we’re happy to accommodate your furry friend by providing a pet life vest (available for an additional fee).

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Kayaking on the Lake Arenal *Personalized experience*

4 hours

5.0

(16)

from $87

Transfer from Monteverde to La Fortuna through Arenal Lake

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(7)

from $57

Arenal National Park (Boat Ride + 2 different Trails)

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(5)

from $107

Mountain Bike Lake Arenal and Volcano Backroads

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(20)

from $102

Full day Tour with Hanging Bridges, Waterfall and Volcano Hike

Spend a full day exploring Costa Rica’s notoriously active crater on this 3-in-1 Arenal combo adventure. Hike through the jungle surrounding Arenal Volcano on a series of nature trails and hanging bridges, and trek down to the base of La Fortuna Waterfall to appreciate the height and power of the cascade and swim in a natural pool. Finish with a majestic perspective as you explore the lava fields of former eruptions and look for native wildlife along the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park.

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Full day Tour with Hanging Bridges, Waterfall and Volcano Hike

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(232)

from $215

Discover the Beauty of Arenal Lake on a Guided Kayaking Tour

Surrounded by rainforest, the majestic Arenal Volcano, and home to secluded bays and islands, Lake Arenal is best explored on the water. This day trip makes kayaking the lake as carefree as possible, providing hassle-free transportation, paddling instructions, and single or double kayaks. After meeting your guide in the town of Fosforo, paddling instructions, and a short safety briefing, head for the water. Spend several hours exploring the lake and finish your day with a well-deserved snack.

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Discover the Beauty of Arenal Lake on a Guided Kayaking Tour

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(14)

from $90

Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from Guanacaste

Experience the thrill of hiking near an active volcano on a full-day trip from Guanacaste. Get an up-close view of Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano and the surrounding tropical landscape from a network of hanging bridges at Mistico Park. Rejuvenate after with a dip in volcanic hot springs and enjoy stellar views of the volcano. Round-trip hotel transport from Guanacaste, breakfast, and a Costa Rican lunch are included.

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Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from Guanacaste

12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(210)

from $210

2-in-1: Hanging Bridges, Waterfall, Volcano Hike, or Hot Springs

5 hours

5.0

(3)

from $230

Learn to paddleboard on the placid, scenic waters of Lake Arenal in Costa Rica! After an on-shore lesson from your expert guide, take a boat to the middle of the lake to try out your new skills. Stand up on the long board and paddle along the surface of the lake for a thrilling, athletic experience. Soak up the gorgeous scenery, including spectacular views of Arenal Volcano. This half-day tour includes a snack and hotel transport from La Fortuna.

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Stand Up Paddling on Lake Arenal

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(16)

from $90

Biking Tour around Arenal Volcano and Lake

Swoop and climb through the trails near Arenal Volcano National Park and Arenal Lake on a full-day, guided mountain biking tour from La Fortuna, and explore the lush jungle at the foot of the mountain. Watch for the monkeys, coati and tropical birds that live in the protected forest, where trees are draped with bromeliads and strangler figs. Take in the sights and sounds of this rugged volcanic mountain range, and finish the day with a delicious selection of fruits by the lake.

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Biking Tour around Arenal Volcano and Lake

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(16)

from $90

Lake Arenal Sport Fishing Incl. Boxlunch

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(22)

from $287

Morning Arenal Volcano Hike & Mistico Hanging Bridges Combo

Challenge yourself with an intensive hike around the old lava fields and craters of Arenal Volcano. Experience two different peaks up close and from different angles on a strenuous trek through the Costa Rican rain forest. Cool off along the way with a swim in a lake and waterfall pools, and reward your efforts with a tasty picnic lunch and relaxing soak in volcanic mud pits and hot springs. The hike ends around sunset, offering a chance to see nocturnal animals emerging in the jungle.

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Morning Arenal Volcano Hike & Mistico Hanging Bridges Combo

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(161)

from $131

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind way to discover Costa Rica’s lush jungle ecosystems and most striking views on this half-day, small-group tour of Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Pick from morning and afternoon tour times and, after hotel pickup, head to the park. There are more than a dozen hanging bridges to explore: as you go, look out for monkeys and wildlife, learn more about the jungle, and soak up impeccable views of the Arenal volcano.

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Mistico Hanging Bridges

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(30)

from $99

La Fortuna: Arenal Hanging Bridges Hiking Tour

Learn more about the Costa Rican rainforest on a relaxed yet active half-day tour of the Arenal Hanging Bridges. You’ll get a close-up view of the forest and wildlife from the 1.9-mile (3.2-kilometer) network of well-kept trails. Admire the views of Arenal Volcano while looking out for monkeys, birds, sloths, and more. This is an ideal tour for families and others seeking a stress-free outdoor adventure.

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La Fortuna: Arenal Hanging Bridges Hiking Tour

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(2)

from $78

Likely to Sell Out

13 days program - Best Spots of Costa Rica

Simplify your dream trip to Costa Rica and let someone else take care of the logistics so you can relax and enjoy yourself. This small-group (max. 10) 13-day tour includes a variety of sights and attractions that represent the best of this small country. From beaches to cloud forests, volcanos to wildlife tours, this tour includes something for everyone. Accommodation and many meals are included, with guaranteed skip-the-line access at key attractions.

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13 days program - Best Spots of Costa Rica

13 daysFree Cancellation

5.0

(5)

from $3,290

Price varies by group size

Arenal volcano, hanging bridges and sloth encounter tour.

8 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(4)

from $400

1 2

What are people saying about Lake Arenal

Moonshine Sunset Cruise on Lake Arenal

NaTasha_S, Apr 2026

Sunset cruise

The hospitality was amazing. We learned so much about the history the Arenal volcano and how many resources come from Lake Arenal. The guides were great company. We snacked, drank, talked, and enjoyed a lot while taking in the beautiful view of the volcanoes, lake, and sunset.

Kayaking on the Lake Arenal *Personalized experience*

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

Biking Tour around Arenal Volcano and Lake

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.

Lake Arenal Private Paddle Board Experience

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.

Lake Arenal by Boat & Peninsula Trail (National Park)

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!

Stand Up Paddling on Lake Arenal

melielena, Apr 2026

Breathtaking View and Awesome Activity

We went paddleboarding on Lake Arenal with Desafío Tours and our guide, Kristín. We paid a bit extra for them to pick us up since we were a little far from their usual pick-up points, but the entire ride was amazing—both Kristín and the driver were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about Costa Rica’s nature. The trip took about an hour total—50 minutes or so. When we arrived, the lake was enormous. They explained how to stand up, though since we already knew how, we didn’t need much time on that. We paddled on the water, with an impressive view of the volcano—it was stunning, and we were lucky to have a sunny day. At one point, the lake was almost empty, and we were the only ones there. Kristín took her time to make sure the video we wanted turned out perfect—we’re truly grateful. The photos were beautiful. We spent some time talking, and she shared a lot about Costa Rica’s history and wildlife, answering all our questions—she knew so much! On the way back, I mentioned I was sad I hadn’t seen a sloth. Just then, we saw a crowd on the road. The driver stopped, Kristín got out with a telescope, and we saw a sloth! They kindly stayed with us so we could watch it for a while. After that, they took us home. We absolutely loved it—highly recommended!

Lake Arenal Sport Fishing Incl. Boxlunch

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.

Moonshine Sunset Cruise on Lake Arenal

Geri_P, Mar 2026

Serene, gorgeous sunset boatride

Beautiful ride on the lake at sunset. Very calm and slow. Our guide, Juan Carlos was so knowledgeable about everything- history, zoology, botany etc. On the way there in the van he was able to spot and stop for many animals. He had a great binocular on a tripod to view through and took amazing photos for us all evening. We stopped to see sloths, toucans, snakes, monkeys and other birds. Just amazing. Know that the drive from La fortuna was about 40 minutes. There are three of us and the was no one else on the tour!

Lake Arenal

5.0

(1,050)

Costa Rica

Know before you go

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.

Lake Arenal Tours and Tickets

35 results

What are people saying about Lake Arenal

Lake Arenal

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