Top Costa Rica Kayaking Tours

Explore the vibrant world beneath Costa Rica's waves on this half-day tour from Playa Tamarindo. After a brief kayak lesson, paddle to Captain Island where snorkeling brings you face to face with such marine life as colorful fish, stingrays, and octopus. Choose to ride in a single or double kayak with use of snorkeling gear included.

Voyage through the rich wetlands ecosystem of Palo Verde National Park on this full-day tour from Tamarindo or Papagayo Bay. Look for monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, and other wildlife on a cruise down the Tempisque River — also a birdwatcher’s paradise. Later, explore the area’s culture and cuisine with a homemade lunch and handicraft demo in the artisan town of Bolson.

An immersion in the mangrove swamp of Golfo Dulce in Puerto Jiménez: A paradise of biodiversity and vitality A vibrant ecosystem in the heart of Costa Rica: The Golfo Dulce mangrove, located near Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica, stands as an oasis of life and diversity in the heart of the country. This coastal ecosystem, recognized as one of the most important in the region, not only captivates for its natural beauty, but also for its invaluable role in environmental balance. A refuge for biodiversity: Entering the mangrove swamp of Golfo Dulce is embarking on a journey through a universe of flora and fauna. The mangroves, undisputed protagonists of this ecosystem, stand as imposing guardians of the coast, weaving a network of roots that protect the coastline from erosion. Among its leafy branches, endless life hides: oysters, crabs, fish and a myriad of other creatures inhabit this natural refuge.

This tour is one of the most exciting, as you will be able to appreciate the nocturnal animals that are not observed during the day. When the darkness falls, it seems that everything sleeps, but in reality, the night is the awakening of a large part of the animal life, that for many people, is unknown. Depending on your preference you can choose between water or land, walking through tropical forest trails, kayaking or boating through the mangrove canals of Isla Damas.

Explore nature with our canoeing activity to the national park is very good.Tortuguero is a very pleasant of which during the activity you will learn from the culture, traditions and explore the flora and fauna.

With its cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife, the Pacuare River is rightfully famous for its natural beauty. Paddle through the river gorge, navigating 52 Class II-IV rapids as you go, on this 12-hour trip from San Jose. Take in views of the tropical rain forest and wildlife such as sloths, parrots, and toucans as you ride the river (and your adrenaline rush) over the course of the day.

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 a bilingual guide to navigate around the lake. Opt for a small-group or private tour (added cost).

Lie back and relax as we paddle you through the canals of Tortuguero. Learn about the incredible diversity of wildlife native to the area, such as birds and tortoises, as you look for these creatures in the lush rainforest with binoculars. In case of inclement weather, rain ponchos will be provided.

The scenic waterways and mangrove forests of the Damas Island estuary lie just a couple of hours south of Puntarenas. On this kayaking tour, paddle through the reserve without disturbing the natural ecosystems; learn about the unique coastal mangroves; and look out for wildlife such as monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds.

Discover the natural beauty of Guanacaste on a peaceful guided kayaking adventure along the Ora River, one of the area’s hidden natural treasures near Sámara and Carrillo. Paddle through calm waters surrounded by mangroves and tropical scenery while your local guide helps you discover the rich ecosystem of the river. Along the way, you may have the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife, including tropical birds, monkeys, bats, crocodiles, and other native species. The relaxed pace of the tour allows you to enjoy the sounds of nature, take photographs, and learn about the important role mangroves play in protecting Costa Rica’s biodiversity. No previous kayaking experience is required, making this an enjoyable nature experience for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Because this tour takes place in a natural environment, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed and vary depending on natural conditions.

Tortuguero Local Guide connects you to the magic of Tortuguero National Park through authentic and nature-filled experiences. With us you will discover canals surrounded by wildlife, the majesty of turtle spawning and the pure essence of this tropical paradise, always with warm and close service.

No trip to Costa Rica is complete without exploring the open water, and for adventurous travelers, nothing beats a kayak excursion. With this beginner-friendly adventure, let your guide lead the way to a private beach where you don your life vest, grab a kayak or paddleboard, and head out on the water for a scenic cruise—with your guide, all equipment, and refreshments included.

Active, nature-loving travelers will enjoy this half-day kayaking tour around Damas Island. After you’ve experienced the biodiversity of the Manuel Antonio National Park by land, check out the marine life and wildlife of the mangroves. Get personalized attention on a small-group tour and go at your own pace, according to your experience. Hotel pickup is included from select hotels around Manuel Antonio.

Discover the beautiful natural attractions of Costa Rica on this all-day tour from San Jose. Fly over the rainforest canopy via a zipline course and rappel down 150 feet (50 meters) at an adventure park. Visit two waterfalls and admire the local wildlife including iguanas. Stop at a coffee plantation where you'll learn how it's cultivated and harvested. Finally, relax in thermal mineral hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano.

Join us on this relaxing yet exciting natural experience. In this wonderful adventure we will visit the Térraba-Sierpe National Wetland. This area includes the largest and most important mangrove forests in Costa Rica. The wetland is immensely rich in flora and vegetation. It also has a wide variety of fauna, serving as a refuge site for many species of wildlife, like numerous especies of birds and mokeys, reptiles, mollusks, fish, among other species. All this makes this tour the perfect opportunity to appreciate life expressed in every corner you look at. You can choose beetwen Boat or Kayak with no adittional cost.

Get ready to swim with tropical fish on Isla Chora, just about twenty-five minutes from Samara on this hassle-free group tour. All of your transport from Samara, your snorkel equipment, and even snacks are provided, so you just need to show up ready for some water sports. Have a safety briefing before you kayak and snorkel, and when you’re comfortable, start exploring.

Explore the waters near Playa Samara during this guided mangrove kayaking tour. Your local guide shares insights about the area's rich biodiversity, including diverse wildlife, flora, and fauna you’ll encounter while paddling. Enjoy fresh tropical fruit, juice, and snacks when you arrive at Playa Camaronal, a sea turtle conservation refuge. All kayaks, life jackets, and paddles are included.

Discover the incredible birds and biodiversity of Palo Verde National Park on this boat tour with lunch. Spot native wildlife such as crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys, and a colorful parade of bird species during a 1-hour and 20 minutes cruise down the Tempisque River led by a naturalist guide. Afterward, discuss your sightings with fellow travelers over a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant.

Get aboard the Lazy Lizard, the catamaran that will take you on a morning cruise through Playa Flamingo off the Guanacaste coast. Sea life is awake and active in the morning, so get on your snorkel and get amongst the coral reef and colorful fish. You can also kayak or stand up paddleboard. Lunch is provided too, with a range of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. Your guide will arrange everything so you can just enjoy the beauty of Playa Flamingo.

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and spend the day exploring Manuel Antonio National Park on a group tour. Walk jungle trails, observe wildlife like macaws and crocodiles, and relax on the beach. This guided tour helps you avoid crowded areas and includes hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.

We snorkeled in a volcanic rock, home to a variety of marine life, we also visited a turtle trap, a pre-Columbian vestige of the Quepoa, the first inhabitants of this area. Panoramic views of the Quepos Coast.

Swing, ride, and paddle your way through Rincon de la Vieja’s volcanic foothills on a full-day trip from Tamarindo that combines four adventurous activities. Grab a harness to explore the treetops on a canopy tour, then cool off in the Río Colorado while navigating white water in a raft or inner tube. Visit a nearby ranch for a traditional Costa Rican lunch, ride a horse through a distinctive dry tropical forest, and finish your day with a soak in volcanic mud and steaming hot springs.

The Boat: Ride the most versatile, portable, and maneuverable boat ever invented. The Place: Discover new creeks and secluded places of Costa Rica and stay away from massive tourism. The Involved Sports: The best blend between hiking and kayaking.

Have fun exploring Damas Island’s mangrove forests on a small-group pedal kayak tour. These vessels are ideal for navigating the narrow channels of the mangroves. Look out for a range of birds and wildlife, including monkeys and lizards. Enjoy getting active for three hours while experiencing Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity up close.