Top Costa Rica Kayaking Tours

Get out of San Jose on a day tour to the Arenal Volcano region, where you’ll get a glimpse of Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity and natural beauty. Travel through scenic farmland and villages to reach the volcano. Stop at a coffee plantation, waterfall, and look out for wildlife en route. In the shadow of the volcano, soak in natural hot springs for a refreshing experience, before returning to San Jose.

Bioluminescence is one of the things you should experience during your holiday in Costa Rica. We will kayak through the bay of Paquera and pass some islands. As we start our tour before sunset, we often experience some incredible views in the sky what gives an extra addition to our tour and we go on shore to one of the small beaches where you are able to take a swim if you like. As we operate in small groups, we can give a more personal attention to our clients.

This activity stands out for its combination of adventure and wildlife observation. Kayaking down the Rio Penas Blancas allows for a serene yet exciting experience, offering a close-up encounter with Costa Rica's diverse ecosystem. The opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, toucans, and crocodiles, adds an element of thrill and discovery to the journey. Overall, the Safari Float by Kayak offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and wildlife exploration.

Peaceful and calm, the winding mangrove forests of the Preciosa Platanares Wildlife Refuge are best enjoyed by kayak. On this tour, quietly paddle through the brackish waters of a large mangrove forest with a guide who shares interesting information about the plants and animals, but knows when to be quiet to increase your chances of seeing more animals in the wild.

Experience the best of Costa Rica's wildlife, cuisine, and natural beauty, without the logistical hassle, on this full-day shore excursion from Puntarenas. Look for white-faced monkeys, crocodiles, and birds on a boat cruise down the Tarcoles River. Learn the history of Puntarenas port, taste fresh tropical fruit, enjoy a buffet-style lunch at a local restaurant, and shop for authentic Costa Rican coffee.

What makes this experience special is the possibility to explore narrower sections of the canals by kayak and enjoy nature from a quiet and close perspective. Our local guides know the ecosystem very well and are attentive to the sounds and movements of the fauna, helping you discover animals that can easily go unnoticed and sharing information about their behavior and environment. Small groups allow for a more personalized experience, focused on observation and respect for nature.

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.

Active, nature-loving travelers will enjoy a day of kayaking on the Gandoca Lagoon, a mangrove forest on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Your guide will keep you going in the right direction and will point out animals you might otherwise miss, such as caimans, sloths, and more. Enjoy the peace and quiet in an uncrowded natural area, and get the chance to ask your guide questions.

Explore the protected shoreline and waters around Manuel Antonio on a kayaking and snorkeling adventure. Paddle past islands and alongside sea bird nesting grounds in a sea kayak, and observe marine animals like parrot fish and seas turtles with a snorkeling stop at enchanting Biesanz Bay. Back on dry land, recap your journey over a delicious, homemade Costa Rican lunch.

The canoe trip is not only the favorite activity in Torguero but you also have the possibility to do it in the language of your choice. in order to provide you with quality service, we do not mix languages. when, for example, you choose the visit in French, we ensure that in the boat the guide does a tour 100% in this language.

It is the only tour in Costa Rica where you can see the monkeys so close even they climb the kayaks, you can also see other types of animals and appreciate nature like never before.

There are only a few places in the world where bioluminescence can be seen year round. And luckily for travelers to the Nicoya Peninsula there is one such place here. Bioluminescence is a light created by living organisms through a chemical reaction, biological light. In the gulf it is the algae that create this magical effect. Upon being disturbed, the algae give off a burst of light. Since there are millions of them it looks like sparkles in the water. The wavelengths are in the blue to green area and depending on the amount of algae it will appear as bluish or greenish sparkles. One of the best ways to see this phenomenon is to get a look from above, and kayaking is a great way to see it well. The algae will stick to your paddle, your hand or floating debris glowing for many seconds if you encounter a strong patch. When you kayak over shallow areas, fish will be scared up and it looks like fireworks under water as they take off, leaving a trail of “fairy dust” in their wake.

This experience stands out by offering kayaking down the Peñas Blancas River and transportation from Fortuna. Get picked up in La Fortuna and make the 30-minute drive to La Perla near the Peñas Blancas River. After a restroom break and safety briefing, kayak along the river known as one of Costa Rica’s kayaking and rafting gems, spotting animals such as monkeys, sloths, caimans, iguanas, and various birds along the way.

If you love nature, come spend a day in the paradise of Tortuguero and choose from activities like touring the water canals in the national park, hiking the Jaguar Trail or Cerro Tortuguero, a night hike, or a turtle nesting tour (from July to October ), or do them all. All the gear you need will be arranged for you by your guides, who will make sure you have the best day in nature.

Grab your passport and head over the border for a full-day tour of Nicaragua’s highlights from Costa Rica. Start with a scenic Nicaraguan breakfast and then take in the views from Catarina Volcano. Visit the active Masaya Volcano and stand near the crater. Explore the colonial town of Granada, where you can marvel over the historic architecture and admire views from La Merced Church, followed by a delicious lunch of typical Nicaraguan cuisine. Finally, set sail across Lake Nicaragua for a scenic cruise.

Our small raft company offers a personalized whitewater rafting experience that is perfect for those seeking a more intimate adventure. Unlike larger companies, our small group sizes ensure that each participant receives individual attention from our experienced guides, allowing for a truly customized experience. Our experienced guides will ensure that your trip is safe, enjoyable, and tailored to your skill level, making it perfect for both seasoned rafters and first-timers alike. With our small group sizes, you'll have ample opportunities to take in the stunning natural scenery around you, spot wildlife, and really immerse yourself in the adventure. Join us for a whitewater rafting experience that is truly personalized and unforgettable. We can't wait to share the adventure with you!

Spend the day in the stunning natural scenery of Costa Rica on a small-group kayaking tour along the Manuel Antonio coastline. Get a closer look at marine life as you paddle in a sea kayak and a beach to enjoy a delicious snack. This excursion is suitable for new kayakers and includes lunch, snacks, equipment, and round-trip hotel transportation from select areas.

Enjoy a peaceful yet invigorating end to the day with a two-hour evening kayaking tour from Paquera. After a safety briefing, take to the water in your kayak and watch the sky turn orange and pink as the sun sets. Once it’s dark, paddle by the light of the moon or, if it’s cloudy, you may be able to see the magnificent bioluminescence in the water.

Explore the unspoiled coastline of Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio National Park on this half-day sea kayak adventure. Paddle to the beautiful, hidden cove of Biezans Bay, a perfect spot to splash into the clear water and snorkel among vibrant coral reefs. A naturalist guide helps you navigate to popular bird-nesting islands and learn about native flora and fauna of the park, known for its incredible biodiversity. After your open-water voyage, reward your efforts with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant near the beach.

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.

Swap humans for wildlife on a half-day tour to Chora Island. Traveling by kayak allows you to reach parts of the coastline that are usually inaccessible, while exploring with a guide increases your chances of spotting marine life and land creatures twofold. Plus, this tour’s short duration makes it ideal for time-pressed travelers.

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.

Explore the waters and mangroves in the Samara Beach area on this guided kayaking tour. Paddle along the Ora River through mangrove tunnels, heading toward Camaronal Beach. Be on the lookout for native birds along the way. At the beach, enjoy refreshments including juices and beer while you learn more about the area's ecosystem.

Explore Central America's largest mangrove on this popular kayaking tour that puts travelers up close to Costa Rica's diverse landscapes. Navigate the waters surrounding Damas Island and see hundreds of different animals, birds and reptiles up close. This is the perfect way to experience this diverse nation's incredible wildlife and learn more from your expert local guide.