Top Guanacaste and Northwest Kayaking Tours

Get off the beaten path in Tamarindo on a kayak tour to Las Baulas National Marine Park. Latin America's largest mangrove estuary is only accessible by water, so you're sure to escape the crowds. No kayaking experience is necessary, as a nature guide shows you the basics and leads you on a peaceful paddle and hike to spot native Costa Rican wildlife like howler monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds.

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.

Fun, peaceful, and close to nature, kayaking through the mangrove forests outside of Tamarindo is a great way to get away from the beach and enjoy another side of the area’s famous wilderness. Follow a guide through the winding estuaries, stopping to admire crocodiles, monkeys, and other wildlife along the way. Then, get out and take a guided nature walk through the forest for even more chances to learn about Tamarindo wildlife.

Part of what makes Costa Rica a destination for ecotourism is its extensive coastlines. Explore the waters off Guanacaste aboard the Blue Dolphin, a 40-foot catamaran that slices through the surf and offers a fully stocked bar, paddle boards and kayaks for your enjoyment. Breathe in the salt spray and keep a lookout for dolphins, turtles, whales, and spectacular coastal views.

Enjoy a peaceful early morning or sunset paddle through the mangroves in the Gulf of Nicoya, looking out for local birds, animals, and fish as you go. You can opt for a single or double kayak or a stand-up paddle board. The tour’s timing depends on the tides on the day. Paddle with a guide who will keep you safe and on-track, and will tell you more about the area.

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.

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.

Come join us on a unique experience in our beautiful wild national reserve. Its a magnificent place for all to admire and get to know our ecosystem and ways to sustain it. We will drift down river with the perfect tidal conditions to ensure maximum entertainment. Grab a "Pipa" while photographing exotics birds and mammals we encounter in our path. We will visit the Ostional Turtle nesting grounds where you will learn why they are so especial. Take a dip in the ocean, enjoy fresh local organic watermelon, passion fruit and coconut waters. At the end we will drift back to our destination point and finish with a nice river dip. The tour aims to leave you with vast knowledge to share with your family and friends. Join Us - Pura Vida

Enjoy half a day on the water, kayaking and snorkeling around Chora Island, with reassuring back-up from a guide and group. Departing from Samara Beach, you’ll paddle to the small offshore island. Swim and snorkel in the sea, admiring the underwater world while learning more about local marine biodiversity from your guide. This half-day tour means you can fit other activities into your day, too.

Experience one of the most unique secluded areas of Guanacaste and explore one of the deepest and most protected natural bays south of the U.S border. This tour is personally created to show guests a local's perspective on living “in peace with nature”, while enjoying everything mother nature has to offer. Enjoy your surrounding of clam blue water, abundance marine life, white sand beaches and dense forest. We start the tour at a national wildlife refuge, whose efforts protect coastal mangroves and wildlife. Getting to this hidden spot is an adventure on its own. We then continue our tour by exploring the open sea on kayaks. We fish and/or snorkel, and get a taste of local cuisine prepared by a local chef at a private secluded beach. You´ll get to spend a good portion of the day as part of the life of a local. We share knowledge on our exotic natural environments and support conservation efforts and wildlife by donating a percentage of our proceeds back to the refuge.

Luxury shared that whispers, sunsets that stay with you. Sail the Golden Coast aboard a world-class catamaran, where impeccable service, gentle sea breezes, and exquisite details awaken your senses. Toast as the sun paints the Pacific in golden hues, then immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or kayaking. An intimate, unforgettable luxury experience—designed for those who seek something truly extraordinary.

Enjoy the perfect mix of sailing, swimming, and social vibes on a 4-hour catamaran cruise along Costa Rica’s stunning coastline, ending with a breathtaking Pacific sunset. Highlights Watch a stunning Pacific sunset from the ocean Visit hidden beaches and calm coves only accessible by boat Unlimited open bar with cocktails, beer, wine & soft drinks Freshly prepared food, snacks & tropical fruits onboard Snorkeling, paddleboards, kayak & floaties included Relaxed and social atmosphere for all types of travelers

Blue Dolphin is the original sailing tour in Costa Rica, operating since 2004. Our friendly, bi-lingual, licensed crew will work hard to make your trip aboard a memorable one. Our freshly prepared food is designed to satisfy everyone, including vegetarians and vegans. Our signature drink, the Blue Dolphin Especial, is a tropical taste of paradise. Our tour is great for any type of group such as family, friends, wedding parties and birthday parties. We operate two sailing catamarans: Blue Dolphin 1 is a 40’ open layout catamaran and Blue Dolphin 2 is a large 50’ cruising style catamaran. We offer public and private charters. Our catamarans are outfitted for maximum fun and comfort. Our licensed staff provides excellent service while ensuring safety.

Explore Tamarindo’s beaches and dry forest on an off-road ATV tour with river crossings and stunning tropical scenery. Learn to maneuver your vehicle, then follow your guide along a rugged circuit. Take in the sights and sounds of the Costa Rican forest and watch for birds and monkeys as you steer beneath coastal trees. Upgrade your tour to include other activities such as snorkeling, driving a UTV, ziplining, or even exploring other areas by ATV.

!!! TIERED PRICING (2-15 guest) !!! Discover the wild and beautiful coastline of Tamarindo on a memorable catamaran adventure and enjoy a breathtaking sunset from our rooftop with a 360° view. Far from the crowds, our catamaran will drop anchor a few meters from a wild beach that you can reach by swimming or enjoy water activities (paddleboarding, snorkeling, water mat, etc.). This excursion offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, with delicious local cuisine and an open bar. Thanks to our dedicated staff and a variety of water activities, this excursion is ideal for families, couples, and groups looking for a unique and unforgettable “nature” experience!

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.

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.

Embark on a full-day adventure to discover Costa Rica's natural wonders–Rio Celeste, Llanos de Cortes waterfalls, and a sloth sanctuary. Begin by swimming and relaxing at the Llanos de Cortes Waterfall in Bagaces, then hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park to witness the mesmerizing Rio Celeste Waterfall. Conclude your immersive experience with a visit to an organic farm and sloth and frog sanctuary, observing diverse wildlife and tropical flora.

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.

Learn how to navigate Tamarindo’s waves during this roughly 1.5 hour surf lesson. Choose the group size that works for your budget, with private, small-group, and larger group options. Practice paddling, popping up, and riding with guidance from your instructor. More experienced surfers can also practice their technique by surfing alongside an instructor.

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.

Grab your passport and head over the border for a whistle-stop tour of Nicaragua’s best bits from Costa Rica. Take in the views from Catarina Volcano, haggle over handicrafts at the Masaya Artisan Market and visit the active Masaya Volcano. After a delicious lunch of typical Nicaraguan cuisine, explore the colonial town of Granada, where you can marvel over the historic architecture and admire views of Mombacho Volcano. Finally, set sail across Lake Nicaragua for a 1-hour sunset cruise, stopping to meet the friendly monkeys of Monkey Island along the way.

Explore the sandy beaches, secluded bays, and jungle-clad shorelines around Playa Hermosa on this afternoon catamaran cruise. Admire the views as you sail along the coast, look out for dolphins and whales, and stop to swim and snorkel in a picturesque bay. While onboard, enjoy a tasty BBQ chicken lunch, grab yourself a drink from the open bar, and watch the sunset as you cruise back to shore.