Moonshine Sunset Cruise on Lake Arenal
Recommended by 92% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
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.
- Watch the sunset in Costa Rica as you cruise on Lake Arenal
- Sip on Costa Rican moonshine with snacks included
- A guide knows the best areas to catch sight of local wildlife
- See Arenal Volcano without driving there
What's Included
- SnacksLocal "firewater," fresh cheese and chips
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Dinner
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
We have an extra transport charge for hotels outside of our normal pick-up zone.
Start time.3:30 pm
Itinerary
1
Lake Arenal
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Sara_N
Tour guide Samantha was amazing! We were picked up and it was my husband/me and one other couple. That was it! On a nice catamaran where we had moonshine made with passion fruit and they had beer available; along with fresh fruits for snacking. Samantha shared so much about the country’s rich history and you could tell she had great pride for her home! The weather was perfection. We were able to see the very top of the volcano and the sunset was stunning. Cruising around the lake was around 90 minutes. I 100% would recommend this excursion.
Reviews
4.7
based on 48 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
NaTasha_S, Apr 2026
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.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hi,
Thank you for your wonderful review! 😊 We're delighted to hear you had such a memorable experience on Lake Arenal with Kristín. From the breathtaking views of the volcano to the peaceful time on the water and even spotting a sloth on the way back, it sounds like you experienced some of the best that Costa Rica has to offer!
We'll be sure to share your kind words with Kristín and our driver. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable adventures in the future.
Thanks for choosing Desafío Adventure Company, La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Geri_P, Mar 2026
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!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hi,
Thank you for your wonderful review! 😊 We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the peaceful sunset cruise and the incredible wildlife sightings along the way. Juan Carlos will be thrilled to hear your kind words about his knowledge, wildlife spotting skills, and photography.
It sounds like you had a truly special and personalized experience on Lake Arenal! Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Costa Rica.
Thanks for choosing Desafío Adventure Company, La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Sue_C, Mar 2026
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.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hi,
Thank you for your wonderful review! 😊 We're delighted to hear that this sunset cruise became such a special memory for you. From the stunning views of Lake Arenal and the volcano to the incredible wildlife and spectacular sunset, it sounds like you experienced the very best of the region.
We're especially happy to hear how much you enjoyed your guide's knowledge and storytelling. We'll do our best to share your kind words with our team. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back on your next visit to Costa Rica!
Thanks for choosing Desafío Adventure Company, La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
JeanPhilippe_T, Dec 2025
Bad organisation. Start Time not respected and poor information.
No one at the office when we arrived.
Sara_N, Aug 2025
Tour guide Samantha was amazing! We were picked up and it was my husband/me and one other couple. That was it! On a nice catamaran where we had moonshine made with passion fruit and they had beer available; along with fresh fruits for snacking. Samantha shared so much about the country’s rich history and you could tell she had great pride for her home! The weather was perfection. We were able to see the very top of the volcano and the sunset was stunning. Cruising around the lake was around 90 minutes. I 100% would recommend this excursion.
Tina_R, Jul 2025
WOW!!!! What a pleasure this was. Santos was extremely knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. He took good care of all of us and listened to our stories and answered all of our questions. I whole heartedly recommend this tour to everyone!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for your amazing review! 🌟 Santos is truly a gem—knowledgeable, fun, and attentive to every guest. 🧠😂 We're thrilled he made your experience special by listening and sharing great moments with you. 🗣️❤️
We appreciate your wholehearted recommendation and hope to see you again soon for another unforgettable adventure! 🌿🚶♂️✨
Pura Vida! 🇨🇷😊
— The Desafío Team 💪😄
Debbie_B, Jun 2025
I did this cruise with my mother, husband and young adult kids. We were all thrilled with this experience. Our captain (I'm sorry i have forgotten your name) took us out and around Lake Arenal giving us lots of opportunities to see various wildlife and views of the volcano. Our tour guide Catalina I think has been the highlight of our week. She is so friendly and knowledgeable and answered tons of questions. I definitely recommend this tour and I hope you get Catalina as your guide.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! 🙏 We’re delighted that your family enjoyed the cruise on Lake Arenal 🚤🌋 and had the chance to see amazing wildlife and volcano views 🦥🐦. Catalina is indeed a gem — friendly, knowledgeable, and always happy to answer questions! 🌟 We’ll be sure to share your kind words with her. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you all back soon! Pura Vida! 🌺✨
— The Desafío Team 💪😄
Jessica_P, May 2025
Good experience and we got to see a lot. Stopped for pictures as well. Small group which was nice and they explained a lot about the wildlife.
Ingo_J, Mar 2025
We had a wonderful experience on the sunset cruise. We were surprised to find out that we were the only two people on the cruise, and are grateful for them not cancelling . They prepared a beautiful home cooked snack assortment for us and the drinks were excellent. The guide was very informative and this was definitely a highlight of our trip.
Vickie_F, Feb 2025
Bring a jacket and binoculars Great for birdwatching and our guide gave us a lot of informative information about the area
Rebecca_M, Feb 2025
The coves and sunset were beautiful. Volcano cloud covered at the top but still a good view. Tour guide Samantha and boat captain Brian did a great job. Snacks were good. Recommend a light jacket and binoculars.
TIMOTHY_K, Aug 2024
Good parts- Our driver was great. He was personable and entertaining. He made good drinks, sang and danced well, and was engaging.
Bad parts- The boat was old. There was no bathroom. There wasn't much to see on the lake. It was very expensive for what you received. I would definitely not recommend this activity to anybody.
Barbara_W, Jul 2024
Moonshine cruise was excellent! Otto our activities Director and Brian the boat captain were extremely friendly and informative. appetizers and drinks were overflowing. I highly recommend this to anyone visiting La Fortuna.
Michael_S, Jun 2024
Very relaxing, well-paced, and totally fun lake cruise. Our trip was overcast and a bit rainy, but our guide Marco more than made up for the weather. It was still beautiful and since it was only our family on the boat for this trip, we had a great time getting to know the guys and learn about the area. Thank you so much. Very very memorable.
Cheia_B, Jun 2024
What an amazing and unexpectedly wonderful way to spend our last evening in Arenal. Otto was an excellent tour guide and blew us away with his singing talent. Brian not only drove the boat but gave us an impromptu merengue dance lesson. Very cool experience.
John_H, Apr 2024
This was a very fun tour. Otto was our guide and he was great. Very knowledgeable and a good singer. They made a fruit ceviche that was delicious.
Arlene_D, Mar 2024
Josue the tour guide and Delbin the Captain were both great. Josue told us the history and made sure our glasses were never empty. Delbín drives a smooth boat and takes beautiful portrait pictures. Our snacks were delicious, the music was fun. Go. You will love it.
shankarb, Dec 2023
Santos and Michael were awesome! Santos picked us up from the hotel, came with us on the boat and explained the history behind the Arenal volcano, showed us several bird habitats around the lake, took pictures and made sure we had a good time. Michael was also very patient driving the boat and taking us around. We enjoyed it thoroughly!
Hannah_C, Nov 2023
It was very rainy and cloudy but the boat was covered so we didn't get wet. We saw a lot of birds including kingfishers and a scarlet macaw! Our guide was very knowledgeable at pointing them out. A nice experience.
Stephanie_E, Feb 2023
Good food, great drinks, music, dancing. One of the crew sang really well for us! Gorgeous views of the volcano and sunset. Crew took photos of everyone. Fun!
Steve_T, Feb 2023
What a great time! Mauricio was a great guide! Learned about the Volcano and other cool facts about the area. Got treated to some authentic Costa Rica food and drinks and saw a Cayman and bunch of different birds.
Abeera_A, Jan 2023
I booked this tour and had to change the date... their customer service was AMAZING and so helpful. The tour is SO Beautiful and probably in my top things I did on this trip. Marisio was so fantastic!!! He went out of his way to make this a great experience. He has fantastic energy and made great conversation. The views are beautiful and it is a great way to see the lake and volcano.
Amy_S, Dec 2022
This is a must do. Thanks to Otto and captain Michael for a beautiful evening. We had a great time. Very special 🙏
Dana_M, Nov 2022
Samantha, the tour guide, was an amazing host! She was kind, knowledgeable, and super sweet! The mood was as serene as the view….everything was perfect! Would highly recommend!!!
Esraa_M, Jul 2022
Our tour guide Samantha was the sweetest and best person. All the workers were so nice and helpful. I recommend you request for Samantha to be your tour guide.
Adrienne_A, Mar 2022
Nice excursion and glad I did it. They had two bottles of red wine but no white. Boo. The only issue was getting confirmation on my hotel pick up time. Kind of a bummer as I would have spent my time differently with more concrete information. Oh wella-Pura Vida!
Susan_T, Mar 2022
Having to cancel because although the site said hotel pick up was included it wasn't. We agreed, mutually, to a cancellation and refund, 5 days later we're still waiting for the refund.
Sue_C, Mar 2022
An opportunity to appreciate the true size of Arenal and to see the remains of the previous eruptions.
The sunset is pretty amazing too with so many changing colours, with the trip adapted to suit the traveller as well
A nice, relaxing evening on the lake
Flo_G, Jul 2021
It was a beautiful evening! Our tour guide Santos and driver Brian were so kind and made our ride very enjoyable.
Kristen_V, Jul 2021
Brian was a terrific guide and the views are incredible!! Moonshine and pineapple crevice very tasty too!
From $81.36
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Moonshine Sunset Cruise on Lake Arenal
48
2 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$81.36
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
- Full-day Tours
- Walking Tours
- Eco Tours
- Bus Tours
- Outdoor Activities
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Private and Luxury
- On the Ground
- La Fortuna
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Monteverde
- Full-day Tours - Monteverde
- Walking Tours - Monteverde
- Eco Tours - Monteverde
- Bus Tours - Monteverde
- Bus Tours - Miramar
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Puntarenas
- Full-day Tours - Puntarenas
- Walking Tours - Puntarenas
- Eco Tours - Puntarenas
- Bus Tours - Puntarenas
Attractions in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
- Eco Termales Fortuna Tours & Tickets
- La Fortuna Waterfall Tours & Tickets
- Tabacon Hot Springs Tours & Tickets
- Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center Tours & Tickets
- Arenal Volcano National Park Tours & Tickets
- Baldi Hot Springs Tours & Tickets
- Sarapiqui Canopy Tours & Tickets
- Celeste River (Río Celeste) Tours & Tickets
- Venado Caves (Cavernas de Venado) Tours & Tickets
- Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park Tours & Tickets
- Lake Arenal Tours & Tickets