Costa Rica Kayaking Adventure

The adventure

Glide straight into the core of the Costa Rican experience and hit three of the country's hot spots in a kayak. Beginners and more experienced kayakers are welcome — for the nature lover, the scenery’s the point, not the sweat! Get really wild at Lake Arenal, the centre of adventure sports like paddleboarding, then cruise through the canals of Tortuguero in search of monkeys and sloths. Experience lush greenery and Caribbean flavour from a whole different level when you kayak Costa Rica.

At a glance

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

Costa Rica

Showing Days 1-7

9-day itinerary

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Amid the hustle and bustle, San José has beautiful parks, museums and the ornate National Theatre downtown. The central plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.

There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Amid the hustle and bustle, San José has beautiful parks, museums and the ornate National Theatre downtown. The central plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.

Day 2Travel from San José to La Fortuna

San José

Travel from San José to La Fortuna, and opt to swim at a local swimming hole at the base of a waterfall during free time in the afternoon.

Day 3Take to the water and enjoy an included…

Take to the water and enjoy an included combo kayaking and stand-up paddle board session on Lake Arenal. Enjoy a free afternoon, and opt to go rafting, waterfall rappelling, or take a dip in therapeutic hot springs.

Day 4Enjoy a free day for adrenaline-fueled optionals such…

Enjoy a free day for adrenaline-fueled optionals such as whitewater rafting on Class III and IV rapids, waterfall rappelling or mountain biking. Or take it easy with some bird watching in Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge by boat or a massage in town.

Day 5Travel to Sarapiquí and to the tranquil Cuarto River

Travel to Sarapiquí and to the tranquil Cuarto River. Hop into kayaks and cruise downstream. The calm waters are perfect for birdwatching and wildlife spotting in the forest canopy.

Day 6Travel east towards the Caribbean coast

Travel east towards the Caribbean coast, then transfer to a boat and motor through canals to arrive in Tortuguero at the jungle-lined coast of Costa Rica. After arrival, enjoy a visit to the town of Tortuguero.

Day 7Enjoy an included guided kayaking excursions this morningAlong Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, between April and October, sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. Green turtles are most common, but leatherbacks, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles are also occasionally found near Tortuguero. You must book a tour with a registered tour guide in order to be allowed on the beach at night during nesting season. From November to early January, baby turtles will be making the journey from their nest to the ocean.

Along Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, between April and October, sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. Green turtles are most common, but leatherbacks, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles are also occasionally found near Tortuguero. You must book a tour with a registered tour guide in order to be allowed on the beach at night during nesting season. From November to early January, baby turtles will be making the journey from their nest to the ocean.

Previous days1 / 2Next days

Discover Costa Rica

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.