Exploring Costa Rica by kayak is a fun way to enjoy nature and spot wildlife in a myriad of different settings. Costa Rica counts close to 800 miles of ocean coastline between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, along with hundreds of rivers and estuaries, and several lakes – all full of kayaking possibilities.

Kayaking is good exercise, and you can work on your tan at the same time! Oftentimes, kayaking trips include other activities like snorkeling, wildlife spotting or trail walking. You can easily find kayaking tours in Costa Rica for both experienced and inexperienced kayakers; they are great family outings.

Places to kayak include the canals of Tortuguero and the coral reefs in the Cahuita National Park on the Caribbean; Lake Arenal; Golfo Dulce in the south; the Nicoya Gulf in the Central Pacific; mangrove estuaries near Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, and Drake Bay; the Pacific coastlines of Samara, Playa del Coco, the Papagayo Gulf, Jaco, and the Ballena Marine National Park; and tropical rivers like the Sarapiqui, Penas Blancas, Corobici, and Sierpe.

One of the best ways to enjoy the scenery of Lake Arenal and the magnificent Arenal Volcano is by kayak. Tours on Costa Rica’s largest lake usually use very stable double or single “sit-on-top” open kayaks. The Tortuguero National Park is another special place to kayak. Journey along the emerald green canals with dramatic rainforest in the background, and keep your eyes watchful for the multitude of birds and other wildlife that live there.

For more of a challenge, try ocean kayaking along the coast. At Manuel Antonio, you can explore beautiful coves, beaches and tiny islets of the Manuel Antonio National Park, along with the nearby mangrove estuary of Damas Island. In the Ballena Marine National Park, you may catch sight of resident dolphins or even a Humpback Whale; the sea caves are exciting to explore! The tropical fjord of Golfo Dulce is one of the most spectacular areas for kayaking, with its calm, glassy, blue-green waters shaded along the shore by overhanging palm trees, and full of marine life like dolphins, sea turtles, fish and even whales.

While there is definitely plenty of sensational whitewater for experienced river kayakers in Costa Rica, many of the whitewater rafting outfitters also lead guided trips for novices in calmer sections of certain rivers using inflatable kayaks.

For the best one-day tours in Costa Rica, contact Valle Dorado Tours. Their travel agents are experts at Costa Rica vacation planning and designing custom travel to Costa Rica. Ask about kayaking tours when booking your trip.

Article by Shannon Farley

Shannon Farley writes English-language blogs and handles social media marketing for Enchanting Costa Rica and Profimercadeo in San Jose, Costa Rica.