Lake Arenal
Lake Arenal, lying adjacent to the Arenal Volcano in the Northern Lowlands of Costa Rica , is the country’s most spectacular lake. With the magnificent Arenal Volcano to the east and rolling hills and forested slopes all around, the scenery couldn’t be better. Add to that a number of activities that includes world-class windsurfing and sailboarding, fishing, kayaking, bird watching and more, and you have the makings for a spectacular destination.
More about Lake Arenal
Between 2 and 3 million years ago, tectonic shifts in the Earth created a small depression in the Arenal valley that then filled with water, resulting in a small lagoon that acted as the initial area for the lake. This was the state of Lake Arenal until 1973, when the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity enlarged the lake and built a dam on its eastern end. The lake of today is Costa Rica’s largest – a total area of 33 sq. miles (85.5 square km) – and has a hydroelectric project that produces 70% of the country’s energy. Water depth varies from 100-200 feet. The small town of Nuevo Arenal , which borders a section of the lake, was also created in 1973 when the initial site of the town was flooded from the expansion of the lake.
Year-round activities on Lake Arenal include fishing, boat tours, kayaking, sailboarding and windsurfing. The windsurfing is particularly good, as the lake has warm waters and strong winds – two ingredients that are indispensable for premier windsurfing locations. The fishing is superb as well. Rainbow bass, a member of the cichlid family, are especially prolific in the lake’s waters. Their tasty white meat and feisty nature make them a challenge – and a delight – to catch.
The area surrounding the lake is abundant with activity as well. There is great hiking and mountain biking, horseback riding and bird watching. Birds that can be spotted in the area include hummingbirds and woodpeckers, kingfishers, toucans, aricari and more.
Lake Arenal is 10 miles (17 km) from La Fortuna, 66 miles (106 km) from Monteverde , and 87 miles (140 km) from Liberia. Those heading from Arenal/La Fortuna to Monteverde can take boat taxis across the lake, a faster alternative to circumnavigating the lake on land.
Moments to look forward to
60th birthday jungle adventure
If you like the outside at all, Costa Rica is for you! It truly is a rich coast. The diversity of wildlife is mind blowing. It is spectacular.
Lake Arenal and El Castillo - Road Cycling Tour
Family Annual Adventure
It's a beautiful country and the rainforest, Arenal volcano, rafting safari and catamaran sail were all wonderful. We learned a lot,laughed a lot, and would go back.
PRIVATE Taxi Boat Taxi Arenal To Monteverde
Solo Exclusive Trip
An incredible country which went beyond expectations. Absolutely amazing & so many memorable experiences. The welcome from all the people & the hospitality everywhere is fantastic. I always felt safe
Combo Biking and Kayaking at the Arenal Lake
Family Fun in Costa Rica
This trip was perfect for our family of 4! It was full of adventure for EVERYONE! Usually our vacations consists of entertainment for the kids but on this vacation we all got to enjoy so much. We have a 5 and 9 year old and we did zip lining, safari boat tour, coffee/chocolate tour, hot springs, waterfall hike, manual Antonio national park and so much more!! We were here for 11 days (2 of them travel days) and it was just enough time! I can’t wait to come back!
Kayaking Arenal Lake
We Saw So Much of the Country
Everyone who helped us - especially Lester - was amazing and so kind! We loved our trip to CR, the ticos and all that the country had to offer. Highly recommended.
Sunset Cruise on Arenal Lake
We'll Never Forget This Trip
Our family of six was looking forward to this Costa Rica getaway, hoping to rejuvenate from this vacation before heading back to work respectively. As we anticipated, this was a magical experience and I would go back in a heartbeat.
Sport Fishing - Half Day
We Were in Paradise
The trip to Costa Rica was very memorable. My family and I enjoyed a lot. We did many things like rappelling, rafting for the first time. We saw lovely birds and animals. Anywhere team consisting of Leo Navarro did a great job of organizing and making the logistics part of travel as comfortable as possible. We did not have to worry about anything. Everything was taken care of. Costa Rica is beautiful place with great culture and very tourist friendly. Loved the place !
Taxi Boat Taxi Monteverde to Arenal
Honeymooning by The Beach
I am so happy that we had booked with Anywhere! You provided excellent service in both planning and during the trip. I loved that it was so easy to enjoy the trip as everything was booked and paid for in advance.
PRIVATE Taxi Boat Taxi Monteverde to Arenal
Caribbean, Cloud Forests, & Pacific Beaches
It was a beautiful holiday; we had a lot of fun and relaxation. There are a lot of things you can do in Costa Rica –– we never got tired. We saw amazing sights and animals, the 'Pura Vida' lifestyle is unforgettable!
Taxi Boat Taxi Arenal to Monteverde
Friends Journey Together
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican adventure that blends volcanic landscapes, mist‑covered cloud forests, and Pacific coast breezes into a seamless, budget‑friendly escape. From the thunderous Arenal volcano and La Fortuna waterfall, you’ll trek to Monteverde’s canopy bridges, then glide along the Pacific to Manuel Antonio’s national park and catamaran snorkeling. Friendly local guides and hosts share their culture, wildlife insights, and warm hospitality, leaving you with unforgettable memories of rain‑soaked trails, surf‑kissed bays, and vibrant Pura Vida spirit.
One Day Los Lagos Hot Springs
Costa Rica Essentials for Two
Experience Costa Rica’s vibrant contrasts, where misty cloud forests meet sun‑kissed beaches, delivering an adventure that feels both wild and welcoming for couples on a budget. Your journey begins amid Arenal’s volcanic peaks, moves through the lush rain‑forests of Monteverde’s hanging bridges, then relaxes on Manuel Antonio’s golden shoreline with a catamaran snorkel. Guided hikes, soothing hot springs, and friendly locals immerse you in pura vida spirit, leaving you with lasting memories of shared sunsets, wildlife encounters, and relaxed island vibes.
Friends Adventurous Escape
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican adventure that juxtaposes soaring volcanoes, misty cloud forests, and sun‑kissed Pacific beaches for an unforgettable eco‑escape. After trekking La Fortuna’s waterfall and Arenal volcano, you’ll zip through Monteverde’s canopy and suspension bridges before heading to Tamarindo’s surf‑ready waves and sunset catamaran cruise. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides share rainforest lore, coffee traditions, and coastal flavors, leaving you with lasting memories of biodiversity, adventure, and relaxed Pura Vida spirit.
Costa Rica Journey for Two
Embark on a Costa Rican adventure that balances volcanic drama, cloud‑forest mist, and Pacific breezes, all while keeping the budget friendly for couples. You’ll trek the El Silencio volcano trail, soak in Pura Vida hot springs, glide by boat from Arenal to Monteverde, then explore canopy bridges and the wildlife‑rich Manuel Antonio National Park. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll feel the pulse of Costa Rican hospitality, leaving with shared memories of rainforest canopies, volcanic vistas, and sun‑kissed beaches.
Family Exploration of Costa Rica
From the mist‑shrouded peaks of Arenal to the sun‑kissed shores of Manuel Antonio, this Costa Rican adventure blends rugged volcano landscapes with vibrant Pacific coast serenity. You’ll trek Arenal’s hanging bridges, plunge into La Fuerza waterfall, raft the Sarapiquí, then soar above Monteverde’s cloud forest on sky trams and treks before snorkeling in Manuel Antonio’s reserve. Friendly local guides and community hosts share stories, flavors, and wildlife insights, leaving your family with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s biodiversity, warm hospitality, and adventurous spirit.
Family Adventure Forests & Beaches
From the misty peaks of Arenal’s volcano to the breezy surf of Tamarindo, this Costa Rican adventure balances wild nature with laid‑back beach vibes. After two nights exploring La Fortuna’s Arenal Volcano, waterfalls, and hanging bridges, you’ll trek Monteverde’s cool cloud forest for zip‑line thrills before soaking up Tamarindo’s sunny surf and sunset catamaran. Friendly local guides and welcoming hosts share Costa Rican hospitality, letting you taste fresh cuisine, learn about conservation, and leave with memories of vibrant rainforests, ocean breezes, and adventurous spirit.
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Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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