Blessed with over 802 miles of coastline and boasting countless lakes, rivers and estuaries, Costa Rica is ripe for kayaking opportunities. Kayak tours allow for greater and more private exploration than mainland excursions, simply because there aren’t as many people on the water. The tours, which are open to both experienced and inexperienced kayakers, are a wonderful way to spot wildlife both above and below the water. Oftentimes they involve a combination with other activities, such as snorkeling or mountain biking. Places to kayak include Lake Arenal, Manuel Antonio’s estuaries and Jacó’s coastline, among others.
26 Things to Do
The Marlin del Rey Catamaran Tour is a great activity for family and friends to enjoy ocean breezes and coastline scenery while sipping delicious tropical drinks. Feel the wind in your hair and bask in the sun while sailing breezily past bays and sandy beaches.
4 hrs
From $77On this tour you’ll visit an activity center that faces the Arenal River. Several parts of the property are included in your visit to Club Rio, including hiking trails, swimming, and lunch at the club. In addition you’ll get to pick two adventure activities.
7 hrs
From $138You’ll start paddling on the south side of Quepos Port, and head toward Playa Biesanz. Manuel Antonio has an incredibly scenic coastline with dramatic, rocky cliffs.
4 hrs
From $81Enjoy an ocean kayak paddle to Isla Chora for some snorkeling and beach relaxation off the coast of Sámara in the Nicoya Peninsula region.
3 hrs
From $50Take an adventurous, all-inclusive tour of the gorgeous coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Along the way, you’ll have ample opportunity for spotting wildlife as well as relaxing in the natural beauty of Tortuga Island. This is an all-day tour—your boat departs at 9 AM from Montezuma and returns at 4 PM.
7 hrs
From $67This multi-activity adventure will have you exploring Costa Rica across land and sea. You'll kayak, hike, and have opportunities to swim and play on the beach. Along the way you'll see wildlife and enjoy refreshments. A full and fun afternoon is ahead of you!
5 hrs
From $57The Marlin del Rey Catamaran Tour is a great activity for family and friends to enjoy ocean breezes and coastline scenery while sipping delicious tropical drinks. Feel the wind in your hair and bask in the sun while sailing silently past beautiful bays and sandy beaches.
4 hrs
From $74Head off for a day of sailing, snorkeling, and swimming on this tour. You’ll sail up the coast from Playa Flamingo and explore some of the Nicoya Peninsula’s most beautiful coastal areas.
4 hrs
From $88On this active tour of Marino Ballena National Park, you’ll get to visit a popular snorkeling spot and have a fun kayaking cruise around the coastline. This excursion comes with great views and the chance to see colorful wildlife.
4 hrs
From $80The Kayak Tour to the Tamarindo Estuary offers an adventure through a wildlife filled nature setting near Tamarindo in the Guanacaste region.
3 hrs
From $82Take this kayaking tour to see the magic of bioluminescence. The waters just off the Gulf of Nicoya contain a type of algae that glows in the dark.
1 hr
From $36The Cinco Ceibas’ full day tour includes a walk along the elevated rainforest boardwalk and your choice of horseback riding, river kayaking or an educational oxen wagon tour. Transportation to and from hotels in San José area is also included.
12 hrs
From $128A challenging half-day journey along the coastline of Manuel Antonio, this ocean kayaking adventure takes you past islands and inlets for incredible views and bird watching.
5 hrs
From $72Get active and see Costa Rica’s largest lake on this biking and kayaking tour. This lake covers 33 square miles , and is surrounded by lush jungle and tropical wildlife.
5 hrs
From $101This tour takes you down some of Savegre River’s exciting Class II rapids in an inner tube. You’ll find this section of the river brisk, but not too fast for comfortable tubing.
5 hrs
From $74This kayaking tour will take you to the waters that surround Damas Island, off the coast of Manuel Antonio National Park. When you tour this area you’ll get to see estuaries and mangroves, and paddle up the inland canals. Your group can set the pace for this tour, and no experience kayaking is necessary.
5 hrs
From $63On this sea kayaking adventure you’ll take a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park’s Pacific coastline.
5 hrs
From $63The Damas Island estuary is just fifteen minutes outside of Manuel Antonio. Mangroves are born where ocean waters meet fresh water rivers, creating an underwater rooting system amongst the trees.
4 hrs
From $64On the blue dolphin sailing tour, you’ll head out into the Pacific Ocean for a few hours of fun. With both public and private tours available, you can choose between a sailing and snorkeling adventure or a sunset sail at day’s end.
4 hrs
From $72Get wet and explore the open ocean just outside Jaco with a half day kayaking and snorkeling tour.
4 hrs
From $67- Elliot H.
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