Arenal Volcano National Park Boat & Hike, Arenal/La Fortuna

4.0 (1 reviews)
Take an easy hike near Arenal Lake to discover the area and see fantastic views of Arenal Volcano

Overview

Experience the natural beauty of Arenal Volcano from multiple perspectives on this hiking and boating experience. You'll start with an hourlong hike through Arenal Volcano National Park, taking in sweeping views of Lake Arenal and the surrounding mountains. Climb to an observation area for photo ops and learn about the volcano's history, then take a break for snacks and refreshments. The adventure continues with a boat ride on the lake. Look for exotic birds and wildlife before docking near Arenal Dam and heading back to La Fortuna.

Highlights

  • Hike an easy trail in Arenal Volcano National Park
  • Take in sweeping views of the volcano and Lake Arenal
  • Go boating on the lake, spotting wildlife near the shore
  • Try traditional Costa Rican drinks at a family-run business

Know before you go

Duration
4 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group
Food & Drink
A snack is included

What you'll do

The outing begins with a 20-minute drive from your accommodations to the peninsula area of the national park. Meet your naturalist guide and start an hourlong hike along an easy 1-mile (1.5-km) trail, enjoying fantastic views over Lake Arenal and the Tilaran Volcanic Mountain Range from designated observation points.

For even better views and photos of Arenal Volcano, opt to climb up an observation platform (40 feet or 12 meters high) at the end of the hike. Your guide will offer information about the volcano's eruptions and the region's geological history. The group will take a break for fresh fruit snacks and refreshments at the trail's end before the second part of the tour continues.

Enjoy a 45-minute boat tour on the lake, staying close to the forested shore to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. You'll have great views and photo ops of the volcano along the journey. Cross the lake until you reach the community of El Castillo, where you'll get off the boat. With your guide, you'll enter a family-run business and sample traditional drinks like café chorreado (pour-over coffee) and agua dulce (a sweet beverage made with hot water and brown sugar). 

Finally, you'll board the boat once more and cruise to the excursion's endpoint. You'll dock at Arenal Dam, where minivans await to transport you back to La Fortuna.

Start times

  • Daily
    8:00 am, 2:30 pm

What's included

  • Transportation
  • Bilingual Guide
  • Entrance Fees
  • Snack
  • Water

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started

Traveler reviews

R
Ruth G.
Charlottesville, VA | Reviewed on Feb 26, 2023
A very pleasant half day - with a (muddy) nature walk that we enjoyed, and a beautiful boat ride with views of Arenal (partially in a cloud). Once again - we had a private tour. Our only complaint was the 50 % penalty that we were charged for changing our tour from the scheduled day (pouring all day!) to the next day which was predicted to be dry. The company was willing to take us out in the rain - but we would have been wet/cold and seen nothing. We chose instead to spend that morning... Read more

A very pleasant half day - with a (muddy) nature walk that we enjoyed, and a beautiful boat ride with views of Arenal (partially in a cloud). Once again - we had a private tour. Our only complaint was the 50 % penalty that we were charged for changing our tour from the scheduled day (pouring all day!) to the next day which was predicted to be dry. The company was willing to take us out in the rain - but we would have been wet/cold and seen nothing. We chose instead to spend that morning at our resort - enjoying the hot springs. KimKim did try to advocate for us, but the tour company didn't budge on the up-charge.

Tips for future travelers

Just remain aware - this is in the Rain Forest, so being the "dry season" is no guarantee of weather and visibility.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started