Costa Rica Kayaking Adventure
9 days from San Jose to San Jose
From $ 899
Duration9 days

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.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 9 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: San Jose
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: San Jose
    Ages: 12+
Costa Rica Kayaking Adventure - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: San José

Start place: San Jose

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.
Arrive at any time.

End place: San Jose

Day 2: San José/La Fortuna

Start place: San Jose

La Fortuna, the town near the foot of Arenal Volcano, is an excellent base for adventure.
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.

End place: La Fortuna

Day 3: La Fortuna

Start place: La Fortuna

Work your arms, legs and core muscles in an included kayak and stand-up paddle board session on Lake Arenal.
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.

End place: La Fortuna

Day 4: La Fortuna

Start place: La Fortuna

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.

End place: La Fortuna

Day 5: La Fortuna/Sarapiquí

Start place: La Fortuna

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.
Meals: L, D
Day 6: Sarapiquí/Tortuguero
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.

End place: Tortuguero

Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Tortuguero

Start place: Tortuguero

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.
Enjoy an included guided kayaking excursions this morning, followed by free time in the afternoon. Opt for a nighttime excursion to look for nesting sea turtles laying eggs when it is turtle season.

End place: Tortuguero

Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Tortuguero/San José

Start place: Tortuguero

If you have time, check out the sites you may have missed at the start of the trip or do some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Return to San José for an optional final night out with the group.

End place: San Jose

Meals: B, L
Day 9: San José

Start place: San Jose

Depart at any time.

End place: San Jose

Inclusions

Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Hands-On Moment: ***Stand-Up Paddle and Kayak Combo***, Arenal Your Discover Moment: La Fortuna Your Hands-On Moment: Guided River Kayak Excursion, Sarapiquí Your Hands-On Moment: Guided Kayak Excursion, Tortuguero
  • Guided kayaking on Cuarto River (Sarapiquí)
  • Guided kayaking and wildlife viewing through the canals of Tortuguero
  • Visit to the town of Tortuguero
  • Free time in La Fortuna
  • Transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Public bus, Private vehicle, Boat, Kayak, Walking
  • Accommodation

    Hotels (5 nts), Cottages (1 nt, multi-share), Jungle lodge (2 nts)

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