EXPLORE THE WILD HEART OF COSTA RICA – CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK AWAITS!
June 4, 2025
Best places to kayak in Costa Rica
Costa Rica, best known for its lush jungles, dreamy beaches, and volcano-dotted landscapes, is also a kayaker’s paradise. With two coasts, hundreds of rivers, and vast rainforest-cloaked gulfs, the country offers unforgettable paddling for adventurers of all skill levels. Whether you’re gliding across a calm highland lake, slicing through ocean waves, or winding down a tropical river under a canopy of monkeys, Costa Rica delivers kayaking experiences as wild and diverse as the country itself.
From serene flatwater to thrilling whitewater and sea kayaking with dolphins, here are the best places to kayak in Costa Rica, broken down by region and style.
1. Golfo Dulce – Best for Sea Kayaking & Wildlife
Location: South Pacific, Osa Peninsula
Highlights: Dolphins, sea turtles, mangroves, remote beaches, calm waters
One of the most pristine bodies of water in Central America, the Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) is a dream destination for sea kayakers. Protected by the Osa Peninsula on one side and backed by primary rainforest, this deep, fjord-like gulf offers calm, glassy waters and incredible marine life. Pods of spinner dolphins are a common sight, and sea turtles often surface beside your kayak.
Many outfitters offer lodge-to-lodge kayak trips along the gulf, combining paddling with snorkeling, hiking, and beach camping. Sunrises over the water and the calls of howler monkeys at dawn make this one of Costa Rica’s most immersive paddling experiences.
Insider tip: Visit between January and April for the best weather and wildlife sightings.
To get more information about the Golfo Dulce kayak tour you can click here
2. Tortuguero Canals – Best for Jungle Kayaking
Location: Caribbean Coast
Highlights: Rainforest, sloths, caimans, howler monkeys, birdwatching
Nicknamed “The Amazon of Costa Rica,” Tortuguero National Park is an enchanting network of freshwater canals winding through lowland rainforest. Kayaking here feels like entering another world—silent, green, and alive with movement. Paddle past towering trees, spot three-toed sloths, and listen for the guttural roar of howler monkeys echoing through the jungle.
Unlike the busy motorboats that ferry tourists around, a kayak gives you access to narrow side channels and a much more intimate wildlife experience.
Insider tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and catch peak animal activity.
To get more information about the Tortuguero kayak tour you can click here
3. Lake Arenal – Best for Volcano Views
Location: Northern Highlands
Highlights: Arenal Volcano, windsurfing, birdwatching, beginner-friendly
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Arenal Volcano, this expansive man-made lake is ideal for relaxed flatwater paddling. Conditions are usually calm in the morning before the trade winds pick up, making it a peaceful place to explore bays and inlets by kayak.
Though less wild than coastal or river paddling, Lake Arenal is popular for families and first-timers. Birdwatchers will enjoy the frequent sightings of toucans, herons, and even the occasional osprey.
Insider tip: Combine your paddle with a soak in nearby hot springs—there are dozens of thermal spas in the Arenal area.
To get more information about the Lake Arenal kayak tour you can click here
4. Río Sarapiquí – Best for Whitewater Kayaking
Location: Northern Lowlands
Highlights: Class II–IV rapids, lush jungle, birdlife, adrenaline rush
For adrenaline junkies, Río Sarapiquí is Costa Rica’s premier whitewater destination. Flowing from the mountains of Braulio Carrillo National Park, the river’s upper sections feature thrilling rapids (Class III–IV), while the lower sections are more suitable for beginner and intermediate paddlers.
Surrounded by tropical rainforest and rich in wildlife, Sarapiquí offers both excitement and beauty. You’ll see toucans, iguanas, and blue morpho butterflies between rapids—and if you’re lucky, maybe an otter.
Insider tip: The best flows are during the green season (May–October) when water levels are up.
To get more information about the Río Sarapiqui kayak tour you can click here
5. Damas Island Mangroves – Best for Eco Kayaking
Location: Near Manuel Antonio (Central Pacific)
Highlights: Mangrove tunnels, monkeys, birds, quiet paddling
Just 15 minutes from Manuel Antonio’s popular beaches lies a paddler’s paradise: the Damas Island Estuary. This protected mangrove ecosystem is a peaceful, labyrinthine water world. Glide silently beneath interlacing roots and twisted branches while keeping an eye out for silky anteaters, mangrove crabs, and white-faced capuchin monkeys.
The calm waters and shaded tunnels make it ideal for beginners, nature lovers, and families.
Insider tip: Try a sunset or moonlight paddle—some tours operate during twilight and offer a whole new perspective.
To get more information about the Damas island kayak tour you can click here
6. Río Pacuare – Best for Multi-Day Whitewater Expeditions
Location: Caribbean slope
Highlights: Remote canyons, waterfalls, Class III–IV rapids, jungle camps
Considered one of the top whitewater rivers in the world, the Pacuare River is a must-do for experienced whitewater kayakers or those joining guided rafting/kayaking expeditions. Over 100 kilometers of navigable river snake through lush rainforest and dramatic canyons.
Multi-day trips feature riverside eco-lodges or jungle camps with gourmet meals, waterfalls to swim under, and starlit skies. Between rapids, keep your eyes open for toucans, parrots, and even jaguar tracks.
Insider tip: Plan your trip between June and November for optimal water levels.
To get more information about the Río Pacuare kayak tour you can click here
7. Nicoya Peninsula – Best for Ocean Play and Surf Kayaking
- Nicoya Peninsula – Best for Ocean Play and Surf Kayaking
Location: North Pacific
Highlights: Surf breaks, rocky coastlines, beach hopping, sea caves
The Nicoya Peninsula isn’t just for surfers—it’s also a fantastic playground for sea kayakers. The region’s rugged coastline offers hidden coves, cliffside caves, and point breaks that invite exploration. More adventurous paddlers will enjoy surf kayaking in spots like Playa Guiones (Nosara) or Santa Teresa, while calmer beach towns like Samara offer gentle bays for beginners.
Insider tip: Rent or bring a sit-on-top kayak—it’s ideal for beach launching and surf landings.
To get more information about the Nicoya Peninsula kayak tour you can click here
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica’s kayaking options are as diverse as its ecosystems. Whether you crave ocean swells, tranquil lakes, jungle rivers, or whitewater thrill rides, you’ll find a place to paddle that speaks to your spirit of adventure.
Bring your sunscreen, respect local wildlife, and always check weather and tide conditions before heading out. Most of all, savor the silence, the splash, and the magic of moving through one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth—powered only by your paddle.
