Costa Rica Kayaking

When considering Costa Rica kayaking, you must first decide if you would like to do either river kayaking, sea kayaking, or both, if time allows. Both are equally popular in the country, but are quite distinct from each other in many ways. Sea kayaking involves rowing on ocean waters and relying on sea currents while river kayaking entails following the flow of the river in order to gain movement from your kayak. Also, different skill levels are required for certain kayaking destinations. When considering a kayaking vacation, remember to book with a reputable company that uses high-quality equipment, meets all government and international safety requirements, and offers certified guides during tours. Doing so will ensure your Costa Rica kayaking vacation is one that you are sure never to forget.

Called the "Eden of the Americas," the Costa Rica main kayaking attractions are its exciting rivers and beautiful beaches which can be found on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Kayaking in Costa Rica makes it possible to explore these locations, as the rivers are situated close to the coast. Given this, it is actually possible for kayakers to paddle to the sea from the highlands in a single trip. Many rivers are located near the capital of San Jose, and are only a short distance away by land transportation. Such kayak tours allow tourists and adventure enthusiasts to explore the land from the water. This is a wonderful and unique way to experience the country's wildlife, as they also include other packaged activities such as mountaineering, biking or snorkeling. These tours can be found aplenty along the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines.

Teeming with lush scenery, undisturbed wildlife and bountiful oceans, rivers and lakes, Costa Rica is a kayaking dream destination. Home to some of the world’s most beautiful rivers, this gem in the heart of Central America is a famous paddling destination, with over 800 miles of coastline and an impressive array of natural wonders such as volcanoes, rainforests, flowing whitewater and serene beaches. Costa Rica assures you of an extraordinary kayaking experience unlike any other, especially since it’s a popular sport in the country.

Notable destinations for kayaking in Costa Rica include Lake Arenal, which is the country’s largest lake, popular for its mild and gentle waters. Hills and forests surround the lake, which serves as a foreground to the impressive and still active Arenal Volcano. First timers can try a hand at kayaking along the Balsa River as well. Extended tours covering three to four days are also available in locations such as Playa Paquera, which boasts of emerald green waters and natural rock formations such as Las Islas Tortugas. For whitewater kayakers, Turrialba Valley and Orosi Valley offer several rapids for kayakers of different classes, and are usually up to three hours in length. Other locations that feature guided tours are the Reventazon River and the Sarapiqui River. These rivers enable kayak enthusiasts to paddle through some of the most beautiful, largely unexplored parts of Central America.